The Automotive Recyclers of Canada are currently preparing information for the following areas of the website:

» Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) Standardization Initiatives

» Non-deployed OEM Airbags

» Mercury Switch Removal

» Licencing and Accreditation

» Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Relationship




CCIF Standardization Initiatives

Since early 2004, the Parts & Material Committee of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) have focussed on Recycled Parts and their impact on the Collision Repair industry.

From the Recycler Forum in Hamilton:

"There is growing energy and interest in ensuring we understand all the facts and challenges in relation to all aspects of the purchase, use, and distribution of recycled parts in Canada. The perception of and usage of recycled parts varies across Canada today. One thing is clear. Both insurers and collision repairers need them. The mission the committee has accepted is to make a difference in what you get, help you understand why things are as they are, and what we can do about it."

The goals of the Committee were to look at:
  • Increased use of automated systems between partners.
  • Usage of original data (appraisal & photos)
  • Standardization of parts condition
  • Returned Parts
  • Value for all stakeholders.
  • Provincial regulations (things we canıt easily impact)

At the June 2004 meeting in Halifax, presentations were made by a variety of industry vendors that have or are working on software that will help automate the procurement of recycled parts. The presentations showed a wide variety of industry solutions, all aimed at getting good information into collision repairers hands during the estimate writing process.

At the October 2004 meeting in Montreal, the results of a survey of industry stakeholders were presented and showed that:

1. Standards exist within the Auto Recycling Industry:

and,

2. Collision Repairers would prefer to work with those Recyclers who utilize those Standards.

The recognized Standards are those of the international Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). The Standards (http://www.a-r-a.org/) consist of:
  • Parts Descriptions
  • Parts Damage Descriptions
  • Parts Grading
  • Cut Lines
  • Recycled Parts Guide

As the CCIF continues to discuss the role of Recycled Parts in the collision repair process, we will continue to update all auto recyclers and interested parties on these developments.




Non-Deployed OEM Airbags

The re-use of non-deployed OEM airbags is an economical and safe alternative to new OEM airbags when airbags need replacing after an accident ­ when proper care is taken to remove, store, catalogue, ship, and install an airbag.

The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) has endorsed Guidelines to safely re-use "recycled" OEM airbags.
View Guidelines (pdf)

ARC supports the CCMTA Guidelines and is in the process of educating recyclers, insurers and collision repairers regarding the content and implementation of those Guidelines.

Note: the CCMTA refers to "recycled airbags" where ARC prefers to "non-deployed OEM airbags" so as to differentiate between remanufactured, used, or non-OEM airbags.

The Guidelines include:
  • If a recycled airbag or airbag system component is to be installed by a third party, the vehicle owner must be made aware of the intended use of a recycled component prior to its installation.
  • There should be no modifications to the airbag components including finish and colour except for those modifications carried out in accordance with a process approved by the original manufacturer of the vehicle.
  • The supplier must ensure that any recycled airbag system component supplied is a suitable interchange for the recipient vehicle. Interchange must be ensured through confirmation with published, recognized and approved interchange data (for example ADP Hollander or similar publication).
  • Suppliers of recycled airbag system components must use an established protocol for inspection of a recycled airbag system component, and must perform such inspections on all units prior to sale/installation. Only units that successfully meet all the requirements may be sold/installed. Units that do not meet the inspection protocol must be deployed and rendered unusable. Inspections must include at a minimum the following:
    1. The recycled airbag supplier must identify, record and report the donor vehicle information including vehicle year, make, model and VIN.
    2. Airbag module cover must be visually inspected and show no damage including nicks, scrapes, scratches or outer flaws which might lead to the refinishing of the module.
    3. Airbag system components must be visually inspected and show no signs of water contamination - including mould, mildew or water residue.
    4. If the donor vehicle has sustained any flood damage, a recognized and approved water contamination test must be completed on the recycled airbag module by an industry approved laboratory and the results documented. The test results must prove no signs of water contamination.
    5. Airbag module must be inspected and be free of loose parts or foreign objects.
    6. Reaction plate and propellant canister must be visually inspected and be free of defects including deformation, corrosion or damaged fasteners.
    7. Wiring and electrical connectors must be visually inspected and show no corroded, damaged or abraded wires, terminals or connectors.
    8. The shorting bar, if included, must be visually checked for correct operation.
  • Suppliers of recycled airbag system components must have at least one person on staff who has completed a recognized course, approved by the jurisdiction, on recycled airbag and airbag system components.
  • Persons involved in shipping and transporting of airbag system components (both recycled and new) are required to have the appropriate training under Part 6 of the TDG Regulations.
  • Jurisdictions may wish to develop an audit and compliance system to ensure suppliers are following the required standards
  • Upon sale, each recycled airbag system component must be accompanied by a supplier issued document including the following information:
    1. Identification of the supplier of the unit.
    2. Identification of the airbag module cover colour (and colour code if available).
    3. Identification of the donor vehicle, including VIN, year, make and model.
    4. Suppliers internal stock number or locator number for follow-up.
    5. Indication of source of interchange information (i.e. Interchange manual / part number, OEM information, etc).
    6. A supplier certificate indicating all the requirements of the inspection protocol have been successfully achieved and the identification of the person who completed the inspection.
    7. A document containing the vehicle description including the year, make and model for which the airbag system component is required when being sold to the end-user.
  • Once removed from the donor vehicle, airbag modules should be stored in a cool dry location with appropriate fire protection, stored cover side up and not stacked.
  • Suppliers of airbag system components must also be compliant with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements.
  • There is currently no evidence that recycled parts pose a safety concern; and at this time the information does not support the development of a specific process to deal with recalls. When tested, undamaged OEM recycled airbag modules performed similarly to new replacement OEM airbag modules.

