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ATV Summary

The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Program provides information regarding the safe use and operation requirements.

Applies to

This program applies to Virginia Tech personnel who operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for work-related purposes, regardless of location. Examples of ATVs include 3-wheeled and 4-wheeled motor vehicles, commonly known as 3-wheelers or 4-wheelers.

Requirements

ATVs shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with the American National Standards Institute and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (ANSI/SVIA) standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles - Equipment, Configuration, and Performance Requirements (ANSI/SVIA 1 - 2010).

Introduction

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) may be used by university personnel to perform work-related tasks in agriculture, research, or groundskeeping. Although ATVs can be very helpful and convenient, they have been directly involved in many injuries and fatalities over the years. In Virginia, there have been over 200 deaths from ATV incidents from 1982 to 2011. The majority of ATV incidents result from:

  • Loss of control of the ATV;
  • Rollovers;
  • Operator thrown from ATV;
  • Collision with trees or other obstacles;
  • Operator not wearing a helmet or other personal protective equipment; and/or
  • Inexperienced operators.
     

This information is provided to ATV operators so they have a basic understanding of related hazards, regulatory requirements, and general safe operating procedures. ATV owners must refer to the Owner's Manual for the particular make and model of ATV they will be operating in order to obtain manufacturer-specific guidelines.

Below are Virginia laws that apply to the safe operation and use of ATVs:

  • Code of Virginia, Section 46.2-915.1, provides restrictions on where ATVs may be operated, age restrictions, as well as the requirement for an approved protective helmet (i.e. DOT and/or Snell certified).
  • Code of Virginia, 16VAC25-60-120 and 16VAC25-60-130 (General Industry and Construction standards respectively) require that employers shall comply with the manufacturer's specifications and limitations applicable to the operation, training, use, installation, inspection, testing, repair, and maintenance of all machinery, vehicles, tools, materials, and equipment unless specifically superseded by a more stringent corresponding requirement in OSHA (29 CRF 1910 or 29 CFR 1926).

Application

This program applies to Virginia Tech personnel who operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for work-related purposes, regardless of location. In Virginia, "all-terrain vehicle" means a 3-wheeled or 4-wheeled motor vehicle, generally characterized by:

  • Large, low-pressure tires;
  • A seat designed to be straddled by the operator;
  • Handlebars for steering; and
  • The intent for off-road use by an individual rider on various types of non-paved terrain.

Each department that owns or operates ATVs shall ensure that operators are authorized by the department to use such equipment, have had basic training in ATV safety, and are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines for the make and model they will be operating. 

Note: ATVs typically do not have Roll Over Protective Systems (ROPS) or seatbelts for operator protection.

Exclusions

This program does not apply to the following vehicle types:

  • Four-wheeled vehicles with low centers of gravity that are typically used in racing on relatively level surfaces (e.g. "go-carts").
  • Electric/gas utility-type vehicles (EGUVs) are covered by Policy 5501, such as golf carts or "gators."

Utility task vehicles (UTVs) and rough Terrain vehicles (RTVs)

UTVs and RTVs differ from ATVs in that they are designed to work off-road and to carry loads, as opposed to ATVs which have a lighter load capacity and are typically designed for one person only. UTVs/RTVs have a side-by-side seating arrangement, typically have seat belts and roll-over protective systems (ROPS), and usually have a cargo box at the rear of the vehicle. UTVs/RTVs are designed for transporting heavier payloads in addition to the operator/passenger's weight. UTVs/RTVs may have 4 or 6 tires on the ground. 

UTV/RTV operators should follow the Owner's Manual for safe operation and maintenance procedures. If personal protective equipment, such as helmets, is required or recommended in certain situations, operators must follow these requirements.

Safety

ATVs are not presently covered by a specific OSHA standard; however, employers who use ATVs on worksites must comply with OSHA's General Duty Clause, section 5(a)(1), which states that employers must furnish a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm. OSHA does provide an information bulletin on Hazards Associated with All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in the Workplace. This information is intended to supplement the manufacturer's recommendations and information provided in the owner's manual. They also provide a Fact Sheet that is helpful with operator training provided by the employee's supervisor (or other departmental representatives).

Information on ROPS for construction equipment can be found here. Some ATV manufacturers may offer ROPS as an additional feature or modification. Additional safety features should always be considered when purchasing new equipment.