RTA releases step-by-step guide to help operators gain fatigue management accreditation
By Brad Gardner | September 21, 2009
Help has arrived for trucking operators struggling to gain fatigue management accreditation in New South Wales.
The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has released a step-by-step guide guide outlining the requirements operators must meet to achieve and maintain compliance with the 14-hour basic fatigue management module (BFM).
The Basic Fatigue Management Accreditation Guide shows operators how to implement an approved fatigue management system, engage auditors, apply for accreditation and ensure ongoing compliance.
The different fatigue management modules are explained in the guide, while the RTA lists in numerical order the rules and processes for accreditation, such as meeting the six standards under BFM.
This includes trip schedules, fitness requirements, fatigue knowledge, documented responsibilities, internal reviews and documented fatigue management policies and procedures.
The guide explains the purpose of the audits and what they involve.
“The auditor will provide you with a report which indicates whether your BFM system conforms with all criteria in the six BFM standards, and which may include suggestions for improvement,” the guide reads.
“If the auditor fines minor non-conformances with the BFM standards, they may recommend you take corrective action by an agreed date.
“For serious non-conformances, the auditor may recommend that accreditation not be granted until the corrective action is implemented.”
The guide also sets out what operators must do after gaining accreditation, such as conducting routine compliance audits and quarterly compliance statements.
There are also steps to help operators find registered training organisations (RTO) to ensure their employees comply with fatigue management obligations.
Former Minister for Roads Michael Daley tasked the RTA with developing a how-to guide after industry groups raised concerns operators and drivers did not know what to do to gain accreditation.
Click here to download a copy of the Basic Fatigue Management Accreditation Guide.