Equipment

Volunteers and Vehicles

Year after year, the Forest Service's Washington Office of Safety and Occupational Health identifies driving as a hazard and top concern. More accidents occur traveling to and from the worksite than at the site itself.

Volunteers Using Their Personal Vehicles

Volunteers often provide their own transportation to and from the project site or position site and while performing service-related duties. In these instances, volunteers may be eligible for mileage reimbursement (see the "Reimbursement" chapter). One important note: make sure the volunteer agreement specifies whether the volunteer is on or off duty while traveling to the site. If the agreement indicates the volunteer is not on duty while traveling to the site, the Forest Service’s potential liability will be reduced.

Volunteers Driving Government Vehicles

Volunteers may operate government vehicles if the volunteer agreement authorizes them to and the use is for official business. Volunteers must be trained, tested, qualified, and certified in the same manner as Forest Service employees. To operate government vehicles, volunteers must hold a valid State driver's license and take a defensive driving training course every 3 years (a Forest Service or National Safety Council or equivalent defensive driving course). If approved to drive, a volunteer may be issued a letter of authorization in place of Form OF-346, U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card (FSH 7109.19, Chapter 60).

Other Ways to Transport Volunteers to Field Sites

If you do not want your volunteers driving Government vehicles to field sites, there are other ways to transport volunteers in the field.

You or another employee may shuttle volunteers to the site. This will take planning. Reserve a government vehicle with the capacity to transport all your volunteers. Schedule yourself or someone else to take the volunteers to and from the site (this may require more than one trip with more than one employee serving as a driver). Have the volunteers meet you or the employee at a designated time and location. The Forest Service office works great as a meeting place.

Volunteers can carpool, but carpooling will take some planning. Ask for volunteers who would be willing to drive. Assess the volunteers’ qualifications and determine the number of people they can transport. Get the phone numbers for the volunteer drivers and have the other volunteers call to arrange a ride. A signup sheet in your office may also work to arrange rides. Have the volunteers meet at a designated time and location for their ride. If the volunteer agreement authorizes mileage reimbursement, volunteers may be reimbursed when they drive their personal vehicle for service (see the "Reimbursement" chapter).

Ride-Alongs

It is inappropriate to use a volunteer agreement for the sole purpose of providing transportation to someone in a Government vehicle when it is not in conjunction with volunteer service. There is a way, however, to provide transportation to a non-Government person (in a Government vehicle) when the person is NOT providing a direct service through a volunteer agreement. When authorization is needed for one of these ride-along trips, contact the Albuquerque Service Center and submit a "Travel Justification For Non-Government Person—ASC Worksheet #01."

All-Terrain and Utility-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs and UTVs)

Only qualified and authorized volunteers shall operate ATVs and UTVs (figure 41). Qualifications include being familiar with the Forest Service's Driver-Operator Guide (EM 7130-2) and the ATV/UTV manufacturer's operating manual. Forest Service ATV/UTV operators shall successfully complete the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) ATV Rider Course training or equivalent training that is approved by the forest supervisor, assistant director, or line officer having responsibility for the project. Operators must also hold a valid Operator's Identification Card, OF-346, which documents their qualifications. For volunteers, a letter of authorization may be issued in place of Form OF-346 (FSH 7109.19, chapter 60). All operators must be reevaluated by a certified trainer every 3 years. Infrequent users (riding less than 16 hours a year), including volunteers, must complete a check ride with a certified trainer before operating an ATV/UTV.

PPE

• First aid kit
• Personal communications device
• Motorcycle helmet (full or three-quarter face)
• Gloves
• Long pants and long-sleeved shirt or jacket
• Appropriate footwear
• Eye protection

ATV operation

• Each operator shall be authorized in writing by their supervisor to operate an ATV/UTV.
  
  
• The supervisor shall ensure that a JHA is prepared for each project activity involving use of ATV/UTVs. For more information on what should be considered in the JHA, see FSH 6709.11.
  
  
• All participants shall review the hazards identified in the JHA for the project or trip before beginning operations. Changes in operating conditions require reevaluation of the JHA and necessitate a review of any new hazards.
  
  
• Before riding, operators must perform a maintenance check such as the T-CLOC (Tires/Controls/Lights/ Oil/Chassis), ASI checklist, or a similar check as specified by the manufacturer.
  
  
• An annual maintenance inspection is required by the manufacturer, a certified ATV/UTV mechanic, or someone designated by the fleet manager.
  
  
• Passengers will not be carried on ATVs.
  
