19 - Pneumatic Brake System +6Quebec · CDL · English

Check the working order of the service brake low air pressure warning device(s), which may be visual (wigwag), light, or buzzer. Position the switch 'ON' and check the pressure gauge. If pressure is above 380 kPa (55 psi), release the parking brake and pump the brake pedal until the warning device activates. If below 380 kPa, start the engine to increase pressure and confirm warning devices work until pressure reaches at least 380 kPa (55 psi). Make sure air lines are working and open suspension lines if equipped with air springs.

• ✓Major defect (19.A): none of the low pressure warning devices work when air pressure is below 380 kPa (55 psi)
• ✓Minor defect (19.1): low pressure warning buzzer does not work when pressure is below 380 kPa (55 psi) - only for vehicles with more than one warning device
• ✓Minor defect (19.2): visual and light warning devices do not work when pressure is below 380 kPa (55 psi)
• ✓Prefer to release the parking brake unless the vehicle lacks an anti-compounding brake device to avoid damaging brake chambers

Check whether the compressor's performance allows the service brake to work properly. Always release the parking brake so all air brake circuits are engaged. Release the parking brake, and with the engine idling confirm the compressor is working by watching the needle/gauge rise. Press the brake pedal and watch the gauges to check whether the compressor can reach and maintain the prescribed pressure threshold.

• ✓Major defect (19.B): the air compressor cannot reach or maintain air pressure of at least 620 kPa (90 psi)
• ✓Always release the parking brake to engage all air brake circuits during this check

Check the pressure at which the compressor stops (cut-out). While watching the pressure gauges, run the engine at about 1,000 rpm until the air pressure stops rising, then take an air pressure reading. A reading at 1,000 rpm gives an accurate result while limiting fuel consumption.

• ✓Defect (19.3): the compressor does not switch off when air pressure is between 805 kPa (117 psi) and 945 kPa (137 psi)
• ✓Run engine at about 1,000 rpm to obtain an accurate cut-out reading

Check the pressure at which the compressor starts (cut-in). Release the parking brake, and with the engine running watch the gauges until pressure stops increasing. Pump the brake pedal until the compressor starts, then take a pressure gauge reading.

• ✓Defect (19.3): the compressor starts when the pressure is less than or equal to 550 kPa (80 psi)
• ✓Pump the brake pedal until the compressor cuts back in and record the reading

Check for air leaks. Listen for leaks at all times. Release the parking brake, run the engine until air pressure reaches maximum, turn off the engine, press the brake pedal all the way down, and watch the pressure gauge. If there is a continuous drop, hold the pedal fully depressed for at least 1 minute and evaluate whether the defect is major or minor. Leak severity limits differ by number of units in the combination.

• ✓Single-unit vehicle: minor defect (19.4) if loss exceeds 20 kPa (3 psi)/min; major defect (19.C) if exceeds 40 kPa (6 psi)/min
• ✓Two-unit vehicle: minor defect (19.4) if loss exceeds 28 kPa (4 psi)/min; major defect (19.C) if exceeds 48 kPa (7 psi)/min
• ✓Three-unit vehicle: minor defect (19.4) if loss exceeds 35 kPa (5 psi)/min; major defect (19.C) if exceeds 62 kPa (9 psi)/min
• ✓Hold brake pedal fully depressed for at least 1 minute to measure air loss

Check the effectiveness of the service brake from the driver's compartment. Start the vehicle and drive forward slightly, press on the brake pedal, and check whether the vehicle stops quickly.

• ✓Major defect (19.D): there is a significant reduction in braking capacity
• ✓Test at low speed by driving forward slightly and applying the brake

Check the effectiveness of the parking brake from the driver's compartment with the engine running. For a combination, the parking brake of each vehicle must be checked. To apply: apply the parking brake, try to drive forward (automatic: 'DRIVE'; manual: right gear) and check that it holds stationary. To release: release the parking brake, make sure there is at least 483 kPa (70 psi) in the circuit to fully release the spring brakes and avoid skewing results, then slowly drive a few metres watching wheel rotation.

