Factsheet 13e — February 2005

Level 1 assessment

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The Level 1 assessment is a basic assessment where typical data for flat, sloping or step-deck trailers is used to assess their rollover performance. Level 1 assessment caters for the following types of trailer:

• full trailers (including pole trailers) with stanchions or relatively flat decks
• semi-trailers (flat decks or step-decks, such as in low loaders or B-trains)
• simple trailers with relatively flat decks.

Two typical load scenarios — mixed freight or uniform density — are used:

• A load of mixed freight has the centre of gravity equivalent to 40% of the load height (taken from the base of the load).
• A load of uniform density (eg, gravel, logs and grain) has the centre of gravity halfway up the load. Construction equipment and machinery may also be assessed this way if its centre of gravity does not exceed half its load height above deck.

The SRT inspector or certifier assesses the vehicle's rollover performance at the maximum legal mass limits and maximum allowable load heights. (The mass limits are assessed at maximum potential axle set limits or a lower limit controlled by trailer:truck mass ratio, if applicable.)

Overweight loads: If you carry overweight loads under an overweight permit, you may elect to increase the mass limit to a vehicle axle index (VAI) of 1.1. Unless the vehicle has a body that restricts the load height, the assessment will be made at 4.25 m.

Trailer meets requirement

If your trailer, at maximum potential load mass and height, meets or exceeds the 0.35 g SRT requirement, an SRT certificate will be issued. The Certificate of Loading will be endorsed with the maximum load and height values.

Trailer doesn't meet requirement

If your trailer doesn't meet the 0.35 g SRT requirement at maximum load and height, a reduced mass/reduced height certificate will be issued. This will specify the reduced gross mass or reduced load height that you can operate the trailer with to meet the 0.35 g SRT. (It may also include a table of allowable gross mass/load height combinations.) The Certificate of Loading will be endorsed accordingly. Alternatively, you may elect to have a more detailed analysis done by undergoing a Level 2 assessment.