Industry alert issued: Risk of cracks in perforated chassis rails
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has issued an industry alert to warn heavy vehicle specialist certifiers and heavy vehicle service providers about the risk of cracks forming in perforated chassis rails.
Read the industry alert on our website
Key points for service providers
Heavy vehicle service providers should make sure:
- chassis rails are inspected at every opportunity, especially near load anchor points like log bolsters or container twist locks, and mounting points for other heavy equipment like hi-abs or cranes
- any repairs are completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, where available
- any modifications meet the applicable certification requirements.
Key points for certifiers
- Make sure the HVEL certification (LT400) for a log bolster attachment confirms the chassis rating remains valid, or a new chassis rating and HVEC certification (LT400) must be issued.
- Consider all conditions of loading in your assessment, including unusual conditions such as side loading from the towing connection or a ‘piggybacked’ trailer.
- Follow good design practice by assessing critical areas, for example avoiding points of high stress concentrations (refer to Appendix B of AS3990-1993 for more information).