With a view to ensure safety when construction equipment vehicles (CEVs) are running on public roads along with other vehicles, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification recently and has sought suggestions on the same.

The draft notification, GSR 502 (E) dated 13 Aug 2020, issued on August 16 is open for suggestions.

Currently, certain safety requirements are already mandated for CEVs in CMVR, 1989. This standard aims to introduce AIS (Automotive Industry Standard) 160, to introduce several safety requirements viz visual display requirements, requirements for operator station and maintenance areas, non-metallic fuel tanks, minimum access dimensions, access systems for steps, primary access, alternate exit path and opening, maintenance opening, handrail and handholds, guards, machine mounted audible travel alarms, articulated frame lock, lift arm support device, dimensions and requirements for operator’s seat, electro magnetic compatibility (EMC), seat belt and seat belt anchorages, roll over protective structure (ROPS), tip over protection structure (TOPS), falling object protective structure (FOPS), operator field on view, operator seat vibrations for suspended seats, etc. 

Additionally, requirements with respect to pass by noise and noise measured at operator ear level are proposed, amend CMVR 96-A and 98-A for brakes and steering effort and turning circle diameter respectively, which were earlier notified vide GSR 642 (E) dated 28th July 2000.

CEVs are extensively used for carrying out various functions and works for infrastructure projects. The newly proposed standards eyes to establish various safety requirements for CEVs. This is expected to provide safety of the operator and to ensure safety while such machines are running on public roads along with other vehicles.

The government is expected to address safety issues on CEVs in a phased manner – Phase one: April 21; Phase two: April 24.

The stakeholders can send their suggestions or comments in this respect to the Joint Secretary (MVL), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhavan, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001.