Reminder: CVSA’s Brake Safety Day inspections set for September 7

Just a quick reminder — we are only days away from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s one day brake inspection campaign.

Brake Safety Day Is September 7

The CVSA’s “Brake Safety Day” is part of the “Operation Airbrake” program and is scheduled to take place on September 7 this year throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Up until this year, Operation Airbrake has been a weeklong event dubbed Brake Safety Week. This year, however, the CVSA opted to pare down the event to the announced September 7 date along with an unannounced brake inspection campaign day. This surprise event took place earlier this year on May 4.

During the surprise date, 9,524 trucks were inspected. Twenty-one percent of those trucks were placed out of service for a variety of violations. Twelve percent of inspected trucks were placed out of service for brake related issues.

Here’s What Inspectors Will Be Looking For On Brake Safety Day

On September 7, most of the inspectors will be conducting the 37 step North America I Standard Level Inspection. According to the CVSA, these inspections will include “both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspections conducted will include 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. Inspectors will measure pushrod stroke, where applicable. Vehicles with defective or out-of-adjustment brakes will be placed out of service.”

During Roadcheck 2016, brake violations were the top cause for out of service orders.

Operation Air Brake Inspection Procedure

Step 1: Choose the inspection site

Step 2: Safety considerations

Step 3: Check air brake mechanical components

Step 4: Check steering axle air brake mechanical components

Step 5: Check brake adjustment

Step 6: Build the air pressure to 90 – 100 psi

Step 7: Check the air brake abs system (if applicable)

Step 8: Test air loss rate

Step 9: Test low air pressure warning device

Step 10: Check the tractor protection system

Step 11: Finalize paperwork, and provide the results to the driver (i.e. out-of-service, etc.)