Coiled Thermoplastic Nylon Tube Air Lines

The coiled thermoplastic nylon tube air lines between the Tractor & Trailer, Red Emergency Air Line and the Blue Service Air Line, are constantly in the sun and are subject to color fading. Carriers are receiving out-of-service violations to the effect of “second color exposure” when in fact the color has only faded to a lighter shade and is not yet to the second color thus an out-of-service violation should not be issued.

There have been many out-of-service violations issued when there has only been color fading on the top layer of the tube and the actual second color (generally white) is not present nor is the reinforcement braid visible. If the color of the thermoplastic nylon tube has yet to wear to the “white” second color but only is color faded to the lighter color of the tube a violation should not be issued.

A thorough inspection of the coiled air nylon tubes to confirm type of fading; is it color fading thus not a violation? If violation is issued Officer should document description of the color definition, so a carrier can be confident the violation is not simply color fading only.