Throughout 2024, HVIA members have played an active role in the diverse range of working groups on offer. In the second of a series of Talk the Torque articles, HVIA provides an update on its Brake Regulation Working Group.
Whilst HVIA has always had strong involvement in advocating for braking regulations and promoting new safety technologies, it wasn’t until late 2023 at an industry event that the need for a minor, but crucial regulatory amendment sparked the official formation of what has now become HVIA’s Brake Regulation Working Group.
That amendment was the need to harmonise one clause within ADR 38/05 (Trailer Brake Systems) relating to the rounding of a brake system component’s response time with its international equivalent. The difference had the potential to limit the supply of next-generation electronic braking system technology to Australia.
“I was approached by three technical experts in the braking industry, each of whom I have known for many years,” recalls Adam Ritzinger, HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer.
“They explained the issue they were having, and together we formulated a rough plan to address it.
“A short time later, we had unilateral agreement from HVIA members, a letter to the Federal Department of Infrastructure in Canberra drafted, and the Braking Regulation Working Group was born!
“That letter, and the subsequent discussions between HVIA, its members and the Department, resulted in the interim adoption of the international regulation’s rounding value, and the ADR itself is presently being amended to reflect that change.
HVIA’s Adam Ritzinger says the success of the Working Group demonstrate the benefit and power of an industry association
“Results like this demonstrate the benefit and power that an industry association can bring – we can now supply the latest safety technology to the market.”
The working group now boasts representatives from the three largest heavy vehicle brake system suppliers in Australia, being SAF-Holland Haldex, Knorr-Bremse and ZF Wabco, as well as Australia’s leading brake system installers, certifiers and engineers (Air Brake Systems, Air Brake Corporation and Transport Engineering Solutions).
It has since moved onto tackling its second technical regulatory issue.
Members of the group have also praised its early success and hope that it will be a model for the future.
“The industry really appreciates the work that HVIA is doing in this space. We are lucky to have such a proactive industry association,” says Brett Nicoll, Knorr Bremse’s Engineering Manager.
Air Brake Systems’ General Manager Glenn Hambleton adds, “It’s heartening that we can come together in a professional bipartisan manner especially on such an important industry subject, expertly facilitated by HVIA.”
“The collaborative expertise and innovative solutions developed by this group set industry benchmarks, and benefit us all,” notes David Frazer, Haldex ANZ’s Sales and Product Manager.
HVIA invites any interested member to join a current Working Group or propose an entirely new one.
Related Story: Learning and Development Committee Working Group Holds First Meeting