Advanced fatigue management

What is advanced fatigue management?

Advanced fatigue management (AFM) takes a risk management approach to managing fatigue. It offers more flexible hours than basic fatigue management, and requires operators to demonstrate accountability for managing fatigue risks (source: National Transport Commission information bulletin – advanced fatigue management explained*).

What are the requirements to join advanced fatigue management?

Operators need to meet several requirements before they can lodge an application to join advanced fatigue management. Operators must maintain an auditable fatigue management system that meets the 10 advanced fatigue management standards. Operators are not restricted to how they achieve the standards, however an audit will determine how effectively the system meets the 10 standards.

The 10 advanced fatigue management standards

Operators must comply with, and keep auditable documented records of the 10 advanced fatigue management standards listed below.

1. Scheduling and rostering – scheduling of individual trips and rostering of drivers must incorporate fatigue management measures.
2. Readiness for duty – drivers must be in a fit state to safely perform required duties.
3. Fatigue management and awareness – all personnel involved in the management, operation, administration, participation and verification of the advanced management system must demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in fatigue management relevant to their position.
4. Responsibilities – the authorisations, responsibilities and duties of all positions involved in the management, operation, administration, participation and verification of their operations under the advanced fatigue management option are current, clearly defined and documented and carried out.
5. Internal review – an internal review system is implemented to identify non-compliances and verify that activities comply with the advanced fatigue management standards and the operator's fatigue management system.
6. Records and documentation – the operator must implement, authorise, maintain and review documented policies and procedures to ensure the effective management, performance and verification of the advanced fatigue management option is in accordance with the standards. Records that demonstrate the compliant operation of the advanced fatigue management option are collected, stored and maintained to verify compliance.
7. Health – drivers must participate in a health management system to identify and manage fatigue risks.
8. Workplace conditions – workplace environments and conditions must assist in the prevention of fatigue.
9. Management practices – must control the risks relating to driver fatigue.
10. Operating limits – must provide drivers and operators with the flexibility to effectively manage fatigue.

Auditable records

To qualify for accreditation, you must be audited by an independent auditor to verify your record keeping and procedures to ensure you can comply with the 10 advanced fatigue management standards. This is called an entry audit.

It is up to you to arrange and pay for these audits. You can get a list of accredited Heavy Vehicle Auditors (HVA) from the Registered Accreditation Board Quality Society of Australasia International* website.

Before you apply

Complete the following steps before lodging your application:

• Gain an understanding of your obligations under the scheme business rules. These business rules can be downloaded from the National Transport Commission* website.
• Design a fatigue management system that addresses the module standards. These standards can be downloaded from the National Transport Commission* website.
• Have an independent audit of your fatigue management system conducted by an approved HVA. Once approved, the auditor will issue a report stating that all standards have been met.
• Prepare an advanced fatigue management operational plan.
• Obtain advice from a fatigue expert (liaise with the National Transport Commission about how to contact a fatigue expert).

1. Complete the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme – Membership Application/Renewal form (F3856), ensuring that all contact details are correct and it is signed by an authorised officer as specified on the form.
2. Attach your advanced fatigue management operational plan and fatigue management system either in hard copy or in Microsoft Word version.
3. Attach a copy of your fatigue expert advice.
4. Attach your independent audit confirming that the documented procedures are effective and compliant with the AFM standards.
5. Complete the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme – Request for Intercept books for AFM & BFM (F4946).
6. Send the above documents and fee (PDF, 76 KB) payment to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (PO Box 673, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006).

Interstate applications

If the applicant intends to use advanced fatigue management interstate, the department must refer the application to the fatigue authorities panel (refer to the National Transport Commission* website) for endorsement by the other National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme jurisdictions.

Interstate applications assessed via the fatigue authority's panel will take a longer period of time to process than a Queensland only application (Queensland only applications take up to 28 working days to approve).

Interstate accreditations may include specific conditions of approval set by the fatigue authority’s panel.

National work diary

For information regarding work diary requirements visit the Fatigue management page.

Additional information

See also

• National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme