CIRCULAR 0-3-6
CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR TRAILERS
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Circular sets out the administrative arrangements for the
certification of road trailers.
1.2 This Circular replaces:
·
Circular No. 0-3-5 ‘Trailer Make and Model Designation’;
·
Circular No. 0-4-22 ‘Certification of Low Loader Trailers’;
·
Circular No. 38-1-2 ‘Approval by the Administrator of Running changes
for ADR38 – Heavy Trailer Braking Systems’; and
·
Circular No.38-1-4 ‘Low Volume Assessment Scheme for Heavy Trailer
Braking Systems’.
2.
APPLICABILITY
2.1 This Circular applies to all standard and nonstandard trailers over 4.5 tonnes Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).
2.2 This Circular also applies to nonstandard
trailers up to 4.5 tonnes ATM, which do not comply with Vehicle Standards
Bulletin No 1 – Building Small Trailers.
(Refer to Administrator’s Circular 0-2-7 ‘Certification of trailers up
to 4.5 tonnes ATM’ for standard trailers.)
2.3 This Circular is mandatory from 1 July 2009.
Note 1: Nonstandard trailers are trailers that,
when supplied to the market, cannot comply with all the ADR requirements in at
least one configuration.
Note 2: Nonstandard trailers may be
purpose-built heavy trailers that are designed and constructed for an intended
purpose and it is impractical to comply with the ADRs. These include, but are not limited to, purpose-built
trailer mounted drilling rigs used in mining and drilling applications. Nonstandard
trailers may also be heavy trailers that are built to take advantage of state and
territory mass or dimension concessions such that they do not comply with the
ADRs.
3.
MAKE and MODEL
3.1 The trailer make and model
name must be unique and must not exceed 30 characters each, including
qualifiers and embodied spaces.
3.2 The make can be the name by which that range of trailers is popularly
known. It can also be the person’s name,
business name, trading name, or trademark associated with the manufacturer.
3.3 The model name can be the particular name or code number of which
trailers of the same type or style, made by a particular manufacturer, are
identified for compliance purposes.
3.4 For the purposes of Identification Plate Approval (IPA), the following
would result in a different model and would require a separate application for
IPA:
·
different ADR trailer category (i.e. TA, TB, TC or TD);
·
different trailer type (i.e. semi-trailer, pig trailer or dog trailer (refer
to Administrator’s Circular 0-7-5 Trailer Categories));
·
different number of axles; and
·
nonstandard trailers.
3.5 If the trailer is nonstandard,
the model designation must include the suffix OD (over-dimension, over mass or
otherwise non-compliant) e.g., Triaxle Semi-trailer OD.
Note 3: For
ADR compliance purposes pole trailers, timber jinkers, goose neck trailers and
low loader dollies are deemed Type 1 rigid chassis semi-trailers.
4.
VARIANT CODE
4.1 The
variant code is the particular name or code number by which trailers of that
variant are to be identified for compliance purposes. The variant code must be unique and only used
in relation to the trailer model of which it is a variant.
4.2 All trailers within a variant must use the same brake sub-assemblies
identified by Sub-Assembly Registration Numbers (SARNs) and have the same brake
settings.
4.3 For the purposes of IPA, a change to the SARN combination of Control
System (CS), Foundation Brakes (FB) and Suspension System (SS) would result in
a different variant.
5.
APPLICATION FOR IPA for standard trailers
5.1 Manufacturers must first register as a Licensee in the Road Vehicle
Certification System (RVCS) before making an application. The registration form for a Licensee can be
downloaded from the RVCS website http://rvcs.infrastructure.gov.au.
·
Upon registration an applicant will be assigned a User Name and a
password to enable the necessary application forms to be downloaded from the
RVCS website.
5.2 Manufacturers must also register the production facility and the design
facility using the forms provided on the RVCS website.
5.3 Manufacturers wishing to use an agent to lodge applications on their
behalf must first lodge an Agent Registration form authorising the agent to act
on their behalf.
5.4 A separate application for IPA must be made for each make-model of
trailer. The application can cover:
·
a range of variants; and
·
a range of Gross Trailer Masses (GTMs) and ATMs.
5.5 Applications must be made on the electronic forms available from the
RVCS website. A complete application for
each make-model of trailer consists of:
·
a RVCS Routing Slip form;
·
a Application for Compliance Approval (Trailers) form;
·
Summary of Evidence (SE) forms which are used as evidence for
demonstrating compliance with the applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs);
·
additional documentation, where applicable, may be attached to the
relevant SE forms; and
·
a RVCS Certification Fee Payment Advice.
5.6 Applications
for standard trailers that also incorporate a design feature that, when
engaged, would make the trailer nonstandard
(e.g., extendible trailers) must include a description of the feature and the
ADR clause number affected.
5.7 Each form must be uniquely identified by a manufacturer’s reference
number that must not be more than 12 characters including spaces, dashes, etc.
5.8 Replacement forms for forms that have already been lodged must also be
uniquely identified.
5.9 Applications must be lodged electronically. A successful lodgement of an
application will automatically generate an electronic advice back to the
applicant advising the application number.
