Argo Operation Page 1 of 4

Hazard Assessment and Training Briefing Jan/09

An Argo is an amphibious ATV equipped with 6 or 8 wheels, Prevent Fires

with or without tracks. They are used in swampy, marshy areas
for moving supplies and small crews.
Moss, swamp grass, and other combustible material may
build up on your exhaust system; therefore, keep exhaust
system free of combustible materials, as this will help
prevent a forest fire from starting.

Prevent Exposure
Wash your hands and face prior to eating, drinking, or
smoking to minimize the ingestion of petroleum products
Certified Training Requirements into your body.
There is no specific certificate course for operating an Argo,
but we require that our employees must be trained on the job General Operation
by a competent Argo operator before using.
The goal of this training briefing is to ensure that when
operating the Argo you are able to keep passengers,
PPE Requirements Summary yourself, and cargo safe.
Image Description Standard
Hazard Assessment
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
Leather Gloves Required General Operation
• Roll Over (S) 3 2 2 7
• Struck by Cargo (S) 3 2 2 7
Pre-Trip Inspection • Back Strain (S) 3 2 2 7
Employees are to complete a visual inspection of the Argo
at the start of each day or before each use. Controls
• Keep passengers and load distributed evenly, as this
Hazard Assessment will improve the handling of the Argo.
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R • Secure cargo prior to travel as this will help minimize
Pre-Trip Inspection injury from being struck by the cargo.
• Slip, Trip, Fall (S) 1 2 1 4 • Travel slowly when going over logs or broken terrain,
• Back Strain (S) 1 2 1 4 as this will lesson the chance of having various bodily
strains occur.
• Burns (S) 1 2 1 4
• Fire (S) 1 2 1 4
Traveling in Remote Areas
• Exposure to Various Petroleum
1 2 1 4 Before venturing into remote areas, carry out all
Based Products (H)
inspections, adjustments and lubrication checks detailed in
Controls this manual or the manufacturer’s owner manual.

Inspection Items Hazard Assessment

• Drive chains Task Steps and Hazards F S P R

• Tires Traveling in Remote Areas

• Lost (S, H) 3 3 2 8
• Steering mechanism
• Brake system Controls
• Lights
• Do not proceed unless your vehicle is in good working
General Safety Precautions condition.
• Inform someone of your departure and return plans
• Watch your step as ground conditions can vary meter
and your route so that help can be dispatched if you
by meter – take necessary precautions.
do not return as scheduled. Do not travel into a
• Bend your knees when checking tire pressure; this remote area alone.
will help minimize back strain.
• Practice safe driving habits when traveling in remote
Wear Personal Protective Equipment areas.
• Avoid terrain that may be impassable.
Wear leather gloves when inspecting exhaust system, as
it may be hot.

Frequency of Exposure (F) Severity of Loss (S) Probability of Loss (P) F + S + P = Risk Rating (R)
1=Task performed up to 3 x / yr 1=Class C – Minor, non-disabling, non-disruptive 1=Limited chance adverse event will occur 7 to 9 = High Risk
2=Task performed up to 3 x / mo 2=Class B – Serious injury or disruptive loss 2=Adverse event likely to occur 5 to 6 = Medium Risk
3=Task performed 1+ x / wk 3=Class A – Major injury, permanent disability or loss 3=Adverse event likely to occur soon 1 to 4 = Low Risk

Type Of Hazard: H= Health (acute or chronic) S= Safety (people and equipment) Q= Quality P = Production E= Environment
 Argo Operation Page 2 of 4

Hazard Assessment and Training Briefing Jan/09

Safety Equipment Don’ts

• Choose your equipment and supplies to meet the • Never accelerate or brake suddenly while driving up
climate and terrain conditions that you may a hill. Sudden acceleration or braking can cause
encounter. the vehicle to roll over, causing serious personal
• When traveling in remote areas or when traveling injury or death.
long distances, the following items are • Do not exceed the rear cargo area maximum weight
recommended: capacity. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific
• First Aid Kit • Survival Kit details. Exceeding this weight limitation will
• Protective Clothing • Protective Footwear decrease the stability of the vehicle on inclines and
• Waterproof Safety increase the possibility of rolling over backwards
• Candles
Matches when climbing a grade.
• Communications • Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on a steep
• Emergency Flares
Equipment
hill or grade. Turning the vehicle around on a hill
• Adequate Fuel
can result in the vehicle rolling over.
Supply in Approved • Fire Extinguisher
Containers
• Manual Starting • Basic Mechanic’s Downhill Operation
Rope or Backup Tools and Spare
Battery Parts Steep declines can increase the chances of a roll over, so it
is important to understand how the vehicle will react in
different situations.

