Pedal bicycles PRODUCT INFORMATION A mandatory standard guide The Trade Practices Act 1974 provides for the introduction of consumer product safety standards where such standards are reasonably necessary to prevent the risk of injury. A revised consumer product safety standard for pedal bicycles became effective on 1 November 1999. Compliance with consumer product safety standards is mandatory. This means that all suppliers of pedal bicycles — including manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers — must ensure their bicycles comply with the mandatory requirements. Hire bicycles are not required to comply but hirers should conduct regular safety checks and maintain their bicycles in safe condition. ISBN 0642 402574 ISSN 1443-9948
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Pedal bicycles
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The Trade Practices Act 1974provides for the introductionof consumer product safetystandards where such standardsare reasonably necessary to preventthe risk of injury.
A revised consumer product safetystandard for pedal bicycles becameeffective on 1 November 1999.
Compliance with consumerproduct safety standards ismandatory. This means thatall suppliers of pedal bicycles —including manufacturers,distributors, importers and retailers— must ensure their bicyclescomply with the mandatoryrequirements. Hire bicycles arenot required to comply but hirersshould conduct regular safetychecks and maintain their bicyclesin safe condition.
ISBN 0642 402574 ISSN 1443-9948
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The consumer productsafety standard(mandatory standard)The revised mandatory standard isbased on Australian/New ZealandStandard AS/NZS 1927:1998 Pedalbicycles — Safety requirements,published by Standards Australia.
Suppliers should be aware thatalthough these new requirementstook effect on 1 November 1999,the mandatory requirements basedon AS 1927-1989 remain validuntil 31 October 2000. Thislead-in time is to allow existingcomplying stocks of bicycles to besold.
While both standards will bevalid until 31 October 2000, theAustralian Competition andConsumer Commission (ACCC)encourages all suppliers to aimfor compliance with the newrequirements as soon as possible.
To aid compliance, suppliers areadvised to read the new mandatorystandard notice (included in thisguide) in conjunction with AS/NZS1927:1998. The AustralianStandard is available for purchasefrom Standards Australia on freecall 1300 65 46 46 or website:http://www.standards.com.au
Suppliers’responsibilityThis guide provides an overviewof the mandatory requirementsfor bicycles based on AS/NZS1927:1998. It aims to increasesupplier understanding of thecoverage and application of themandatory standard.
The guide is of a general natureand there may be importantqualifications or exceptions to themandatory standard that it doesnot cover. Therefore suppliersshould always seek professionaladvice to ensure their productcomplies with the mandatoryrequirements.
Suppliers are responsible forensuring their pedal bicycles meetthe safety standard.
Coverage of themandatory standardThe requirements of the mandatorystandard apply to all manuallypowered bicyles including fullyassembled and partially assembledbicycles.
To determine if a bicycle comeswithin the category of a partiallyassembled bicycle, suppliers shouldrefer to clause 1.4.6 of AS/NZS1927:1998.
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Exclusions
Bicycles excluded from themandatory standard include:
• bicycles having a wheelbase*of less than 640 mm;
• bicycles which are designed andintended for use as a competitivebicycle having single crank-to-wheel ratio and no free-wheelingfeature between the pedal andthe front wheel;
• one of a kind bicycles, beingbicycles that are uniquelyconstructed to the order of anindividual consumer;
• bicycles which are designed tobe hinged or folded, or takenapart beyond removal of thefront wheel, for ease of storageor portability;
• tandem bicycles;
• power assisted bicycles; and
• bicycles showing signs ofappreciable wear or second-handbicycles.
Requirements of themandatory standard To comply with the mandatorystandard bicycles must meetrequirements for marking,labelling, instructions, designand performance.
Marking
Bicycles are to be permanently andlegibly marked with the name andaddress in Australia of either themanufacturer, importer or othersupplier and the identificationnumber of the bicycle.
Specific marking requirements canbe found in clause 1.5 of AS/NZS1927:1998.
