The Australian Transport Council (ATC) has unanimously endorsed a training package to support heavy vehicle driver fatigue accreditation.
New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia are working toward implementing the national Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue reform on 29 September 2008.
Drivers and schedulers working under the new Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) or Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) schemes must now demonstrate that they are competent at managing fatigue risks. Drivers working under Standard Hours will not be impacted.
“It’s basically a step-up from the existing Transitional Fatigue Management Scheme (TFMS) training requirements”, said National Transport Commission (NTC) chief executive Nick Dimopoulos.
“Drivers will have their existing training and skills recognised, so many will only need to complete a ‘top-up’ course.”
Drivers currently accredited in the TFMS scheme can operate under BFM hours until 30 April 2009. This provides more time to complete the training.
A Statement of Attainment in the following competencies can be obtained from Registered Training Organisations (RTO):
· TLIF1007C Apply fatigue management strategies (for drivers)
· TKIF6307A Administer the implementation of fatigue management strategies (for schedulers)
More information on training, including a list of RTOs offering competency units, has been published on the NTC website.
NTC has developed an extensive national communications package to assist transport operators, drivers and other parties in the supply chain. An Implementation Kit includes bulletins, fatigue and napping guidelines, self-assessment tools, presentations and promotional material.
“Commencement of the new laws is less than six months away. I’d encourage everyone in the supply chain to understand how the new laws impact on your business and what you need to do, such as training drivers and schedulers,” Mr Dimopoulos added.
Content on the NTC website is free and available for download in the Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue reform section (www.ntc.gov.au).
Check road agency websites for the latest information on reform implementation in your State or Territory.
Ministers also approved the BFM and AFM Standards, Assessor and Enforcement Officer Guidelines, minor amendments to the model legislation and a new national Work Diary.
Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) Standards
Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) Standards
Assessor Guidelines