It’s Time to Stop and Think

Safe Work recently released a new report entitled, “Work-Related Fatalities Involving Trucks, Australia, 2003-2013”, a core section of this report outlines key focus areas to prevent fatalities. Ensuring vehicles are braked properly appeared second from the top of this list, while ensuring that vehicles and equipment are maintained appropriately and correctly was listed fourth. Being the second published industry report highlighting these areas, brakes and brake maintenance is quickly becoming a feature on the agenda of industry leaders and regulators.

Regardless of legislation, ongoing brake maintenance should be a key priority for owners and service management alike. With the safety of their assets, and the lives of their staff and the general public at stake, regular brake maintenance can help lower the instances of some of the leading causes of accidents.

Scene of fatal truck crash in Adelaide - investigators suspect brake failure

According to the NTARC (National Truck Accident Research Centre) report titled “Major Accident Investigation Report” (2013), 25% of all accidents are caused by speed, 12.1% through fire losses and mechanical failure, with fatigue coming in third at 11.9%. Each of these top three causes are shining a light on contributory brake issues.

Amidst the many recommendations offered by the NTARC, of particular interest is their recommendation that brake maintenance be prioritised, citing that the consequences of poor maintenance and misuse can be fatal.

Many of these incidents, both fatal and non-fatal, can be attributed to braking issues. As total fleet sizes experience growth, major crashes are consistently mirroring their growth pattern. With two fatal truck accidents in as many months dominating the media, a greater focus on transport vehicle maintenance should be top of mind for anyone who runs or manages a fleet.

Why Test Brakes?

Safety

Put simply, we test brakes to ensure vehicles are safe to use. For drivers, for the general public and for the client’s product that is being transported.

Legislation

While each State has their own regulations in place, it is becoming more of a National focus from a regulatory point of view to frequently test brakes.

Liability

Regular brake testing allows the operator to keep an auditable record of testing. In the event of a vehicle being involved in an accident, the risk of legal action can be reduced if accurate testing information is readily available.

Economy

Regular testing can minimise vehicle downtime in the workshop, reduce brake lining and component wear, and can assist in decreasing tyre wear -- saving businesses time and money.

OH&S Fatigue Management

As part of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) minimising driver fatigue is a critical component. By regularly testing you can provide a smoother ride for operators, resulting in a positive effect on driver fatigue management.

So what can organisations do? Preventative maintenance is critical. Having the right testing equipment means you can reduce tyre wear, improve vehicle safety, experience fewer brake related incidents, and retain auditable records to reduce your risk of liability.

What is the Right Choice in Brake Testing Equipment?

Roller Brake Testers are widely considered as the most comprehensive testing system in the industry. Using this method produces the most consistent results across all axles. You can test one wheel at a time, review efficiency of service, and test parking and emergency brakes.

In-Ground Roller Brake Testing Unit

Greater safety is achieved with this style of testing with the single operator system allowing control on some systems direct from the vehicle cab via remote control. There are also a number of options to enhance the system including speedo checking, play detectors, emission testers, headlight aimers and noise meters. These accessories give this unit the added advantage of being able, in some cases, to form the basis of a complete vehicle test lane.

With Levanta, you receive the following as standard:

ü  The ability to form a full test lane and integrate with other systems,

ü  The only two year unconditional warranty on the market,

ü  The innovative ‘remote hands’ feature so we can remotely assist your staff,

ü  Detailed test functions and results from the remote PDA application,

ü  A labour saving single operator system,

ü  Pre-loaded job queuing for increased productivity and work flow, plus

ü  Reliable 24/7 support from our manufacturer trained technicians.

Receiving national and international recognition for excellence, you can be confident that with Levanta you have made the right decision for your organisations safety and maintenance needs.

Make the right choice for your business, your staff, and your clients. Choose a Roller Brake Tester from Levanta.