Operational Policy 5 - Required Repairs for Out-of-Service Notices

Update Ops Policy 5 - REQUIRED REPAIRS FOR OUT-OF-SERVICE NOTICES for when a vehicle is declared out of service, the three exceptions of when the vehicle can be moved under its own power. Currently, the policy has three mechanical violations that deal with separating the power unit from the towed unit, which removes the imminent hazard and allows the power unit to be moved off-site for repair. However, it does not take into account combinations of doubles and triples where these same violations can be found on the semi-trailer and dolly converter in which case, separating the semi-trailer from the second trailer would remove the imminent hazard just the same.

Operational Policy 5 states: “When a vehicle is declared out of service, it may not be moved under its own power to a place of repair. The following are three exceptions.” The 2nd exception states: 2. When the imminently hazardous condition is automatically removed by the disconnection of the power unit from a towed unit, the power unit may be moved. When such an out-of-service power unit is operated, the examination report must carry the notation, "Power unit not to be operated in combination with another vehicle until repaired." There are three mechanical defect conditions, which meet this criterion: a. Defective coupling mechanism on the power unit b. Defective trailer supply valve, as long as the tractor protection valve is functional c. Defective emergency or service brake hoses, or tubing between tractor and trailer This exception needs to be changed to read “When the imminently hazardous condition is automatically removed by the disconnection of the towing unit from a towed unit”

Amend this section of the policy to read as follows: 2. When the imminently hazardous condition is automatically removed by the disconnection of the towing vehicle from a towed vehicle, the towing vehicle(s) may be moved. When such out-of-service towing vehicle(s) are operated, the examination report must carry the notation, "Towing vehicle not to be operated in combination with another vehicle until repaired." In these instances, a CVSA decal will not be issued. There are three mechanical defect conditions, which meet this criterion: a. Defective coupling mechanism on the towing vehicle b. Defective trailer supply valve, as long as the tractor protection valve is functional c. Defective emergency or service brake hoses, or tubing between the towing vehicle and trailer