ORUV Introduction Module 1

SHE: Off-Road Utility Vehicle (ORUV)

Introduction

This course is designed to introduce you to Off-Road Utility Vehicles (ORUVs).

• Module 1: Introduction to ORUVs
• Operator's Responsibilities
• Risk Awareness
• Hazard Recognition
• Emergencies and Winch Safety
• Load Securement
• Module 2: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
• Module 3: Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
• Module 4: Amphibious Utility Vehicles (AUTVs)

Objectives

Course Objectives

By the end of each module, you will be able to apply safe operating practices when using ATVs, UTVs, and AUTVs.

Access up-to-date information to help improve your off-road utility vehicle operational skills.

Recall safe off-road utility vehicle practices and operations.

Identify safe practices to reduce your risk of injury.

Locate resources for learning about your particular machine.

Off-Road Utility Vehicle Types

Off-Road Utility Vehicles (ORUVs) include All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Vehicles (UTVs), and Amphibious Utility Vehicles (AUTVs).

Instructions: Click the speaker icon to learn more about each ORUV.

ATVs are off highway vehicles with a seat that the operator straddles, handlebars for steering control, and specifically designed to travel on four low pressure tires. ATVs include vehicles manufactured for use by a single operator.

UTVs are either multi-tired or tracked, with a curb weight of 1,900 pounds or less. Common examples are John Deere Gator, Kawasaki Mule, and Polaris Ranger.

AUTVs (wheeled or tracked) have a curb weight of 1,900 pounds or less. A common example is an Argo.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) always reduces your risk of injury while operating an ORUV. Dress accordingly and wear the PPE specified on the label of the product you are applying.

You should always wear:

• Long pants and long sleeve shirts or jackets.
• ANSI Z87+ safety glasses or goggles.
• Helmets for ATV riders.
• Full-fingered gloves.

• Over-the-ankle lace-up boots with safety toes or spray boots.
• When operating an Amphibious Utility Vehicle (AUTV) on the water, everyone must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) in addition to the required PPE.
• Additional PPE for spraying, as specified by product labels.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Paved surfaces can affect your machine’s handling and increase the risk of an incident, including a rollover. If you must operate on or cross a paved surface, make sure a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem is displayed on the rear of the equipment, travel at a slow speed, and stay alert for traffic.

Knowledge Check: ORUVs and PPE

Operator Responsibilities

Operator Responsibilities

Operator Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older and have a current driver's license for the state you live in.
• Be an approved vehicle driver for our company.
• Complete the appropriate training to operate company motor vehicles or motorized equipment.
• Have your certification signed by your Operations Manager, Branch Manager, or CFT using the Utility Vehicle Equipment Certification form.

Personal Protection Equipment: Helmets

When a helmet is required, follow these key safety guidelines:

• Choose a helmet with a DOT or Snell certification label, which indicates it has met safety testing standards.
• Use a full-face helmet whenever possible to help protect your head, face, and neck.
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly and the chin strap fastens securely.
• If the ORUV is equipped with a roll-over protection structure (ROPS), a hard hat with a chin strap may be appropriate (with safety glasses or goggles).

Personal Protection Equiment: Gloves

It is important to wear task-appropriate gloves, durable styles for ORUV use and spraying, to ensure protection and compliance with safety standards.

Before spraying, wear gloves that meet the product label requirements. Nitrile gauntlets are preferred for added chemical resistance and coverage.

When riding an ORUV, durable off-road gloves offer essential protection against branches, flying debris, and rough terrain.

Personal Protection Equiment: Boots

Wear company-approved, safety toe boots: lace-up and over-the-ankle or muck style as required, to ensure proper protection based on task and terrain.

Rentokil requires all operators to wear over-the-ankle, lace-up safety toe boots. These boots are company-approved and provided, offering critical protection against workplace hazards.

If you're using a hose and spray reel setup, Rentokil allows safety toe muck boots, as long as they are company-approved and provided.

Personal Protection Equiment: Eye Protection

Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87+ standards and product label requirements to guard against impact, chemicals, and airborne debris.

Proper eye protection, such as a face shield or chemical-resistant goggles, is critical when working with control products. Always confirm that your equipment meets the label’s specified standards before spraying.

Personal Protection Equiment: Clothing

Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and any additional protective clothing, such as Tyvek coveralls, required by product labels to ensure full coverage and compliance.

Personal Protection Equiment: Personal Floatation Device

If operating an AUTV on the water, you are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in addition to the appropriate clothing.

Planning Ahead

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the operator's manual for your ORUV.
• Inform your manager of your destination and expected return time to ensure accountability and support in the field.
• Check that all emergency supplies, including tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and communication devices, are functional and fully charged for the area you will be working in.

