Brake Safety Week Starts Sunday: Are Your Trucks Ready?

The importance of brake safety cannot be overstated, especially for commercial vehicles that traverse our roads daily. As the Brake Safety Week approaches from August 24-30, it’s crucial for fleet operators, drivers, and maintenance teams to prepare adequately and ensure that their vehicles meet safety standards. This initiative by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) serves not just as a reminder but as an essential check to guarantee that trucks are roadworthy and safe for all users of the highway.

Understanding the criteria and practices surrounding brake safety can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring compliance during inspections. Are you ready to put your fleet to the test?

Index

Understanding brake safety inspections
Drum and rotor out-of-service criteria
Going beyond drums and rotors
Preparing for Brake Safety Week
Daily checks
Weekly checks
The role of professional inspections
Learning from inspectors

Understanding brake safety inspections

During Brake Safety Week, CVSA inspectors will be conducting thorough Level 1 vehicle inspections, which are comprehensive evaluations of a truck’s overall condition, with a special focus on brake systems and their components. This year, the spotlight is particularly on brake drums and rotors, as issues with these crucial parts can lead to inefficiencies in braking and pose serious safety risks.

According to CVSA, defective brake drums and rotors can potentially dislodge while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in damage to other vehicles or, more tragically, causing injuries or fatalities among the motoring public. In a recent unannounced brake safety inspection, out of 4,569 inspections conducted, 91.3% of trucks were found to be free of defects in drum and rotor components. However, 398 trucks were sidelined due to various brake-related issues, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance.

Drum and rotor out-of-service criteria

It’s crucial for fleet operators to familiarize themselves with the specific criteria that can lead to a truck being marked as out of service (OOS). The following conditions related to drums and rotors are considered serious violations:

Cracks in drums: Any external crack or one that opens when brakes are applied.
Missing or damaged drums/rotors: Parts that are missing or appear compromised can lead to catastrophic failures.
Cracked rotors: Cracks that extend more than 75% of the friction surface.
Wear through vents: Rotors worn to or through their center vents can significantly impair braking performance.
Metal-to-metal contact: Indications of contact between metal surfaces can lead to rapid deterioration.
Severe rusting: Extensive rust on the friction surfaces of rotors can reduce braking effectiveness.
Contamination: Oil or grease on the friction surface can severely impair braking performance.

Going beyond drums and rotors

While the focus may be on brake drums and rotors, inspectors conduct a comprehensive check of the entire braking system. It's essential to recognize that all components play a vital role in the safety and functionality of the vehicle. Here are some critical areas where inspectors will be paying special attention:

Air leaks in brake components and lines, which can lead to loss of braking power.
Air pressure levels, ensuring they remain within the target range of 90-100 psi.
Condition of springs in the parking brake housing, which must be intact.
Integrity of tubing and hoses to prevent wear and potential ruptures.
Matching sizes of air brake chambers across axles to ensure uniform braking.
Presence of any loose, cracked, or missing parts that could compromise the system.
Functionality of the tractor protection system, which is critical for safe operation.

As Brian Screeton from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems notes, “What goes on in the wheel-ends and braking system directly impacts multiple aspects of safe vehicle operation.” Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure that all elements function harmoniously and safely.

Preparing for Brake Safety Week

As Brake Safety Week approaches, it’s the opportune moment for fleet operators and drivers to scrutinize their brake systems carefully. Continuous maintenance and pre-trip inspections can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant problems. Here are some recommended practices:

Daily checks

Inspect air brake chambers, pushrods, and slack adjusters for damage or looseness.
Ensure that slack adjusters are aligned correctly across each axle.
Evaluate the condition and positioning of tubing and hoses.
Check for moisture in the air system to prevent contamination.

Weekly checks

Conduct a brake application while monitoring for air leaks.
Examine disc brake rotors for any signs of cracks or wear.
Inspect drum brake linings and drums for signs of deterioration or failure.

By adhering to these checks, you can enhance the likelihood of maintaining a safe fleet. Moreover, CVSA provides a handy brake inspection checklist to guide drivers through the inspection process effectively.

The role of professional inspections

If your company has access to inspection lanes or triage facilities, make use of them regularly. Even a brief inspection by a trained professional can uncover issues that a driver might overlook. It’s also advisable for maintenance personnel to procure a copy of the CVSA's North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria handbook. Familiarity with the standards used by inspectors can help align your maintenance practices with safety requirements.

Learning from inspectors

Brake Safety Week is not just about enforcement; it's also an opportunity for education. Inspectors are often willing to engage with drivers, providing valuable insights into conducting effective brake inspections. While they may not be mechanics, they can offer tips that will empower drivers to enhance their routines and ensure safety on the roads.

As we gear up for this critical week, it’s essential to approach it with the seriousness it deserves. Regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and a proactive attitude towards safety will not only help in passing inspections but will also contribute to the overall safety of our roadways.

For additional insights on preparing for Brake Safety Week, consider watching this informative video: