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Carry Out Vehicle Safety Inspections
Carry Out Vehicle Safety Inspections
For the following units: AURTTA017 – Carry out vehicle safety inspections
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CONTENTS
LESSON ONE
UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE
Aspects of environmental legislation and its implications to work being
undertaken
Characteristics and potential environmental impact of products used in
automotive mechanical workplace or business
State regulations relating to Safety / RWC inspections
Decisions of the Controller can be appealed via the Minister, who may
constitute a Water Resources Review Panel.
Water Quality
Protecting our precious water resources is essential to our natural lifestyle.
Sustainable development requires maintaining and enhancing the Territory’s
surface and groundwater quality.
Water quality monitoring can be in the form of physical and chemical testing
undertaken in laboratories, or can be undertaken using biological indicators
such as the AUSRIVAS rapid biological assessment system (please see
aquatic health publications for more information).
Water pollution can be grouped into two main components –point source
pollution, or pollution from a single industry such as a sewage treatment plant,
and diffuse source pollution, or low level pollution from large areas that is
carried by runoff from bare soils, roads, and other areas subject to poor water
management.
Cars washed in the street can pollute our creeks and harbors. The
wastewater that runs off a car contains a range of substances that may
pollute the environment. These include soaps and detergents, mud, rubber
and grease.
If these substances enter the stormwater system, they will eventually find
their way into our lakes, rivers, and harbors. Stormwater, unlike the water
that enters the sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged
into our waterways.
NOTE: Stormwater and washdown water pollution from building sites and
Commercial/Industrial premises
NOTE: Soil erosion on building sites can be a major source of sediment pollution
in our waterways. In fact, a single building block can lose four truckloads
of soil in one storm. Washed from the sites into stormwater drains this
sediment and any other contaminant materials such as oils, greases,
paints, heavy metals and litter is eventually deposited in creeks, rivers
and lakes in the area. Although a single block of land, on which your
building or business sits, may seem a small part of the water catchment,
the cumulative effect of polluted runoff from a number of building sites
can have a dramatic impact on water quality.
Who's responsible
The owner and the builder are responsible for controlling soil erosion and
preventing sediment from the building site from being washed into stormwater
drains.
Large scale land development, which requires a soil and water management
plan that is acceptable to the local council and the Environment, Heritage and
the Arts Division, will not be discussed in this paper.
The following information applies to owner-builders or single building block
construction sites.
coolants This liquid can leak onto the roads and will be washed into the
drains and waterways. It is harmful to aquatic life. A poorly
maintained system can result in the engine to overheat and over
pressurise the system causing overflow.
oils This liquid can leak onto roads and will be washed into drains and
waterways. It floats on top of the water and kills of aquatic life as
well as effecting birds and insects.
exhaust emissions This gas effects the environment on many levels. As part of its
make up it has carbon monoxide which is deadly. Hydrocarbons
react in the presence of nitrogen oxides an sunlight to form ground
level ozone, a major component of smog,
evaporative fuel This gas is more vapour. It is rich in hydro carbons and highly
emissions flammable. It also significantly adds to the greenhouse effect.
Vehicle inspection
Vehicle inspection in Australia is done on a state basis. Each state or territory
has the authority to set its own laws pertaining to vehicle inspections, all (with
the exception of the self-governing territory of Norfolk Island) have some form
of inspection, either periodically or before a transfer of ownership.
Vehicles powered by natural gas or propane must receive a special annual gas
inspection.
Northern Territory
Vehicle Roadworthy Inspections for light vehicles (<4.5 ton GVM/ATM) are
required once the vehicle is 5 years old, 10 years old, then annually. Vehicles 5
years or older, seeking registration in the NT for the first time require a
Roadworthy Inspection. All vehicles over 10 years old require a roadworthy
inspection every year.
Queensland
Queensland Transport requires any vehicle to have a safety inspection (and the
resulting Safety Certificate prominently displayed) before it can be offered for
sale or have its interstate registration transferred. The inspection checks the
general condition of the vehicle itself (suspension, body condition, etc...) and
certain items of basic safety equipment such as the tyres, brakes, lights,
windshield, etc... The certificate is valid for 1,000 km or 3 months (whichever is
sooner) if the vehicle is being offered for sale by a dealer, and for 2,000 km or 2
months if being sold by an individual. There are some exceptions, vehicles
being sold in rural parts of the state are exempt if driving to the nearest
inspection station would present a hardship, and vehicles that are only being
sold for parts likewise do not require a safety inspection. Sellers who are
required to have a safety certificate but either do not obtain one or fail to display
it properly while the vehicle is advertised for sale are subject to a $500 on the
spot fine.