Labelling
Informative labelling is requiredwhere bicycle components need tobe either adjusted, or attached andadjusted. Clauses 1.6.2, 1.6.3 and1.6.4 of AS/NZS 1927:1998 detailthe circumstances for which awarning statement must beprovided and specify the wordingand positioning of the label.
* The wheelbase is the distance between the
centres of the front and back axles. For an
adjustable wheelbase the measurement is taken
from the centre of the front axle to the centre of
the back axle in the central position of possible
adjustment.
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Bicycles styled or constructed tolook similar to off-road or stuntbicycles (e.g. ‘BMX’, ‘mountain’bikes) but are not so suitedmust be labelled accordingly.Clause 1.6.5 details the warningrequirements including wordingand label positioning.
Instructions
Bicycles must be supplied withuse and maintenance instructions.For bicycles that are partiallyassembled simple, clear andadequate instructions forcompleting the assembly arealso required.
Specific requirements forinstructions can be found in clause1.7 and Appendix A of AS/NZS1927:1998.
Design requirements
Section 2 of AS/NZS 1927:1998sets out the requirements forbicycle design.
These requirements apply to fullyassembled bicycles. Partiallyassembled bicycles are also subjectto these requirements and must befully assembled in accordance withthe manufacturer’s instructionsbefore being tested for compliance.
The requirements cover:
• sharp edges
• fasteners
• projections
• control cables
• ground clearance
• toe clearance
• wheels
• protective guards
• drive chain
• pedals
• steering systems
• seat pillar
• braking systems
• reflectors
• warning device
• lighting equipment(where fitted)
The mandatory standard requiresthat a child’s bicycle (wheelbasebetween 640 mm and 765 mm)be equipped with no fewer thantwo braking systems one of whichmust be a back-pedal brake.
Clause 2.14 of AS/NZS 1927:1998provides details for all brakingsystems including back-pedalsystems and hand brakes.
A checklist for retailers, whichcovers information and designrequirements, is included in thisguide.
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Performance requirements
The mandatory standard requiresthat both fully assembled bicyclesand individual sub-assembliesmeet performance requirements.
Partially assembled bicyclesare also subject to the sameperformance requirements as fullyassembled bicycles. The bicyclemust be fully assembled inaccordance with the manufacturer’sinstructions before being tested forcompliance.
Fully assembled bicycles
Fully assembled bicycles mustcomply with requirements insection 3 of AS/NZS 1927:1998.These requirements setperformance levels for:
• roadworthiness
• steering stability
• seat pillar and seat adjustment clamp strength
• braking
Section 3 also sets performancerequirements for the assemblyinstructions of partially assembledbicycles.
Subassemblies
Subassemblies must comply withrequirements in section 4 ofAS/NZS 1927:1998. Theserequirements set performancelevels for:
• wheel
• handlebar assembly
• front fork
• drive chain
• pedal
• brake friction pads
• fork and frame assembly
A subassembly that has been usedfor testing compliance with therequirements of section 4 mustnot be used in the manufacture ofbicycles for supply to consumers.
Retailer informationRetailers have a responsibility toensure that the goods they stockmeet mandatory safety standards.To aid compliance retailers shouldalways:
• stipulate that the goods theyorder meet the mandatorystandard; and
• undertake visual checks toensure compliance with themore obvious requirements.
The ‘Checklist’ section of this guideis provided to help retailers visuallyassess bicycles. The checklist maybe copied as necessary.
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The ACCC’s roleThe ACCC is responsible forenforcing mandatory consumerproduct safety and informationstandards.
Because injury prevention is betterthan cure, the ACCC attachesgreat importance to promotingcompliance with the safetyprovisions as well as to remedialenforcement action.
It conducts random surveys ofretail outlets throughout Australiato detect non-complying products,assess the overall level ofmarketplace compliance and liaisewith suppliers. It also investigatesallegations by consumers andsuppliers about non-complyinggoods.
The ACCC frequently seeks theimmediate withdrawal of defectivegoods from sale and recall of thegoods. Other remedies availableto the ACCC include injunctions,damages, a requirement forcorrective advertising andvarious ancillary orders.
PenaltiesSupplying goods that do notcomply with a mandatory standardis an offence under the TradePractices Act and may result infines of up to $200 000 forcorporations and $40 000 forindividuals.
Product liabilityPart VA of the Trade Practices Actcontains provisions on productliability. Under the provisionsconsumers are able to seekcompensation or damages forpersonal injury or other losscaused by a defective product.
Goods will be considered defective‘if their safety is not such aspersons generally are entitledto expect’. This is an objectivemeasure of expectations of thegeneral public and not of oneindividual.
Generally it is manufacturers orimporters of products that areliable under Part VA. However, ininstances where other supplierssuch as retailers cannot identify themanufacturer, they may be deemedliable for the damages.
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Suppliers may reduce theirexposure to product liability actionthrough responsible and sensiblebusiness practices that include:
• regularly reviewing productdesign and production;
• implementing and reviewingquality assurance procedures;
• product testing to relevantstandards;
• appropriate marketing; and
• providing clear and thoroughuser instructions.
Other legislationA State or Territory may have itsown product safety standards.For information about State andTerritory laws suppliers shouldcontact the relevant consumeraffairs or fair trading agency.
ACCC websiteInformation on product safety andstandards is available on the ACCCwebsite: http://www.accc.gov.au
The site is regularly updated withnews on mandatory standards,bans and recalls. Product safetymedia releases and links to otheruseful websites are also available.
Checklist
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Pedal Bicycles
Marking
Is the bicycle permanently markedwith:
• the name and address inAustralia of the manufacturer,importer or other supplier; and
• the identification number of thebicycle either stamped orengraved on the frame?
Informative labelling
If the bicycle is supplied:
• fully assembled but with thehandlebars misaligned is therea cautionary label on thehandlebars advising thatadjustment is required?
• with misaligned handlebarsand detached pedals is there acautionary label advising thatattachment and adjustment isrequired?
For all other partially assembledbicycles:
• does the consumer package havethe following warning in boldcapital letters 15 mm high?
THIS IS A PARTIALLYASSEMBLED BICYCLEREQUIRING THEATTACHMENT OF THEFOLLOWING PARTS INACCORDANCE WITHTHE MANUFACTURER’SINSTRUCTIONS
• is the warning followed by a listin lettering at least 10 mm highof the detached components andthe tools necessary for properassembly and adjustment,including a recommendationthat a torque wrench be used?
• does each detached componentor the consumer package ofthe partially assembled bicyclecontain the following warning,with the word ‘warning’ in20 mm high capitals and theremaining words no lowerthan 10 mm?
WARNING: IN THEINTERESTS OF SAFETY IT ISRECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVETHIS BICYCLE ASSEMBLED BY ASKILLED BICYCLE MECHANIC
If the bicycle is styled like a BMXoff-road or stunt bicycle but notactually suited for that purpose,does the bicycle bear the followingwarning on an adhesive label ina prominent position in capitalletters at least 3mm high?
WARNING: THIS BICYCLE IS NOTDESIGNED FOR OFF-ROAD USEOR FOR STUNTING
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Instructions
Is the bicycle supplied with anowner’s manual containinginstructions for use andmaintenance?
If the bicycle is partially assembled,does its instruction manual alsoinclude assembly instructions?
Sharp edges
Are all parts of the bicycle thatcould come into contact with therider’s hands or legs free fromsharp edges?
Are the following free from sharpedges:
• each end of the front mudguard;
• rear end of the rear mudguard;
• each end of the chain guard; and
• end of the kickstand?
Control cables
Are the control cables (brake andgear) fitted with end protectors tostop them unravelling?
Wheels and tyres
Are the wheels secured to the framewith a positive locking device? Arethe locking nuts securely tightened?
