HVIA and its members have submitted final evidence and documentation to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) aimed at aligning Australian braking standards with European standards.
The submission, whilst simple in nature, proposes to see the latest generation of trailer electronic braking systems (TEBS) utilise more of the functionality incorporated in TEBS valves.
If successful, this would allow more widely for future circuits to have the option to remove the Australian-specific spring-brake control valve due to a proposed clause change around failure conditions for air reservoirs.
The submission – available here – details the proposed changes to Australian Design Rule (ADR) 38/05 and includes a comprehensive gap analysis.
The proposed change essentially allows a brake tank failure to bring on the brakes of a moving trailer, if the air pressure in the reservoirs fall below a certain threshold, and would remove the requirement for a spring-brake relay valve to be fitted.
It’s important to note that this change is still at the proposal stage and, as such, HVIA encourages operators and trailer manufacturers to always contact their brake supplier if in doubt or for any enquiries regarding their braking circuit and ADR compliance.
The analysis and final submission were provided at the Department’s request to confirm that the changes will not negatively impact existing vehicles and that all relevant factors have been addressed.
HVIA would like to thank the experts from both Germany and Australia who contributed to this submission and ensured that the appropriate technical detail was found.
In addition, HVIA also thanks all members who showed interest and contributed to the submission, including SAF-Holland Haldex, Knorr-Bremse and ZF Wabco, as well as Air Brake Systems, Air Brake Corporation, Transport Engineering Solutions, BPW Transpec and Transport Equipment Australia.
If other HVIA members would like to join the Brakes and Related Technology Working Group, please contact Rachel Michaud at r.michaud@hvia.asn.au.