South Australia
The majority of privately owned vehicles do not need to be inspected to be
legally driven or have their interstate registration transferred to South Australia.
Vehicles with certain types of modifications, specifically engine, chassis, wheel-
base, seating capacity, brakes, steering, or suspension modifications require a
certificate of roadworthiness prior to registration (or as a condition of continued
Tasmania
A safety inspection is required for:
Transferring a mainland (interstate) registration to Tasmania
Re-registering a vehicle whose previous registration expired or was
cancelled more than three months ago
Re-registering a vehicle that was written off and repaired
Registering a vehicle converted from left-hand to right-hand drive
Victoria
Similar to Queensland, VicRoads requires that a vehicle being sold, registered
from interstate have a current Certificate of Roadworthiness from a licensed
vehicle inspector. Additionally, vehicles that are cited by the police for safety
defects must also obtain a certificate.
Western Australia
A vehicle inspection is required before a vehicle can be registered for the first
time, after a lapse in registration, if a vehicle has received certain modifications,
or has been cited for safety faults (a "yellow sticker") by the police. Certain
commercial and public transport vehicles must be inspected annually.
LESSON TWO
UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE
WH&S general procedures
Overview of Roadworthy / safety inspection requirements
System break down for inspection
Industry operational procedures
Hazard identification
Personal Safety
We all have our own ‘DUTY of CARE’ and are required to use the PPE that is
provided for us.
If the necessary equipment is not available to safely proceed with your task DON’T
TAKE THE RISK, take the time and make the effort to obtain what is required to
complete the job.
As Apprentice Mechanics there are some items of PPE that you should wear at all
times such as FOOT PROTECTION (steel capped shoes or boots) and OVERALLS
or work shirts and pants.
The procedures you will follow when lifting heavy objects when servicing a
vehicle
Bend at the knees and crouch as close as possible to the object being lifted.
Ensure your back is kept straight when crouching.
In the workshop you will be often to assess the work environment and make
assessments on risk verses the work needed to be carryout out. You need to
find ways to minimise risk. For example.
Some safety precautions that you might take when working with engine oil or
coolant
When you change oil, coolant or oil filters, it often spills on the floor.
Clean up oil or coolant spills immediately to avoid slip or fall.
When running the engine to check oil pressure, make sure the exhaust
fumes are adequately removed by the exhaust system in the shop or
make sure you have adequate ventilation.
Always keep tools clean and free from oil so they can be used safety
and properly.
Make sure to wear safety glasses
Safety precautions must you consider when inspecting vehicle with air bag
precautions
Connections should be in good order
Airbags should not have any other covers over them other than factory
trim
Ensure the airbag light proves out
Airbags are correctly mounted
(Note: A safety inspection is a not a guarantee to the customer that the vehicle
is in mechanical good working order. It only reports that the vehicle is safe to be
on the road and not a detailed report for internal mechanical operation of
engine, transmission and final drive.)
The ADRs known as the Australian Design Rule are as set of minimum
standards for the construction of motor vehicles and trailers. It basically covers
vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions. In most cases compliance with these
standards cannot be assessed by inspection alone.
The requirements for the test are contained in the title "Roadworthiness
Requirements". The licensed tester must make sure that the vehicle meets the
standards specified to ensure that the vehicle is safe.
The licensed tester must make sure that the vehicle meets the standards
specified to ensure that the vehicle is safe.
It is important to remember that a roadworthy inspection only covers the major
safety related items and is valid for maximum of 30 days from the date of
issue.
RWC items:
Wheels and Tyres
Steering and Suspension
Brakes
Seats and Seat Belts
Lamps, Signals, Reflectors, etc
Exhaust and Emission Controls
Windscreen and Windows
Windscreen Wipers, Washers etc
Body and Chassis
Engine and Driveline
You can source the most accurate vehicle specifications from the workshop
manual
All road wheels and rims must be free of cracks or any other type of damage
likely to cause failure of the wheel, rim or tyre, also the wheel/rim must not be
bent or buckled. A temporary spare tyre fitted to one or more road wheels is not
deemed as roadworthy.
Alloy wheels must bear the appropriate standards mark as specified in VSI 8.
All tyres fitted to the road wheels of a vehicle, must be of a type constructed for
normal road use and must have a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm at any
point on the tread normally in contact with the road surface other than at tread
wear indicators.
Vehicles are fitted with a tyre placards to specify the tyre size, the wheel rim
size and tyre pressures recommended for that vehicle, tyre sizes must be
compatible with rim sizes as set out by the Tyre and Rim Association
All road wheels must be free of cracks or any other type of damage likely to
cause failure of the wheel, rim or tyre. The wheel and the rim must not be bent
or buckled or excessively out of balance. Sidewall or shoulder areas on radial
ply passenger car tyres are not repairable
All pneumatic tyres not marked 'Tubeless' must be fitted with a tube and all
retreaded tyres must be marked with the identification of the retreader and the
word 'Retreaded' and any other markings required by the relevant Australian
Standard.
must be secure and fitted with appropriate retaining or locking devices where
necessary.
There must be no binding in the steering system from lock to lock All
components connected with the steering system should be examined for wear
(eg steering columns, rack & pinion, steering boxes & linkages) ball joints
and tie rod ends must be checked for excessive radial movement. Power
steering pump and associated components must work and be securely
mounted; all fittings must be free of oil leaks, dampness or staining around
seals is acceptable. The reservoir must be correctly filled.
All suspension components must be properly mounted and aligned with no
distortion, cracks, adequate clearance between components and the vehicle
body is accentual and all joints, bushes, pivots, dust and grease seals, wheel
bearings and mountings must be in good condition
Shock absorbers and struts must be securely mounted; they must function
effectively and be free of leaks. Modified suspensions must comply with the
relevant sections of VSI 8.
Brakes
All brake components must function correctly and be securely mounted.
Hydraulic systems must be filled to the appropriate level and all pipes, hoses,
cylinders and reservoirs must be free from leaks Parking brakes must be
capable of holding the vehicle stationary on any up or down hill grade, when
brakes are applied the vehicle must not project outside the normal lane width
of 3.7m
Lining material must not exceeded the minium thickness of 1.0 mm, and
materials must not be contaminated
The thickness of the friction section of a brake disc or the internal diameter
of a brake drum must be within the manufacturers specifications. Light scoring
is acceptable on friction surfaces providing it does not affect the operation or
durability of the brake system. Other brakes and equipment where fitted, such
as trailer breakaway brakes, must be operational
If the condition of the brake lining is below specification you need to report it to
the customer
All lamps fitted must ensure that the lamp and mounting do not interfere with
seat belts, child restraints or their anchorages.
All exhaust mounts must be secure and have adequate clearance between all
other parts of the vehicle and the road. The exhaust must not protrude beyond
the profile of the vehicle; the outlet must protrude to the rear most point of the
vehicle. Vehicles manufactured to comply with emission control ADRs must
have all pipes, hoses, valves, sensors, fuel & air control devices and any
other emission control equipment connected and not damaged, deteriorated or
altered in any way so as to appear ineffective. Dual fuelled vehicles must retain
emission control equipment enabling them to meet emission requirements while
operating on petrol. (air filter modifications may be made suit the LPG
conversion). When running, the engine must not discharge excessive
crankcase fumes and where crankcase ventilation equipment is fitted it must
be secure and leak free.
NOS is not acceptable on motor vehicles used on the road.
located. All latches, secondary latches & hinges on all doors must function
correctly.
Wheelguards must be fitted for all wheels on all vehicles except front wheels
on mopeds and motorcycles manufactured before 1 July 1988
Bumper bars
Bumper bars and bull bars, where fitted, must be secure and designed to
eliminate sharp corners or protrusions, which might cause injury to other
road users. They must not obscure any lamps and bumper bars must turn
towards the body to a sufficient extent to avoid any risk of hooking or grazing.
All towbars must be correctly fitted and in good condition, towball if fitted must
not obscure registration number plate.
Accessories
Additional equipment fitted to the interior or exterior of a vehicle must not
present an undue risk to occupants or others.
However items such as a worn drive belt is not a roadworthy item but should
still be reported to the customer
All fuel tanks must be securely mounted including fuel lines and filler pipes.
Fuel lines, vent lines, pumps, valves and fittings must be secure, free of leaks,
adequately protected from damage and must not chafe or rub against each
other or other parts of the vehicle.
Fuel filler caps must be secure and seal properly. Plastic emergency fuel
filler caps are not acceptable.
Speedometer
Speedometer and odometer must be functional and calibrated in km/h
The reflective surface must not be cracked or broken nor peeled, tarnished,
discoloured or deteriorated so that vision is reduced
Horn
All motor vehicles must be fitted with one or more effective horns or other
audible warning device, which produces a steady sound of constant pitch.
Note for customers is that anytime they purchase a second hand vehicle from
private sale the first thing they need to do before the purchase is carryout a
stolen vehicle check.
