Basic fatigue management

What is basic fatigue management?

Basic fatigue management allows operators some flexibility in when they work and rest, providing the risks of working long and night hours are properly managed (source: National Transport Commission information bulletin – basic fatigue management explained*).

What are the requirements to join basic fatigue management?

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

The six basic fatigue management standards

Operators must comply with, and keep auditable documented records of the six basic fatigue management standards listed below. More information about the six standards can be found at the National Transport Commission* website.

1. Scheduling and rostering – scheduling of individual trips and rostering of drivers must be in accordance with limits prescribed in legislation.
2. Fitness for duty – drivers must be in a fit state to safely perform required duties and meet the specified medical requirements.
3. Fatigue management knowledge and awareness – all personnel involved in the management, operation, administration, participation and verification of the basic fatigue 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 basic fatigue management option are current, clearly defined and documented and carried out accordingly.
5. Internal review – an internal review system is implemented to identify non-compliances and verify that the activities comply with the basic fatigue management standards and the operator's fatigue management system.
6. Records and documentation – the operator will implement, authorise, maintain and review documented policies and procedures to ensure the management, performance and verification of the basic fatigue option is in accordance with the standards.

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 six basic 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 auditors 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.
• Implement a fatigue management system that addresses the module standards. These standards can be downloaded from the National Transport Commission* website.
• Undergo an independent audit of your fatigue management system through an approved auditor. Once approved, the auditor will issue a report stating that all standards have been met.

How to apply

Complete the following steps before lodging your application.

1. Complete the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme – Membership Application/Renewal form (F3856), (only pages one and two apply) ensuring that all contact details are correct and it is signed by an authorised officer. If applicable, submit a compliance history declaration (see the declaration on the form).
2. Attach your signed independent audit confirming that the documented procedures are effective and compliant with the standards.
3. Attach a driver listing (name and driver licence number only) on letterhead. This listing will need to be provided to the Department of Transport and Main Roads every three months as part of maintaining your accreditation.
4. Send the above documents and fee (PDF, 76 KB) payment to the NHVAS Administrator, Department of Transport and Main Roads, PO Box 673, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.
   Note: You can pay your fee (PDF, 76 KB) in person at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre or Queensland Government Agency Program office (attach receipt to application), or send a cheque to the NHVAS Administrator, Department of Transport and Main Roads, PO Box 673, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.

Interstate applications

Applications for basic fatigue management are handled by the department. Applications intended to be used interstate are recognised in all other states' participating jurisdictions.

Assessment of applications

Applications for basic fatigue management are assessed by the department and may take up to 15 working days to process. If you are accepted, you will receive a certificate of accreditation as evidence of your scheme membership. You will also receive your intercept books for distribution to your fatigue-managed drivers.

Incomplete applications will be returned. Unsuccessful applicants will receive written advice of the reason for the refusal. Please note that the application fee (PDF, 76 KB) is for the assessment of the application. Payments made for applications that are assessed and rejected will not be refunded.

National work diary

The new laws include the introduction of a national driver work diary to replace the national driver log books. The work diary contains similar information to the national logbook and is available from Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres and Queensland Government agency program offices. Drivers will be required to pay the nominated application fee (PDF, 76 KB) at the time of purchasing the national work diary.

For more information, go to the National Transport Commission information bulletin – how to use your new work diary*.

Additional information

More information about the basic and advanced module standards, fatigue options and National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme business rules can be found at the National Transport Commission* website.