Plant & Machinery
This competence-based programme provides learners with the knowledge, practical skills and operational judgement required to safely prepare, operate and maintain All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility Type Vehicles (UTV) within agricultural, estates, forestry, land-based, grounds maintenance and utility environments.
This Course Standard covers the combined delivery of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Type Vehicle (UTV) training within a single programme. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are sit-astride quad bikes; Utility Type Vehicles (UTVs) are sit-in side-by-side vehicles with fixed seating, steering wheels and, where fitted, rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts. Where learners require competence in one vehicle type only, the separate UKRS ATV Course Standard or UKRS UTV Course Standard should be used. This combined standard is intended for learners whose workplace role requires operational competence across both vehicle types. Training and assessment addresses the specific characteristics, hazards and control measures relevant to each vehicle type.
The programme has been developed to address operational risks associated with:
1. Overturning and instability
2. Loss of traction and vehicle control
3. Unsuitable terrain operation
4. Loading and towing activities
5. Unsafe attachment use
6. Poor route planning
7. Inadequate maintenance practices
8. Environmental and third-party hazards
The course supports compliance with relevant legislation including, but not limited to:
1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
4. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022)
5. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
6. Road Traffic legislation where applicable
7. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
8. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
This Course Standard should be read alongside HSE guidance AIS33 Safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in agriculture and forestry. AIS33 sets out the HSE's expectations for safe ATV operation in agricultural and land-based environments and is referenced by all major accredited ATV training provision in the UK. Where ATVs are used in forestry, operators and training providers should also note the requirement for rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts where there is a risk of crushing or ejection during rollover (PUWER 1998, Regulation 25). Delivery and assessment must reflect AIS33 requirements in addition to the legislation listed above.
This course aligns with National Occupational Standards (NOS) including but not limited to:
1. Maintaining health, safety and welfare during land-based operations
2. Operating off-road vehicles safely and effectively
3. Carrying out pre-operational checks and maintenance
4. Attaching and operating equipment safely
5. Maintaining environmental awareness during operational activities
6. Applying safe systems of work within workplace environments
Select a county from the drop down box to find your nearest UKRS accredited training provider delivering this course.
