Occupational safety officials at the Department of Labour say they want to hear what members of the public think of their new guidelines for safe use of quad bikes on farms.
An average of 850 people are injured each year in farm accident involving quad bikes -- and five of them usually die.
Safety officials are trying to reduce the toll, and their new guidelines have been drawn up in line with manufacturers' recommendations, particularly on helmet use, the need for training, and restrictions on carrying passengers and rider age.
``The draft guidelines provide practicable steps that farmers can take to manage the hazards associated with quad bikes,'' said the department's chief adviser for health and safety, Dr Geraint Emrys.
``They are also much clearer about what is expected of employers and others who have duties under the Health and Safety in Employment Act''.
The guidelines are particularly targeted to farmers, including deer farmers and people involved in forestry on farmland, and to the horticulture and viticulture industries.
Feedback through the department's website (www.dol.govt.nz) closes on December 16.
The guidelines start by pointing out that though the quad bikes are commonly referred to as ATVs ``in reality, they are not all terrain vehicles''.
``They can't go everywhere, do everything,'' the guidelines said. Riders should respect the bike's limits.
The safety steps are:
* Before you ride think whether the quad is the right vehicle for the job.
* Riders must be trained/experienced enough to do the job.
* Always wear a helmet.
* Isolate dangerous areas by establishing `no-go zones'.
* Don't carry passengers.
* Don't let children under 16 ride adult quad bikes.
* Before you ride check the operating condition of the quad bike.
* Keep quad bikes maintained in a safe condition.
* Keep within the manufacturer's towing or carrying limits.
* Only use attachments designed for and compatible with the quad bike.
* Don't do tasks that interfere with safe riding.
* Tell someone where you are going.
* Avoid use while fatigued or under stress.
* Restrict access to the quad bike.
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