NHVR (38)
ON THE ROAD Issue 86
on 2020-05-19 22:20:11
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 86 | 19 May 2020 Message from the CEODo you know a light vehicle driver who’s back on the roads after a few weeks in isolation? Tell a mate - we need space to keep you safe.As several industries re-open or increase capacity over the coming weeks, many light vehicle drivers will return to their normal commuter patterns.With about four-out-of-five crashes involving both heavy and light vehicles caused by the light vehicle driver, now more than ever it’s up to the industry to help influence behaviour.The NHVR’s We Need Space campaign was first launched in 2019 to promote safety information, including videos, posters and fact sheets featuring former Supercar champion Garth Tander and Tasmanian truck driver Kerri Connors.> All the material is available hereThis information will help you send the message that truck drivers need more space to keep everyone safe. Join us to provide this critical safety information to light vehicle drivers.SalSuccess in user pays trial for unloading frameA feasibility report into the trial of innovative infrastructure has demonstrated there is a demand for safer options for loading and unloading livestock.Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said that the trial of a Parallel Access Landing (PAL) frame included a user-pays option for drivers arriving at Kilcoy Global Foods.“Having seen the PAL frame in action, it’s clear that there are big safety benefits for operators as well as for livestock. It provides easy access to the top decks of trailers, keeping drivers safe from falls and separated from livestock at all times,” Mr Buchholz said.> Read the full articleSecond coming for NHVR’s Gap Assessment ToolNHVR’s Gap Assessment Tool had been simplified and upgraded to assist operators to examine their current systems against known risks and recognised best practice.The upgrade follows feedback from heavy vehicle operators who told us they wanted a quick and easy tool to assess their business’s safety compliance with their Chain of Responsibility obligations> Click here for more information or to access the toolA reminder for drivers in Tasmania and VictoriaAll drivers must safely slow down to 40km/h as they pass any stationary or slow moving police, emergency or enforcement vehicle with red, blue or magenta lights flashing.The rule includes NHVR vehicles displaying magenta lights.It applies to traffic travelling in either direction, unless there’s a dividing barrier between the motorist and the emergency vehicle.For more information is available for the following jurisdictions.> Click here for Victoria> Click here for TasmaniaChanges to South Australian entry conditionsThe South Australian Government has issued a new requirement for crossing the border into South Australia.Essential travelers (including heavy vehicle drivers) are required to keep records of close contacts for a 14-day period from the date of arrival in South Australia.For more information visit> FAQs - Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 4) (COVID-19) Direction 2020> Ministerial notice - Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 4) (COVID-19) Direction 2020NHVR website updateThe NHVR website will be unavailable from 10am to noon on Saturday 23 May while we undertake some schedule maintenance.We apologise for any inconvenience. The NHVR Portal will be unaffected and you can still use all its services at www.service.nhvr.gov.auHave you got another question about coronavirus changes?A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past few months, but safety still comes first.Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusIf you have any questions that we haven’t answered on this page you can contact us by phone on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487), by email at info@nhvr.gov.au or by sending us a message on Facebook.Connect with us Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.
ON THE ROAD Issue 85
on 2020-05-05 11:19:31
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 85 | 5 May 2020 Message from the CEONational Road Safety Week may have been re-scheduled to November, but heavy vehicle safety is still our top priority.The NHVR is continuing to work with the heavy vehicle supply chain to ensure it is operating at an efficient and safe level despite the changed conditions over the past few months.In particular, I want to avoid the situation where drivers are forced to take unnecessary risks.Now more than ever we are relying on Chain of Responsibility laws to keep drivers safe.If you’re involved in the heavy vehicle supply chain take the time to become familiar with questions such as: What is a transport activity; What are the roles that come under Chain of Responsibility, and What is reasonable practicability.The NHVR has released a series of CoR Quick Briefs. Click here and please spend 15 minutes to find the answer to these questions and more.And check out the tools that are available as part of the NHVR’s Safety Management System or the heavy vehicle industry’s own Master Code of Practice.Heavy vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility. So please ensure heavy vehicle drivers and members of the heavy vehicle supply chain are working together to make your business a safe business.SalTruckie mental and physical health in Whiteline Television focusTips on what to eat, how to exercise and what signs to recognise for mental health are tackled in a new series of videos for truck drivers.The series was developed by Whiteline Television and provides practical tips from truckies who are often on the road for several days at a time.They were funded from Round 4 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Australian Government.> You can see the videos at www.truckingnation.com.au> Read the full announcement hereUpdated notices bring increased benefitsAlmost one-third of New South Wales oversize overmass (OSOM) permits will be removed under updated Class 1 notices.The updated Multi-State Class 1 Load Carrying Vehicles Dimension and Mass Exemption Notices included increases in mass and dimensions in NSW and South Australia.In New South Wales, the mass has been increased up to 115 tonnes and the width has been increased up to 5.0 metres.Some of the key improvements in South Australia include an increase in mass up to 100 tonnes and an increased width of up to 4.6 metres.> See the full announcement hereAre you in the NHVAS maintenance module and looking to re-register a heavy vehicle in Queensland?Transport and Main Roads Queensland has released temporary measures for individuals and businesses that have cancelled their heavy vehicle registration due to financial impacts of COVID-19.> Click here for more detailsThe change will allow operators who have de-registered a Queensland-plated vehicle after 29 January 2020, to re-register the vehicle without a Certificate of Inspection (COI). If you’re operating under NHVAS, check out the latest advice from the NHVR here www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusHave you got another question about coronavirus changes?A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past six weeks, but safety still comes first.Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusIf you have any questions that we haven’t answered on this page you can contact us by phone on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487), by email at info@nhvr.gov.au or by sending us a message on Facebook.
ON THE ROAD Issue 84
on 2020-04-24 05:20:13
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 84 | 21 April 2020 Message from the CEOThere are a growing number of conversations about the physical safety and mental wellbeing of heavy vehicle drivers.The NHVR has recognised the need for ongoing support and information for drivers with funding for two important studies as part of our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.Even in their early stages the studies by Perth-based Injury Matters and by Canberra-based OzHelp highlight the vast challenges faced by truck drivers even before the changes that have occurred over the last six weeks. I look forward to releasing the results of these studies in the coming weeks and months.It’s been a difficult year with the bushfires and now the pandemic response. Tensions around service centres, truck stops and transfer facilities are likely to be higher than normal.Drivers, members of the supply chain, service centres and authorised officers are all in this together and we need to support and respect each other now more than ever.Sal$249,500 enforceable undertaking for chain of responsibility educationThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd that will see $249,500 contributed to chain of responsibility education. The EU stems from an allegation by Roads and Maritime Services that on 16 October 2018 and 24 May 2019 LORAC failed to comply with the mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the EU was a first for the NHVR and was an appropriate alternative to prosecution in the circumstances. Click here to read the full statementVisual inspections continue as RBT calibration relaxedThe NHVR has granted a temporary relaxation of calibration requirements for roller-brake testing (RBT) equipment.NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance Manager Peter Austin said the NHVR’s National Roller Brake Test Procedure required that machines used to conduct tests are calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers’ standards every 12 or 24 months.“We have had manufacturers come to us reporting difficulty in achieving some of the calibration requirements because of the current travel restrictions,” Mr Austin said.“We want to support industry and recognise this relaxation will only affect a small number of testing units.”