This can be done over the phone by calling the appropriate state registration
office and or a REVS (PPSR) check
NOTES:
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LESSON THREE
UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE
Safety with equipment
Cleaning equipment
Methods of cleaning vehicle and parts
Philosophy of prevention, reduce, reuse, recycle
Procedures for documenting parts and storage
Brakes
Set up a suitable decelerometer in the vehicle cabin. With the vehicle unladen,
drive it to at least 30 km/h. Put the transmission into neutral. With both hands
on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a halt as rapidly as possible in a safe
manner with one sustained and smooth braking action using the service
brakes.
NOTES:
1. Some decelerometers require a weight category to be selected, the
categories shown in the first column equate to the brake requirements A &
B;
2. The deceleration values in this table are intended to cover a wide range of
vehicles including some older vehicles with outdated braking systems.
Vehicles with modern braking systems, such as those designed to comply
with ADR31, should be able to achieve much higher decelerations than
those prescribed in the Table. If a modern vehicle is found to only just
comply with the prescribed values then the owner should be informed that
the brakes are likely to be in need of maintenance;
After installing a decelerometer, drive the vehicle to at least 15 km/h. Put the
transmission into neutral. Bring the vehicle to a halt as rapidly as possible in a
safe manner with one sustained and smooth braking action using the parking
brake.
Parking brake test for vehicles designed to ADR 31, ADR 35 or vehicles
fitted with a tandem master cylinder/dual circuit brakes
Apply the park brake and attempt to drive off using a light throttle.
Reason for rejection
a) the parking brake does not hold the vehicle stationary.
NOTE: On some light vehicles the brake force limit might not be reached as the
vehicle will be lifted out of the rollers. Similarly, it might not be reached if a load
proportioning valve is fitted to the rear axle. In both cases it is considered a
pass if the brake balance is within the specified limit.
Towing Attachment
Visually inspect the towbar and its mounting on the vehicle body.
c) Where steering linkages are fitted to cycle type vehicles, the rotational free
play exceeds 10mm measured at the end of the handle bars;
d) Where ADR 69 applies, the steering wheel is not of the same specification
as the one provided by the vehicle manufacturer;
e) Where an airbag is fitted, there is any evidence that an airbag is inoperative
(check the indicator light, where fitted -this usually illuminates when the ignition
is first switched 'on' and extinguishes after the engine is started and the airbag
system passes a self-test).
Visually inspect all steering components under the bonnet and under the
vehicle.
NOTE: Does not apply where an original component has been fitted by the
manufacturer or repairs have been conducted to manufacturer's specifications.
f) with the wheels raised, the free play of the wheel measured at the rim
exceeds 6mm in total or 3mm from any component.
Body Condition
Check the operation of all doors, door locks and latches and the bonnet
lock and latches.
EXCEPTION: Any two of the following three types of damage are acceptable:
NOTE: This rule applies to windscreens repaired with clear resins. After repair,
there must be no visible damage beyond the limits given above.
Test the light transmittance level of the windscreen, side and rear
windows.
NOTE: (i) This section should be read in conjunction with the equipment
specifications in Appendix B2 and the light meter manufacturers' instructions.
(ii) The light meter may have up to a 5% measuring inaccuracy. A vehicle may
be accepted if the readings are up to 5% lower than the minimum light
transmittance.
(iii) The light transmission requirements do not apply to a tinted or opaque band
at the top of the windscreen, provided they are above the arc swept by the
windscreen wipers, or 10% of the depth of the windscreen.
Inspect the wheel arches/mudguards and mudflaps, with the wheels in the
' straight ahead' position.
Check the operation of seats, seat belts, buckles and other restraints, and
inspect webbing and metal stalks.
Speedometer
Lighting
Visually inspect the compulsory reflectors fitted to the rear of the vehicle.
Visually inspect and check the operation of all lights fitted to the vehicle.
At front of vehicle:
1 White Main beam headlights, min 500mm and max 1400mm off ground, with
min separation of 600mm; 2 White Dipped beam headlights, min 500mm and
max 1400mm off ground, min 600mm separation; 2 White Parklights, min
500mm off ground, max 500mm inboard of vehicle side, wired to remain 'on'
with headlights if vehicle built after 7/71; 2 Yellow turn signal indicators (Jan 73
onwards, pre Jan 73 may be white), min 400mm and max 2000mm off ground,
min 750mm separation, max 500mm inboard of vehicle side; 2 Yellow or White
clearance lights (where vehicle is over 2.2m wide), min 750mm above
headlights, max 150mm inboard of side of vehicle; 2 Hazard warning lights
(9/83 onwards), incorporated with turn signal indicators; Optional White or
yellow fog lights, wired through park lights on a separate switch, not higher than
headlights; Optional driving lights as per main or dipped beam headlights.