Applicants may track the progress of their applications by logging onto
RVCS.
5.10 Application queries will be
transmitted back to applicants electronically as Discussion Items (DIs) which
must be satisfactorily resolved before an application is processed further.
5.11 All applications and submissions
of evidence are treated as “commercial-in-confidence”.
5.12 Where the application and
submission of evidence are made by an agent on behalf of a manufacturer, the
manufacturer must obtain a copy of the application and submission of evidence
lodged in RVCS from the agent.
Note 4: The design feature referred to in clause 5.6
above does not include mass variations at this time.
Note 5: The model name of the trailers, referred to
in clause 5.6 above, should not include the suffix OD.
Note 6:
Where the identification plate is to be supplied by the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government’s (the
Department) nominated plate contractor, the identification plate fee must be
sent directly to the Department’s nominated plate contractor whose details are:
NIDDRIE VIC 3042
Note 7: To
enable the application and payment to be matched, applicants must ensure
payments are identified with the Licensee's name and trailer Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN).
Note 8: An
identification plate will not be issued until the payment is cleared.
Note 9. Each State or Territory
Registering Authority (STRA) issues the VINs of trailers built in its
jurisdiction. Trailer manufacturers can,
with the approval of the applicable STRA, obtain VINs in quantity, from the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System
(NEVDIS) Administration Unit. Their
contact number is 02 8588 5199.
6.
APPLICATION FOR IPA for nonstandard
trailers
6.1 The application procedures for standard
trailers also apply to nonstandard
trailers as well as the procedures specified in the following clauses.
6.2 Applications
for nonstandard trailers must include
a description of the non-compliance against each relevant ADR clause number
together with reasons as to why that particular ADR requirement or requirements
will not be met.
6.3 Written
advice must be obtained from at least one of the State or Territory Registering
Authority that the nonstandard
trailer will be registered for use on public roads or will be allowed to be
used on public roads. This advice must be
provided on request.
Note 10: For
trailers of up to 4.5 tonnes ATM, the Administrator of Vehicle Standards (the
Administrator) will not grant an IPA where the non-compliance(s) can be
rectified to comply with the ADRs e.g., over dimension fifth wheel caravans.
7.
ADR EVIDENCE
7.1 All evidence of compliance must be submitted using the appropriate SE
form.
7.2 For those
ADRs (e.g., lighting and mechanical connections) where the components used have
a Component Registration Number (CRN), an assurance that the trailer will only
be fitted with components with a CRN published on the RVCS website is
sufficient.
7.3 For trailers that do not use one or more SARN approved brake
sub-assemblies, the following additional information about the braking system (where
applicable) must also be submitted to allow assessment and confirmation of its
compliance with ADR38/xx# requirements:
·
drawings and specifications of the foundation brakes;
·
drawing and parts list of the brake control system;
·
engineering assessment of the performance parameters used in the
calculations;
·
performance calculation sheets and performance graphs;
·
torque graphs for foundation brakes, etc;
·
test results if the braking system needs to be tested; and
·
where relevant, an existing approved SARN (surrogate SARN) that may be
used administratively towards assessing ADR38/xx# evidence.
8.
PROCESSING TIME
8.1 An applicant should allow 32 calendar days processing time from the date
of receipt of the last piece of satisfactory evidence to the date of issue of
an IPA.
9.
IDENTIFICATION PLATE APPROVAL (IPA)
9.1 The
Administrator will grant an Approval for an Identification
Plate to be placed on the trailer (IPA) to an application that has indicated
compliance with the applicable ADRs.
9.2 The
Licensee must fit the plate only to the trailer that is specified in the
application.
9.3 The IPA
will expire on the ‘Expiry date’ shown on the IPA document.
9.4 The
Administrator may grant a standard IPA to trailers that also incorporate a
design feature that, when engaged, would make the trailer nonstandard (e.g., extendible trailers). In this instance,
Schedule 5 of the IPA document will identify the design feature, the ADR clause
number affected and include the following condition.
·
These trailers can only be supplied to the market in their standard
configuration, that is, with the design feature not fitted or disengaged.
9.5 The Administrator may grant an IPA to a nonstandard trailer of up to 4.5 tonnes ATM that does not comply
with VSB 1. The following Schedule 5
conditions will be included in the IPA document.
·
Each ADR non-compliance and the applicable ADR clause number(s).
#
denotes the current edition of the ADR
·
Use of the trailer is subject to conditions imposed by the relevant
registering authorities.
·
For new trailers up to 4.5 tonnes ATM, the vehicle plate must include
the following statement in addition to the information shown on Vehicle
Standards Bulletin No. 1 – Building Small Trailers. “This trailer was approved for supply to the
market under the provisions of Section 14A(1) of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act). It does not comply with Australian Design
Rule…”.
9.6 The IPA for nonstandard
special purpose-built heavy trailers that do not have SARNs (see clause 7.3)
will be on a vehicle by vehicle basis.
The following Schedule 5 conditions, as well as the first two dot points
of clause 9.5 above, will be included in the IPA document.
