Zero Emissions Technology

Bus and Coach Safety Advisories

As part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Funding Agreement administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, we’ve developed a series of bus and coach safety advisories for zero emissions technology.

The series provides information relating to heavy vehicle standards and specifications, safe vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance and infrastructure, and is aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and operators of heavy vehicles, plus related components and infrastructure.

Information provided in this series may also be a useful reference for Australian state and territory governments, transport agencies and transport regulators.

Advisory 1 of this Bus and Coach Safety Advisory Series was released in August 2023 and is intended to support incoming ADR’s 109/00 and 110/00 relating to zero emissions technology for heavy vehicles.

Below are relevant regulation and standards resources that can be incorporated into existing heavy vehicle specification forms (systems) for use by manufacturers, bus operators and transport agencies.

Download Advisory 1 >>

Chapter overview

  1. Componentry of battery and hydrogen zero emissions vehicles
  2. Heavy vehicle regulations in Australia and ADR’s.
  3. Recommendations for the adoption of United Nations regulations and website links to the latest regulations:
    1. UN R100 Rev. 3 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train.
    2. UN R10 Rev. 6 – Electromagnetic compatibility
    3. UN R134 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (HFCV)
    4. EC 79/2009 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to the safety-related performance of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles (Note: as a base as R134 does not require all components subject to high pressure hydrogen to be tested and certified)
    5. UNR138 Rev. 1 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with regard to their reduced audibility (QRTV).
  1. Review of other related or equivalent international standards and specifications.
  2. Future global technical specification – Global Technical Regulation 20 on electric vehicle safety.

Download resources

This Advisory is intended to provide guidance on the operation and maintenance of zero emissions vehicles specifically in relation to the new vehicle technology systems such as: battery packs, electrical power control and distribution systems, high-pressure hydrogen storage and distribution componentry, fire protection and emergency response.
 
 
The main sections in this advisory cover:
  1. Requirements of AS 5732:2022 in relation to:
    1. Processes for maintenance and repairs not related to the rechargeable electric energy storage system (REESS)
    2. Processes for maintenance and repairs which involve working with the REESS and associated hazardous voltage systems
    3. Handling and storage where a REESS is removed
    4. Safe Work Practices
    5. Damaged high voltage batteries
    6. Fire safety
  1. High pressure hydrogen storage tank safety, maintenance, and inspection requirements
  2. High pressure piping and components safety, maintenance, and inspection requirements
  3. System Decanting
  4. Dangerous goods and transport of lithium-ion batteries
  5. Generic maintenance check sheets
  6. Electromagnetic emissions testing and safe levels for humans
  7. Training and licencing requirements by State
  8. Emergency response
  9. Summary of related international standards and codes
  10. Break down procedures (including towing)
  11. Signage and markings for first responders App in accordance with ANCAP requirements ISO 17840-2
  12. Inspection and maintenance of on-bus safety signage

This Advisory is intended to focus on the fixed systems and infrastructure needed to support zero emissions vehicles.

Download Advisory 3 >>

The main chapters of this advisory include:

  1. Recharging stations and systems
  2. Periodic maintenance of refuelling/recharging infrastructure
  3. Hydrogen refuelling/recharging stations
  4. Traffic/impact protection.
  5. Security
  6. Infrared fire protection.
  7. Venting
  8. Location in depot
  9. Depot and operating safety
  10. Tunnels and on-road infrastructure
  11. Operations in enclosed spaces (for example – tunnels)