  
• Only the number of passengers recommended by the manufacturer will be carried on UTVs. The operator and each passenger shall have his or her own seat belt, and it must be fastened at all times when the vehicle is moving.
  
  
• When the ATV/UTV is parked:
  • Engage brake.
  • Shift transmission into low range/low gear.
  • Block tires if parking on a hill.
  • Turn off and remove keys if appropriate.
  • Turn the fuel supply line valve to "Off" if parking for longer than 1 to 2 days.

Figure 41—Club members volunteer to help the
Forest Service keep the trails safe by removing litter
and debris. Courtesy of Lisa Marcum, Daniel
Boone Trailblazers ATV Club leader

• When carrying equipment, equalize the load to maintain balance, stability, and the center of gravity. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum carrying capacity of either axle or cargo rack as specified in the owner's manual. Follow the manufacturer's loading instructions.
  
  
• When transporting tools or equipment, secure them to the ATV/UTV. Observe additional precautions when carrying liquids.
  
  
• When securing equipment on an ATV, keep the equipment as close to the rider as possible, making sure that the operator can still dismount from the ATV during an emergency.
  
  
• When using an ATV/UTV to tow a trailer or equipment, do not exceed the maximum towing capacity specified in the vehicle owner's manual. The manufacturer's specified towing capacity will vary depending on the grade or slope of the terrain. Do not exceed the trailer's weight rating.
  
  
• Operators will not drive recklessly, at excessive speed, or engage in horseplay (figure 42).

Figure 42—Members of the Daniel Boone Trailblazers
ATV Club help maintain safe trails for everyone to
enjoy. Courtesy of Lisa Marcum, Daniel Boone Trailblazers
ATV Club leader

• Operators will not enter deep or swift moving water.
  
  
• Modifications to the frame, electrical, or mechanical systems generally are not allowed.
  
  
• Develop and follow a check-out/check-in procedure. Provide a copy to the supervisor.
  
  
• When hazardous materials or pesticides are being transported, ensure that the JHA includes the emergency procedures in the event of an accidental discharge. The JHA must include the chemical name, classification, quantity, and the precautions to be taken in the event of an accident.
  
  
• When a UTV is used to transport external fuel containers, it must carry a secured 2.5-pound ABC fire extinguisher.
  
  
• Sending one UTV or ATV on a project is prohibited, unless authorized by the supervisor and addressed in the JHA.

The above information came from FSH 6709.11, chapter 10, secs. 13-13.24, interim directive–exp. 11/21/10. For possible changes in this information, see FSH 6709.11.

Horses and Livestock

Many volunteers use their horses or other livestock while performing volunteer service (figure 43). At the time of publication, there was no national requirement for employees or volunteers to take defensive horsemanship training. The Northern Region requires employees and volunteers to take a defensive horse safety course (R1 supplement FSH 6709.11-200-3, chapter 10, section 16). The Northern Region also requires that a refresher class be taken every 3 years. To help volunteers and employees complete this training requirement, MTDC produced a defensive horsemanship training course "Defensive Horse Safety" (McLean 2007).

Figure 43—The Shasta Trinity unit of Backcountry
Horsemen of California provided all the logistical
support for the Swift Creek, Trinity Alps project.
The Sierra Club annually provides people for 7 days
to do trail repairs and enhancements. Courtesy
of Larry Shuman, Shasta Trinity unit

Firearms

At the time of publication, no Forest Service policy forbids volunteers from carrying firearms. However, volunteer coordinators should seriously consider the consequences and potential liability before approving volunteers to carry a firearm.

The Health and Safety Code Handbook indicates that regional foresters, forest supervisors, or station directors may authorize non-law enforcement personnel to carry firearms when functions or circumstances related to official duties necessitate such permission (sections 25.35, 51.2, and 51.21). The reasons for the approval (such as protection from animals) and the type of firearm authorized must be identified in the job hazard analysis and documented in the volunteer agreement. Volunteers who are authorized to carry firearms must complete a firearm safety course and will be subject to drug testing under Executive Order No. 12564, the Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program. All authorizations must be in writing and the training documented.

Using Chain Saws and Crosscut Saws

Before volunteers can operate a chain saw or a crosscut saw on a Forest Service project (figure 44), they need to attend a training course on the safe and proper use of these saws. The Forest Service has training courses specific to the use of saws for firefighting and for other purposes. Because volunteers cannot serve as firefighters, they do not need the course for firefighters. The recreation-based training course for volunteers will help both experienced and inexperienced sawyers use chain saws and crosscut saws for limbing, bucking, brushing, and—to a limited degree—for felling.

