With back-up form an environmental coordinator, the material and chemical contents of all cab components were checked against Scania’s list of hazardous chemicals, in order to prevent the use of substances with unhealthy or environmentally hazardous properties. Scania’s environmental objectives mandate phase-out plans for all listed substances, with the worst substances to be discontinued or replaced during 2004.

While developing the new driver’s station, which includes the steering column, steering wheel, levers and pedals, high standards of functionality, ergonomics, and road safety were observed. For example, the high- and low-beam switch, direction indicator, and wind-screen wiper and washer functions are now gathered in one component – the driver now finds all these visibility-improving functions on the same steering wheel lever. It thus also became possible to design the Scania Opticruise and Retarder controls as a single lever and move all driving functions close to the steering wheel. “Hands on the steering wheel” improves the driver’s working environment and improves road safety.

During the review of chemical substances, design engineer Sara Westermark and the supplier discovered that an electrical switch in one of the steering wheel levers contained polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardant. PBDEs are on Scania’s hazardous chemical list, because they are absorbed by humans and animals, do not degrade easily and move up the food chain. Since these substances have harmful effects even in small doses, PBDEs will be entirely banned in the EU countries starting in 2006.

After contacts with the supplier and thorough testing and function verification, Ms Westermark and the project’s environmental manager managed to eliminate the black-listed substance. Development work thus resulted in a detail that will contribute to optimisation of ergonomics and road safety while improving the environmental characteristics of the product.