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OOSC, Part II, Item 1. Brake Systems, a. Defective Brakes - Defective Brake Chart

Entry DateMay 27, 2009
Issue Number09-026-VEH
NameJeff Lewis
AgencyLouisiana State Police
Address1710 Odom StreetAlexandreia, LA, 71301United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone318-487-5902
Fax(318) 487-5599
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

The chart for the number of brakes required to place a vehicle OOS has an asterisk at the end that refers you to an explanation below the box. The first explanation gives an example for a vehicle with a greater number of brakes than is listed in the chart and how to determine the OOS condition. The second explanation gives and example for rounding down the half defective brake. It appears that both examples refer only to a vehicle that has more than 22 brakes.

Justification or Need

If the above is the case then a veh with 6 brakes would only need 1 1/2 brakes out of adjustment to be in an OOS condition and not the 2 brakes as shown in the chart. Some inspectors are assuming that since 2 individual brakes are out of adjustment then he must be OOS. This is an error on their part and they are putting vehicles OOS that do not contain an OOS condition. They are not taking into consideration the second paragraph that advises them to round down the 1/2 brake to the next lowest full brake and use that number for the OOS consideration.

Request for Action

The second paragraph should be separated in some manner so that it is not confused with the 24 plus brake issue. Placing it at 5.a. and/or 5.b. may be a better location because this location gives a description of a full and half brakes.