Responsibility begins before the repair
Identify the vehicle’s systems, obtain current repair information and decide whether the workshop has the people, equipment, space and data to complete the work. Calibration should be planned as part of the repair—not discovered at handover.
Use a defensible process
- follow applicable Australian law, safety duties and current manufacturer procedures
- control workshop, electrical, road-test and equipment hazards
- use suitable parts, tools and information
- record inspections, scans, measurements, calibration and verification
- disclose incomplete work and operating limitations
- refer work that exceeds the workshop’s capability
An industry code or insurer rule may support good practice, but it does not replace legislation or the vehicle procedure.
Manage subcontracting clearly
Agree who prepares the vehicle, checks alignment, performs calibration, resolves faults and verifies the final result. Keep the subcontractor’s evidence with the main repair record. Referral does not remove the need to manage the overall repair and communicate its status accurately.
Avoid unsupported legal claims
ADRs primarily govern vehicle standards and do not provide a universal calibration instruction for every repair. Requirements may also arise through consumer law, work health and safety, roadworthiness obligations, contracts and professional duty. Obtain qualified legal advice for a particular dispute or obligation.
Key point
The strongest protection is competent, traceable work: identify the requirement, control the risks, follow the correct procedure and tell the truth about the result.