Operator Safety

Content Source: 2020 GEM em1400 LSV Owner’s Manual (9931124-EN R01) > Safety Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Operator Safety

WARNING

Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures, which are outlined in further detail within your owner's manual.

Read this entire manual and all labels carefully. Follow the operating procedures described.
Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and passenger before operating.
Never permit a guest to operate this vehicle unless the guest has read this manual and all product labels.
Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with this vehicle.
Never carry more than one passenger in this vehicle.
Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle. Cargo should be properly distributed and securely attached. Reduce speed and follow the instructions in this manual for hauling cargo or pulling a trailer. Allow a greater distance for braking.
Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it's safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.
Always use the proper size and type of tires specified in this manual. Always maintain proper tire pressure as specified on safety labels.
Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of non-GEM-approved accessories.
Always set the park brake and remove the key when leaving the vehicle unattended.
The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections and refilling the water in flooded type batteries, never attempt to perform service on the electric drive system, including the battery pack. See your GEM dealer.
Always keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel (driver) and both feet on the floorboards of the vehicle during operation.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.
Never operate at excessive speeds. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for the traffic, the visibility and operating conditions, your skills and your passenger’s skills.
Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow the inspection procedures described in this manual.
Always travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Be alert to changing terrain.
Always follow proper procedures for turning. Make turns slowly, especially when the ground is wet, greasy, bumpy or sloping. Never turn the steering wheel abruptly when driving at high speed.
Always have this vehicle checked by an authorized GEM dealer if it has been involved in an accident.
Always be alert for obstacles when operating this vehicle. Never attempt to operate over obstacles.
Do not drive through water above the floor of the vehicle. Battery damage will occur.
Never operate this vehicle on steep hills.
Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain.
Always be careful of skidding or sliding. On slippery surfaces such as ice, travel slowly and exercise caution to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control.
Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind your vehicle when operating in reverse. When it's safe to proceed in reverse, move slowly. Avoid turning at sharp angles in reverse.

WARNING

Failure to operate this vehicle properly can result in a collision, loss of control, accident or rollover, which may result in serious injury or death. Heed all safety warnings outlined in this section of the owner’s manual. See the OPERATION section of the owner’s manual for proper operating procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment

Always wear the proper clothing when operating or riding in this vehicle. All riders should wear substantial footwear, long pants and a close-fitting shirt. A hard hat or helmet and approved eye protection are recommended when appropriate for working or riding conditions. GEM recommends wearing approved eye protection bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1 or CE. Never operate or ride in this vehicle while barefoot or while wearing sandals or tennis shoes.

Workplace safety regulations may require the use of safety glasses, safety shoes and a hard hat or helmet. Familiarize yourself with local requirements, be prepared for operating conditions and wear the appropriate safety gear.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

WARNING

Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating of your vehicle can reduce stability and handling and could cause loss of control. NEVER exceed the GVWR of your vehicle.

The maximum payload capacity of your vehicle is the maximum weight you may add to your vehicle without exceeding the GVWR. This capacity is determined by calculating the difference between your vehicle’s GVWR and wet weight.

Refer to the specification section of this manual or the Manufacturer’s Label on the vehicle for model-specific information.

When determining the weight, you will be adding to your vehicle, and to ensure you do not exceed the maximum payload capacity, include the following:

operator body weight
passenger body weight
weight of all occupants’ apparel and items in or on apparel
weight of any options or accessories and their contents
weight of any additional cargo on the vehicle

Equipment Modifications

Never install any accessory that grounds to the vehicle chassis. The chassis is a floating ground to protect against electrical short circuits and hazards.

Do not install any non-GEM-approved accessory or modify the vehicle including for the purpose of increasing speed or power.

The warranty on your GEM vehicle may be voided if any non-GEM-approved equipment and/or modifications have been added to the vehicle.

WARNING

Any modifications or installation of non-GEM-approved accessories could create a substantial safety hazard and increase the risk of bodily injury.

