South Australia announces fatigue management transition period

Wednesday 30 July 2008

Members would be aware that new fatigue management laws come into effect on 29 September 2008; however, SA has announced that it is following Queensland’s lead by implementing a transition period to the new regulations as well as relaxing its enforcement strategy.

Operators in SA will have a six-month exemption from changed driving hours. What this means is that drivers using Standard Hours will still be allowed to drive for 12 hours and work for two hours.   Under the new regulations, drivers are limited to a 12-hour workday.

 

The SA Government is also extending the Transitional Fatigue Management Scheme (TFMS) from six to 12 months. Those registered under the TFMS are allowed to drive for longer hours.

 

Operators will also have more time to determine whether they will need to become accredited in Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) or the Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) module.  Operators have also been given up to 90 days to obtain new work diaries. The 90-day rule will apply to those using TFMS or Standard Hours, while BFM and AFM operators will have 14 days. Importantly, drivers who currently do not need a log book such as those working locally, will also have 14 days.

 

SA authorities have set a specific period as to how long the industry will have before officers take steps to ensure compliance with the new regulations.  It seems that the government will install a three-month period where minor breaches are dealt with leniently, such as warnings rather than financial penalties.

 

Fatigue management training sessions are currently being held across the State ending on 14 August and anyone interested in attending should register with the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.