Operation Air Brake 2016
During the week of Sept. 11-17, 2016, DOT Inspectors from Canada, the United States and Mexico will be inspecting commercial Motor vehicles (CMVs) with a focus on braking components as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Air Brake.
This is an annual enforcement effort that is launched with a goal of improving compliance with brake safety regulations in North America.
Having brakes that function properly is crucial to the safe operation of vehicles on our highways. Brakes are designed to perform according to mechanical standards in the most difficult conditions, however, they must be regularly inspected and maintained according to preventive maintenance intervals to ensure that they operate properly when needed.
Improperly installed or adjusted air brakes can and will reduce braking efficiency. This translates into increased stopping distances that can put the general motoring public, sharing the highway with CMVs, at greater risk. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are also designed to help a vehicle stop and to allow a driver to maintain control at all times; however, ABS must also be periodically inspected and maintained.
Inspections conducted during Operation Air Brake will include, but are not limited to, inspection of brake system components to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake system components. ABS malfunction indicator lamps are also checked by Inspectors to ensure that they comply with the requirements.
Inspectors will also be checking the undercarriage of vehicles to mark and measure pushrod travel as needed. Brake components that have major defects, or are beyond the CVSA out-of-service criteria for push rod travel, will result in the vehicle being placed out of service until the defects are corrected.
Inspectors are mandated to conduct full level 1 CVSA inspections, using performance-based brake testing (PBBT) equipment to determine vehicle braking efficiency and compliance with the requirements.
Educational and enforcement efforts by DOT Inspectors is an ongoing process that is crucial to the success of this initiative and has a significant benefit to Road Safety in North America.
More than 3.4 million brakes have been inspected since the Operation Air Brake program’s inception in 1998, with brake safety compliance improving every year.
Get in touch with our specialists (1-800-220-0779) to learn how our systems can help you prepare your business for the brake safety week.
