For a business (or individual) to operate under BFM (Basic Fatigue Management), compliance with defined procedures and standards is essential. Here, we will discuss six standards you need to meet to get accreditation from NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) in Australia.
- Fitness for the duty: BFM needs the operator to show a way to make sure the driver is fit for duty. Plus, the driver should be able to perform the needed duties while fulfilling the medical standards.
- Rostering and scheduling: It needs you to demonstrate that individual trip scheduling and driver rostering meet the standards of HVNL (heavy vehicle national law).
- Responsibilities: BFM needs you to identify, document, and perform responsibilities, duties, and authorizations of every position indulged in operational administration, verification, management, and participation. Processes and procedures should be relevant, updated, and maintained such that anyone who requires the information during the transport work can access it easily.
- Internal review: Implementing an internal review system to find non-compliance and make sure the compliance of activities to the standards of BFM is essential.
- Documentation and records: The operator must also authorize, implement, review, and maintain the documented policies and processes. These policies are here to make sure the verification, performance, and management of the BFM options are as per the standards.
- Knowledge and awareness of fatigue: Anyone involved in verification, management, administration, and operation of the BFM option should be competent in position-relevant fatigue knowledge. The personnel should know about fatigue causes, effects, and management and the fatigue management system for operators.
While complying with standards is essential, proper basic fatigue management training can help do a lot more than just getting accredited.