Heavy Vehicle Standards and Compliance Policy

Purpose. Defines how Nexus ensures every vehicle it completes or modifies complies with the Australian Design Rules, the Heavy Vehicle National Law and the national code of practice for heavy vehicle modifications before it is plated and delivered.

1.Policy statement

Nexus will not deliver a vehicle, or fit a compliance plate or modification plate, unless the vehicle has been verified against every applicable Australian Design Rule and the requirements of the national code of practice for heavy vehicle modifications. The Quality and Compliance Manager is the authorised signatory and the General Manager countersigns every plating authorisation.

2.Applicable requirements

The compliance file for each build must identify the applicable design rules for the vehicle category and the build type, including dimensions, mass and loading, lighting and reflectors, rear and side underrun protection, brakes, couplings and mirrors. The file must record the evidence that each requirement is met.

• Overall dimensions and rear overhang
• Axle group loads and gross mass ratings
• Lighting, reflectors and rear marking plates
• Underrun protection and side guards
• Brake system performance and air supply
• Couplings, drawbars and towing attachments

3.Modifications

Any modification to a certified vehicle, including wheelbase alteration, additional axles, tow couplings and body mounting, must be carried out to the relevant modification code and certified by an approved person. The certification and the modification plate details must be recorded in the compliance file.

4.Weighing and dimensions

Every completed vehicle must be weighed on the calibrated weighbridge and its dimensions measured before final inspection. The tare mass, axle group masses, overall length, width, height and rear overhang must be recorded on the work order and compared with the design rule limits and the customer's intended use.

5.Records

The compliance file, the work order, the inspection records, the weighbridge ticket and the plating authorisation must be retained for the life of the vehicle plus seven years. Customers will be given a copy of the compliance summary and the operating instructions at delivery.

6.Breaches

Any worker who becomes aware that a vehicle has been delivered without full verification must report it to the Quality and Compliance Manager immediately. Nexus will contact the customer, recall or rectify the vehicle and notify the regulator where required.