Low-Speed Vehicle/Utility Vehicle/Farm ATV Safety Program

Montana State University
Low-Speed Vehicle / Utility Vehicle / Farm ATV Safety Program

For University Employees and Agricultural Research Station Personnel Issued by:
MSU Safety & Risk Management
Effective: 2024

1. Purpose and Scope

This program outlines policies, procedures, and safety requirements for the operation of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), Side by Side SxS, (such as Polaris, Can-Am) and UTVs (such as John Deere Gator, Kawasaki Mule), and traditional farm ATVs (4-wheelers) used on or around university-owned or affiliated property. These vehicles support a wide range of activities including agricultural research, land maintenance, campus deliveries, patrol duties, and equipment transport.

This document applies to:

•University staff and faculty operating these vehicles for job duties
•Student workers involved in field or support operations
•Research personnel working in outdoor and experimental ag settings

2. Compliance and Regulations

This safety program adheres to applicable OSHA regulations and industry standards:

•29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
•29 CFR 1928.51 – ROPS (for tractors and heavy farm vehicles)
•29 CFR 1910.132 – Personal Protective Equipment
•ANSI/ROHVA and SVIA guidelines – Recreational and Utility Off-Road Vehicle standards
•State DOT laws – Road use compliance for LSVs where applicable

University-specific policies and licensing procedures also apply.

3. Vehicle Types Covered

4. Vehicle Operation Procedures

1. Training Requirement: All operators must complete the university’s LSV/UTV/ATV training before use. Training is provided by the employee's department, with support from Safety & Risk Management.

2. Driver’s License Requirement: Operators must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. Authorization must be filed and kept current with the HR coordinator.

3. Operating Speed: LSVs/UTVs may not exceed 10 MPH on campus near pedestrians, and must operate slower in high-traffic, pedestrian, or adverse weather conditions.

4. Authorized Use Areas:

• • Vehicles may only be operated on university property and city streets only if legally allowed by jurisdiction and must be equipped with all safety and signaling systems.

  • Use is restricted to improved surfaces unless off-road access is necessary for job duties.

  • Sidewalk use should be minimized; yield to pedestrians and use perimeter or service roads where possible.

5.  General Rules:

• • Obey all traffic rules: stop signs, turns, right-of-way.
  • Always yield to pedestrians.
  • Operators and passengers must wear seat belts if provided.
  • Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • No passengers beyond the manufacturer’s capacity.
  • Cell phone use while driving is prohibited except for emergencies.

6.  Parking Restrictions:

• • Do not park in fire lanes, handicapped zones, within 20 feet of building entrances, or on sidewalks/ramps obstructing access.

5. Farm ATV-Specific Procedures

1.  Minimum Age:  No one under 18 may operate an ATV for university purposes.

2.  Helmets designed for ATV / Farm use are available through department and MSU SRM.

3.  Safe Operation Tips:

• • Mount/dismount on flat ground
  • Keep feet on footrests and both hands on handlebars
  • Shift weight forward when climbing slopes
  • Use low gear for hills and soft terrain

• • Do not operate on paved roads unless unavoidable

4.  Load Safety: Carry only manufacturer-approved cargo. Secure loads and avoid exceeding weight limits.

6. Operator Responsibilities

Operators must:

•Keep vehicle ignition keys secure when assigned
•Conduct pre-operation safety checks (see Section 9)
•Report unsafe conditions immediately
•Refrain from using altered, damaged, or unauthorized vehicles
•Follow safe charging and fueling procedures

7. Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors must:

•Ensure all operators receive training and policy orientation
•Collect signed Acknowledgement Forms and forward them to MSU Safety & Risk Management
•Maintain copies of all training records and driver authorizations
•Report immediately all accidents to Safety & Risk Management
•Coordinate incident follow-up and corrective action

8. Vehicle Safety and Equipment Standards

•Vehicles must be maintained in good working condition
•Vehicles must have working lights if operated after dark
•Reflective tape shall be applied to front/rear bumpers
•No unauthorized modifications (speed, performance, safety systems)

9. Pre-Operation Safety Checklist (To be completed at the start of each shift)

Operators must inspect:

•Tire condition and inflation
•Brakes and steering function
•Lights and signaling systems
•Fluid levels and battery charge
•No visible leaks (oil, fuel, battery acid)
•No loose cargo or unsecured tools

Out-of-Service Protocol: If a defect is found, the vehicle must be tagged “Out of Service” and removed from use until repairs are completed.

10. Battery Charging & Fueling Safety

•Use only approved chargers with automatic shutoff
•Do not charge or refuel near open flames
•Use appropriate spill kits for acid/fuel cleanup
•Report all spills to Safety & Risk Management

11. Accident and Incident Reporting

1. Report any accident or incident immediately to your supervisor
2. Complete the university vehicle incident report form
3. Notify MSU Safety & Risk Management after initial reporting
4. Vehicle use privileges may be suspended pending investigation outcomes

12. Training Requirements

Training methods may include:

•Hands-on instruction
•Written policy distribution with acknowledgment form

Student Workers:

•Must receive hands-on training by department or MSU SRM prior to operation
•Returning students must review policy annually and re-sign acknowledgment

13. Acknowledgment of Understanding

All employees and student workers must sign the LSV/Utility Vehicle/ATV Acknowledgment Form to confirm:

•Completion of required training
•Understanding of the safety policy
•Agreement to comply with all procedures outlined

Copies of signed forms are retained by department supervisors and submitted to MSU Safety & Risk.

Contact Information

MSU Safety and Risk Management Office
Patrick Schenck
406-994-1675
pschenck@montana.edu