The Telescopic Handler
Association of Australia (TSHA),
a division of the Elevating
Work Platform Association of
Australia (EWPA) has advised
members and the industry
overall to beware the risk when
considering the purchase, sale
or use of a non-compliant ‘grey
import’ telescopic handler.
According to the TSHA
Executive Director, Phil Newby,
telescopic handlers (TSHs)
sold into Australia must be
compliant in terms of WH&S
(
OH&S) in meeting the required
standards and regulations.
“
Manufacturers and suppliers
in Australia work hard to ensure
their TSHs achieve ongoing
compliance and safety is not
compromised,” Phil Newby said.
“
With online sales of TSHs
there is more risk than ever
of buying a second hand
imported TSH that despite the
advertising, does not comply
TSHA Guidance Note - beware grey imports
with the required standard of
manufacture and safety. These
are often referred to as ‘grey’
or ‘parallel’ imports and if you
succumb to the purchase of one
of these units, you may well put
yourself, your company, your
customer and the operator at
risk from accident.”
In line with this trend toward
online sales of international
TSHs, the TSHA has produced
an industry wide Guidance
Note and information sheet
explaining the risks and what
to do to avoid the dangers of
owning a non-compliant TSH.
According to the TSHA
Guidance Note, the term ‘grey
import’ refers to a TSH that has
been imported into Australia
possibly legally, but without the
knowledge or endorsement of
the manufacturers.
“
In Australia Grey Imports
are second-hand TSHs imported
from overseas and allegedly
deemed ‘compliant’ by the
importer for Australian
registration. These Grey
Imports receive no official
or legal support from the
manufacturer’s dealer network
in Australia but are often
passed off as an Australian
compliant TSH.
The term ‘parallel import’
may also be used.
“
A Parallel Import is typically
a brand new TSH imported from
overseas without the direct
involvement of the Australian
endorsed manufacturer. As
with Grey Imports these TSHs
are passed off as compliant to
Australian regulations.
To avoid confusion and
possible non compliance, the
TSHA advises there are certain
checks buyers must do before
considering buying, using or
owning a ‘Grey Import’ TSH.
In the event of an accident
who has liability for the design,
construction, conformity and
maintenance requirements for
the TSH? As the importer or
as the buyer of an imported
Grey or Parallel TSH you will
be deemed liable and not the
original manufacturer!
The TSHA advises if you
do purchase or use a non-
compliant TSH the following
may apply:
Insurance coverage will
not be valid. In the case of
an accident the insurance
companies will all claim
exemption because the TSH was
not what you said it was.
If the TSH is non-compliant
but claims to be compliant you
will fall foul of the OH&S Acts.
There will be no technical
support or access to correct
spare parts and maintenance.
The TSHA has a Compliance
Checklist available online for
download and is free of charge:
www.tsha.com.au/uploads
HR
FEBRUARY 2013 | ACCESS
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ACCESS in ACTION