Safety recalls

[cobber]

I recently came across a couple of recalls that may affect some of us.

The first one is regarding bow shackles

www.cranes.org.nz/uploads/2/0/5/7/20572552/urgent_-_shackles_recall.pdf

The next one is for those of you who have fitted RCDs to your vintage caravan

www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/electricity/electrical-product-recalls/eaton-quicklag-elq-tw-earth-leakage-circuit-breaker

Cobber.

[Franklin1]

An interesting story about shackles is on the NRMA website, dated Feb 2016: D-shackle plot thickens, 'warning sign' revealed

Has there been any change to this situation in the last 12 months or so??


As far as the recall notice above goes, re the shackles - you would be looking for the letters IWR embossed on the shackle. I bought the "Trojan" brand from Repco last year, after hearing the rumours about people getting booked. Funnily enough, the chains connecting my van to the shackles don't have any load rating stamped on them, and you can buy 10mm chain in a number of different strengths.

cheers,
Al.

 

[griffin]

Hi Al

I think the new term 'fake news' applies aptly to the requirement of load rated D shackles. On my last van inspection my young, knowledgeable inspector (who by the way can't drive my 3 on the tree Velox for a brake test) happily passed the van, providing I bought some load rated shackles as my old ones didn't comply. I knew this was coming so I asked to see 'chapter and verse' so I could pass on the info to the Forums. He trotted off to get his folder of information sheets and then couldn't find the relevant one and offered to ring the RMS when I pressed further. His RMS hot line found him transferred up the food chain several times until the boss set him straight. NO load rated shackles required for towing, only lifting (as we know). However, it seems some over enthusiast police extend the definition of lifting to towing, erroneously of course.

It will remain one of those old chestnuts that gets trotted out from time to time like flat towing with a rope, illegal for the almost 50 years I've been driving according to the mis-informed know it alls, unless it changed since I retired. It is specifically covered in legislation, setting out the requirements, even legal for night time. I would certainly recommend anyone booked for shackles to challenge it.

My ice cream container of various size D shackles should be good for years to come.

Like all these changes the load rated chains don't apply retrospective to the introduction of the new requirement, something good about living in the past!

George