The National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) has urged all fleets to regularly check on truck and trailer couplings.
“Visual inspections by drivers should be a daily routine. Workshop-level visual inspections should be conducted at every service and fastener-torque checks should form part of B- and C-services,” the Association said in a statement.
“A good starting point is to seek advice from your coupling supplier as to the appropriate checks and tests. Find out from them the correct torque settings for safety-critical fastenings.”
According to the NBTA, ADR 62 requires that a manufacturer's rating plate be installed on or near to the coupling. This should show a strength rating, which is called the D-value.
“Note that a manual inspection may not be adequate and it may be necessary to pull on the coupling to reveal excessive movements. Make sure you have a documented workshop-level check procedure that is consistent with the coupling manufacturer's recommendations. Keep records of coupling visual inspections and checks.”
The NBTA will also host a ‘Bulk Tanker Day’ on 4 September at Sandown that will include braking and safety critical maintenance inspection demonstrations.
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