This course is needed to train employees to safely operate utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs), which are motorized off-highway vehicles (figure 1). The course instructions provide information essential to the instructor. Read the course instructions and become familiar with the training materials before teaching the course. Each chapter begins with Instructor's Notes to provide additional information for teaching the chapter material. To locate local experts, technical specialists, and professional consultants who could assist you during training, consult your regional safety and health manager and fleet manager.

Figure 1—UTV crossing water.

Instructor Prerequisites

Conduct the course safely, ensuring that all agency and U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations are followed. Before teaching the course, complete the ATV Safety Institute's (ASI) Rider Course Instructor Certification or another "train the trainer" course for other agencies or certifying organizations that meets the minimum training requirement (FSH 6709.11, chapter 10).

Student Target Group

This course is for Forest Service employees who will be operating UTVs for the Forest Service and require initial certification. This course is not intended to be used as a refresher class.

Student Prerequisites

All students should be familiar with the Forest Service's "Driver-Operator Guide" and the "Driver Orientation Self-Study Course" (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, current editions) and the owner's manual for the UTV they will drive. Students also may want to take the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association's "Interactive E-Course for ROV Safety" at http://www.rohva.org.

Course Materials

The course materials on the "Utility-Terrain Vehicle Operator Training Course" DVD include:

• This instructor's guide (including forms)
• A video-enhanced PowerPoint presentation

The PowerPoint presentation includes questions in blue text to encourage student participation and discussion.

Presentation Time

The course will require at least 2 hours (with breaks) for the classroom session and a minimum of 2 to 4 hours for the field training session. You will need more time if extra material is added, if the class is large, or if the students are inexperienced. To keep on schedule, prepare your lessons in advance and plan the field session. Draw from your experience to add realism and credibility to the class material.

Classroom Requirements

The course is designed to be taught in the classroom and in the field. A class size of 6 to 12 participants is recommended. A classroom with audiovisual equipment will be needed to display training materials.

The classroom should provide:

• Adequate space, desks, tables, and equipment for the students.
• Controlled lighting. Turn lights off and shade windows when showing audiovisual aids.
• Good acoustics.
• Good ventilation.
• A quiet place that is not subject to interruptions.
• Facilities nearby such as break areas and rest rooms.

Field Training Requirements

During the field training (figure 2) and certification sessions, the number one concern is the safety of the participants and the public. Before field training, do a thorough job hazard analysis specific to the location and the types of training and evaluations that are scheduled. Chapter 7 has instructions for conducting the field portion of the course.

Figure 2—UTV field training session. Courtesy of Dave Goodin.

Course Completion

To complete this course, each student will:

• Attend the classroom session.
• Complete and pass the classroom exam.
• Operate a UTV through a predetermined field course and receive a satisfactory evaluation.

At the beginning of the course, have each student sign the "Training Course Attendance" roster (appendix A). After completing the classroom session, students will be required to complete the "UTV Operator Written Test" (appendix B). Written tests may be administered open book, allowing the candidate to learn more about Forest Service policies by studying the "Driver-Operator Guide" and the "Driver-Orientation Self-Study Course" and the "Health and Safety Code Handbook" (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, current edition). Use the "Answers for the UTV Operator Written Test" (appendix C) to grade the exam.

After passing the "Written Test," students must complete the field portion of the course. In this session, students will drive a sample course modeled after the "Field Evaluation Driving Course" (appendix D). During the session, students will demonstrate their UTV skills in three areas: safety, loading and unloading, and UTV operation. The "UTV Operator Field Evaluation" (appendix E) will be used to evaluate each student's skills.

When students have successfully completed the classroom session and the field training session, document their training on form FS-6700-41 (appendix F). Award each student a "UTV Operator Training Certificate" (appendix G). Include any restrictions or endorsements on the "UTV Operator Field Evaluation" and form FS-6700-41.

After the course, give the students the "Training Course Assessment" (appendix H). Retain the "Training Course Attendance" roster for your records.

All safety training needs to be entered into the AgLearn database by each student's supervisor or training coordinator. For more information on how to enter this training into AgLearn, go to
http://fsweb.asc.fs.fed.us/HRM/hcms/AgLearn/job_aids/jobaid_supv_recordtrain_external.doc