Courses to prep for driver fatigue reform

The Australian Transport Council (ATC) has endorsed a training package to support the national Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue reform due 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 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, providing more time to complete the training.

A statement of attainment in the following competencies is now available from registered training organisations (RTOs):

• TLIF1007C Apply fatigue management strategies (for drivers)
• TKIF6307A Administer the implementation of fatigue management strategies (for schedulers)

The new laws will ensure all parties in the supply chain take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent fatigue. Employers and customers will be held legally accountable for dangerous work schedules and long truck queues, which are known to be major causes of fatigue.

Penalties for offences that pose a serious road safety risk will now include court-imposed fines of up to $50,000 and demerit points.

For more information and a list of available RTOs, visit the Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue reform section of the NTC website http://www.ntc.gov.au/.