Figure 44—The Chiloquin and Rogue snowmobile
club members use chain saws to clear tree branches
and other vegetation from drainage ditches on
both sides of a Forest Service road, designated as a
snowmobile trail. Fremont-Winema National Forests
hosted a snowmobile trail maintenance workday to
celebrate National Trails Day in June 2007. Courtesy
of Erica Hupp, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region

Experienced Volunteer Sawyers

Some of your more seasoned volunteers may be familiar with the use of chain saws or crosscut saws. These volunteers may question why they must take this training. The best way to address such questions is to acknowledge the volunteers' skills, while politely informing them that the Forest Service's requirements differ from those in the private sector.

Saw Training

All saw training in the Forest Service is based on the Forest Service's "Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course" (Wolf and Whitlock 2007), which includes an instructor's guidebook and student's guidebook on a CD. This training can be adapted for specific volunteer duties, which allows it to be taught in less time and makes it beneficial to provide separate training sessions for volunteers. The training, however, still must involve both classroom and field sessions. The classroom instruction usually covers safety requirements, saw use and maintenance, and saw tasks and techniques. The practical field training provides hands-on experience where the volunteers get to use a saw to demonstrate their skills in limbing, brushing, and bucking. Additional training is required before volunteers can be certified for felling trees. Basic first aid and CPR are also required for employees or volunteers who use chain saws or crosscut saws.

Certification

Volunteers who have completed saw training successfully will be certified at the "A," "B," or "C" level. The level of certification indicates the types of saw work, along with any restrictions, that the volunteer can perform. Most volunteers who use chain saws and crosscut saws are certified only at the "A" (apprentice) level or at the "B" (intermediate) level with restrictions limiting them to limbing, brushing, and bucking. Additional limits also may be placed on the size or diameter of the material they can cut.

After training is complete, a line officer (usually the district ranger or unit manager) issues the volunteer's saw qualification card. Saw training and recertification is required every 3 years.

Other Ways To Get Chain Saw Work Done

A number of Forest Service units are not comfortable having volunteers use chain saws. If that's the case, have regular Forest Service crews work on projects requiring chain saws and have the volunteers serve on other projects. If you still want to assign the project to volunteers, see if they can do the tasks with hand saws and crosscut saws rather than chain saws. This may solve your problem.

Another approach would be to find a qualified Forest Service sawyer who can go out ahead of the volunteers or with the crew. If you plan far enough in advance, giving the sawyer some leeway, you should be able to find a sawyer who can do the work before the volunteers arrive.

Personal Protective Equipment

Even though the JHA identifies the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for each project, it is important to remind volunteers so they don’t show up for service unprepared. Here is a list of some common PPE requirements. Additional information on required PPE can be found in the Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11, chapter 70).

All Projects

• Appropriate first aid kit

All Field Projects

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Gloves (figure 45)
• Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, when needed
• Nonskid boots
• Personal communication device
• Sunglasses providing UV protection and sunscreen lotion for hot conditions
• Insect repellant (where needed)

Figure 45—Proud maidencane maidens volunteer
to restore wetlands, part of the student restoration
project for the NatureWatch program. Courtesy of
Carrie Sekerak, Ocala National Forest

All-Terrain Vehicle Operation

• Fire extinguisher
• Personal communication device
• Motorcycle helmet
• Long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, leather gloves
• Appropriate footwear

Brush Cutting

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Eye protection (figure 46)
• Hearing protection
• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
• Gloves
• Nonskid boots

Figure 46—The Fremont-Winema National
Forests hosted a snowmobile trail maintenance
work day. This snowmobile club member
wears appropriate personal protective
equipment while brush clearing. Courtesy
of Erica Hupp, Forest Service, Pacific
Northwest Region

Crosscut Saw Operations

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Gloves
• Wrap-around eye protection
• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
• Heavy duty, cut-resistant, or leather waterproof or water-repellent 8-inch-high laced boots with nonskid soles and adequate ankle support

Chain saw operations

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
  
  
• Wrap-around eye protection
  
  
• Hearing protection
  
  
• Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
  
  
• Gloves Heavy duty, cut-resistant or leather, waterproof or water-repellent 8-inch-high laced boots with nonskid soles and adequate ankle support
  
  
• Chain saw chaps

Chopping Tools

• Forest Service-approved hardhat (figure 47)
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Nonskid boots
• Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, when needed

Cutting Tools

• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Nonskid boots
• Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, when needed