Warm-Up Exercises

Operating ORUVs requires physical effort. Performing low-impact warm-up exercises beforehand helps prepare your body and reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Arm Circles

Waist Bends

Light Next Stretches

Slight Knee Bends

Thigh & Leg Stretches

Pre-Ride Inspection: TCLOC

Controls & Cables

• Sit on the ORUV and locate all controls.
• Controls should move freely and don’t stick.
• Check that the throttle snaps closed quickly.
• Test brakes for smooth, proper function.
• Confirm the foot shifter is secure and in the right position.

Lights & Electric

• Inspect the ignition switch for damage and test its function.
• Make sure the engine stop switch shuts off the engine reliably.
• Check that headlights and taillights are working and bright.
• Look for corrosion on battery terminals and tighten connections.

Tires & Wheels

• Inflate tires to the pressure listed in the manual.
• Use a low-pressure gauge to keep tire pressure equal.
• Check for cuts, cracks, or damage.
• Make sure axle nuts are tight and secure.

Chain & Drive Shaft Chassis

• Check the chain for wear, proper tension, and lubrication.
• Look for oil leaks or damage.
• With the engine off, check for loose bolts, handgrips, and footrests.
• Make sure your tool kit is complete and the manual is onboard.

Oil & Fluids

• Know your fuel range.
• Start each ride with a full tank.
• Check oil level with the engine off.
• Check for fluid leaks.
• Make sure the air filter is clean and undamaged.

Safety Warnings

Safety First: Read Before You Ride

• Warning labels are placed on your ORUV for your protection.
• Read them carefully and follow all instructions.
• Improper operation can lead to serious consequences, including collisions, loss of control, rollovers, injury, or death.
• Always review and follow the safety guidelines in your Operator's Manual.

Parking Your ORUV: Steps for a Safe Shutdown

When parking the ORUV, follow these steps to prevent unintended movement and hazards:

• Choose level ground to prevent rolling or tipping.
• Shift into Neutral or Park to disengage movement.
• Use the engine stop switch to shut off the motor safely.
• Turn off the ignition key to fully power down.

• Set the parking brake to lock the wheels and secure the vehicle.

After riding, turn off the fuel, remove the ignition key, secure the ORUV to prevent theft, and inspect the vehicle for issues. If the vehicle does not pass the end of day inspection, place a 'Do Not Use' tag on the vehicle and give your supervisor the keys.

Knowledge Check: TCLOC Checklist

Knowledge Check: Your Responsibilities

Knowledge Check: Risk Factors

Risk Awareness

Risk Awareness

Risk Awareness: Accidents

Operator behavior and awareness can be directly linked to nearly 91% of all reported accidents.

Understanding Risks: Hazards

Hazards are inherent in every task, we can't always eliminate them, but we can control the risk through the choices we make and the way we work.

Understanding Risk: Cargo, Terrain, and Tie-Downs

Hauling Cargo

Transportation and Tie-Down

Surface Terrain

Risk Awareness: Checklist

Instructions: Click on each checkbox icon to reveal each item.

If my machine is designed to carry passengers, do they have the appropriate PPE?

Am I wearing all the appropriate personal protective equipment?

Do I have the skills and experience needed?

Am I operating these machines in familiar areas?

Did I read and follow the owner’s manual and all warning labels?

Before you start your work day, what do you think about?

Am I using a backpack sprayer, spraying by boat, or pulling hose instead of taking any unnecessary risks utilizing this machine in questionable areas or on hazardous slopes?

Am I walking the property first, before driving it?

Did I review the SRA and do I know where all the hazards are located?

Knowledge Check: Common Risk Factors

Hazard Recognition

Hazard Recognition

Common Hazards

Common hazards you may encounter when operating an ORUV include:

• Heavy dew on grass when operating on slopes.
• Single or multiple strand smooth or barbed wire.
• Any water crossing scenario.
• Washouts or drop offs along banks of waterbodies.
• Rocks, soft soil conditions, or tree limbs on the ground.

Terrain Surfaces

No matter where you operate ORUVs, the surface can vary.

Stay terrain aware. Respect the design. Always prioritize safety over speed.

Mud and Water

Operating in Mud or Water: Key Safety Reminders

• Follow water depth limits from your owner’s manual.
• Watch for submerged obstacles.
• Expect slippery footrests or floorboards.
• Test brakes after exiting water.
• Reduce speed and approach with caution.
• On ATVs, shift your weight to stay balanced.

Knowledge Check: Why Walking the Ground Matters

Knowledge Check: Avoiding Hazards

Emergencies and Winch Safety

Emergencies and Winch Safety

Avoiding Emergencies

The best way to avoid emergencies, is by planning ahead!

• Maintain and inspect the ORUV before you head out.
• Communicate a trip plan.
• Carry all personal and emergency safety gear, including a reliable communication device like a cell phone or radio that functions in your work area.
• Dress for the conditions and wear all required PPE.

