I am very pleased to inform members that RVMAA has resolved to conduct a comprehensive review of its product compliance program with the principal goal of delivering a broader compliance system that ensures increased vehicle safety and increased value of the RVMAA badge.

The review will comprise:

1. A comprehensive review of our current compliance program;
2. Development of a more contemporary program;
3. Increased product compliance across the membership; and
4. Consideration of future statutory implementation on a national basis to ensure a "level playing field" across the RV manufacturing sector.

A special purpose cross-sector representative team will be established to assist in the review process.

The review is expected to be finalised by October and officially launched soon thereafter. More detailed information on the review will be forwarded to members very soon.

In accordance with the outcomes from the Members' Strategic Planning Forum held late last year - amongst other things - a new constitution has been drafted for RVMAA in conformance with the Company Limited by Guarantee model which is more suitable for a national industry association. The document is currently being reviewed by our lawyers and committee of management with a view to it being presented to members for consideration and endorsement at the upcoming AGM scheduled to take place within the next couple of months. I shall provide members with more information on this matter in the next issue of our e-Newsletter.

An excellent working relationship has been established with CRVA through its board, research, marketing and training committees. RVMAA recently proposed to the CRVA research committee for its consideration a study on the economic and employment impacts of RV manufacturing in Australia (including direct and indirect activities), and its contribution to the national GDP and workforce as a percentage of the total Australian workforce. As far as I am aware, such research has not been undertaken in the past in an Australian context and the outcome of the study will assist greatly in demonstrating the importance of the RV manufacturing sector within the Australian economy.

This month's newsletter contains important information about jacks and electrical compliance, plus a New Member profile that will be a new feature in future. And for Members who are heading to the Brisbane show, I look forward to catching up with you there.

David Duncan

Chief Executive Officer 

The attached in-house electrical checklist has been supplied by EnergySafe Victoria to assist manufacturers in this regard. Refer also to: 

• AS/NZS 3001 (Transportable Structures) 
• AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) 
•  Electricity Safety Act 1998, in particular Electrical Equipment. 

Click here for further details. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Neil Fraser at ESV on 03-9203 9771.

This guide is produced and distributed by CTIA of Qld in conjunction with the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland as a reference for members of the Australian caravan industry's affiliated organisations and their members.

The guide has been prepared to assist persons who are required to give advice to members of the public seeking to make decisions regarding trailer towing and/or trailer-vehicle purchases.

The table includes data about many vehicles (not exceeding 4.5T GVM) that have been sold in Australia from 2002 onwards although some older popular towing vehicles have been included. It also incorporates an additional section of commercial vehicles sometimes used for 5th-wheelers.

Data included - where available - is the vehicle year, model, manufacturer's braked and unbraked towing masses, tow ball downloads, specific towing conditions and vehicle weights. 

We remind RVMAA Members that this document is strictly for their reference only. Members are prohibited from copying, publishing or distributing this document in any way without the written permission of the publishers.

To access the latest Vehicle Towing Mass Guide go to the "Our Members" section of RVMAA's website. Go to: Our Members > Member Login > Downloads > Technical. (Contact Gabrielle should you experience any password/log-in difficulties - or tel 03:9815 2015.)

As a mandatory requirement, our Code of Practice & Compliance Standards requires Members to provide, with every vehicle produced, a suitable approved jack.

Jacks and fittings must comply with AS/NZS 2693:2007. This Standard can be purchased from SAI Global.

Members are reminded that the definition of tare weight includes standard equipment and any options. Therefore the jack should be included in the tare weight. 

(Click  here for the ADR definitions.)

About 12 months ago, RVMAA and WorkSafe provided an information day for caravan manufacturers to make workplaces safe and ensure Victorian workers return home safe every day.

The information day highlighted a number of high risk activities that have been identified as major factors in the incidence and severity of injuries, claims and costs in our industry, and presented some ideas on how to fix the problems.

This is a reminder for you to look at your business and ask the question, "Did I learn from the information provided, what did I do about making my business safer, or did I do nothing?"

For further assistance, refer to WorkSafe's website.

The majority of hazards/risks that can cause harm to your business include, but not limited to;

• A lack of or poor general housekeeping - creating risk of slip, trip, fall (STF)
• Poorly maintained electrical equipment, leads & power tools - electrical shock or electrocution
• Electrical leads and air hoses laying on the floor - STF
• Plant - woodworking equipment - panel saws, band saws - amputations and lacerations - a lack of or poor guarding, procedures, training and supervision
• A lack of maintenance on the forklift & towing with damaged tynes including tow ball fitted into tyne
• Racking safety - collapse of racking or stock falling
• Fire equipment, emergency facilities and procedures - inability to control fire, unable to exit in an emergency - insurance issues
• Spray booths & use of solvent based adhesives - fire, fumes & ill health to employees
• A lack of or poor prevention of falls from work on top of caravans - severe injury or death
• A lack of or poor Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - hearing loss, ill health, lacerations, eye injuries and STF
• Handling of materials - manual handling type injuries - biggest claims cost in business
• Falls & trips generally - severe injuries
• A lack of or poor procedures & signage - to assist and advise employer & employee to work safely
• A lack of or poor training, supervision - to assist employee & employer understand how to work safely
• No pedestrian traffic management in place to ensure employees are not at risk of being struck by forklift
• No procedures in place to protect employees working under the caravan.