Operator protection device

An operator protection device (OPD) is a device that protects the operator of machinery.

The term has been adopted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to describe devices used to protect all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders from being crushed in the event of an accident.^[1][2][3]

In the event of an ATV rollover, an OPD will flex over or around a person on the ground while bearing the load of the ATV - thus preventing the rider from being crushed.^[3][4]

In 2017 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) began investigating the mandatory safety standard for ATVs.^[2] This resulted in legislation requiring all new quad bikes to have an operator protection device (OPD) fitted.^[5]

The safety standard issued by the ACCC specified two models: the Quadbar and the ATV Lifeguard.^[5] Since the standard has been issued, the makers of ATV Lifeguard have developed and released the QuadGuard.^[6]

OPDs are sometimes referred to as crush protection devices (CPD) or roll-over protective structures (ROPS).^[7]