Quad bike users in Leitrim must undergo mandatory training

All quad bike users in Leitrim must undergo mandatory training and wear appropriate protective equipment, including a helmet, according to new Government regulations.

New Government regulations were introduced from November 20 and are aimed at helping to improve health and safety around the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes all across the country.

According to figures provided by the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) as many as 12 deaths in agriculture over the last 13 years have been linked to the use of ATVs/quads, along with many serious injuries
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To help assist ATV and quad users in Leitrim comply with these regulations, FRS Training are running a series of two day, training programmes over the coming months which fulfil the mandatory training requirement.

The next intake will take place in The Showgrounds in Carrick-on-Shannon on January 11 and 15, while additional courses are expected to run in February and beyond.

The course is QQI accredited and ensures the participants have the relevant knowledge, skills and competence to drive and handle all terrain and quad vehicles in compliance with the relevant legislation.

Among the areas addressed during the course are:

• The role and uses of all-terrain vehicles and quads in land based industries.
• The legal requirements pertaining to the use of an all-terrain vehicle - and ancillary equipment - in an off-road situation, as well as on public roads.
• The importance for safe and efficient all-terrain vehicle operation to maximise stability on flat, rolling and hilly terrain.
• Interpreting safety decals, controls and instrument panels for an all-terrain vehicle.
• How to carry out routine pre-starting checks specified in the operator’s manual.
• Driving an all-terrain vehicle around a specified course in a controlled manner appropriate to the terrain and surface conditions.
• Operating an ATV/ quad effectively and in accordance with safety requirements.
• Using an ATV/ quad effectively with ancillary equipment for a range of tractor tasks.

Speaking about the training programme, Colin Donnery, Group CEO of FRS Network said, “Given the growing use of quads/ ATVs in Leitrim, where they are used by farmers and others, it is important that all users understand the new regulations that have kicked in.”

Further information on the ATV/ Quad Bike Training taking place in Leitrim is available on frstraining.com or by contacting Rosemary McTeague on rmcteague@frstraining.com.