Structural inspections and repair of buses

When a structural inspection is required

If you are an operator of a relevant service using a heavy bus (a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of more than 5 tonnes), you are required to have the body of the bus inspected by a prescribed inspection entity under the following circumstances:

• When the bus is 20 years old:
  • Inspections must occur before the bus turns 21.
• When the bus is at least 21 years old:
  • A structural inspection must be completed before introducing the bus into service in Queensland.
• When there are structural repairs
  • Regardless of the bus's age a structural inspection must be completed where there are structural repairs due to:
    • corrosion
    • accident damage.

If you are looking for information on how to calculate the age of a vehicle or inspection requirements for 5-year and age zero refurbishments, refer to the Service classifications, age, design and life extension of buses on the Operator accreditation vehicle requirements webpage.

When a structural inspection is not required

A structural inspection is not required in the following cases:

• For a bus that is 20 years old:
  • If a prescribed inspection entity inspected the body framework:
    • when the bus was 19 years old, but before it turned 20
    • within the last 50000km travelled by the bus
    • the inspection showed that the body framework was in a satisfactory structural condition.
• For a bus at least 21 years old being introduced into service in Queensland
  • If a prescribed inspection entity inspected the body framework:
    • within 1 year immediately before the operator introduces the bus into service
    • within the last 50000km travelled by the bus
    • the inspection shows that the body framework is in a satisfactory structural condition.
• For a bus with an age zero refurbishment service life extension:
  • If documentary evidence is provided to show that the bus has undergone an age zero refurbishment service life extension and the extension is in force, the bus may be exempted from a structural inspection.

A qualified trades person must perform repairs

If repairs to the frame, bows or sheeting of the bus are required due to corrosion or accident damage, these must be performed by a qualified tradesperson in the relevant trade.

Requirements for structural inspections

For repairs due to corrosion or accident damage

• The repairs must be inspected by a prescribed inspection entity before painting the frame and refitting the body panels.
• The operator must obtain a written statement from the prescribed inspection entity that includes the name and qualifications of each person who performed the structural repairs.

When the bus is 20 years old

• Before it is 21 years old or before introducing a heavy bus into service in Queensland, the operator must ensure a prescribed inspection entity inspects the body framework of the bus for signs of weakening caused by rust or incorrect repair.
• The operator must obtain a signed and dated endorsement from a prescribed inspection entity stating that the bus has been inspected and is a satisfactory condition.

Find a prescribed inspection entity

Inspection of repairs due to corrosion or accident damage

You can search for an approved person to inspect repairs due to corrosion or accident damage on the Certification of vehicle modifications webpage.

Inspection of the bus at 20 years

To arrange a structural inspection for a 20-year-old bus, contact your local National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) inspection centre.

Record keeping

For more information regarding maintaining records refer to Record keeping and audit requirements webpage on the Operator accreditation responsibilities webpage.

References

Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Regulation 2018

• Section 18N: Requirements for the age of buses and structural inspections.
• Schedule 1AA, Part 4: Structural inspection and repair requirements for heavy buses.

Read the full Regulation on the Queensland Legislation website.