Hazard Assessment
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
Downhill Operation
• Roll Over (S) 3 2 2 7
• Equipment Damage (S) 3 2 2 7
• Personal Injury (S) 3 2 2 7

Uphill Operation Controls

As a general rule, driving up a steep hill greatly increases • Always approach the hill head on to minimize the
the possibility of rolling over, so it should be avoided if possibility of sliding sideways, or rolling over.
possible. • Gently apply the brakes to control downward vehicle
speed. Do not jam on the brakes while traveling
Hazard Assessment downhill. Sudden braking can cause the vehicle to
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R roll over forward.
Uphill Operation • An alternative to applying the brakes while going
down a gentle decline is to use engine braking.
• Roll Over (S) 3 2 2 7
Select low range and keep the engine speed up just
• Equipment Damage (S) 3 2 2 7 enough to keep the clutch engaged.
• Personal Injury (S) 3 2 2 7 • Avoid steep declines when possible. When a steep
decline cannot be avoided, shift occupant weight to
Controls the rear of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from
rolling over.
Do’s
• Approach the hill head on to minimize the possibility Side Hill Operation
of sliding sideways or rolling over.
Side slope operation is the most common cause of roll over
• Accelerate slowly to prevent loss of traction. When – avoid going across a slope.
traction is lost, the vehicle may slide sideways or
backwards. If this occurs, apply the brakes gently Hazard Assessment
and evenly to stop the slide.
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
• Allow the vehicle to coast to the bottom of the hill by
Side Hill Operation
carefully releasing the brakes.
• Roll Over (S) 3 2 2 7
• Try to avoid steep hills. When a steep hill can’t be
avoided, be prepared to shift occupant weight • Engine Damage (S) 3 2 2 7
forward, or have them get out of the vehicle to • Personal Injury (S) 3 2 2 7
prevent the vehicle from rolling over. • Brake Overheating or Fade (S) 3 2 2 7

Frequency of Exposure (F) Severity of Loss (S) Probability of Loss (P) F + S + P = Risk Rating (R)
1=Task performed up to 3 x / yr 1=Class C – Minor, non-disabling, non-disruptive 1=Limited chance adverse event will occur 7 to 9 = High Risk
2=Task performed up to 3 x / mo 2=Class B – Serious injury or disruptive loss 2=Adverse event likely to occur 5 to 6 = Medium Risk
3=Task performed 1+ x / wk 3=Class A – Major injury, permanent disability or loss 3=Adverse event likely to occur soon 1 to 4 = Low Risk

Type Of Hazard: H= Health (acute or chronic) S= Safety (people and equipment) Q= Quality P = Production E= Environment
 Argo Operation Page 3 of 4

Hazard Assessment and Training Briefing Jan/09

Controls is evenly distributed.