At Side of vehicle:
2 Yellow to front, red to rear side marker lamps (where vehicle is more
than 2.2m wide and/or 7.5m long), min 600mm and max 1500mm off
ground, max 300 mm from rear of vehicle.
At Rear of vehicle:
2 (1 prior to 12/88) Red tail lights, max 1500mm off ground, min 600mm
apart, max 400mm inboard of side of vehicle (single light located in
centre or right side of vehicle); 2 Red reflectors, max 1500mm off
ground, max 400mm (250mm if vehicle more than 2.2m wide) inboard of
side of vehicle; 2 (8/72 onwards) white or yellow reverse lights, max
100mm off ground; White registration plate lamp/s, to illuminate
registration plate; 2 (1 prior to 12/88) Red stop lights, min 300mm and
max 1500mm off ground (singlr light to be in centre or on right side of
vehicle); 2 Yellow (red permitted prior to 1/73) turn signal indicators, min
400mm and max 1500mm off ground, min 600mm separation.
Visually inspect front and rear lights for the presence of tinted covers.
NOTES: 1) In the region above and to the right of the centreline of the headlight
the luminous intensity must not exceed 437cd. 2) The portion of the beam to
the left of the centreline of the light may extend above the height of the
centreline of the headlight. 3) The 'centreline of the headlight' passes through
the centre of the globe fllament, or equivalent.
Note: this test applies after the engine and exhaust has warmed up -a vehicle
should not be rejected due to smoke from choke operation when the engine is
cold or due to steam from water in the exhaust.
b) Number plate labels are not fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle
indicating it is LPG, NGV or CNG fuelled.
d) The boot lid torsion bars, coil springs or hinges contact the container;
e) The container and its surface mounted fittings are not protected from
damage by vehicle component (e.g. tail shaft) failure;
f) Where mounted within a cargo space the container is not protected from
cargo or other objects carried in that area, i.e. it is not installed within an
enclosed protective compartment;
g) The container or its gas carrying components are located within 150mm of a
heat source and there is no heat shield;
NOTE: This may be reduced to 40mm if the shield is more than 15mm from a
gas carrying component.
e) The anchorage bolts or studs are smaller than the sizes shown in Table 5;
f) The anchorage bolts or studs do not have locking devices (such as spring
washers, split pins or lock nuts) fitted;
g) Reinforcement plates are missing or not shaped to the contours of the panel
on which the container is mounted;
NOTE 2: Where a compliance plate is fitted, the vehicle should not be rejected
if reinforcement plates of mounting points are smaller than typical dimensions in
the Standards Australia code, as compliance covers the whole installation.
h) There are less than four (4) points of attachment to the vehicle structure.
c) Any conduit containing the piping and hoses which pass through an enclosed
area of the vehicle is missing or damaged so that it allows venting to the inside
of the vehicle;
d) The clamps for the conduit connections are missing or loose;
NOTE: If a bumper bar is not fitted, the measurement should be taken from the
extremity of the permanent body work.
c) The tank, or any tank component, is not above a line which is tangent to the
front or rear wheels and slopes upward and outward to the extremities of the
vehicle's permanent body work.
NOTE: An ullage valve is not required if the vehicle is fitted with an AFL.
b) Where an ullage valve is fitted, the outlet does not have a cap or plug;
c) Where a container is not fitted with an AFL, there is no label warning the
driver to 'Stop filling when liquid appears';
d) The safety valve has any damage in the system or blockage to the discharge
pipe, if fitted, or allows the discharge to strike the exhaust system, container or
a bystander, or the protective cap is not functioning or is missing.
NOTE: Where there are any signs of leakage from any component, the system
must be thoroughly leak tested under normal Autogas operating pressure using
an approved gas detecting device or foaming agent solution. The solution must
be applied to the component having the suspected leak.
NOTE 1: The certification is valid for 1 calendar month from the date of issue.
The certificate number and Authorised Gas Fitterlicence number are to be
recorded in the comment section of the inspection report.
NOTE 3: If an automatic fuel shut off device is fitted at the container there is no
requirement to test the excess flow valve.
Automatic fuel shut off device (AFSOD)
Deactivate the AFSOD and run the engine until the service line is empty
and the engine stalls.
NOTE 2: The certification is valid for 1 calendar month from the date of issue.
The certificate number and Authorised Gas Fitterlicence number are to be
recorded in the comment section of the inspection report.