Issue 106 | 9 February 2021

Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to fulfil their respective duties and make our roads safer for everyone. Whether that’s ensuring loads are properly restrained, vehicles are up to standard or drivers are properly rested—everyone has a part to play. The NHVR is here to help you understand your responsibilities. Get in touch with one of our staff on the phone, online, at the roadside or at one of our Truck Driver Info Days. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action. Sal Petroccitto CEO

NHVR enters Sunshine Coast transport company premises

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) last week entered the premises of a Sunshine Coast based transport company to investigate the company’s compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law. NHVR and QPS identified evidence of engine remapping, which meant emissions controls and speed limiting systems were not operating in accordance with the Australian Design Rules. Defect notices were issued for the relevant vehicles and a direction has been given to the operator to remedy the issues while investigations are ongoing. > Read more

Research review sparks truck driver health program

To coincide with the upcoming launch of their new truck driver health program, the OzHelp Foundation (OzHelp) has published a review which draws on national and international research findings into the poor health outcomes of heavy vehicle drivers. OzHelp has been funded through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Federal Government, to develop a health and wellbeing program for owner driver truck drivers. The program ‘Health in Gear’ will shortly commence its pilot phase and is informed by the findings of the review. > Read more (PDF)

NHVR files primary duties charges against South Australia company

Primary duties offences have been laid against a South Australian manufacturing company and its executive following an incident in February 2019. The company has been charged with category 1, 2 and 3 offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law while the executive has been charged with failure comply with a duty. The charges stem from the incorrect restraint of a load on a trailer by someone who had not been adequately trained in load restraint nor had any relevant experience restraining loads on heavy vehicles. > Read the full story

Warning over use of ‘suzi coils’

The NHVR has released a safety bulletin to highlight the dangers of inappropriately using suzi coils for air supply to the brake system on self-supporting trailers (A-type) trailers. The NHVR is aware of a number of decoupling incidents where suzi coils have been used as air supply lines to trailers with ‘A’ type coupling systems. In some extreme cases, the combination of the design of the trailer, and the use of suzi coils has resulted in these trailers drifting into other lanes with a total lack of emergency brake application due to the extent the suzi coils have stretched. To ensure trailers that have unintentionally disconnected can stop within the shortest possible distance, the NHVR strongly recommends that trailers, other than semitrailers, are not fitted with suzi coils and instead use traditional rubber hoses. > Read the safety bulletin (PDF)

Minor changes to vehicle safety standard requirements

To ensure that the Heavy Vehicle National Law (the Law), and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (the Regulation) are kept current, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) regularly undertakes reviews and makes changes when needed. Following a recent review, some minor changes will be made to vehicle safety standards requirements, commencing 22 February 2021. Changes will be made to the technical requirements of the vehicle safety standards, set out in the Regulation, including: indirect vision devices blind spot information systems tyres with cleats and other gripping devices classes of retroreflective materials > Read more at our website

Last chance for HVSI Round 6

A reminder that applications for Round 6 of the $5.55 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) will close on 12 February 2021. If you have a project, program or campaign that will increase safety awareness and compliance that requires funding or support to make it happen, we want to hear from you. The funding for 2021-22 is a record for the program and we’re calling on groups to put forward their value-for-money projects and ideas for consideration. Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2021-22 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2024. For more information or to view the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative 2021-22 Submission Guidelines, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi

PBS Directional Stability Under Braking Standard consultation closing

Consultation on the implementation of amendments to the PBS Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) Standard will close on 12 February 2021. For additional information or to provide feedback, please review the PBS Directional Stability Under Braking Transitional Arrangements Discussion Paper at www.nhvr.gov.au/consultation.

Truck Driver Information Days

Come and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days. Whether you have a questions about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, Stakeholder Engagement Officer Peta Smart can assist.

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

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