DFES Publishes Decision on the ATVs
The following copy of the DEFES Commissioner’s circular is provided by the SESVA for the information of all SES Volunteers
USE OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
The Department has commissioned an occupational health and safety risk assessment report into the operational use of All-Terrain Vehicles. The report concluded that the use of All-Terrain Vehicles constitutes an unacceptable risk to the operators.
It is recognised that All-Terrain Vehicles provided an important support role for emergency services in this State. These vehicles were utilised to access and operate in challenging environmental terrain. As such, the Department is organising the substitution of All-Terrain Vehicles with All Terrain Utility Vehicles.
The use of All Terrain Utility Vehicles will enable these important support roles to be continued, while decreasing the risk to emergency services personnel. Until the All-Terrain Vehicles are replaced, it is advised that there is to be no use of All-Terrain Vehicles.
Replacements should be in place towards the middle of the year and the substitution will incur no cost to individual units. I know this issue has caused some disruption but the safety of all emergency services personnel is paramount.
WAYNE GREGSON APM
COMMISSIONER
FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
