Issues (Issue 37)

Australian Standards for Earthmoving Machinery

Off the Road Wheels, Rims and Tyres – Maintenance and Repair – Tyres

A new Australian Standard “AS 4457.2-2008: Earthmoving Machinery – Off-the-Road Wheels, Rims and Tyres – Maintenance and Repair – Tyres” has been released which supersedes the Draft “DR 07130: Earthmoving Machinery – Off-the-Road Wheels, Rims and Tyres – Maintenance and Repair – Part 2: Tyres”.

This new Australian Standard sets out the requirements for the identification, inspection, repair, retreading and maintenance of off-the-road (OTR) pneumatic tyres for earthmoving machinery. It applies to tyres fitted to wheel assemblies and rim assemblies of not less than 600 mm (24 inches) nominal diameter.

The standard comprises of eight main sections being:

• Scope and General
• Maintenance of In-Service Tyres (Practical Maintenance)
• Inspection to Determine Repairability
• Repair Limits
• Repair of Tyres
• Retreading of Tyres
• Marking of Repaired and Retreated Tyres
• Maintenance of Tyres (Service Records)

Quickhitches for Excavators and Backhoe Loaders

A new Australian Standard “AS 4772-2008: Earthmoving Machinery – Quickhitches for Excavators and Backhoe Loaders” has been released which supersedes the Draft “DR 06580: Earthmoving Machinery – Quickhitches for Excavators”.

This new Australian Standard specifies requirements for quickhitches used to mount attachments onto excavators and the rear arm of a backhoe loader.

The standard comprises of four main sections being:

• Scope and General
• General Requirements for Design and Manufacture
• Installation, Operation and Maintenance Instructions
• Safe Use of Earthmoving Machinery Fitted with a Quickhitch

To purchase a copy of either of these standards either visit www.saiglobal.com or contact the CMPA

Energy Efficiency — Tips for Making your Business Resource Smart

ENERGY efficiency refers to products or systems designed to use less energy for the same or higher performance than regular products or systems. Saving energy through efficiency saves money on utility bills and protects the environment by reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions.

There are many ways to be more sustainable, reduce environmental impact and save money.

The Sustainability Victoria Resource Smart Program helps businesses manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change through:

• Applying simple and smart solutions to manage their carbon footprint
• Spotting opportunities to innovate
• Connecting with similar businesses, suppliers and government agencies
• Understanding the impacts of a carbon constrained economy

Building a Resource Smart business is about using resources in a more efficient manner – which is good for your bottom line and good for the environment. While it is easy to do, it requires commitment.

The key is to involve your team; understand and measure resource use; set a plan and take action. Continue to improve your plan, keep it up to date, and tell people about it.

Make a Plan that’s Achievable

Formulate a plan based on your current energy, water and materials usage, so that you have something to work from. Develop the plan in conjunction with your team to ensure the goals are realistic and achievable. Share the plan with them, allowing you to get their support and buy-in along the way.

Inspire your Staff to get Involved

Make sure you get everyone involved in your business as they may come up with new ideas you might not have considered. Make sure you reward staff for their commitment.

Be Informed

Keep up to date with best practice resource efficiency in your sector through industry associations and environmental service providers. Keeping up to date with environmental legislation will help you successfully shape your business.

Measure & Record Improvements

Get to know absolutely everything about your resource consumption and waste generation.

• Monitor your use of electricity, gas, materials and water
• Make sure your waste records are calculated in weight so that you know exactly how much you are paying in waste management
• Check and confirm records to make sure they reflect the true consumption and include things that you handle, store or dispose of

Use this information to help you find out where you are wasting resources, how much it costs you and what actions can be put in place to save resources and cut costs.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Waste

If you can’t eliminate waste then investigate your recycling options. Recycling cuts your waste management costs and you may even present extra cash flow to your business. Sustainability Victoria’s Waste Wise Program is a good way to kick start your waste reduction program.

Use Outside Light

• Make use of natural lighting
• Have separate switches for different areas so that different zones can be turned on or off
• Use fluorescent lamps rather than incandescent lights
• Use efficient lamps
• Install sensors and timers for lighting control

Be Energy Efficient

Losses of air, steam and heat are inefficient, sucking money from your bottom line. Eliminate these losses by following these key steps:

Workshop/Site:

• Use a maintenance program to prolong the life of the equipment and ensure efficiency
• Replace or update old inefficient equipment
• Turn equipment off when not in use, or install controls and timers to do it for you
• Choose the right size equipment for the job
• Check for leaks in air compressor lines and run compressed air at a reduced pressure where possible

Office:

• Be prudent when heating your office or workspace
• Use the natural air ventilation for cooling instead of using the air conditioner
• Turn off office equipment at its source when it is not being used

Reduce Water Consumption

Help stop our water levels from diminishing by following these vital tips:

• Conduct regular audits to help find out where you can save water
• Develop a Water Management Plan (template available from the Sustainability Victoria website)
• Install efficient and low flow equipment
• Install a rainwater harvesting system
• Recycle water where possible
• Reduce your hot water use if you can – this saves water AND energy

Be a Good Housekeeper

Focus on areas such as paper usage, storage and maintaining equipment.

Keep up the Good Work

Continue to monitor the steps you have implemented. It’s great to put good practices in place, but you do need to revisit them and make sure they are working for your business. Being Resource Smart is an ongoing process, but one that saves you money and most importantly is good for our environment, that is certainly worth the effort.

For further information visit the Sustainability Victoria website www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

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