7.1.10 - IMPORTANT
A piece in Motorsport News recently said that Snell 2000 helmets may not be allowed
from 2011 - just a quick note so that you are aware of this, and do not go out a buy one.
SCRUTINEERING NEWS
Compiled 14/6/10
Taken from the Scrutineering and Off Road Committee meeting held on 17th April 2010.
FUEL TANK COVERS
Some vehicles have been seen where the front face of the fuel tank is visible from the occupant's area, ie. fuel tanks not fully isolated from vehicle occupants. ALRC rules state:- B.11.2. Fuel tank location / design may be changed. If the fuel tank is moved, a separate metal cover (vented at the bottom) must be fitted even if a truck cab is fitted. Maybe we need to clarify the term "cover" to define that the tank should be covered on top and down all sides but is left open at the bottom. It was advised that scrutineers would look at each individual vehicle and act accordingly. If the cover is inadequate, then record the matter in the Log Book. If it's RTV where there is no log book, then advise the driver. The fuel tank cover is shown in the Scrutineering Check List on page 99 of the ALRC handbook 2009.
SEATBELT REQUIREMENT FOR CCV DRIVERS
Whilst the ALRC Handbook does state that the minimum of a lap belt must be worn, the MSA Blue Book also covers seat belts under their Competitors Safety and states that they must be worn and correctly adjusted at all times. The MSA have stated that in their opinion it is permissible to wear just the lap belt of a four point harness equipped with a normal turnbuckle release box. If clubs are wanting to enforce that drivers wear full harnesses in their entirety if fitted, then this should appear written in the SR's for an event and made available to the drivers prior to the event starting. Note that this only applies to CCV and not to RTV where seat belts should be worn as required in the road.
NB This highlights the fact that you must read the Supplementary Regulations for all events, especially if they are held by another club - small things like this could prevent you from being able to enter.
SPILL KITS
From the MSA a rule change that will affect all competitors. Common Regulations for Competitors: Vehicles [C (b)]: Strongly recommended from 1st Jan 2010 and Mandatory from 1st Jan 2011: It is strongly recommended for all competitors participating in single venue competitions to have available at their paddock base, and for multi venue competitions to carry within their vehicle a self contained spill kit capable of effectively absorbing minor spillages of up to 1.5litres of all vehicle fluids - oils, fuels, coolants, battery acid. Used spill kits are to be disposed of in accordance with local or National guidelines.
The ALRC state that online sites prices vary from approx £15-30. (Richard Smith, Midland ROC stated that his company could supply kits which will absorb up to 2ltrs and details have appeared in ALRC News. Costs are £6.95 per kit but clubs can buy them in multiples of 10 for £6.25 each). The ALRC have suggested that one 7.5 litre pack be available at an event and positioned beside the main event fire extinguisher.
NB S&S have already made the carrying of a 7.5 litre spill kit mandatory from 2010.
CHIEF SCRUTINEER - SIMON COOPER
