Fatigue management for operating across borders

The Northern Territory Government has decided that it will not adopt the fatigue management aspects of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) until it can be clearly demonstrated that the laws are workable in remote Australia and the benefits can be proven.

Although not adopting them, the NT will recognise the HVNL fatigue management options and will continue to recognise the Western Australian Fatigue Management system for those operators crossing borders.

This allows operators to opt into the system that best suits their business needs without compromising safety.

How this will affect operators

If you're operating within NT borders

Operators must implement a system to manage the risk of fatigue under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011.

In the interim, for general information on managing the risk of fatigue, go to the WorkSafe website or contact NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115.

Use of a national driver work diary is not specifically required but may be used as part of an individual operator's fatigue management system.

If you're crossing into other areas - excluding Western Australia

Operators will be required to comply with the national fatigue management system under the law through one of the following options:

• standard hours - work diary required if operating more than 100km from base
• basic fatigue management (BFM) - National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme accreditation required including work diary
• advanced fatigue management (AFM) National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme accreditation required including work diary.

The NT will recognise these fatigue management options for operators which cross borders. Operators will be subject to enforcement when travelling in other states.

When leaving the NT, use of a national driver work diary is required from at least the last major rest break.

If staying within NT for less than seven days the work diary should continue to be filled out for the entire period.

For more information, go to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website.

Operators crossing into Western Australia

Operators are and will still be required to comply with the current WA fatigue management system.

The NT will continue to recognise the current WA fatigue management system for those operators undertaking cross-border activities into or out of WA.

A work record that complies with WA regulations needs to be used for the complete trip if any part of that trip will be within WA.

Operators will be subject to enforcement when travelling in WA.

For more information, go to the WA Department of Transport website.