Safety Chains

This one is reasonably easy because its all in VSB 1. Your right tho because getting the detail can some times be difficult. It's taken me a while to find the detail on AS 4177.4-1994 (had to pay $37 to download a copy of just the safety chain part).
The basics are your safety chain must have 4177 stamped on at least every 4th link. If it doesn't it ain't legal & if it fails YOU will be liable.

Here's a link to VSB 1

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/pdf/vsb_01.pdf

Dion,

You may find that the current version of the Aust Standard is not called up in the current legislation. Therefore the AS 4177-1994 is the Australian Standard that is deemed to be Legal.

I find this every day with my work as a Building Certifier. The Pool Fencing Australian Standard is not the latest, although there are moves afoot to get the latest AS called up into the respective States Building Legislation.


Cheers Kev

Kev,
acknowleding your comments, however consider that a paper copy of what ever is as only current as the minute it is printed. ie it then becomes uncontrolled.
The only controlled document is that which is available electronically from the sponsor of the document.
Consider that the legislation is lacking and hasn't caught up with the times, although 5 years does seem a tad long.
As for the superseded AS 4177-1994, as it is no longer a supported electronic doc, I would see that in a dispute where the AS is called for, that regardless of what whichever state legislation is being used, it's the current document that will stand up, not the superseded document.
Perhaps point out to the legislation that AS4177 has been superseded and it does not refer to the correct document.

regards,
Dion.

But it does refer to the AS 1477 - 1994 which therefore makes that version the Legal document. Being available electronically is irrelevant as there is still means for that document to be access from the Australian Standards Board, and quite possible also contained within the relevant Regulations which are the explanatory documents used to support the Legislative Acts.


No Australian Standard is correct unless it is actually referred to in Legislation. Just because a newer version of the Australian Standard is released does NOT make it a Legal document.


Cheers Kev

trailers of ATM up to 2.5 tonnes must have at least one safety chain complying
with AS 4177.4 –1994, or as amended from time to time;

The document makes it clear - it calls up the amendments the way I read it

Below may help for QLD Trailers - Mild Steel chain is allowable

AIS INFORMATION SHEET No. 12(a)
SAFETY CHAINS FOR TRAILERS UP TO
AND INCLUDING 3.5 TONNES ATM
Trailers up to 2.5 tonnes ATM must have at least one safety chain complying with AS
4177.4 - 1994 (Trailer and light trailer towing components – Safety chains up to 3.5 tonnes
capacity), or as amended from time to time. This standard allows for steel safety chains in
accordance with the following:
• up to 1.0 tonne, a chain size of 6.3 mm;
• up to 1.6 tonnes, a chain size of 8 mm;
• up to 2.5 tonnes, a chain size of 10 mm.
Trailers over 2.5 and up to 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains complying with AS
4177.4 - 1994 or as amended from time to time. This standard allows for steel safety chains
in accordance with the following:
• up to 3.5 tonnes, a chain size of 13 mm.
The fitting of safety chains to trailers with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) greater than 2.0
tonnes and fitted with a brake system that automatically applies if the trailer becomes
detached from the towing vehicle, is optional.
However, trailers of and in excess of 3.5 tonnes ATM, all medium and heavy category pig
trailers with rigid drawbars, any other trailers without breakaway brakes and all fixed and rigid
pig trailers with a GTM greater than 2.5 tonnes and fitted with automatic pin type couplings,
must be fitted with safety chains in accordance with the information contained in AIS
Information Sheet 12(b) – Safety Chain Requirements.
Draw Bar Safety Chain Attachments
The chain must be permanently attached to the trailer, shackles are not permitted.
For trailers up to 3.5 tonnes ATM, the safety chain attachment can be by welding. The weld
must extend around 50% of the circumference of the link and the adjoining link must have
free movement.
For trailers of and in excess of 3.5 tonnes ATM, safety chain attachment must not involve
welding or deformation of the chain. Suitable pin lock couplings should be used.
The safety chain attachment must be located as near as practicable to the coupling and,
where 2 points of attachment are required, they must be mounted one on either side of the
centre-line of the draw bar.

Seems a bit pointless going to the trouble of fiting rated chains and using ratsh*t shackles doesnt it

It does Graham, though why would Hayman Reese supply such a setup with their towbars?

$5 (consumer price) for a 1.5t rated shackle is not much money, however HR etc don't go down this track of having them stamped. Must be a reason i guess.

Andrew

Didnt get any shackles with my towbar, they came with the van.


They are stamped 2t ones and the chains are stamped as well.

Thanks Graham,

My towbar came with some "blackish" smooth D shackles, with HR stamped on them IIRC.

Andrew