• Do not drive your vehicle across the side of a hill. Precautions Before Entering Water
Side slope operation greatly increases the risk of Periodically inspect the outer bearing flange and gaskets
rolling the vehicle over sideways. of each axle to ensure they are watertight. If there are
• Avoid prolonged side slope operation as this may signs of water leaking into the lower body, take corrective
cause engine damage. action before entering water again. Make sure there is
• Operation on side slopes will require frequent use of sufficient grease in the bearing flange and that the grease
the brakes for steering correction since the vehicle seal is in good condition.
tends to head downhill. This may cause brake
overheating or fade. Navigating Calm Water
• Do not enter water if the vehicle is overloaded.
Amphibious Operation Refer to the owner’s manual for recommended load
All Argo vehicles are self-propelled, amphibious vehicles, capacity in water.
capable of navigating water. • Do not use seat belts or any passenger restraining
device while operating an Argo in water. If an
Hazard Assessment emergency arises, you and your passengers may
have to leave the vehicle quickly.
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
• Do not attempt to
Amphibious Operation
cross large bodies of
• Sinking (S) 3 2 2 7
water. Stay close to
• Equipment Damage (S) 3 1 2 6 the shore in case an
• Personal Injury (S) 3 2 2 7 emergency arises
and you have to
Controls leave the water.
• Do not attempt to
General Rules navigate any body of
• Argo vehicles may sink if they fill with water. If water with a strong current. Avoid water operation
water starts entering the vehicle, head to the under windy conditions.
nearest shore immediately. • Use extra caution when operating the Argo in cold
• Be prepared to abandon the vehicle if it appears water. If the vehicle upsets or swamps, exposure in
that the vehicle will fill with water before you reach cold water significantly reduces the chance of
the shore. survival.
• Be especially cautious when operating a loaded • Be prepared to adjust the position of cargo and
vehicle (cargo and/or passengers) in water. passengers so the vehicle floats level.
• Observe the capacity limits. • Care must be taken when encountering submerged
obstacles that may upset the vehicle.
Precautions Before Entering Water
• All occupants must wear an approved personal Winter Operation
flotation device (PFD) or life jacket while traveling in Using the Argo on ice-covered bodies of water is potentially
water. hazardous, therefore, use extreme caution. Exposure to
• Equip the vehicle with a paddle and bailing can. An cold water reduces a person’s chance of survival.
optional bilge pump kit is available from your Argo
dealer and is recommended for water operation. Hazard Assessment
• Lift the rear floor pan and make sure both drain Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
plugs in the rear of the lower body are in place and Winter Operation
properly tightened. To install, seat the rubber portion
• Sinking (S) 3 2 2 7
of the drain plug properly in the lower body hole and
push the lever down to lock plug in place. • Personal Injury (S) 3 2 2 7
• Check that the plug is firmly in place. To tighten the • Equipment Damage (S) 3 1 2 6
drain plug, lift the lever up and turn the lever
clockwise until it is snug when the lever is pushed Controls
down. Replace worn or inoperative drain plugs. Before venturing out onto ice-covered bodies of water, it is
• Visually check the lower body of the vehicle for cuts, extremely important to:
punctures or holes that will allow water to enter the • Check the ice thickness and condition to be sure it will
vehicle. support the vehicle.
• Make sure that any cargo in the rear of the vehicle • Ensure the drain plugs are in place as this will help
Frequency of Exposure (F) Severity of Loss (S) Probability of Loss (P) F + S + P = Risk Rating (R)
1=Task performed up to 3 x / yr 1=Class C – Minor, non-disabling, non-disruptive 1=Limited chance adverse event will occur 7 to 9 = High Risk
2=Task performed up to 3 x / mo 2=Class B – Serious injury or disruptive loss 2=Adverse event likely to occur 5 to 6 = Medium Risk
3=Task performed 1+ x / wk 3=Class A – Major injury, permanent disability or loss 3=Adverse event likely to occur soon 1 to 4 = Low Risk

Type Of Hazard: H= Health (acute or chronic) S= Safety (people and equipment) Q= Quality P = Production E= Environment
 Argo Operation Page 4 of 4

Hazard Assessment and Training Briefing Jan/09

prevent the Argo from sinking if it breaks through the

ice.

Refueling
Be aware of your surroundings when refueling the Argo. It
is the operator’s responsibility to ensure the safety of
themselves, people around them and the environment
when filling the tank.

Hazard Assessment
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
Refueling
• Fire (S) 3 2 2 7
• Explosion (S) 3 3 2 8
• Burns (S) 3 2 2 7
• Exposure to Gasoline (H) 3 2 2 7
• Environmental Damage (E) 3 2 2 7

Controls
• Avoid smoking when refueling the Argo. Smoking
could result in a fire or explosion, thus resulting in
severe injuries or death as well as equipment
damage.
• Wash you hands and face prior to eating, drinking
and/or smoking, as this will help reduce the possibility
of ingesting any petroleum products.
• Do not refuel anywhere near a body of water as it
could seep into the system and cause environmental
damage.

Maintenance
Regular maintenance on the Argo will increase the
reliability and the duration of usefulness of the machine.

Hazard Assessment
Task Steps and Hazards F S P R
Maintenance
• Cuts (S) 1 2 1 4
• Pinched Fingers (S) 1 2 1 4
• Exposure to Various Oils and 1 2 1 4
Greases (H)

Controls
• Allow the engine to cool prior to doing maintenance.
• Wear leather gloves as this will prevent being burnt by
hot engine components if they haven’t quite cooled
enough, reduce the chance of cutting or pinching your
fingers, and minimize the exposure to various oils and
greases.
• Always wash your hands after doing any
maintenance.

Frequency of Exposure (F) Severity of Loss (S) Probability of Loss (P) F + S + P = Risk Rating (R)
1=Task performed up to 3 x / yr 1=Class C – Minor, non-disabling, non-disruptive 1=Limited chance adverse event will occur 7 to 9 = High Risk
2=Task performed up to 3 x / mo 2=Class B – Serious injury or disruptive loss 2=Adverse event likely to occur 5 to 6 = Medium Risk
3=Task performed 1+ x / wk 3=Class A – Major injury, permanent disability or loss 3=Adverse event likely to occur soon 1 to 4 = Low Risk

Type Of Hazard: H= Health (acute or chronic) S= Safety (people and equipment) Q= Quality P = Production E= Environment