• ✓Defect (19.5): parking brake does not prevent the vehicle from moving when driver tries to drive forward
• ✓Defect (19.5): parking brake does not let the wheels turn freely when released
• ✓Ensure at least 483 kPa (70 psi) in the circuit to completely release the spring brakes before testing release
• ✓For a combination, the parking brake of each vehicle must be checked

Check the pressure at which the compressor stops. While watching the pressure gauges, run the engine at about 1,000 rpm until the air pressure stops rising, then take a reading. A reading at 1,000 rpm gives an accurate performance reading while limiting fuel consumption.

• ✓Defect 19.3 (minor): the compressor does not switch off when air pressure is between 805 kPa (117 psi) and 945 kPa (137 psi)
• ✓Take the pressure reading at about 1,000 rpm once the pressure stops rising

Check the pressure at which the compressor starts. Release the parking brake, with the engine running watch the gauges, confirm pressure has stopped increasing, pump the brake pedal until the compressor starts, and take a reading.

• ✓Defect 19.3 (minor): the compressor starts when the pressure is less than or equal to 550 kPa (80 psi)
• ✓The compressor should cut in before pressure falls to 550 kPa (80 psi)

Check for leaks in the braking equipment. Release the parking brake, run engine to build maximum pressure, turn off engine, press the brake pedal all the way down, and watch the pressure gauge. If there is a continuous drop, hold the pedal fully depressed for at least 1 minute and evaluate whether the defect is minor or major. Allowable air loss per minute varies by number of units.

• ✓Single-unit vehicle: minor defect 19.4 if loss exceeds 20 kPa (3 psi); major defect 19.C if loss exceeds 40 kPa (6 psi)
• ✓Two-unit vehicle: minor defect 19.4 if loss exceeds 28 kPa (4 psi); major defect 19.C if loss exceeds 48 kPa (7 psi)
• ✓Three-unit vehicle: minor defect 19.4 if loss exceeds 35 kPa (5 psi); major defect 19.C if loss exceeds 62 kPa (9 psi)
• ✓Hold the brake pedal fully depressed for at least 1 minute to measure leakage

Check the effectiveness of the service brake by starting the vehicle, driving forward slightly, pressing the brake pedal, and confirming the vehicle stops quickly.

• ✓Defect 19.D (major): there is a significant reduction in the braking capacity
• ✓Confirm quick stopping when the brake pedal is applied

Check the effectiveness of the parking brake with the engine running. Apply the parking brake and try to drive forward (automatic: DRIVE; manual: right forward gear) to confirm it holds the vehicle. Then release the brake, ensure there is enough circuit pressure (483 kPa or 70 psi) to fully release the spring brakes and avoid skewing results, and drive forward slowly watching wheel rotation. For a combination of vehicles, the parking brake of each vehicle must be checked.

• ✓Defect 19.5 (minor): parking brake does not prevent the vehicle from moving when the driver tries to drive forward
• ✓Defect 19.5 (minor): parking brake does not let the wheels turn freely when released
• ✓Ensure at least 483 kPa (70 psi) in the circuit to completely release the parking brake springs before checking release
• ✓For a combination of vehicles, the parking brake of each vehicle must be checked

Drivers should conduct a new inspection 80 kilometres after setting out, since all systems have generally been used by then. After that, inspect every 160 kilometres or every two hours, checking tires, brakes, lighting, coupling mechanism, and cargo securement.

• ✓Perform a new inspection 80 km after setting out on a trip
• ✓Afterward, inspect every 160 km or every two hours, ideally during rest stops at service areas
• ✓Check critical systems: tires, brakes, lighting, coupling mechanism, and cargo securement

Vehicle safety does not depend only on maintenance and the circle check; a component can deteriorate at any time. Drivers must watch for signs of breakdown or degraded cargo securement and stop safely to inspect when noticing unusual noises, reactions, or warning lights.

• ✓Be attentive to any sign of eventual breakdown or degraded securement while driving
• ✓Stop in a safe, appropriate location to inspect if you notice an unusual noise, reaction, or a warning light coming on

In Québec, heavy vehicle drivers must wear the seat belts installed by the vehicle manufacturer. Seat belts greatly reduce deaths and the seriousness of injuries by preventing drivers from hitting the steering wheel or windshield and from being thrown from the vehicle.