These Guidelines do not include rebuilt, re-manufactured, or non-original equipment airbag or airbag system components. They do not include any airbag or airbag system component that has been disassembled, altered, repaired or had any parts removed or replaced.

The CCMTA wants to highlight the fact that acceptance of these Guidelines do not mean any jurisdiction is required to adopt the use of recycled airbags. The report provides the information should consideration be given to the adoption of such a program. The Guidelines also provide for consistency, where the use of recycled airbags is accepted.




Mercury Switch Removal

Mercury emissions from the environment are transformed through biological processes to methylmercury, a persistent substance which bio-accumulates in the food chain and is particularly toxic to humans and wildlife.

A significant source of mercury has been placed in motor vehicles by the auto manufacturers as mercury switches for convenience lighting. This practice finally ceased in 2003. A substantial number of vehicles on the roads for the next 10 to 15 years will contain these switches. When these vehicles are crushed and shredded by the scrap metal industry for metals recovery, the mercury is released into the environment.

ARC supports the removal and recycling of mercury switches from vehicles via the Switch Out Program, co-ordinated by the Clean Air Foundation. Further information can be reviewed at: http://www.cleanairfoundation.org/switchout/index.asp.

ARC also supports the activities of the Clean Car Campaign with respect to mercury switch removal. Further information can be reviewed at: http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/mercury.shtml




ARA and ARC Co-operation Agreement

Background

ARC was formed in 1997 as an "association of associations", and is the Canadian national voice of the automotive recycling industry representing the following member groups: Alberta Automotive Recyclers & Dismantlers Association ("AADRA"); Association Des Recycleurs de Pieces Dıauto et de camions inc. ("ARPAC"); Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada ("ARAAC"); Automotive Recyclers Association of Manitoba ("ARM"); British Columbia Automotive Recyclers ("B-CAR"); Saskatchewan Government Insurance Salvage ("SGI"); and the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association ("OARA"). Collectively ARC represents 425 professional auto recyclers in all parts of Canada;

ARA is recognized as the leading international auto recycling association; and

ARA and ARC seek to form a strong unified relationship with the following objectives: 1) Provide financial stability to ARC to continue its work; 2) Provide incentive for ARC to actively promote ARA and encourage more Canadian members to join ARA; 3) Provide ARA the opportunity to represent Canadian interests in continental and global discussions and issues; 4) provide opportunities for the on-going exchange of information between ARA and ARC; and 5) agree to work together for the development and advocacy of common member interests.

Now therefore, in consideration of the forgoing and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

  1. ARA and ARC will communicate regularly on continental issues relating to automotive recycling.

  2. ARC will provide a regular flow of information for the ARA newsletter, magazine, committee work and convention, and ARA will put into place the systems and procedures to utilize the information.

  3. Each of ARA and ARC will receive a complimentary membership in the otherıs organization.

  4. ARC will actively promote all ARA events and programs to all Canadian auto recyclers.

  5. ARA will take into consideration the uniqueness of the Canadian political, cultural and business environment when developing and amending ARA programs, committee work and communication.

  6. In the event that ARA or ARC provides information to the other party and marks such information confidential, the receiving party agrees to keep such information confidential.

  7. ARA will remit a portion of the membership dues collected for every Canadian company that joins or renews in ARA, starting September 1, 2005;

  8. ARA will provide a complimentary registration and lodging for the ARC Managing Director or President to attend and participate in the ARA Annual Convention and Trade Show.

  9. This Agreement will be reviewed and renewed on an annual basis and may be terminated by either party with sixty (60) days prior written notice after the first year.

    The parties agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

    Automotive Recyclers of Canada
    By: Steve Fletcher
    ARC Managing Director

    Automotive Recyclers Association
    By: George K. Eliades
    ARA Executive Vice President




    For more information please email info@autorecyclers.ca

     

 

 
Copyright © 2004 - 2010 ARC Automotive Recyclers of Canada. All rights reserved.
proudly hosted and maintained by montanapublishing.com