Incomplete Inspection Due to Equipment Failure
You are conducting a periodic inspection of a light rigid truck at an AIS. The inspection requires the use of a brake tester and a headlight aimer. During the inspection, the brake tester malfunctions and cannot be used. The station has only one brake tester, and it will not be repaired until the next day. The truck owner is present and is pressing you to complete the inspection and pass the vehicle because he needs it for a job tomorrow. You have already inspected the lights, steering, suspension, and body, and found no defects. The brakes are a critical safety item and must be tested. The station's procedures require that all mandatory equipment be functional before an inspection can be completed. The owner suggests you 'just do a visual check' of the brakes and pass it. You know that a visual check is not sufficient for a proper brake performance test.
1. What should you do in this situation, and why?
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You must not complete the inspection or pass the vehicle. The brake test is a mandatory part of the inspection, and without it, you cannot certify that the vehicle meets the standards. A visual check is not equivalent to a performance test; brakes can appear fine visually but fail under load. Passing the vehicle would be a false certification and a breach of your examiner obligations. You should explain to the owner that the inspection cannot be completed due to equipment failure, and that he will need to reschedule or take the vehicle to another station with a working brake tester. You should document the equipment failure and the incomplete inspection in your records. You should also report the equipment malfunction to the station manager so it can be repaired and the station's approval status considered (if equipment is unavailable for extended periods, the station may need to suspend inspections).
2. What are the record-keeping requirements for this incomplete inspection, and what should you record?
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You must record that the inspection was started but not completed, and the reason: brake tester malfunction. You should record the date, time, vehicle details, the owner's name, the items inspected and found satisfactory, and the item that could not be tested. You should note that the vehicle was not passed and that no inspection certificate was issued. You should also record any communication with the owner, including his request to pass the vehicle without a brake test. This record protects you and the station, and provides an audit trail. If the station uses an electronic system, you should enter the incomplete status. You should not issue any certificate or sticker. The owner should be given a copy of the incomplete inspection record if required by the jurisdiction. The station should also record the equipment failure in its maintenance log.