The addition of certain accessories, including (but not limited to) mowers, blades, tires, sprayers, or large racks, may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Use only GEM-approved accessories, and familiarize yourself with their function and effect on the vehicle.

Operating Without Instruction

Operating this vehicle without proper instruction increases the risk of an accident. The operator must understand how to operate the vehicle properly in different situations and on different types of terrain. All operators must read and understand the Owner's Manual and all warning and instruction labels before operating the vehicle.

Using Alcohol or Drugs

Operating the vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs could adversely affect operator judgment, reaction time, balance and perception. Never drink alcohol or use drugs or medications before or while operating this vehicle.

Seat Belts

Riding in this vehicle without wearing the seat belt increases the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Occupants must wear seat belts at all times. Always make sure the seat belts are secured for both the operator and passenger before riding.

Operating with a Load on the Vehicle

The weight of both cargo and passengers impacts vehicle operation. For your safety and the safety of others, carefully consider how your vehicle is loaded and how to safely operate the vehicle. Follow the instructions in this manual for loading, tire pressure, gear selection and speed.

Do not exceed vehicle weight capacities. The vehicle’s maximum weight capacity is listed in the specifications section of this manual and on a label on the vehicle. When more passenger weight is added, cargo weight may need to be reduced accordingly.
The recommended tire pressures are listed in the specifications section of this manual and on a label on the vehicle.

Always follow these guidelines:

Under ANY of these conditions:	Do ALL of these steps:
Passenger and/or cargo exceeds half the maximum weight capacity	Slow down. Verify tire pressure. Use extra caution when operating.
Operating in rough terrain
Operating over obstacles
Climbing an incline
Towing

Operating a Damaged Vehicle

caution

Operating a damaged vehicle can result in an accident. After any rollover or accident, have an authorized GEM dealer or qualified service dealer inspect the entire machine for possible damage, including (but not limited to) brakes, accelerator, steering system and electrical system.

Operating at Excessive Speeds

caution

Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds increases the operator's risk of losing control. Always operate at a speed that's appropriate for your skills and the traffic, visibility and operating conditions.

Ventilation When Charging Batteries

WARNING

Maintenance and storage areas for this vehicle should be properly ventilated to avoid fire hazards in accordance with applicable fire codes and ordinances.

Ventilation for this vehicle should be provided to remove the accumulation of flammable hydrogen gas emitted during the charging process. The amount of hydrogen gas emitted depends upon a number of factors such as the condition of the batteries, the output rate of the battery charger and the amount of time the batteries are on charge. Because of the highly volatile nature of hydrogen gas and its propensity to accumulate in pockets, a minimum number of air changes per hour is required during charging (1 for one vehicle and up to 5 for multiple vehicles are recommended). Consult applicable fire and safety codes for the specific ventilation levels required as well as the use of explosion proof electrical apparatus.

Always ensure a minimum of 5 air changes per hour in the charging area.
Always remove any storage covers from the vehicle and open any cab doors (if equipped) before charging.
Reset the charger (interrupt AC power for 15 seconds).

Failure to Inspect Before Operating

WARNING

Failure to inspect and verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before operating increases the risk of an accident. Always inspect the vehicle before each use to make sure it's in safe operating condition. Always follow all inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the owner's manual. See the Periodic Maintenance Section of the Maintenance Chapter.

Unauthorized Use of the Vehicle

Leaving the keys in the vehicle can lead to unauthorized use of the vehicle by someone without a driver’s license or without proper training. This could result in an accident or rollover. Always remove the key when the vehicle is not in use.

Vehicle Rollover

WARNING

Vehicle rollover could cause serious injury or death. The cab frame is not designed or intended to provide rollover protection. Always make sure the seat belts are secured for operator and all passengers before operating. Avoid situations that could result in a rollover. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt steering maneuvers

Driving Through Water

Do not drive through water above the floor of the vehicle. Battery damage will occur.