·
The trailer VIN. The VIN of
subsequent trailer variants of the same make-model will be added to the
Schedule 5 of the amending IPAs.
·
The make and model of the non-approved sub-assemblies, if fitted.
9.7 A copy of the IPA document will be forwarded to the applicant for
information and safe keeping. A copy is
also placed on the RVCS website.
Note 11:
Approval of nonstandard
trailers by the Administrator does not guarantee that they will be accepted for
registration and use by State or Territory Registering Authorities.
10.
IDENTIFICATION PLATE (commonly known as
compliance plate)
10.1 The identification plate must be
obtained from the Administrator’s nominated plate supplier. The plate charge must be paid directly to the
plate contractor (the fee due to the Commonwealth is included in this charge).
10.2 The identification plate must be
stamped with the relevant information shown on Schedule 2 of the Approval
document together with the ATM of the trailer.
The VIN stamped on the identification plate must be identical to that
located on the trailer.
10.3 The Sub-Assembly Registration
Number boxes on the identification plate must be stamped as follows.
·
The approved SARN of each brake sub-assembly.
·
The words ‘Schedule 5’ for trailers using surrogate SARNs to show
compliance with ADR38/xx#.
·
The full United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Approval
Number for trailers using an Approval to UNECE Regulation number 13 as showing
compliance with ADR38/xx#.
10.4 The identification plate must be
affixed to the trailer in accordance with Administrator’s Circular 0-3-2
‘Identification Plates’.
10.5 An identification plate must not
be affixed to a trailer before an IPA or an amending IPA that covers all
components fitted to that trailer has been granted.
11.
AMENDING APPROVAL APPLICATIONS
11.1 An amending IPA application must
be lodged when adding variants to an IPA.
11.2 In making the application the
RVCS Routing Slip must identify the IPA number granted to the make-model of
trailer to which the new variant(s) are to be added.
11.3 The fee payable is determined by
the number of variant(s) to be added.
11.4 All other evidence submissions (except for SE38/xx#) will be treated as running changes and do not incur a
fee.
12.
NEW ADRs OR NEW VERSIONS OF ADRs
12.1 All current IPAs must be updated
by the implementation of a new ADR or a new version of an applicable ADR
(unless the previous version is an acceptable prior rule).
12.2 The amending applications (RTSLP
and the relevant SE form) must be lodged with RVCS prior to the implementation
date of the new ADR and allow for the processing time specified in Clause 8.
12.3 IPAs that do not contain up to
date ADR evidence are considered to be lapsed on the date the new ADR(s) come
into effect.
12.4 Manufacturers who place
identification plates on trailers on or after the implementation date of a new
applicable ADR, without their IPAs being updated to include the new ADR, will
be in breach of the Act.
13.
NON-COMPLIANT TRAILERS
13.1 Manufacturers must take recall
action to rectify all non-complying trailers that have been supplied to the
market in Australia.
Note 12: The procedures for vehicle recall are published in the
Department’s Recall Code of
Practice which can be downloaded using the following link:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/vehicle/recalls/index.aspx
14.
QUALITY PLAN
14.1 Manufacturers of more than ten
trailers per year must put in place a Quality Plan to ensure that
identification plates are only placed on trailers of the type approved.
14.2 The Quality Plan must encompass
the quality assurance principles of AS/NZ ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management
Systems requirements and be supported by the necessary documentation, work
instructions and records which, upon request, must be made available for
inspection by Departmental inspectors.
14.3 All trailer manufacturers are
subject to a Conformity of Production audit as detailed in Administrator’s
Circular 0-13-1 - Conformity of Production.
14.4 Manufacturers of up to ten
trailers per year need not have a detailed Quality Plan as described in clause
13.2 above. However, the manufacturers
must keep, for each trailer, a completed trailer final inspection form which
must be made available for inspection by Departmental inspectors. The trailer final inspection form must
include at least the following information:
·
IPA, make-model, ATM, VIN and date of manufacture;
·
for each applicable ADR, the make, model, CRN (if applicable) and part
number (if available) of the ADR related components fitted to the trailer; and
·
if air actuated braking system, the applicable SARNs of the brake
control system, foundation brakes, suspension system, service and park brake
boosters sizes and the slack adjuster lengths.
15.
RECORDS
15.1 A record of the identification
plate placed on the trailer must be kept.
This record must contain, at least, the identification plate serial
number, IPA number, trailer make-model, VIN and the date of manufacture of the
trailer.
15.2 All relevant documentation
including purchasing records pertaining to the trailer design and build must be
kept and must be made available for inspection by Departmental inspectors if
requested.
15.3 All records supporting the
applications for IPA must be retained for at least ten years.
15.4 All other records must be
retained for at least seven years.
16.
NOTIFICATION OF CESSATION OF SUPPLY TO THE MARKET
16.1 When a manufacturer ceases
production of an approved make-model of trailer for supply to the Australian
market, the manufacturer must notify the Administrator of Vehicle Standards.
16.2 This notification must be
submitted within four weeks of placing the last identification plate on the
relevant make-model trailer.