TIPSFORUSING4WD-DepartmentofBiologicalSciences.docVIP

TIPS FOR 4WD Vehicle Recovery. The following information provided is based on the experience of staff within the Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University. Persons giving inductions for use of Department managed vehicles are members of the Fieldwork Safety Committee as appointed by the Department. They should not be regarded as instructors and have received no formal training other than Level 3 Advance 4WD Training by the VETAB accredited Off Road Driver Training PTY LTD. All aspects of the vehicle recovery must be done safely without danger to participants and general public. Where drivers intend to use vehicles that are managed by individual research groups within the Department, such as the Ecology and the Kohen research groups, the responsibility of induction remains within such groups. Before using a Department vehicle, students must receive a vehicle induction from a member of the Fieldwork Safety Committee and provide a photocopy of their drivers licence to the Head of Biological Sciences. At the beginning of a vehicle induction, inform participants of the University’s policies on long distance driving and driver training. DO NOT ENGAGE 4WD ON dry hard-surfaced roads. BEFORE ENGAGING 4WD. Before engaging 4WD, assess the driving conditions that you are about to enter. Most 4WDs now have automatic front diff lockers that activate when H4 4WD is engaged. However, if using an old model 4WD, have one person lock the front wheel hubs, preferably the driver, and leave the hubs locked until you are ready to return home. If driving through dense vegetation, lower radio antenna and turn in the side mirrors. Lower the tyre pressures unless traveling over either very muddy or rough surfaces. Take particular care to avoid sharp stones and spiky vegetation. TYRE PRESSURES. Normal: 32 psi front and rear Under load: Up to 36 psi front, up to 44 psi rear. Loose Dirt Roads: Reduce pressure to 20%; e.g. without load, 26 psi front and rear. Sand: 22 psi down to 15