The NHVAS Business Rules and Standards outline the requirements for entry to and participation in the NHVAS.
Eligibility
To be eligible for accreditation under NHVAS, operators must agree to abide by the NHVAS Standards and Business Rules and:
- develop and maintain a compliant quality management system which meets the relevant standards
- document the procedures that staff must follow in the management system to achieve compliance
- produce (and keep for audit) documents and other evidence that prove compliance with the standards and law
- undergo an independent audit by an NHVAS Approved Auditor prior to establishing accreditation.
For guides on accreditation in the individual modules under NHVAS see Accreditation modules.
When an operator has developed and implemented the compliance management system, they will undergo an entry audit before applying for accreditation. If successful, the operator can apply to be accredited in the NHVAS. Applicants choosing to operate at AFM approved hours should contact the NHVR before undertaking an entry audit.
History of transport compliance checks
Entry to the NHVAS is voluntary and open to operators who can demonstrate a record of compliance with heavy vehicle regulation and standards. You must provide a five-year compliance history declaration. The declaration must not be made until all reasonable steps to find out the relevant information have been taken.
Additional requirements for fatigue management module
It is a requirement of both Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) that:
- drivers are medically assessed as per the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive
- drivers provide to a medical practitioner information to assist with the medical assessment. Download the Driver Health Questionnaire (PDF, 277KB)
- drivers have a certificate/report that shows they are currently declared fit to drive a commercial vehicle. Download the Fitness to Drive Report (PDF, 232KB)
- drivers and schedulers must undergo training and obtain the appropriate statement of attainment from an NHVAS approved registered training organisation
- AFM applicants will need to complete the Fatigue Risk Assessment Tool and provide a safety case if needed. For more information see Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).