• ✓Heavy vehicle drivers must wear manufacturer-installed seat belts
• ✓Do not drive if the seat belt is missing, altered, or not in working order
• ✓Seat belts prevent ejection and impact with steering wheel/windshield

Drivers are prohibited from driving a heavy vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A blood alcohol level of 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08) or more while impaired triggers penalties under the Criminal Code and the Highway Safety Code.

• ✓Prohibited from driving a heavy vehicle when impaired by alcohol or drugs
• ✓Blood alcohol of 0.08 or more while impaired is subject to Criminal Code and Highway Safety Code penalties
• ✓Alcohol or drugs and driving don't mix

If you have any alcohol or drugs in your blood, you may not drive or have care or control of a bus, minibus or taxi. Violating this zero-tolerance rule results in a 24-hour driving prohibition for such vehicles.

• ✓Zero tolerance: no alcohol or drugs in blood when driving a bus, minibus or taxi
• ✓Violation results in a 24-hour prohibition from driving such vehicles
• ✓The rule applies to having the vehicle in your care or control

A blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or more prohibits driving a heavy vehicle (not covered by zero-tolerance), a tow truck, or a vehicle requiring safety mark placards under the Regulation respecting hazardous materials. You also cannot have care or control of such vehicles. Exception: a passenger vehicle pulling a house/tent trailer, or a motor home.

• ✓0.05 BAC or more prohibits driving a heavy vehicle, tow truck or placarded vehicle
• ✓Prohibition includes having care or control of such vehicles
• ✓Exception applies to passenger vehicle pulling house/tent trailer or a motor home

Simply holding any portable electronic device in your hand while driving is illegal, regardless of use. This applies to cell phones, MP3/multimedia players, satellite radios, tablets, non-driving-related screens, and email/internet devices. Exception: drivers of emergency vehicles on duty.

• ✓Holding any portable electronic device while driving is illegal regardless of use
• ✓The law applies whether or not the device is in use
• ✓Exception applies only to on-duty emergency vehicle drivers

GPS is useful but a potential distraction and must be used with discernment; program it before leaving. Electronic log books must only be used when the vehicle is parked in a safe location.

• ✓Program GPS or enter information before leaving, not while driving
• ✓Electronic log books may only be used when parked in a safe location

A driver stopped to comply with signage or due to traffic (red light or traffic jam) is still considered to be driving and cannot use a hand-held device. Bringing the vehicle to a safe and legal stop by the side of the road means you are no longer driving, even if the engine runs.

• ✓Stopping at a red light or in traffic still counts as driving
• ✓A safe, legal roadside stop means you are no longer considered driving even if engine is running
• ✓Hand-held electronic devices cannot be used while waiting at a red light

Headrests, like seat belts, prevent injuries. Most heavy vehicles have stationary headrests, but where adjustable, the driver should adjust it properly before driving to avoid whiplash or neck injury in a collision.

• ✓Adjust an adjustable headrest properly before taking to the road
• ✓Proper headrest adjustment helps prevent whiplash in a collision

Professional drivers must cooperate and be courteous - adjusting speed to let others merge, using the right lane and reserving the left for passing. They must stay calm and collected, avoiding needless confrontation with aggressive road users by obeying the rules of the road.

• ✓Use the right lane and reserve the left lane for passing
• ✓Adjust speed to help others merge into your lane
• ✓Stay calm and avoid confrontation with aggressive road users

Inattention is the main cause of injury accidents involving trucks, with fatigue as the leading cause. Monotonous driving, familiar routes and long hours can cause 'highway hypnosis.' If it happens, pull over to rest and take breaks every two hours or when needed.

• ✓Fatigue is recognized as the main cause of driver inattention
• ✓Take a break from time to time, every two hours if possible
• ✓Pull over and rest if you experience highway hypnosis

Anticipating means planning ahead. SCAN and OBSERVE your environment (don't stare at one point; look ahead, sides, mirrors). IDENTIFY potential dangers by reading the road and maintaining space. DECIDE the best course to prevent a collision. ACT with the right manoeuvre at the right moment.

