The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
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JUNE / JULY 2013 |
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
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 It's been nearly two months since the roll-out of our new Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP), and I'm very pleased to report that the process of members' product inspections and briefings on the new systems and processes that are now in place has gone very smoothly.
I'd like to thank members for their co-operation and support throughout the inspection and briefing process, which in some instances has taken longer than would ordinarily be the case as it is a new program. As members become more familiar with RVMAP, subsequent inspections are expected to be much quicker.
Overall, members have responded favorably to the introduction of RVMAP, and appreciated the documentation supplied and the support provided by RVM Australia's technical advisors during individual initial inspections.
I should emphasise that the product inspections involve the selected vehicle being assessed against a 146-item checklist that covers all relevant Australian Design Rules and Australian Standards as well as RVM Australia's codes of practice for each vehicle type. The assessment process is therefore extremely thorough and, importantly, it exceeds the minimum standards required for the importation of RVs.
Since the commencement of the roll-out of RVMAP, we have completed inspections on 44% of our manufacturer members. Inspections thus far have been contained within Victoria and we are on schedule to complete assessments on all Victorian members product by the end of July. We then move on to conduct inspections interstate and complete that process by early September.
To achieve RVM Australia accredited status, members must satisfy our technical advisors that they are 100% compliant; anything less is not acceptable.
Members receive a framed accreditation certificate attesting to their 100% compliant status and it is placed in a prominent position within their offices.
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 Public consultation on the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and regulations
RVM Australia recently made a submission on behalf of our industry to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport on its 'consultation paper' on the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. The Department was seeking stakeholder views on the currency and operation of the Act and its associated Regulations, which the Department administers.
The thrust of our submission highlighted the need for all RV producers, whether they are local manufacturers or importers, to operate within a 'level playing field' and abide by a consistent set of product compliance rules and regulations.
RVM Australia has responded to the specific questions raised in the 'consultation paper' and described actions that should be undertaken to strengthen the compliance regime, particularly for RV imports.
The actions described would ideally see RVM Australia playing an active role in supporting the federal government to better manage the process of RV imports and, in so doing, potentially employing RVMAP to assist in that process. Click here to view our submission.
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Introducing Member Update Meetings
Commencing in August, we will begin a round of informal member meetings around the nation which will take place approximately every two months. For members' convenience, they will coincide with the major shows and be held at the show venues.
These meetings will provide members with the opportunity to keep informed of RVM Australia's activities, enabling them to raise issues and provide feedback, and also network with fellow members. Details will be forwarded soon.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
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TECHNICAL
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 Rear number plate position on vehicles
Earlier this month, members received a Technical Alert clarifying the requirements for positioning number plates on vehicles when designing and building products which are spelt out in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB 1) and ADR61/02.
Click here to view the full Technical Alert.
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Review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and Regulations
As mentioned above, RVM Australia submitted its 'consultation paper' on the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
Click here to view RVM Australia's submission which has now been uploaded to the MVSA Review website.
For background information about the consultation process, visit the MVSA Review website.
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Forklifts
Forklifts are a major cause of serious injury in workplaces. They are powerful, heavy and inherently unstable pieces of equipment. They pose risks to both drivers and people walking in areas they are used in.
Thanks to WorkSafe campaigns in recent years, in an effort to improve health and safety at workplaces with forklifts in use, fewer people are now being killed as a result of forklift incidents. However, in Victoria alone, on average, about 250 people are still seriously injured by them every year. And there are many more 'near misses'.
There are two important points to remember about forklifts:
Forklifts and people don't mix. A traffic management plan incorporating physical separation of forklifts and people is essential. The one-page Developing a traffic management plan document provides some basic information on how to separate forklifts from pedestrians. Falling loads are responsible for many deaths and injuries. Make sure all loads are secure before moving. Worksafe's document Forklift safety - Reducing the Risks provides more in-depth guidance to help you increase your knowledge about safe forklift operation and how to reduce the risks.
To help keep forklifts top of mind in your workplace, WorkSafe has produced two new posters that you can print out and put up in your workplace. Visit Worksafe's website. Specifically for the RV manufacturing workplace, it is important to note that:- The safe lifting loads of any attachment used on a forklift must be shown on the forklift capacity plate.
- Holes must not be drilled in forklift tines.
- Forklifts are designed for lifting and not pulling or pushing, and so should not be used for moving caravans and trailers around yards without specific approval from the forklift manufacturer.
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CRVA UPDATE
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 | | Royal Flair's Bill Deralas (right) presents Marinus Beimers of Mt Evelyn, Vic, with his Piazza Caravan package |
CRVA, in co-operation with Royal Flair Caravans, has assisted Marinus Beimers of Mount Evelyn, Victoria, to live his very own caravanning and camping dream through CRVA's involvement in Channel Seven's Better Homes and Gardens caravan prize promotion.
The fantastic give-away, includes a Piazza Caravan package from Royal Flair Caravans worth over $75,000 plus 12 months CIL Insurance.
Read more>
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MEMBER PROFILE OF THE MONTH - ELITE CARAVANS
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Peter Smith and Adrian Cappola
from Elite Caravans are presented
with the first RVMAP Certificate by
RVM Australia's technical advisor,
Daniel Sahlberg
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Since the commencement of the roll-out of RVMAP, we have completed inspections on 44% of our manufacturer members.
This month, we ask Elite Caravans about the experience and their expectations.
Now that you have had your first inspection under RVMAP, did it meet your expectations?
Yes, we were impressed with the thoroughness of the new inspection and feedback on our products.
Do you believe RVMAP will benefit your production or manufacturing processes?
Yes, we believe it adds value but no immediate change in manufacturing processes, other than further quality and regulation checks through production.
Does RVMAP add value to your membership of RVM Australia?
RVMAP is an integral part of protecting both the consumer and the manufacturer in ensuring that the product complies with all the rules and regulations. It shows our dedication to producing a high-quality product.
As a result of your RVMAP inspection, do you believe that you are better informed and/or equipped to fulfill your legal responsibilities regarding product compliance?
Yes, we have a much clearer understanding of our legal responsibilities and obligations. Moving forward Elite Caravans will be striving to ensure we exceed these expectations.
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RVM AUSTRALIA MEMBERSHIP
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 With all the changes that have happened at RVM Australia lately, and the big changes ahead as RVMAP and other initiatives are rolled out, now is a good time to consider the benefits of RVM Australia membership.
RVM Australia membership is open to professional and reputable businesses involved in the Australian RV industry.
If you'd like to know more about the benefits of RVM Australia membership, please contact Gabrielle O'Brien by email or tel 03-9815 2015.
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INMOTION ARCHIVE
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You can catch up on previous issues of InMotion by visiting our newsletter archive.
Click here to visit our InMotion Newsletter Archive.
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CONTACT US
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RVM Australia Ltd
Suite 3, Level 1
21 Burwood Road
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Tel: 03 9815 2015 / Fax: 03 9815 2012
Website: www.rvmaustralia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer - David Duncan
Technical Advisor - Daniel Sahlberg
Technical Advisor - Murray Longe
Manager - Finance & Admin - Gabrielle O'Brien
All information provided in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided for general informational purposes only. The information in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided to you "as is" by RVM Australia in good faith and has been derived from sources believed by RVM Australia to be reliable and accurate at the time of providing it. However, information can change rapidly and it is not possible to guarantee that all items will be accurate at all times. RVM Australia does not warrant that the information contained in the eNewsletter is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your intended use.
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