E Light Electric Services, INC 1

E Light UTV Safety Training

Utility Type Vehicle

“the buggy”

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E Light Electric Services, INC 2

Daily Checklist• Before operation of a Utility Type Vehicle the

operator shall:–  Inspect the vehicle and fill out daily inspection form

• Check the following prior to starting – Seat belt condition and use it – ROPS – Roll Over Protection Structure– Other structural damage– Broken or missing parts– Check for proper security of loads– Fire Extinguisher

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E Light Electric Services, INC 3

Daily Checklist Continued

– Fuel and oil leaks– Fuel and oil levels– Transmission leaks and levels – properly inflated tires– guards and shields for personnel safety– Suspension parts – Parking brake

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E Light Electric Services, INC 4

Daily Checklist Continued

• Check the following after start up– Controls and gauges – Brakes – Lighting abnormalities or failures– Horns and other warning signals– Listen for drive line wear or damage

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E Light Electric Services, INC 5

Daily Checklist

• Document deficiencies on check list• Take action• Contact Supervisor • Any unsafe condition = unit out of service

– Tag unit out of service – Most UTV’s are rentals – Do not make repairs on rentals

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E Light Electric Services, INC 6

Starting

• Operators must be sitting in appropriate seat – Engage the vehicle park brake– Place in neutral– Press down on brake ( some units will not start without)– Never start UTV outside the vehicle.– Must be properly seated

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E Light Electric Services, INC 7

Cold Weather Starting

• For gas engines – During cold weather you will need to start vehicle in

neutral with choke engaged– If engine does not start within 5 seconds, turn the key

off and wait 10 seconds before next attempt – Never attempt starting the engine more than 3 times

within a 5 minute period. The starter must have time to cool to prevent damage

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E Light Electric Services, INC 8

Cold Weather Starting

• For diesel engine– Most are equipped with glow plugs– Never use either with glow plugs – This will result in engine damage and possible injury

• Most are on a automatic timer based on temperature • Never attempt starting the engine more than 3 times within a

5 minute period. The starter must have time to cool to prevent damage.

• Repeat steps if the engine does not start• Do not run the battery dead• Get help if not starting

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E Light Electric Services, INC 9

Fueling

• Make sure you do not put the wrong fuel in the UTV

• Fuel type should be labeled at the tank• If labels are missing

– Green cap indicates diesel fuel– Black cap indicates gas

• Gas in a diesel engine will cause damage.

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E Light Electric Services, INC 10

Batteries

• Maintain in accordance with manufacturer specifications– Batteries being charged can generate explosive

hydrogen gas. – The battery may be different in size and voltage than

normal passenger vehicle. – Persons unfamiliar with the charging or electrical

system of the UTV should referred to the operators manual and seek help

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E Light Electric Services, INC 11

Driving

• Driver must be authorized and trained personnel • Know the location of all controls

– Both inside and outside the vehicle

• Do not operate the vehicle with the cargo box raised

• Check brake action before, during and after use,– Report any abnormalities

• Avoid sudden starts, stops and turns

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E Light Electric Services, INC 12

Driving

• Each passenger must ride in a seat with the seat belt fastened

• Do not permit horseplay or other activity that will place passengers, cargo or the vehicle at risk

• Keep legs, arms inside the vehicle • Operators must back up carefully

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E Light Electric Services, INC 13

Rough Terrain 

• The following precautions shall be used– Drive slowly and smoothly to avoid

overturning – Use appropriate speed on rough terrain– Avoid swails, dangerous slopes or

depressions, bumps, holes, ruts and other obstacles

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E Light Electric Services, INC 14

Rough Terrain

– Keep wheels straight at crest of hill or over bumps and depressions

– Stay clear of ditches and embankments – Drive completely up or down slope or hill

before making a turn – Do not turn mid-slope

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E Light Electric Services, INC 15

Rough Terrain

– Brake frequently when descending slopes. – Do not permit the ATV to "freewheel". – If vehicle stops or loses power, lock brake to

hold vehicle in place.

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E Light Electric Services, INC 16

Water Hazard

• When a water hazard is encountered, the operator shall;– not cross the hazard if the operator is not fully

aware of the actual depth. – not attempt to cross if water level is 6" or

greater in depth. – proceed slowly and carefully only if the water

level is less than 6"

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E Light Electric Services, INC 17

Loading

• The cargo bed or box of the UTV must be– evenly distributed.– securely anchored to prevent shifting or loss of load.– loaded in a lesser quantity, if on uneven or hilly

terrain.

• Never drive UTV with tailgates hanging down and unsupported– Lugs on tires will contact tailgate causing potential

structural damage to the vehicle

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E Light Electric Services, INC 18

Loading

• Do not over load • Check load capacity of vehicle• Include weight of

– Driver, passengers, load in cargo box and load of trailer if applicable

• Refer to Operator’s Manual for correct load distribution.

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E Light Electric Services, INC 19

Load Discharge

• Before dumping load, be sure the vehicle is on level ground and stable surface.

• A cargo box can be very heavy – Cargo boxes that are not equipped with power lift

were not meant to be raised by hand. Doing so may result in back injury

• The center of gravity changes as a loaded cargo box is raised.

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E Light Electric Services, INC 20

Help prevent injury when dumping loads

• Do not allow rear wheels to hang over the edge of a loading dock or trench.

• Operate dump with parking brake locked• Never dump while moving.• Operate dump on level ground only• Do not place hands behind seat when lowering

box

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E Light Electric Services, INC 21

Parking 

• Should be stopped and parked on a level surface.

• Do not leave the vehicle running, unattended because the vehicle may accidentally shift gears and move, causing injury or property damage

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E Light Electric Services, INC 22

Shut Down

• Before Leaving Vehicle – Place in Neutral– Set parking brake – Stop engine– Remove key

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