To provide a long-term vision the NHVR has recently published its Strategic Directions 2016 document, describing its focus on safety, productivity, sustainability and regulatory capability. In support, the strategic direction NHVR continues to implement a range of initiatives.
The National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) provides checklists, standards and other information to help inspectors and operators consistently meet requirements. NHVR say: “Publication of the NHVIM provides inspectors and operators access to the same standards and criteria for which vehicles will be inspected nationally. Developed with extensive industry consultation, all participating states and territories have adopted the NHVIM into their inspection regimes."
The NHVR has also announced that 90 National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme approved auditors will be delivering the NHVR’s high safety standards from July 1 2016. Auditors are approved under enhanced registration criteria in the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards. According to NHVR this will standardise the way audits are conducted and strengthen the quality of audits and auditors. A list of NHVAS approved auditors is available on the NHVR web.
Additionally, the NHVR recently launched its first national health check. Heavy vehicles will be inspected in accordance with the new National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual. The inspections are intended to provide a baseline on heavy vehicle roadworthiness and will help identify factors that increase the risk of incidents and identify high-risk components, systems, vehicles or operators. Vehicles selected for inspection are expected to be delayed for around 30 – 45 minutes and NHVR alerted drivers to be prepared for the delays.
IPWEA FLEET will include an Ask the Regulator session in its November Plant and Vehicle Management Workshop series, providing participants an opportunity for an update and Q&A session with government regulators.