Four Wheel Drive Queensland

Firstly our condolences to those involved the recent fatality that occurred during a vehicle recovery in Western Australia.

This recent fatality is a reminder to us all about safe recovery techniques.  Please take time to review the Guidelines on how to do a safe recovery.

Some key points from the guidelines based on the information contained in the media report.

DO NOT CONNECT TO A TOW BALL OR TIE DOWN POINT

Connect Recovery Strap to recovery point, for any recovery point requiring the use of a shackle to attach the strap, use only load rated shackles. Only connect to correctly rated recovery points on the vehicles, with only ‘Load Rated’ shackles. Load ratings are marked on shackles as WLL (Working Load Limit). Bow Shackles are suitable for this purpose and should be rated at least 3.25t. To correctly tighten shackle pins, screw the pin until it seats then back off about ½ to 1 turn. Over tightening may lead to seized pins, due to the force exerted during recovery operations. To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and personal injury, hang a suitable recovery damper blanket, over the Recovery Strap, approximately midway to restrict the whipping action of a strap should it break.

Last thing – Check all connections and clear bystanders to a safe distance (1.5 times the un-stretched Recovery Strap length) to the side of the recovery operation and NEVER in the line of recovery.

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE

Only the drivers of the stranded and recovery vehicle should be in those vehicles. Nobody else should be in or on those vehicles. Ensure bystanders stay at least 1.5 times the un-stretched strap length away, to the side of the line of recovery.

NEVER stand between vehicles connected by a Recovery Strap.

Please take time to review, in full, the Guidelines on how to do a safe recovery.

Persons intending to use recovery straps should consider completing a nationally recognised four wheel drive training course or contact a four wheel drive club for comprehensive advice on the proper selection and use of the strap.

Again our condolences to those involved the recent fatality that occurred during a vehicle recovery in Western Australia.  Hopefully we can all learn from this tragedy and avoid this into the future.

The 9th Australian 4WD Gathering 2012 brings together four-wheel drivers from across the nation to participate in four-wheel driving, the opportunity to meet new 4WD friends and enjoy a brilliant long weekend in South Australia’s stunning Gawler Ranges.

As we start to head into the warmer weather and clubs are changing their committees now is a good time to remind clubs about the Queensland Adventure Activity Standards.

• These standards are available via the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Foundation (QORF) website.
• The current Four Wheel Drive Standard can be downloaded from here.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association has been approached by the Hon David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Affairs and Competition Policy earlier this year initiated an independent review into the sharing of repair and service information in the automotive industry.  This review will be carried out by the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC).

As part of this process the CCAAC have now released an issues paper on the subject and have called for submissions from interested stakeholders.  Click www.aaaa.com.au/files/ccaac.pdf to download a copy of the paper.