SOMETHING FOR THE TOOL BOX

If we are going to be effective at bringing compliance numbers up and defects down, we have to start at the root, having the driver performing proper and thorough pre-trip inspections.  To simply say "make sure you do your pre-trips" is not enough.  An effort to have components make up for lack of actual; physical checks can only go so far.  In many cases it only feeds apathy and laziness.  The overstating of component efficiency actually gives opportunity for excuses to a step backwards instead of forwards.  A simple singular all encompassing procedure with one complete tool can alleviate the confusion and backwards steps that seem to have been created. 

Take for instance, a toaster is automatic and yet a malfunction or lack of attention to the settings results in burnt toast.  No matter who or where you are; you have had burnt toast at some point and time.  The same scenario is true for brakes, only much more serious.  A clear solution to the problem is to facilitate a simple quick, easy routine procedure for a driver with emphasis on better positioning and what clues to look for.  A driver does not even have to know the exact problem just that the clues show that there is a problem.  The mechanic can then pinpoint and fix the problem.  Money is saved and better spent with the mechanic repairing problems rather than searching to see if there is one.   Clues like a slack adjuster not returning to rest position or returning slowly indicating return spring problem or bushings seizing.  The driver does not have to pinpoint which problem just that this indicates there is a problem.  You can't see .0025 space between the shoe and drum and few are going to measure but if you have adjusted to 1/2 or 3/4 inch pull, a simple tap on the drum will let you hear if you are adjusted too tight or if you could adjust one more notch.  These simple steps can be taken to ensure compliance by the driver, they are not rocket science and they take little practice or knowledge to achieve.  When I developed the TRUCKIRON simplicity, ease, positioning, quickness and putting routine into a thorough inspection was the goal.  Compliance being achieved no matter whether you have manual or automatic adjusters or what type of suspension you have.  EPIC CANADA CONSULTING not only supplies the tool to achieve this but also the information via website, video and direct consultation.  Attention to the promotion of these simple steps and willingness to put the tools and information in the drivers hands will be the only way to achieve the compliance the industry seeks.  We need to put as much effort into ensuring that we have facilitated proper and thorough inspections as we have put into components and gadgets that fool us into thinking that they can do what isn't being done.

We must streamline regulations to get rid of confusion and time wasted trying to coordinate compliance through all jurisdictions a load must pass, so as the driver has more time to concentrate on safety matters.  We must have traffic regulators checks be realistic and reflect the real world. An 80 psi applied check may find a mechanical defect or may actually cause a defect at the time of a scale inspection but does not reflect whether the brake actually was in adjustment or out of adjustment.  You may have just found a point where that particular component will yield.  At 80 psi this would be considered an emergency application meaning you are standing hard on your brakes.  If you are properly adjusted and have no ABS, your wheels are locked up.  No more braking power is going to be accomplished.  You may cause a bent camshaft or other problems but brake adjustment isn't going to be the problem until after it is bent.  Adjustment to one notch from a clear ring on the drum is going to lock up at 80 psi.  If you have ABS the pressure is going to be limited down to prevent lock-up.  An 80 psi check hardly reflects a relevancy to adjustment but more how much pressure a given component can stand before it yields to that pressure.  A 40 to 50 psi check is a closer reality to adjustment.  A fine to a driver for obvious lack of adjustment is a fair and good thing.  A fine to a driver for a component that could not stand the pressure and may have actually caused said component to fail at that moment can hardly be deemed realistic, especially when any more adjustment than 1 notch from a clear ring is not going to give any more braking power.  Again, a procedure a driver can regularly accomplish and a regulatory check that reflects that realistically will bring about compliance and safety that we long for. 80psi. may be necessary for inspectors to find defects and to fine for sub- standard equipment. 40 to 50psi. test is more reflective of adjustment and for a fine to the driver, for the lack thereof. Two tests; one for adjustment and one to detect defects, might be more reflective of compatancy.

A driver can be convinced to do something that is realistic and that can be accomplished in a timely, easy, routine manner, but a driver is going to give up when faced with unrealistic, clumsy procedures and regulatory checks which seem impossible to meet because the check caused the component to yield under pressure and negate the fact that he actually did all that he could do.  The solutions to compliance have less to do with components but more so with the information and tools supplied to the last line of defense of which there is no replacement! and that is the driver.

The vast majority of defects are a result of a poor or non existent safety inspection.  Automatics have helped to keep brakes adjusted even though they are not checked, but can only do so much.  Routine regular checks can bring about zero defects on all equipment.

At EPIC CANADA CONSULTING we believe we have the tool and procedures to attain this goal.

Written by

Robert B. Mennie

Professional Driver and President and CEO of

EPIC CANADA CONSULTING LTD.