Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402:body:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 46502–49756

of down time

           * inspection centre waiting time by time of day

           * number of vehicles denied inspection because of testing hazards, by type of hazard

           * gas analyser and dynamometer audit results i.e. passes and fails

           * customer calls and complaints

           * number of inspections and pass/fail results by inspection lane and inspector.

3.9   Quality Control and Audit

 Effective quality control and audit procedures are essential to ensure that appropriate levels of customer service are maintained and that the owners of vehicles tested under the program have confidence in its integrity.  A preventive maintenance and quality control program should be implemented to ensure:

           * the operating reliability of inspection equipment and computer systems

           * the timely detection of non-compliance with inspection procedures, including fraudulent inspections.

 A quality control program should include:

           * daily, weekly, monthly and any other periodic checklists needed to check the condition of all equipment

           * the use of approved calibration gases

           * maintenance of equipment calibration records, including the actual values of test gases contained in the calibration gas cylinders and calibration results

           * complete documentation of all equipment used for emissions inspections

           * development of a maintenance and calibration manual

           * complete procedures manuals in each station

           * development and maintenance of software documentation

           * installation of surveillance cameras in queue lanes to monitor vehicle volumes and lane inspector performance.

 All test and repair program facilities should be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities.

 Schedule A (3) Guideline on audited maintenance programs for diesel vehicles

1.       Objective

 To improve the emissions performance of in-service diesel vehicles by ensuring they are maintained in a manner that can be shown to minimise excess emissions.

2.       Scope

 A vehicle that has not been modified from manufacturer's specifications and which has been maintained to the specifications of the manufacturer should not become a polluting vehicle (i.e. its emissions should not exceed the limits specified in the standard established by the Australian Transport Council or successor body).

 There are strategically different approaches to maintenance that can be equally valid if used correctly.  For example regularly scheduled maintenance is one approach, but increasingly large fleets utilise 'on condition' maintenance that puts in place methods to detect the need for maintenance, for example measuring sump oil quality at regular intervals.

 Evidence of good maintenance could therefore be presented by operators as proof that their vehicles continue to comply with emission standards.  Other operators and the public would require some audit of the maintenance regime to ensure the credibility of the program.

 Operators may choose to enter an audited maintenance program for a number of reasons. They may wish to:

           * improve the resale value of their vehicles;

           * improve