55 notices issued for new quad bike rules breaches
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has issued 55 notices to farmers breaking new quad bike rules, but maintains that most farmers are wearing a helmet and actively seeking out and undertaking the required training.
Since November 2023, it has been mandatory for those who use quads for work to undergo training and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet.
Vehicles and machinery are involved in the highest number of farm fatalities in Ireland. In the past 10 years, they accounted for over half of all farm deaths and 8pc of injuries.
This new quad bike law was the first of its kind in the EU. From November 20, 2023, to February 28, 2024, the HSA has undertaken 330 farm inspections.
Where quad bikes/ATVs are on site, evidence of training and the use of a helmet is sought. Over that period, 12 enforcement notices and 43 written advisory notices were issued.
Motorcycle helmets and specialist ATV helmets are suitable for ATV/quad bike operations, depending on the circumstances of use. All helmets should have a chinstrap and be capable of being used with suitable eye protection.
Safety
Operators of quads must complete an all-terrain vehicle safety training course provided by a registered training provider to a QQI standard or equivalent.
The existing QQI ATV training standard is 5N1752, which is a level five minor award. The duration of courses will generally be one day for experienced riders and two days for new entrants, with a period of practice between these training days.
According to the HSA: “The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to drive and handle an all-terrain vehicle in a safe manner in compliance with relevant legislation.”
Over the past decade (2013–2022), there have been 10 farm fatalities involving quads, of which two were under 18 and six were over 65 years of age.
The main causes of serious or fatal injury associated with ATV/quad bikes are: being thrown off during vehicle overturns or after loss of control; collisions with structures, trees, poles, other vehicles etc; trapped/asphyxiated under an overturned machine; drowned under a quad bike overturned in a water course; pedestrians being struck or run over.