The NHVR engages HVIA to draft VSB6 tipper code

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has requested that Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) lead the development of a new VSB6 modification code that covers the design of tipper bodies.

Following the release of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) Version 3 in July 2017, both HVIA and the NHVR received feedback from tipper body manufacturers revealing confusion over the best way to achieve compliance.

Australian Standard AS1418.8 section 4 sets the requirements for tip truck hoisting systems (tipper body systems). These standards have been adopted as part of VSB6 Version 3. 

NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance Manager Peter Austin said the development of a new tipper code would be informed by industry experts in building tipper bodies. “We’ve asked HVIA to provide a draft of the code in consultation with the industry,” Mr Austin said.

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking welcomed the opportunity to draft the modification code. 

“This has been an issue raised with us by our members and we look forward to working with them to find a solution.

”HVIA has a proud history of working with Government to find technical solutions, including drafting numerous sections of VSB6 30 years ago”, Mr Hacking said.

HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer, Paul Caus explained that to be compliant with the standards, re-design of tipper body system components may be necessary in some cases.

“The NHVR recognised the amount of engineer-level work that designing tipping systems requires, and that clearer design guidance is required than outlined in the current VSB6 Section J ” Mr Caus said.

“Rather than requiring an engineer to assess every tipper body installation, the NHVR is proposing a two stage design-modification approach be adopted.”

“Over the next few weeks HVIA will confer with members who design, manufacture and certify tippers towards creating a working group for the project.”

Members wishing to be involved in drafting these two new tipper codes, should contact Paul Caus at p.caus@hvia.asn.au or 04137 901 669.   

Download the information sheet: Vehicle Standards Guide (VSG) 17 (PDF)