“Not having a machine calibrated can have minor impacts on the machine and accuracy of tests, so we have provided some practice guidance, including using additional visual inspections that can be conducted to validate the test results.”Click here for the full articlePBS third party assessor roles made clearPerformance Based Standards (PBS) certifiers provide an important service and recent restriction of movements may impact their ability to physically inspect a vehicle.The NHVR has provided advice to allow the certification process to continue to ensure that vehicles have been built to the PBS Design Approval.Click here for the updated Information for PBS Assessors and Certifiers fact sheetHave your say on freight productivity and livestock supply chainFeedback on the Livestock Supply Chain Review Issues Paper, Improving awareness and practices in the livestock supply chain, closes on Friday, April 24.For more information or to lodge a submission visit www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/consultationOpened service centres welcomed by driversThank you to the retailers and heavy vehicle operators that have provided information to update the NHVR Service Centre map.The map was launched earlier this month to show which service centres, truck stops and roadhouses remain open for heavy vehicle drivers.Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience Manager John Gilbert thanked service centres for their efforts in remaining open to support drivers.“I know many truck drivers are grateful for somewhere clean to stop, get a feed and a rest,” John said.“We’ve been made aware of a small number of issues in relation to theft and vandalism, which have been passed on to police.“I’d urge all road users to respect the amenities that have remained open for their use.”If you have been out on the roads and seen a business that isn’t listed on the map please get in touch with us via email at digital@nhvr.gov.auMeet the operators on our new ‘On Channel’ seriesFrasers Livestock Transport is now in its 76th year of operation, transporting sheep, cattle and pigs across eastern Australia. With nearly 60 trucks in their fleet, chances are you’ve seen one of the signature green vehicles on the road. We had a chat to Warwick Fraser about how their business uses the different features in the NHVR Portal, and how it's adapted its operations in this unusual period.Watch the video on our Facebook channel
ON THE ROAD Issue 83
on 2020-04-09 08:40:59
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 83 | 9 April 2020 Message from the CEOI’d like to wish everyone across the heavy vehicle industry a safe and happy Easter, and thank them for their efforts and resilience over the past few weeks.As I reflect on the past fortnight it is obvious that some supply chains are stretched with the additional freight requirements, while many others are experiencing a downturn.At the NHVR we are seeing a lot of new customers applying for access permits to operate on different networks, to support the demand. It’s also reflected in the number of questions we’ve received over the phone, on line and through social media.As this transition continues I urge you to continue to engage with the NHVR to ensure you are meeting your legal and safety requirements.A lot may have changed recently, but heavy vehicle safety is still paramount, particularly over the Easter long weekend.SalMap to support drivers to manage fatigueThe NHVR has today launched a new online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open for heavy vehicle drivers.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the tool provided information about services and trading hours for service centres right across the country. “Having access to food, showers, toilets and appropriate rest is critical for drivers to properly manage their fatigue,” Mr Petroccitto said. “This new mapping tool will allow drivers to jump online and see quickly which facilities are still operational and providing these important services, allowing them to plan routes and breaks.Read more about the truck stop toolEaster travel changesOver the Easter holiday period, a number of road transport agencies have relaxed Easter travel restrictions for agricultural, Oversize and Over mass, and special purpose heavy vehicles due to COVID-19.However there are slight variations for each state and territory.Click here for the latest information on current Easter travel requirements.Please note, heavy vehicle access arrangements may change at short notice and we strongly recommend operators check this page or with the relevant state and territory road transport authorities prior to travel.Heavy vehicle safety in focusHeavy vehicle operators are being urged to ensure their operations remain safe as unprecedented demand puts pressure on freight supply chains.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto reminded operators of their Chain of Responsibility obligations and to avoid putting drivers under undue pressure.“We’re concerned by reports that drivers are under increased pressure to meet deadlines,” Sal said.Click here for the full statement with NHVR, Transport for NSW and police agenciesHave your say on freight productivity and livestock supply chainSubmissions for two key heavy vehicle industry policy documents closer later this month.Feedback on the Draft Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020–2025, which outlines a national agenda for improving heavy vehicle access and productivity, closes on Friday, April 17.Feedback on the Livestock Supply Chain Review Issues Paper, Improving awareness and practices in the livestock supply chain, closes on Friday, April 24.For more information on both papers or to lodge a submission visit www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/consultationStay safe this Easter with the Daily ChecklistThe NHVR’s Daily Checklist has been relaunched to assist drivers with their vehicle inspections ahead of the Easter long weekend.The latest version of the Daily Checklist was updated following industry feedback to include checking engine and drivetrain warnings and checking all couplings and connectors are correctly attached.A daily check is a quick visual inspection that can be undertaken on a heavy vehicle prior to leaving the yard, depot or rest area.Click here for the Daily ChecklistAdditional items and areas to check can be obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual which contains a full list of components and their inspection criteria.
