This is the second of two informational pieces from Bendix to aid vehicle owners and service providers in preparing for Brake Safety Week 2015, which will be held next week (Sept. 6-12). For more on Bendix’s safety tips, please click here.
Bendix says Operation Airbrake targets the following items for inspection during its roadside procedures:
- Driver’s license
- Registration
- Low air warning device
- Pushrod travel (adjustment)
- Brake linings/drums
- Leaks and air loss rate
- Tractor protection system
Brake Safety Week inspections generally fall under the Level IV category of North American Standard Inspection Levels, being one-time examinations of a particular item. Bendix says CVSA’s Web page notes that some inspections may fall under Level I – the more thorough North American Standard Inspection – and that in 10 jurisdictions, overall vehicle braking efficiency will be tested using performance-based brake testing (PBBT) equipment.
Once a vehicle has been selected and made safe for inspection, Bendix says the Operation Airbrake procedure follows these steps:
- Checking the air brake mechanical components
- Checking the steering axle air brake mechanical components
- Checking the brake adjustment
- Building the air system’s pressure to 90-100 psi
- Checking the air brake antilock braking system, if applicable
- Testing the air loss rate, if necessary
- Testing the low air pressure warning device
- Checking the tractor protection system
- Finalizing the paperwork and providing the results to the driver
For more detailed guidelines, Bendix says fleets should refer to TMC/ATA Recommended Practice 627A (RP627A), which provides out-of-service criteria for both air disc and foundation drum brakes, and aligns directly with CVSA inspection guidelines.
Bendix also says it has more resources to support fleets, owner-operators, and technicians in keeping vehicles on the road and operating safely at www.brake-school.com. The company says its online school provides free access to Bendix’s regularly growing knowledge database and technical resources.
“As important as it is at Bendix to continually improve commercial vehicle safety technologies, it’s equally vital that we support and promote safe vehicle operation, which includes keeping vehicles on the road and in good working condition,” says Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs. “Properly maintained safety systems are an absolutely crucial component in creating safer highways.”
