Road managers
Accessibility tools
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched two new digital tools to help operators transition smoothly to the new Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (HVA) scheme and build stronger Safety Management Systems (SMS).
The Risk Register Builder and NHVAS to HVA Gap Analysis Tool have been developed to provide practical support to industry following the commencement of the amended Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the tools were designed to give operators greater confidence in understanding the requirements of the HVA scheme and take practical steps to strengthen their safety systems.
“The new HVA scheme supports a more consistent, modern and effective approach to safety management across the heavy vehicle industry,” Mr Salvati said.
“We know many operators already have strong safety practices in place, but developing and maintaining an effective SMS can be complex - particularly when it comes to identifying risks, documenting controls and applying a consistent approach across a business.
“It can be especially challenging for new operators or those who have never developed an SMS before.
“These digital tools are designed to make that process more practical by helping operators understand what is expected, identify where they may need to focus their efforts and build safety management practices into their everyday operations.”
The Risk Register Builder helps operators and other Chain of Responsibility parties create a business-specific risk register using the NHVR’s Master Code of Practice.
“Risk management is a core part of an effective SMS, but we understand that starting a risk register from scratch can be difficult,” Mr Salvati said.
“The Risk Register Builder bridges the gap by connecting the hazards and controls outlined in the Master Code of Practice with a structured process that businesses can tailor to their own operations.”
The tool guides users through identifying relevant hazards, selecting and customising controls, assessing risk and generating a downloadable risk register that can be maintained as a living document.
It can support businesses new to risk management by providing a clear starting point, while also helping experienced safety practitioners apply the Master Code efficiently.
The NHVAS to HVA Gap Analysis Tool has been developed to support operators transitioning from the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) to the new HVA scheme.
The tool compares existing NHVAS modules against the new General Safety Accreditation (GSA) requirements, helping operators understand what already aligns with the new scheme, where improvements may be required and what additional evidence may support the transition.
“Many operators preparing for the HVA scheme want to understand what they already have in place, what needs to change and what will be expected under GSA,” Mr Salvati said.
“This tool makes it easier for operators to continue building on their existing safety culture by providing a clearer view of the transition pathway, highlighting existing alignment, potential gaps and areas where they may need to strengthen their systems or evidence.”
The tool also provides guidance on the safety management requirements of GSA and the Present, Suitable, Operating and Effective (PSOE) principles that auditors will consider when assessing accreditation requirements.
Mr Salvati said the tools have been designed to support operators while recognising that businesses remain responsible for actively managing safety risks.
“These tools provide guidance and support, but they do not replace an operator’s responsibility to understand their obligations, implement controls so far as is reasonably practicable, and ensure their SMS is effective in practice,” he said.
“A risk register or gap analysis is a starting point - the strongest safety outcomes come when businesses use these tools to identify risks, implement controls, regularly review their systems and continuously improve safety performance.”
The NHVR’s new digital tools are available now on the NHVR website, alongside a suite of other HVA resources:
The NHVR has also released a series of information sessions, where operators will be guided through each of the new tools. Register for a session.