• ✓Scan ahead, to the sides and in mirrors rather than staring at one point
• ✓Maintain enough space to have time to react to hazards
• ✓Know your route, cargo and road conditions before setting out

The device restriction does not apply to devices installed in the vehicle where only the microphone or receiver is held in hand. This covers shortwave two-way radios (CBs/walkie-talkies) that do not allow both parties to talk simultaneously.

• ✓Installed devices where only the mic/receiver is hand-held are permitted
• ✓CBs and walkie-talkies (non-simultaneous two-way radios) are authorized

The clutch pedal has four key positions used during shifting: upper free play (position 1), friction point (position 2), lower free play (position 3), and clutch brake (position 4). Knowing these positions is essential to shift smoothly on a non-synchromesh transmission.

• ✓Position 1 = upper free play
• ✓Position 2 = friction point
• ✓Position 3 = lower free play
• ✓Position 4 = clutch brake

To move off in 1st gear, press the clutch down to the lower free play (position 3), or to the clutch brake (position 4) if grinding occurs. Slowly release to the friction point until the vehicle moves, then gradually press the accelerator while releasing the clutch.

• ✓Press clutch to position 3, or position 4 if grinding
• ✓Release clutch to friction point (position 2) until vehicle moves
• ✓Gradually apply accelerator while releasing clutch

To upshift into 2nd gear: accelerate to 950 RPM, press clutch to friction point then to position 3 while releasing accelerator, shift into neutral, release clutch to position 1 to let engine drop to 650 RPM, press clutch to position 3 and shift into 2nd, then gradually accelerate while releasing the clutch. The same technique applies to higher gears.

• ✓Reach 950 RPM before shifting
• ✓Pass through neutral (N) during the shift
• ✓Let engine drop to 650 RPM in neutral before engaging 2nd
• ✓Use the same technique for all higher gears

For higher gears, increase engine speed to 1,500 RPM to maintain an optimum torque of 1,200 RPM after subtracting the 300 RPM needed for the manoeuvre (1,500 – 300 = 1,200 RPM).

• ✓Increase to 1,500 RPM for higher gears
• ✓Optimum torque is 1,200 RPM after subtracting 300 RPM
• ✓Formula: 1,500 RPM – 300 RPM = 1,200 RPM

Where an article is blocked or immobilized by a front end structure, bulkhead, another immobilized article or another device preventing forward shift, tiedown requirements depend only on length regardless of mass.

• ✓Article no longer than 3.04 m: use at least one tiedown
• ✓Article longer than 3.04 m: one tiedown for the first 3.04 m plus an additional tiedown for each additional 3.04 m or fraction thereof
• ✓These rules apply regardless of the article's mass when it is blocked/immobilized

Where an article is NOT blocked or immobilized by a front end structure, blocking system or another secured article, tiedown requirements depend on both mass and length.

• ✓Article up to 500 kg and up to 1.52 m long: at least one tiedown
• ✓Same length but mass above 500 kg: at least two tiedowns
• ✓Article longer than 1.52 m and up to 3.04 m: at least two tiedowns regardless of mass
• ✓Article longer than 3.04 m: two tiedowns for the first 3.04 m plus one additional for each additional 3.04 m or fraction thereof

All tiedowns (straps, chains, etc.) used under the Regulation must bear the manufacturer's certification of Working Load Limit (WLL). The WLL is the maximum load assigned by the manufacturer that can be applied to the tiedown device or system under normal use.

• ✓All tiedowns must bear manufacturer's WLL certification
• ✓WLL is the maximum load the tiedown can bear under normal use
• ✓Uncertified straps do not comply with the Regulation

The sum of all tiedown WLLs securing an article or group of articles is the total WLL. The total WLL cannot be less than 50% of the cargo's total mass secured by the system.

• ✓Total WLL must be at least 50% of the secured cargo's total mass
• ✓Example: cargo of 2,268 kg requires tiedown system capacity of 1,134 kg or more

Special rules accommodate the specific characteristics of different cargo types. Drivers must know how to properly secure each type of load to prevent articles from becoming dislodged.

