Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM)

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) is currently the only available mechanism under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) that can provide you with tailored work and rest hours.

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How does the NHVR assess an AFM application?

Each AFM application is assessed against the fatigue principles outlined in the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards. We use a performance-based approach where we consider your proposed management practices, work and rest hours, controls and countermeasures detailed in your safety case and operations manual. We ensure that each decision is based on the risks specific to your individual operations. Further information is available in the Advanced Fatigue Management Policy (PDF, 379KB).

How to prepare an AFM application

To prepare an AFM application simply log into the NHVR Portal and follow the steps to create your AFM safety case. To submit your AFM application for assessment you will need your AFM safety case and your current operations manual detailing your policies and procedures.

Once you are ready to submit, complete the application details to lodge your application for assessment. After you submit your AFM application our AFM Case Manager will keep you updated of progress.

Fatigue principles

Work-related rest breaks

Principles 1 and 2 focus on work-related rest breaks from driving within the defined ‘work opportunity’. The purpose of these principles is to reduce performance impairment due to an industry participant’s extended time-on-task.

  • Principle 1: Reduce the time spent continuously working in the work opportunity.
  • Principle 2: The more frequent breaks from driving, the better.

Recovery breaks

Principles 3,4,5, and 6 focus on sleep opportunities between work opportunities. The purpose of these principles is to ensure the applicant has enough time to obtain sufficient sleep in order to reduce the likelihood of unsafe levels of fatigue.

  • Principle 3: Ensure an adequate sleep opportunity in order to obtain sufficient sleep.
  • Principle 4: Maximise adequate night sleep.
  • Principle 5: Minimise shifts ending between 00:00-06:00.
  • Principle 6: Minimise extended shifts.

Reset breaks

Principle 7 relates to breaks in sequences of work opportunities to reduce the likelihood of an accumulation of unsafe levels of fatigue over an extended sequence of shifts.

  • Principle 7: Prevent accumulation of fatigue with reset breaks of at least 30hrs (and include two night periods, 00:00 – 06:00) between work sequences.

More information

Contact us at AFM@nhvr.gov.au