ON THE ROAD Issue 82
on 2020-04-06 01:16:06
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 82 | 01 April 2020 | Coronavirus Special Edition Message from the CEOOur country is experiencing a health crisis unlike anything any of us have ever seen before.As things change rapidly, at home and abroad, the heavy vehicle industry is once again demonstrating how absolutely essential it is to the health and wellbeing of all Australians and our economy.At the NHVR, our priorities haven’t changed. We continue to operate at full service levels to support the industry to be as safe and productive as possible. This is even more important now, than it ever has been before.To that end, we have been working closely with industry and government agencies to streamline processes and deliver greater certainty for operators.All changes can be accessed from the homepage of the NHVR website at www.nhvr.gov.auWe will keep the industry consistently updated, as things change in the coming weeks and months.SalService centres continue supporting truck driversThis week’s announcement by National Cabinet to allow service centres and truck stops to remain open for heavy vehicle drivers has been welcomed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and industry.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that a set of standard protocols would support both businesses and drivers to stay safe through this period.“For road freight to move safely, truck driver health and fatigue needs to be managed with regular breaks and facilities for truck drivers to eat, shower, use restrooms, refuel and rest comfortably before resuming their work,” Mr Petroccitto said. “These sensible guidelines will help to keep facilities open by prioritising the health and safety of both staff and drivers as they carry out the incredibly important roles they are playing in the midst of this crisis.> Read the full article about service centresHave you got a question about coronavirus changes?If you have any questions you can contact us by phone on 1300 MYNHVR, by email at info@nhvr.gov.au or by sending us a message on Facebook.Is freight exempt from border closures?Yes, the vast majority of freight is exempt from border closures.However, some states have additional requirements in place. All information can be found at: NHVR Coronavirus responseVisit the website for answers to more frequently asked questions.Should we cease two-up movements given the difficulty in maintaining 1.5 metres of contact between drivers?Will exemptions be introduced for work and rest hours if drivers are unexpectedly delayed at borders?Do drivers have a right to refuse entry into their cab of Authorised Officers given the need for social distancing?> Read the answers to these Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions on our websiteEnhanced route planning feature now availableUsers of the Route Planner in the NHVR Portal can now translate a visual map into a text-based distance and time description of their route to help them plan and cost their trip.The new tool will help operators determine the distance travelled against a single route and can be used to calculate fuel consumption costs. This will give operators a stronger understanding of the true costs associated with a given route.The distance and time information can be found in the new dedicated 'DISTANCE' tab.We're also finalising a 'Turn-by-Turn' feature to be released shortly.Temporary variations for Class 1 OSOM escort requirements in QueenslandTemporary variations to Class 1 Oversize Over Mass (OSOM) escort requirements will commence in Queensland today (1 April 2020) while Queensland Police Service (QPS) resources are redirected to coronavirus activities.Operators of Class 1 OSOM loads that don’t exceed 5.5 metres in width and 35 metres in length may use the following temporary escorting arrangements from 1 April: Existing arrangementsVariation arrangementsNo traffic control requiredOne QPS escort and two level two escortsTwo level two escorts and two level one pilotsSome traffic control requiredOne QPS escort and two level two escortsFour level two escortsLoads exceeding 5.5 metres in width and 35 metres in length will continue to require QPS escorts. Please note that QPS availability to escort these will be limited.> Read the full article about Qld Class 1 OSOM requirements on our websiteAmendments to PBS Frontal Swing RequirementsAmendments to the PBS Frontal Swing standard will begin from today (April 1 2020).NHVR’s Chief Engineer, Les Bruzsa said the increase will allow for greater flexibility for PBS vehicle designs.“The rigid truck and prime mover performance measure of 0.7m has been found to be restrictive for twin-steer and longer wheelbase PBS vehicles, especially when fitted with bull bars,” Les said.“Increasing the performance measures to 0.85m will address industry concerns and will reduce the need for PBS vehicles to obtain frontal swing exemptions, especially A-Double and truck and dog combinations.”> Read more about the amendments to PBS frontal swing requirementsHalf tracked rubber tracked tractors now allowed on roadsFarmers are now able to operate half tracked rubber tracked tractors on public roads without a permit following recent amendments to the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019.The NHVR undertook engineering assessments and consultation on the infrastructure impacts of these vehicles, which showed they imposed no greater risk than the vehicles already allowed by the Notice.> Read more about tracked tractor updates