• ✓You must comply with the special rules applicable to each type of load carried
• ✓Special rules were established to accommodate the specific type of articles in the load
• ✓Refer to the Cargo Securement Standards Regulation for detailed securement of each cargo type

A log is a felled and clean-boled tree trunk or section, including utility poles and roundwood construction poles. Logs are cylindrical and tapered, requiring special securement.

• ✓Properly securing logs requires a combination of tiedowns and blocking systems such as posts and bunks
• ✓The term 'log' includes public utility poles, butt-treated poles and poles used in roundwood buildings

Bundles of dressed lumber are typically stacked and secured by tiedowns spanning the top, creating a higher centre of gravity and reduced tiedown effectiveness.

• ✓Stacking bundles raises the centre of gravity and reduces tiedown effectiveness
• ✓The Regulation prescribes special securement standards for dressed lumber bundles stacked more than one layer high

Metal coils and paper rolls are heavy cylindrical objects requiring effective immobilization; paper rolls are fragile and usually carried in vans or containers.

• ✓Metal coils, whether loaded vertically or horizontally, require effective immobilization devices and a minimum number of tiedowns for each coil
• ✓Paper rolls are usually transported inside a van or intermodal container with special rules for immobilization
• ✓Special securement standards apply for paper rolls transported on flatbed vehicles with no sides

Vehicles carried as cargo have moving parts (tires, suspension) allowing free vertical movement, requiring special securement systems, whether under or over 4,500 kg.

• ✓Vehicles with parts allowing free vertical movement (tires, suspension) require special securement systems
• ✓Flattened or crushed vehicles can shed dislodged components under transport forces and require special securement standards
• ✓Vehicles over 4,500 kg, including tracked machinery/equipment, require special securement systems

Concrete pipes are cylindrical with a high friction coefficient. Large-diameter pipes may be carried one per vehicle; small pipes may be loaded several to a vehicle, braced and stacked.

• ✓Concrete pipes must be secured to prevent shifting or rolling around
• ✓Special securement standards apply for cargoes of small- and large-diameter concrete pipes

Intermodal containers have integrated locking devices for securing to a chassis or flatbed; roll-on/roll-off containers have rollers and are carried on specially adapted vehicles.

• ✓Intermodal containers are secured to a container chassis or flatbed vehicle using integrated locking devices
• ✓Roll-on/roll-off (removable) containers are transported on vehicles specially adapted to secure the container at front and rear
• ✓The Regulation prescribes special securement standards for both container types

A boulder is a large irregularly shaped rock, each with unique characteristics. Securement rules apply based on mass and volume thresholds.

• ✓Boulder securement regulations concern boulders with mass above 5,000 kg or volume above 2 m³
• ✓Boulders with mass above 100 kg and below 5,000 kg may also be secured under the same provisions
• ✓The Regulation contains special securement standards for the transport of boulders

Bulk covers products (aggregates, liquids, gases, granular products) piled for transport, often in open-top receptacles requiring special covering standards.

• ✓Bulk cargo transported in dump trucks, containers or receptacles with open upper parts must follow special covering standards
• ✓The term 'bulk' covers aggregates, liquids, gases and granular products piled for transport

LCVs are restricted to specific road types, mainly divided highways and short access connections, to minimize interaction with other traffic.

• ✓Authorized on divided lane highways and highway entrance/exit ramps
• ✓Authorized on road segments linking entrance and exit ramps of a highway leading to opposite directions
• ✓Authorized to access a municipal industrial park from a highway ramp for no more than 2 km
• ✓Authorized on other roads from a highway ramp for no more than 500 m (e.g. to a restaurant)
• ✓Authorized on roads within a municipal industrial park and on Route 271 (Laurier-Station/Saint-Flavien) for 2 km southward from boulevard Laurier

Even with a special operating permit, certain highway exits are strictly off-limits for LCVs.

• ✓Cannot use exit 174 on highway 40 to enter or exit
• ✓Cannot use exit 203 on highway 40 to enter or exit
• ✓Prohibition applies even with a special operating permit