Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00223:body:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007C00223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 33577–36673

44.2.4.3.3.1.1. for a trailer less than 2.5 tonnes 'Aggregate Trailer Mass', shall be of mild steel and comply with the provisions of Australian Standard 1872-1976 "Safety Chains for Trailers and Caravans" [#];

          44.2.4.3.3.1.2.  for a trailer of 2.5 tonnes or more `Aggregate Trailer Mass', shall be made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress and conform to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain as specified in Australian Standard 2321-1979 'Short Link Chain for Lift Purposes"#; and be of a size corresponding with the 'Aggregate Trailer Mass' of the trailer in Table 3.

44.2.4.3.4.              A rigid 'Drawbar' 'Pig Trailer' which has an 'Aggregate Trailer Mass' of 2.5 tonnes or more shall be fitted with 2 safety chains for connection to the towing vehicle.
44.2.4.3.5.              Safety chains shall be permanently attached to the trailer so that the method of attachment does not involve welding or deformation. Shackles are not permitted. The point(s) of attachment to the trailer shall be as near as practicable to the 'Coupling' and where 2 points are required they shall be mounted one on either side of the 'Drawbar'.
44.2.4.4.                    'Couplings', 'Towbars', 'Drawbars' and Safety Connections for Passenger Cars (MA), Forward-control Passenger Vehicles (MB) and Off-road Passenger Vehicles (MC)
44.2.4.4.1.              The term 'passenger car' as used in this Section includes forward-control passenger vehicles (MB) and Off-road Passenger Vehicles (MC.)
44.2.4.4.2.              'Coupling' for passenger cars (MA, MB, MC)
44.2.4.4.2.1.       The trailer shall be securely attached to the drawing vehicle by a 'Coupling'. When viewed in plan, the centre of the 'Coupling' shall lie on the longitudinal centreline of the drawing vehicle.
44.2.4.4.2.2.       The 'Coupling' shall be constructed and fitted in such a manner that.

          44.2.4.4.2.2.1. it will permit an adequate amount of angular movement between the drawing vehicle and the trailer;

          44.2.4.4.2.2.2. accidental disengagement whilst in operation is prevented; and

          44.2.4.4.2.2.3. it has sufficient strength to prevent separated in service.

44.2.4.4.2.3.       To establish the strength of the 'Coupling' the following tests should be carried out

          44.2.4.4.1.3.1. When installed in its design configuration, the 'Coupling' shall withstand the following loads without incurring loss of attachment or any distortion or failure which would affect the safe towing of a trailer:

           Longitudinal tension and compression -  3 x the 'Gross Trailer Mass' for which the 'Coupling' is designed

           Transverse thrust - 1 x the 'Gross Trailer Mass' for which the 'Coupling' is designed.

           Vertical tension and compression - 13 x the 'Gross Trailer Mass' for which the 'Coupling' is designed.

44.2.4.4.2.4.       The ball of any ball 'Coupling' fitted for use with a trailer having a 'Gross Trailer Mass' not exceeding 2,270 kg shall have a spherical working surface of 50 mm nominal diameter and shall be legibly and indelibly