Winch Safety

Getting stuck while operating an ORUV is inevitable, use winches to safely dislodge machines and reduce the risk of injury. Follow these basic winch safety practices and always consult the owner's manual for detailed guidance:

• Before using a winch, put on required PPE, including leather gloves, head, and eye protection.
• Establish a “No People Zone” equal to twice the wire rope length in all directions to prevent injury from recoil or equipment failure.
• Lay a jacket, sandbag, or similar item over the wire rope to absorb recoil energy in case the rope breaks.
• Ensure there are at least 5 cable wraps around the drum before operating the winch.
• Confirm your anchor is secure.
• Continuously monitor the wire rope and all connections and anchors.

Knowledge Check: Emergencies

Load Securement

Load Securement

Securing an ORUV for Transport and WLL Tags

No matter the make or model, all ORUVs must be properly secured to the trailer. If you are unsure how to proceed, stop and ask your manager for guidance.

To secure an ORUV to a trailer:

• You must have 2 ratchet straps with the correct Working Load Limit (WLL).
• The WLL of a strap must be at least 1/2 the weight of the ORUV being strapped down.
• Wear the required PPE:
• Safety toe work boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Work gloves.

FMCSA Regulation: For cargo items longer than 5 ft but less than 10 ft, at least two tiedowns are required, each strap counts as one tiedown, regardless of the item's weight. If the cargo exceeds 10 ft in length, you must use an additional tiedown for every extra 10 ft or fraction thereof.

Ratchet Straps: Damage

The entire ratchet strap assembly must be inspected before each use and removed from service if any of the following issues are detected.

Ratchet Straps: Storage

Proper ratchet strap storage is crucial for prolonging the life of the straps, ensuring cargo safety by preventing material degradation, and maintaining their effectiveness.

Reasons for proper storage:

• Extended lifespan.
• Ensure safety.
• Maintain effectiveness.
• Prevents material damage.

To properly store your straps:

• Keep ratchet straps rolled up and stored in plastic bags when not in use.
• Place the bags safely in a toolbox or behind the seat of your truck.

Loading an ORUV

Before transporting an ORUV, complete the following loading procedures to ensure safety, stability, and compliance:

1. Wear required PPE.
2. Secure the trailer to towing vehicle.
1. Hitch locked into ball.
2. Safety chains crossed and connected.
3. Confirm trailer lights are functioning. Seat yourself in/on the ORUV.
1. Buckle seatbelt if equipped with ROPS.
4. Align ORUV with trailer ramp. Use lowest gear to drive slowly up the ramp.
5. Center ORUV's weight over the trailer's axel.
6. Engage parking brake.
7. Turn off ignition and remove key.

On larger trailers with rear-seat axles, centering the ORUV over the axle can reduce tongue weight too much, leading to fishtailing. Shift the load slightly forward to maintain proper balance and towing stability.

Ratchet Strap Placement

Use two separate ratchet straps: one across the front frame or center floorboard, and one across the rear frame or ball mount. If one strap fails, the second ensures the machine remains secured to the trailer.

Secure Your ORUV: Step-By-Step

Follow these steps to properly strap down an ORUV:

1. Ratchet straps across floorboards.
2. Bolt ends to frame.
3. Ratchet strap across tow hook with ends bolted to trailer.
4. Anti-roll devices in place for proper machine positioning.

5. Stop blocks for front wheels.6. Chain from trailer frame to eye bolts attached to the ORUV for additional security. 7. Safety chain to secure spare tire.

8. Add additional DOT retro-reflective tape to the tailgate to increase visibility.

Safe Release and Controlled Unloading of ORUV

Wear your PPE, lower the ramp, and remove all straps. Start the ORUV, buckle up, and back down slowly in low gear, staying in control every step of the way.

1. Wear all appropriate PPE.
2. Lower trailer ramp.
3. Loosen and remove rear ratchet strap.
4. Roll up strap and place in plastic bag and place in toolbox or vehicle.
5. Seat yourself in/on ORUV and buckle yourself if equipped with ROPS.
6. Insert key and start engine.
7. Disengage parking brake and slowly back down ramp using lowest gear.

Knowledge Check: Tie-Downs

ORUV Introduction Quiz

Quiz

Complete this 10-question assessment to demonstrate your understanding of key ORUV safety principles and reflect on your learning experience.

Question 1: Inspection

Question 2: Accident Prevention

Question 3: Potential Hazards

Question 4: Transporting Cargo

Question 5: Paved Road Safety Risk

Question 6: Communications

Question 7: Winch Safety

Question 8: Safety Precautions

Question 9: What is a Hazard?

Hazards represent the potential for harm, while risks reflect the probability that harm will happen. Think about your worksite: What specific hazards might arise when using an ORUV?

Question 10: Warning Labels

That's a Wrap!

Final Check: If you're unsure, stop work and ask your manager. Use a spotter when possible, and never hesitate to ask for help.

You must answer 8 of the 10 assessment questions correctly. If you missed 2 or more questions, click the Try Again button on the Results pop-up to re-take the assessment.