The NHVR has informed truck drivers that it is now using a new version of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) to carry out inspections.
The updated manual reflects changes made to the Australian Design Rules around the introduction of Safer Freight Vehicles, electric vehicle standards, hydrogen vehicle standards, the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA), and feedback provided to the NHVR.
All participating states and territories have adopted the NHVIM V3.1 into their inspection regimes as of yesterday December 16.
The NHVIM provides NHVR officers, inspectors and transport operators with criteria for heavy vehicle inspections, to ensure “a nationally consistent approach to compliance”.
“By carrying out inspections of vehicles using this manual, operators can ensure their vehicles comply with the heavy vehicle standards and help avoid penalties for non-compliance,” the NHVR says.
Key changes
Identification
The identification section has been amended to include references to secure identification labels on vehicles, which are now utilised under the RVSA. Additionally, the HVIM now also includes a note advising that some vehicles may be fitted with a supplementary label where the engine number is not stamped in a conspicuous location.
Electric powered vehicles
Electric powered vehicles must now comply with the new ADR 109/00. This ADR provides manufacturers with a number of standards to ensure the vehicle is safe. A number of these requirements can be inspected visually and have therefore been included within the NHVIM. These new requirements are available in Section 12 of the NHVM.
Hydrogen powered vehicles
Vehicles fitted with hydrogen must now comply with the new ADR 110/00. This ADR provides manufacturers with a number of standards to ensure the vehicle is safe. A number of these requirements can be inspected visually and have therefore been included within the NHVIM. These new requirements are available in Section 12 of the NHVM.
Dimensions
Following the introduction of Safer Freight Vehicles into the ADRs there are a number of changes to how a vehicle’s width is measured. The most notable change is for motor vehicles meeting a list of optional safety related ADRs which can now have a width up to 2.55m. In addition, some items exempt from a vehicle’s width measurement now have limits placed on them.
Feedback
The NHVR says it “seeks to continually update and improve the manual”. Contributions and feedback can be made by completing the NHVIM Feedback Form and sending it to vehiclestandards@nhvr.gov.au.
You can find the full revised version of the manual here.