If fitted with a quick-release device:
• is it adjustable to allow settingfor tightness; and
• does the form and marking ofthe device clearly indicate theopen and locked positions?
Are the tyres marked with themanufacturer’s recommendedinflation pressure in kilopascals(lettering must be at least 3 mmhigh)?
If the inflation pressure is in unitsother than kilopascals, is thekilopascal equivalent given inthe instruction manual?
Protective guards
For a child’s bike (wheelbase ofbetween 640–765 mm) does theguard enclose the chainwheeland upper run of the chain?
For all other bicycles, is theupper junction of the chain and chainwheel guarded?
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Is the chainguard able to beremoved only with the use ofa tool?
If derailleur gears are fitted to therear wheel, has a protective guardbeen fitted?
Pedals
Is there tread on both surfaces ofthe pedal?#
If the pedal is designed only for usewith toe clips are they fitted to thepedal?
Handle bars(steering system)
Are the ends of the handlebarssecurely capped or covered byother end-mounted devices?
Are the handgrips secure?
Does the handlebar stem haveeither a permanent ring/mark toindicate the minimum insertiondepth or a positive and permanentway to ensure minimum depthinsertion?
# Note: If the pedal has a definite preferred
position, tread is only needed on the upper side.
Tread is not necessary on pedals designed to be
used only with toe clips but if toe clips are optional
the pedal surfaces must have tread.
Seat pillar
Does the seat pillar have apermanent mark or ring indicatingminimum insertion depth?
Brakes
There must be at least two brakesfitted, one on the front wheel theother on the back.
For hand brakes:
• does the right lever connect tothe front brake and the left tothe rear; and
• are they in a position accessibleto a rider in the normal ridingposition?
If the bicycle is for a child, is itfitted with a back-pedal brake?
Are the brake friction pads securelyattached to the backing plate orholder and, when applied, do theycontact only the wheel rim?
If the bike has cantilever brakesdoes it have a safety device fittedto prevent the stirrup cable fromcontacting the tyre?
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Reflectors
A bicycle must be fitted withreflectors that comply withAustralian Standard AS 2142,Reflectors for pedal bicycles.
Is the bicycle fitted with:
• at least one rear red reflector;
• at least one yellow reflector toeach wheel and visible fromeach side;
• yellow reflectors on the frontand rear sides of the pedals; and
• at least one white front reflector?
Bell (warning device)
Is a bell or suitable audiblewarning device fitted?
Lighting
Where lights are fitted, do theymeet the Australian StandardAS 3562, Lighting equipment forbicycles?
Alternatively, do the lights meetthe requirements permitted by arelevant regulatory authority, suchas the local road traffic authority?
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Permanent bans
• ‘Diveman’ underwater breathingapparatus
• Gas masks which containasbestos
• Glucomannan in tablet form
• ‘Quickie’ line release system
• Seat belt accessories, including‘Klunk Klip’, ‘Comfix’, ‘AutoComfort’
• Sun visors including ‘AutotrendSun Filter’ and similar internalvisors
• Tobacco products (smokeless)
• Victim toys
Interim bans
• Candles with lead wicks
Further details on the mandatorystandards and bans can beobtained from ACCC offices.
ACCC websiteUpdates on product safety andstandards can be obtained fromthe ACCC website:http://www.accc.gov.au
Mandatory standards
• Balloon-blowing kits
• Bean bags
• Bicycles
• Bicycle helmets
• Child restraints for motorvehicles
• Children’s nightwear —flammability
• Clothing and textile products —care labelling
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Cots for household use
• Disposable cigarette lighters
• Elastic luggage straps
• Exercise cycles
• Fire extinguishers (portable)
• Flotation toys and swimmingaids for children
• Jacks, including trolley jacks
• Motorcycle helmets
• Paper patterns for children’snightwear
• Ramps for motor vehicles
• Sunglasses and fashionspectacles
• Support stands for motorvehicles
• Tobacco products
• Toys for children under 3
Mandatory standards and bans under theTrade Practices Act as at January 2000
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