The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification GSR 502 (E) dated August 13 to address the issue of safety requirements for construction equipment vehicles. This is to ensure the safety of the operator as well as public while such machines are running on public roads along with other vehicles.
Currently, certain safety requirements are already mandated for CEVs in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989. This standard aims to introduce Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 160, to introduce several safety requirements, viz. visual display requirements, requirements for operator station and maintenance areas, non-metallic fuel tanks, minimum access dimensions, access systems for steps, primary access, alternate exit path and opening, maintenance opening, handrail and handholds, guards, visual display requirements, machine mounted audible travel alarms, articulated frame lock, lift arm support device, dimensions and requirements for operator’s seat, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), seat belt and seat belt anchorages, rollover protective structure (ROPS), tip-over protection structure (TOPS), falling object protective structure (FOPS), operator field on view, operator seat vibrations for suspended seats, etc.
Additionally, requirements for pass-by noise and noise measured at operator ear level are proposed, amend CMVR 96-A and 98-A for brakes and steering effort and turning circle diameter respectively, which were earlier notified vide General Statutory Rules (GSR) 642 (E) dated July 28, 2000.
CEVs are extensively used for carrying out various infrastructure projects. To provide for the safety of the operator and to ensure safety while such machines are running on public roads along with other vehicles, it is proposed to notify various safety requirements for such vehicles.
The suggestions or comments in this respect can be sent to the Joint Secretary (MVL), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhavan, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001 (Email: jspb-morth@gov.in) within 30 days from the date of notification.
