Work diary deadline looming

The new National Driver Work Diary will replace the old work diary from the start of Monday, August 11, 2014

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has issued a reminder for drivers of heavy vehicles that the new National Driver Work Diary comes into effect on Monday, August 11, 2014.

From 12.01am on that day drivers are required by law to use the new diary, but the NHVR has stressed that drivers are free to switch to the new diary at any time – the old diary does not have to be filled before switching over.

A work diary must be kept and updated by drivers of all fatigue-related heavy vehicles who travel more than 100km from their base or who operate under Basic Fatigue Management or Advanced Fatigue Management guidelines. Fatigue-related heavy vehicles include vehicles with GVMs of over 12 tonnes or buses of more than 4.5 tonnes that are licenced to carry more than 12 adults.

The new diary has a number of updates that reflect the requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulation.

The NHVR also says the new diary is easier to fill out, and incorporates the following changes:

>>> Drivers only have to record their vehicle registration once a day or if their vehicle changes, rather than at every break.

>>> Drivers only have to record the location and odometer reading at the start of a rest break, unless the location or odometer reading has changed during the break.

>>> Drivers only have to record their operator’s Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) or Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accreditation number once in the diary (or again if it changes), rather than on every daily sheet.

>>> Solo drivers no longer have to record the state or territory where their licence was issued.

For a list of locations where the new National Driver Work Diary can be purchased, visit: www.nhvr.gov.au/diary-locations.

Work diary deadline looming

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