Regulation News

Certification for onboard mass units

Commonly known as weigh scales or mass systems, OBM units typically utilise load cell or air pressure technologies to measure the axle group mass and gross vehicle mass of heavy vehicle combinations. 
?We are formally signalling to industry to start talking,? said Gavin Hill, TCA?s general manager of strategic development.
The TCA will conduct type approval for the OBM systems and provide a government certification that a unit meets the requirements and standards set down, Hill told Quarry.
He said that TCA?s specifications would include looking at interface protocols, environmental standards, tamper evidence, installation and installers as well as maintenance and quality systems.
?It will provide a level of assurance as these products are expensive,? said Hill. ?It will give confidence. We?ve approached the industry (OBM). We?ve opened the door to manufacturers and suppliers and had a good response.?
According to Hill, there are six to seven major players in the Australian market but there are new ones emerging, especially from Asia, that may not meet the standards.
?Transport operators have adopted the use of OBM systems as a way to manage commercial obligations and mass compliance,? TCA chief executive officer Chris Koniditsiotis explained. ?However, OBM units have not always met expectations, with problems being cited about their ongoing accuracy, performance and quality systems,? said Koniditsiotis. 
National specifications
TCA will type-approve OBM units against a nationally agreed performance-based functional and technical specification, to provide transport operators with greater confidence in their use.
The move towards the type-approval of OBM units follows considerable work by TCA in consultation with road and transport agencies, the OBM industry and transport operators. An initial evaluation of all OBM units by TCA commenced in 2008, which led to the development of a draft functional and technical specification.
?TCA is now encouraging parties within the OBM industry to begin their engagement with TCA in preparation for the start of the type-approval process,? said Koniditsiotis.
?We hope to be finished by the end of the year,? said Hill.
Sources: Transport Certification Authority

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