The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification for construction equipment vehicles.
The draft is aimed to address the issue of safety requirements of the operator and ensure safety while such machines are running on public roads.
The new norms are to be adopted holistically in a phased manner. The standard aims to introduce Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 160 to several safety requirements such as visual display requirements, requirements for operator station and maintenance areas, non-metallic fuel tanks, and minimum access dimensions, among others.
It will also introduce multiple safety requirements such as 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 and lift-arm support device.
Additionally, requirements are proposed with respect to pass by noise and noise measured at operator ear level, amend Central Motor Vehicles Rules 96-A and 98-A for brakes and steering effort and turning circle diameter, respectively.
