Weighbridges Weighing Rules in Australia and More Facts
Looking to buy a weighbridge in Australia? Know the rules, regulations, safety measures and more facts before purchasing.
If you’re in an industry that involves moving heavy goods around, then the chances are that you know something about weighbridges already. Weighbridges are used to weigh heavy vehicles. This is usually with the objective of determining the mass of the load being transported.
It’s important in many industries to be able to measure the weight of heavy loads accurately. This is necessary for safety reasons, and also to determine the commercial value of the load in question. Agriculture, mining, and forestry are just some of the industries which rely on weighbridges in this way.
But what are the rules surrounding weighbridges? It’s important to know all the relevant regulations and safety measures before making a purchasing decision. Read on to become better-informed on this subject.
Using Weighbridges for Trucks
Weighbridges can measure the weight of any materials weighing more than 3 tonnes. This is essential in calculating the weight of loads for sale or purchase. It is also necessary for determining tax and freight costs for transporting loads.
There are two main methods for weighing a truck using a weighbridge – direct and indirect. You should use the direct method wherever possible, as this is the most accurate. This involves weighing the entire vehicle all at once.
If the vehicle does not fit onto the weighbridge platform, the end-to-end method must be used. This means weighing the front and the rear of the vehicle separately. If you intend to use this method, your weighbridge in Australia must be approved by the National Measurement Institute (NMI).
You may also be subject to local transport regulations that require you to record the weight of axles or groups of axles. Weighbridges can also be useful for this purpose.
Regulations for Operating a Weighbridge
It’s important if you own a weighbridge that you ensure it is compliant with the relevant legislation. You need to ensure that the NMI has approved your weighbridge and that a servicing licensee has checked it.
A qualified person must test and verify the weighbridge if it is to be used for trading purposes. This is to ensure that it operates within the specific limits of error, as permitted by the relevant regulations. Once the assessor has verified your weighbridge, you will receive a certificate of approval.
There are specific regulations for weighbridges that do not have a pit. They must be effectively drained and kept free of any debris or accumulation of mud and water.
The floor between load cell supports must be made of concrete which is at least 75mm thick. There must also be a clearance of at least 150mm under the lowest part of the platforms.
Any business that owns a weighbridge must ensure that all operators are correctly trained to use the weighbridge. This is important for accuracy purposes, to make sure that the weighings are conducted properly. It’s also critical for safety, as weighbridges like any heavy machinery have the potential to be dangerous if misused.
A weighbridge should be thoroughly cleaned as part of its regular monthly maintenance by company staff. Keep an eye out for debris and water building up – this can interfere with weighing accuracy.
It’s also important to make sure that there is no debris underneath the weighbridge. Keeping this area debris-free ensures that the necessary space between the weighbridge and the ground.
How to Conduct Weighings
Operators conducting weighings should ensure that there is a continuous gap between the weighbridge platform and the edge of the weighbridge surround. It’s important to check that there is no foreign matter such as stones jammed between the platform and its surroundings.
The operator should visually check for any loose bolts or broken or missing components before every use. They should also clear any debris or water from the weighbridge, as this can affect the balance of the measurement.
How to Maintain a Weighbridge
Weighbridge maintenance is a very important aspect of owning a weighbridge. While the upfront cost may be off-putting, neglecting this could prove costly in the long term. Repairs can be very expensive and there is also a risk of losing customers if your weighbridge is out of action for long periods of time.
Weighbridge owners should carry out a preventative maintenance service every year. This can reduce the risk of inaccurate weighing and also limit downtime, by identifying any repairs that are necessary, in advance of a potential mechanical failure.
A service should include adjusting the buffer stops, testing the indicator and all the associated buttons, and checking the remote display if there is one. The junction box and wiring should be checked, along with all the load cells and top and bottom cups. The overall quality of the weighbridge deck should be reviewed, as well as all the steel beams.
Safety Benefits of Weighbridges
It’s important to ensure that the vehicles carrying your goods are not overloaded. Government officials can issue steep fines for overloading of vehicles, which is a financial exposure as well as risking reputational damage to your company.
It’s also important to ensure that your vehicles are safe, to provide protection and assurance to your drivers. Overloaded vehicles can tip over, which could endanger your staff and your cargo.
Using a properly calibrated and approved weighbridge will ensure that your vehicle loads are appropriate and safe. This will give peace of mind to everyone involved in the transportation process.
Overloaded vehicles also deteriorate quicker than vehicles that are loaded at optimal capacity. This can affect your transportation costs significantly. Investing in purchasing a weighbridge can benefit the productivity and efficiency of your company on a long-term basis.
Choosing a Weighbridge for Your Premises
One of the key factors in any investment decision for a business will always be price, so it’s important to understand how much a weighbridge will cost. Careful research and reading weighbridge reviews will be helpful.
To learn more about our range of the best weighbridges available, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful and friendly team. We would love to answer your questions to help you make the best purchasing decision.