The inspection and certification process

To establish whether a vehicle complies:

1. Select the relevant sections in both the VIRM: In-service certification and this manual that set out the requirements for the vehicle class and/or type.

2. Inspect the vehicle and accompanying documentation in order to determine whether the vehicle complies with the requirements set out in both manuals (unless stated otherwise, equipment labelled ‘permitted’ must comply with legal requirements). The process for determining compliance with approved standards is outlined in Flowchart 1. Determining compliance with approved standards.

IMPORTANT: When inspecting a vehicle for entry into service, inspectors must inspect in full each item covered in both the VIRM: In-service certification and this manual (unless stated otherwise). This manual highlights where any requirements in the VIRM: In-service certification manual do not apply at entry (eg brake inspection). If the full inspection of a particular item requires the removal or disassembly of parts, these parts must be removed or disassembled.

3. The vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation may refuse to inspect a vehicle because:

a) the vehicle is presented in such a condition that inspection is unreasonably difficult or cannot be completed (eg components covered in dirt, components missing etc), or

b) the vehicle has an insecure load.

4. Where a vehicle inspector determines that a reason for rejection in either the VIRM: In-service certification or this manual applies to a vehicle, the vehicle inspector must reject the vehicle for entry into service.

5. Where the vehicle inspector requires further information in order to determine compliance with a requirement, the inspector must reject the vehicle until the information has been obtained.

Determining compliance of a vehicle component or system with approved standards usually involves:

a) inspecting the actual component or system, and

b) inspecting relevant documentation.

Flowchart 1. Determining compliance with approved standards illustrates the process of determining whether a component or system complied with approved standards at the time of manufacture of a vehicle.

Flowchart 1. Determining compliance with approved standards