Figure 47—A volunteer wears appropriate personal
protective equipment while using chopping tools on the
Florida Trail. Courtesy of Bob Stone, Florida Trail Association

Handtools

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Appropriate footwear
• Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, when needed

Power Tools (figure 48)

• Forest Service-approved hardhat
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Gloves
• Nonskid boots
• Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, when needed

Figure 48—A volunteer of the Fort Braden
F-Troop wears the appropriate personal
protective equipment to work on the Fort
Braden hiking trail. Courtesy of Megan Eno,
Florida Trail Association

Computers

To obtain computer access for a volunteer, the Forest Service line officer for your unit, a volunteer manager, or volunteer coordinator will first have to enter the volunteer's information into the Non-employee Identity System (NEIS).

For instructions on how to enter a volunteer into this system, refer to the "Security Requirements for Contractors/
Cooperators" at http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/aqm/procurement/. Once a volunteer has been entered into the system, the Forest Service line officer, volunteer manager, or a volunteer coordinator can submit a request for account creation/system access using the Customer Help Desk.

Go to the Customer Help Desk Web site at http://fsweb.chd.fs.fed.us and log in using your eAuthentication username and password. Under "One Stop," click "Requests" and then click "ID Admin Request." Fill out the form and attach it to a help desk ticket. Click "Submit" to create a help desk ticket.

Volunteers who have access to Forest Service computers (figure 49) will have to complete the Forest Service's Computer Security Awareness training. If they have access for more than 6 months, they may have to submit to a background check (see the "Background Check" section for more information).

Figure 49—The retired director of the International
Institute of Tropical Forestry, who is now a volunteer,
does computer work. Courtesy of Elizabeth (Liza) Hernandez,
Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry

Buying Equipment

Here are some suggestions from experienced coordinators for building a stash of PPE or equipment. Try to buy a few items each year and don't forget to request extra year-end funding for supplies. Apply for grant funding whenever it is available. If you have an organized volunteer group in your area, such as the Friends of the Forest, you can ask the organization to help purchase items or host a fundraiser if you have done so under an appropriate agreement. Consider borrowing equipment from other programs or from the fire cache. Check with folks in your forest's fire program to see whether they have any equipment they aren't using that is still serviceable.

Finally, consider asking volunteers to help provide their own equipment. Remember to give them plenty of lead time before the project begins. Many volunteers can supply some of their own equipment if they have enough time to save money or plan a fundraiser.

Volunteer-Owned Equipment and Animals

Volunteers may use their own equipment (such as cameras, scuba gear, snow machines, and animals) while serving on Forest Service projects (figure 50). Before service begins, include these items on an equipment rental agreement (maybe a no-cost purchase order) through the procurement staff. The liability for the equipment is covered under the agreement’s clauses.

Figure 50—The Backcountry Horseman of California—Shasta
Trinity Unit packed more than 50,000 fingerling trout into
19 lakes. More than 8,000 miles of stock hauling, 122 stock
days, and 993 hours of labor were required to complete the
project for the 2007 annual Clair A. Hill Fish Plant. Less then
40 trout were lost during transportation and planting.
Courtesy of Larry Shuman, Shasta Trinity unit

A note of caution: do not confuse service equipment with items brought to the project for personal use or transportation. An easy way to tell the difference between the two is to determine whether the equipment is service related or not.

On the volunteer agreement, be specific about the equipment that is under a rental agreement and the equipment that is not. Make sure the volunteer understands that the Forest Service is liable only for the equipment and animals under a rental agreement. All other personal equipment and animals are not the agency's responsibility. Clearing up such matters early can help prevent a confusing situation later if the volunteer's personal equipment or animal is damaged. It will also help ensure that the agency does not have to pay for damage that was not service related.

Volunteer Access to Equipment During Off Hours

If volunteers are serving in the field during office hours or with an employee, access to tools and personal protective equipment is allowed. If volunteers are serving alone or during off hours, you will need to arrange for equipment and radios to be accessible (figure 51). One way to solve this problem is to check out the equipment to volunteers ahead of time. Another way is to use what one district calls "host posts." The host posts (locked sheds) contain backpacks, radios, tools, maps, and so forth. The volunteers check out the items before they leave and return them after service. If you do plan to use host posts, make sure they are somewhere volunteers have access to them on weekends and evenings.The volunteers will need a key or the combination to get into the host posts.

Figure 51—Volunteers get ready to net brook
trout as part of the Canyon Creek Brook Trout
eradication project for the threatened and
endangered species program. Courtesy of
Scott Cotter, Malheur National Forest