Turning Improperly

caution

Turning improperly could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or rollover. Always follow proper procedures for turning. Never turn abruptly or at sharp angles. Never turn at high speeds. Practice turning at slow speeds before attempting to turn at faster speeds.

Exhibition Driving

caution

Exhibition driving increases the risk of an accident or rollover. Never attempt wheelies, jumps, doughnuts or other stunts. Avoid exhibition driving.

Operating in Unfamiliar Terrain

Failure to use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain could result in an accident or rollover. Unfamiliar terrain may contain hidden rocks, bumps, or holes that could cause loss of control or rollover.

Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions.

Operating on Slippery Terrain

Failure to use extra caution when operating on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain could cause loss of traction, loss of control, accident or rollover.

Do not operate on excessively slippery surfaces. Always reduce speed and use additional caution when operating on slippery surfaces.

Stalling While Climbing a Hill

Stalling or rolling backwards while climbing a hill could cause a rollover. Always maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill.

If all forward speed is lost:

Apply the brakes.
Switch to reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed.

If you begin rolling downhill:

Never press the accelerator.
Apply the brakes gradually until the vehicle is fully stopped.
Switch to reverse and slowly allow the vehicle to roll straight downhill while applying light brake pressure to control speed.

Improper Hill Climbing

Climbing hills improperly can cause loss of control or vehicle rollover. Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described in the owner's manual. See the Driving Uphill section of your owner’s mnaual.

Improper Tire Maintenance

caution

Operating this vehicle with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire pressure could cause loss of control or accident. Always use the size and type of tires specified for your vehicle.

Always maintain proper tire pressure as described in the owner's manual and on safety labels.

Descending Hills Improperly

Improperly descending a hill could cause loss of control or rollover. Always follow proper procedures for traveling down hills as described in the owner's manual.

Use the brake pedal to control speed when descending a hill. Never travel down a hill at high speed.
Always descend a hill with the direction selector on FORWARD. Never descend a hill in neutral.
Always check the terrain carefully before descending a hill.
Avoid traveling down a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Travel straight downhill.

Operating on Frozen Bodies of Water

Severe injury or death can result if the vehicle and/or the operator fall through the ice. Never operate the vehicle on a frozen body of water.

Hot Drive Systems

The motor and controller are very hot during and after use of the vehicle. Hot components can cause burns and fire. Do not touch hot drive system components. Always keep combustible materials away from the drive system. Use caution when traveling through tall grass, especially dry grass. Always inspect areas near the drive system after driving through tall grass, weeds, brush and other tall ground cover. Promptly remove any grass or debris clinging to the vehicle.

Washing the Vehicle

Liquids can damage electrical components and the circuit board. Handle liquids with care. Do not spray water directly into areas that contain batteries or electrical components.

Precautions During Maintenance

DANGER

The voltage in the battery pack is sufficient to cause death by electrocution. With the exception of battery inspections and refilling the water in flooded type batteries, never attempt to perform service on the electric drive system, including the battery pack, unless you are properly trained to work on electrical systems.

Your authorized GEM dealer can provide battery- related service.

WARNING

Do not work in or near the battery compartment or on any other electrical component of the vehicle while charging the batteries.

WARNING

Before servicing the vehicle’s electrical system, always disconnect the main power connector first, then disconnect any electrical accessory connections, then disconnect the negative cable from the 12-volt battery (if equipped), then disconnect the negative terminal from the main battery pack. For more information about disconnecting the main power connector, see the Main Power Connector section for details.

Always follow all safety instructions in the maintenance portion of this owner’s manual, as well as the following:

Make sure the vehicle is properly immobilized before beginning any maintenance.
Always block the chassis securely before working under the vehicle.
Turn the key off and remove it from the vehicle.
Insulate any tools used within the battery area to prevent sparks or battery explosion caused by shorting the battery terminals or wiring. Remove the batteries, or cover the exposed terminals with an insulating material.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY PLEASE CONTACT GEM CUSTOMER SERVICE.