TAFE Queensland South West in Warwick is set to run an Operate Quadbikes course on Monday 23 May.
There are plenty of things anyone who is thinking about purchasing a quad bike to use on their property should know about safety, use and maintenance according to the Tafe South West’s Ty Bauer.
“Quad bikes and similar vehicles have become a significantly more popular and widely used machine in recent years due to their easy operation, low running cost and adaptability,” he said.
“According to the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety (Queensland University of Technology), there are approximately 380,000 quad bikes in operation in Australia at present.
“While they are a useful piece of equipment, quad bikes can be deadly for children, teenagers and adults when used incorrectly.
“Safe Work Australia (QuadWatch) reported that between 2000 and 2015, 69 people have been killed in quad bike incidents in Queensland. This accounts for approximately 30 per cent of quad bike-related fatalities in Australia.
“Quad bikes should only ever be used for their work purpose like mustering and feeding stock, or as a vehicle from which to spray weeds.
“The bottom line is they’re not toys, and no one without a helmet or anyone under the age of 16 unsupervised, should be using them.
“Both careless and careful use of quad bikes has led to accidents and deaths, and we can’t stress enough the importance of paying attention when riding them.
“Unfortunately, the four wheels can give people a false sense of security and you can have a serious accident at any speed.”
He said before riding the quad bike and environment should be checked for:
* the suitability of the vehicle to the job;
* fitted equipment like a roll bar that can help reduce the risk of injury from rollovers, and any possibility of a rollover while working (e.g. hitting a rock or drain hidden in long grass);
* safety guards that are in place and operational, especially foot plates;
* controls that are adjusted so they can be operated comfortably and safely while seated;
* maintenance performed to manufacturer’s specifications (e.g. working brakes and tyres at the correct pressure), and
* attachments/loads being correct weights for the vehicle, equally distributed and secure.
Other key safety items to consider include:
* wearing long sleeves, pants, boots and a helmet, and avoiding loose clothing or jewellery;
* wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including approved standard helmets;
* not carrying passengers unless the quad has been specifically designed to do so;
* not allowing children under 16 to ride adult-sized quads;
* locking the bike away when it’s not in use (for safety and security purposes), and
* completing a quad bike training course.
“If you do work with quad bikes, or are just interested in them, make sure you head to TAFE Queensland South West in Warwick for our upcoming, essential, safety-focused course so you can stay safe and productive,” Ty said.
The Operate Quad Bikes (AHCMOM212A) short course, held Monday 23 May, will provide attendees with the skills they need to maintain and safely operate quad bikes in a rural environment.
It is delivered from 8am to 4pm and participants must be 16 or older and require a long sleeved shirt, long trousers and leather boots.
Places are expected to fill quickly so to enrol phone 1300 914 754 or visit www.tafesouthwest.edu.au for more information about TAFE Queensland South West’s rural offerings and any other courses.
Also, don’t forget to apply for a $5000 TAFE Queensland merit or access and equity scholarship which can be used to study across a variety of industries.
Applications close on Sunday 15 May.
To apply just visit scholarships.tafeqld.edu.au.
