NHVR establishes AFM panel

The national regulator has appointed an independent panel of experts to assist it on matters relating to Advanced Fatigue Management

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has enlisted the expertise of a five-strong group of experts to guide its approach to Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).

The CEO of the NHVR, Sal Petroccitto (pictured at the recent PACCAR & Dealer TMC in Melbourne), said the founding of the NHVR Fatigue Expert Reference Group (FERG) would enhance the development of this country's professional fatigue management culture.

"Under one Regulator and one rule book, Australia's transport ministers have entrusted the NHVR to run a single AFM scheme for the country," he said.

"When we accredit an operator under AFM, we are delivering the highest possible level of recognition for fatigue management practice the NHVR can give.

"To support us in taking those decisions, we have assembled, through the FERG, the highest possible level of fatigue management expertise and experience."

The NHVR must now refer certain AFM applications to the FERG for advice. This will include many current AFM-accredited operators who were approved by former state-based regulators.

ATA CEO, Stuart St Clair, said the group's Chair, Carolyn Walsh, would bring considerable expertise to the management of the AFM framework.

"Carolyn has more than 25 years of experience in policy development, regulation and safety management, including 10 years of experience in the transport sector," Mr St Clair said.

“She is the Deputy Chair of the National Transport Commission and a Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the Australian Government body responsible for investigating aviation, rail and marine accidents.

"The ATA has long argued that the road transport sector needs to draw more on the safety expertise of the ATSB, which is recognised internationally as a leading safety investigator. Carolyn’s appointment as chair of the reference group is an important step in that direction."

However, Mr St Clair also warned the panel was in need of an experienced AFM specialist to balance its academic members.

"Apart from Carolyn Walsh, the members of the reference group are all academic experts in sleep science," he said.

"What the group also needs is an industry representative with experience operating under AFM who can provide them with real world input."

For more information on the NHVR Fatigue Expert Reference Group visit www.nhvr.gov.au.

NHVR establishes AFM panel

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