Given that brake-related violations are a significant cause of out-of-service (OOS) violations, fleet operators must prioritize brake maintenance and inspection not only to comply with regulations but also to safeguard the well-being of drivers and the public. And with the CVSA's annual Brake Safety Week (August 25-31, 2024) upon us, now is a good time to go over what inspectors will be looking for and how you can position your fleet's commercial vehicles to make it through without incident.
First off, this year's focus is on brake linings and pads, so at least you know one area that CVSA inspectors will not overlook.
But there are many essential measures fleet operators can take ahead of, during, and beyond Brake Safety Week to sustain high safety standards throughout the year, emphasizing the critical role of both drivers and maintenance teams.
Prepping the team
During the preparation phase, fleet operators must ensure that both drivers and maintenance teams are well-versed in best practices for brake inspection and maintenance.
For drivers, this means conducting thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections. These inspections should include a detailed examination of all visible parts of the brake pads and linings, looking for signs of wear, damage, or contamination. Performance-based testing, a simple but effective method, involves attempting to move the truck without releasing the brakes. If the vehicle moves, it indicates a potential failure in the braking system that needs immediate attention. Additionally, drivers should be on the lookout for any signs of contamination, such as oil or grease on the pads or linings, which can severely compromise braking efficiency and safety.
Maintenance teams, on the other hand, play a vital role in the regular upkeep of brake systems. During preventive maintenance inspections, they should check for several critical issues. These include missing linings, proper drum clearance, and any signs of rust jacking, cracks, or voids in the linings. For vehicles equipped with disc brakes, heavily rusted rotors can indicate metal-to-metal contact, a serious issue requiring immediate replacement. It is essential for maintenance teams to adhere strictly to manufacturers' guidelines and recommended practices during brake repairs, ensuring that all components meet safety standards and are installed correctly.
Read more: Analyzing Brake Safety Week stats over the years
Utilizing Performance-Based Brake Testers (PBBTs)
An additional layer of scrutiny during Brake Safety Week comes from the use of Performance-Based Brake Testers (PBBTs) in some jurisdictions. PBBTs measure the braking efficiency of a vehicle, providing an objective assessment of its braking performance. The minimum required braking efficiency is 43.5%.
Vehicles that fail to meet this standard are placed out of service until the necessary repairs are made. The inclusion of PBBTs highlights the importance of not only visual inspections but also performance testing to ensure comprehensive brake system safety.
Fleet operators in areas where PBBTs are used should be particularly diligent in preparing their vehicles to avoid unexpected OOS orders.
The importance of educational outreach and data collection
Educational outreach is another cornerstone of Brake Safety Week. Law enforcement agencies, transportation safety organizations, and individual officers engage in efforts to educate drivers, motor carriers, and mechanics about the importance of brake safety.
These educational initiatives aim to prepare industry stakeholders for the inspections and promote a culture of safety within the trucking industry. Through the spread of information on best practices for brake maintenance and common pitfalls to avoid, these efforts help to elevate the overall safety standards of the industry.
Data collection during Brake Safety Week also provides invaluable insights into the state of brake safety across the industry. Inspectors collect detailed data on brake systems and violations, which is then analyzed and reported by the CVSA. This data not only highlights the most common issues found during inspections but also tracks trends over time, helping industry stakeholders identify areas for improvement.
For instance, a focus on brake linings and pads this year stems from data indicating a high incidence of issues with these components. The results of these data analyses can inform future regulations, training programs, and best practices, contributing to a continuous improvement cycle in vehicle safety.
The significance of Brake Safety Week extends beyond the immediate inspections and data collection. It serves as a reminder and an opportunity for fleet operators to review and enhance their safety protocols.
Regular and thorough brake inspections should not be confined to this designated week; they should be an integral part of the fleet’s ongoing maintenance program. Fleet operators should view Brake Safety Week as a catalyst for reinforcing a culture of safety, where every member of the team—from drivers to maintenance staff—is committed to upholding the highest safety standards.
