tlif1007c - apply fatigue management strategies - learner guide

TLIF1007C

Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L

Learner Guide

Apply fatigue management strategies

TLIF1007C Apply fatigue management strategies

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L July 2008 ADELG1010

Contents What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 5 Planning your learning ........................................................... 6 How you will be assessed ...................................................... 8

Section 1........................................................................................... 10 Understanding fatigue .......................................................... 10

Section 2........................................................................................... 26 Fatigue management ........................................................... 26

Section 3........................................................................................... 45 The legislative framework .................................................... 45

Additional resources....................................................................... 64

Feedback on activities .................................................................... 67


© Australian National Training Authority 2003 ADELG1010 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L – July 2008

What this Learner’s Guide is about This Learner’s Guide is about the skills and knowledge required to apply fatigue management strategies, including identifying and acting upon signs of fatigue and implementing appropriate strategies to minimise fatigue during work activities.

The Elements of Competency from the unit TLIF1007C Apply fatigue management strategies covered in this Learner’s Guide are listed below. Identify and act upon signs of fatigue Implement strategies to minimise fatigue This unit of competency is from the Transport and Logistics Training Package (TLI07).



Planning your learning It is important to plan your learning before you start because you may already have some of the knowledge and skills that are covered in this Learner’s Guide. This might be because: • you have been working in the industry for some time,

and/or • you have already completed training in this area.

Together with your supervisor or trainer use the checklists on the following pages to help you plan your study program. Your answers to the questions in the checklist will help you work out which sections of this Learner’s Guide you need to complete.

This Learner’s Guide is written with the idea that learning is made more relevant when you, the learner, are actually working in the industry. This means that you will have people within the enterprise who can show you things, discuss how things are done and answer any questions you have. Also you can practise what you learn and see how what you learn is applied in the enterprise.

If you are working through this Learner’s Guide and have not yet found a job in the industry, you will need to talk to your trainer about doing work experience or working and learning in some sort of simulated workplace.



Section 1: Understanding fatigue

Are you able to: Yes No

1. define the meaning of fatigue?

2. identify factors that cause fatigue?

3. demonstrate fatigue management?

4. explain the common effects of fatigue?

Section 2: Fatigue management

Are you able to: Yes No

1. identify and describe personal warning signs of fatigue?

2. identify how your organisation can assist you with fatigue management?

3. describe the guidelines for fatigue management?

4. identify a balanced diet in order to improve eating habits?



How you will be assessed Assessment of this Unit of Competency will include observation of real or simulated work processes using workplace procedures and questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. It must be demonstrated in an actual or simulated work situation under supervision.

You will be required to: • identify factors that contribute to fatigue • design a fatigue management program to suit your

workplace requirements.



Section 1 Understanding fatigue



Section outline

Areas covered in this section

What is fatigue?

The personal, social and economical consequences of fatigue -‐ related accidents

Factors likely to influence truck driver fatigue

Common effects of truck driver fatigue

The warning signs of fatigue



Fatigue What is fatigue?

It can be defined as, weariness after exertion; reduction of efficiency of muscles and organs, after prolonged activity; a task or job that wearies.

Fatigue management programs have been developed throughout the transport industry worldwide to minimise the occurrence of fatigue related incidents by increasing safety and making sure there is compliance in the heavy vehicle transport industry.

Fatigue has been identified as contributing to between 10 and 20 percent of fatal truck crashes (Hawthorn, Heffernan and Horne, 1989).

What are the effects of truck driver fatigue? • the loss of a life -‐ your life or other innocent lives • trauma and stress on your family and friends as they suffer

the loss • no income or lost income • insurance premiums increase to cover accident costs • your company looses productivity as does the industry

generally.


© Australian National Training Authority 2003 ADELG1011 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L – April 2008

Activity 1: Effects of fatigue

List some other possible effects of fatigue on you, your family or your workplace.

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Research into fatigue related accidents has shown that in 9.1% of fatal car and truck accidents, fatigue was the main contributing factor.

In accidents where extended driving hours and night time driving were involved, fatigue contributed to 19.9% of the accidents.

Equal numbers of car and truck drivers become fatigued.

To effectively manage fatigue, it is necessary to look at the causes. Some of these may be: • lack of sleep and rest • inadequate pre-‐trip preparation • long working or driving hours • inflexible or inadequate scheduling practices • drug taking • alcohol consumption • environmental factors such as:

• time of day • weather conditions.



Activity 2: Prevention of fatigue

1. Does your workplace have a fatigue management program in place? If yes, describe the plan briefly below.

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2. What do you do to prevent being fatigued when driving?

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3. Can you think of any other causes of fatigue?

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Fatigue causing factors Fatigue may be caused by a variety of reasons, some of these may include:

• lack of sleep

• late nights socialising or working

• sleep disorder

• long working (driving hours) and inflexible scheduling practices, such as: no pre-‐planning of trips to make sure drivers have sufficient time to

complete the trip while at the same time taking required rest periods

not allowing drivers to reschedule rest periods within their trip according to their fatigue levels

non-‐driving work that fatigues the driver such as loading and unloading.

Inadequate pre-‐trip preparation can create a number of problems that extend your trip time. For example: • damaged tyres (punctures) through non checking prior to

departure • poor cargo loading (having to remove cargo unnecessarily

to get a delivery) • poor lashing of load (cargo spill) • no pre-‐departure check, which may result in:

mechanical problems physical vehicle problems.

All of these factors result in inadequate sleep or rest periods at appropriate times.



Activity 3: Prepare and schedule to prevent fatigue

1. What other problems may occur through inadequate pre-trip preparation? Write your answers below.

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2. How can an employer help overcome driver fatigue in the scheduling of trips?

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There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s Guide.



Strategies to combat fatigue: • during working hours:

you must make sure that when you stop, you actually rest, and do not undertake other work related tasks

you must make sure that you take sufficient breaks after periods of continuous driving

you must alter your schedules if you are forced to undertake fatiguing, non-‐driving work.

• in order to ready yourself for work: you must advise your workplace about the impact of your leisure

activities on your ability to work you must be shown how to identify your own fatigue levels and the

ways you can reduce these levels you must monitor your fatigue levels prior to you starting work.

• to maintain excellent driver health the operator should: implement a health management system providing general health

education but also information about specific driving-‐related health risks

make sure driver health does not compromise safety employ drivers in areas in which they are most capable make drivers aware of the impact on their personal welfare of

fatigue levels. • workplace conditions:

make sure that vehicles, truck stops and sleeping areas allow drivers a comfortable trip, effective breaks, and most importantly a good night’s rest.

• management practices and communication: encourage free communication between management and drivers

to allow identification of any issues influencing fatigue levels.



Activity 4: Personal management

1. What do you do to make sure that you have sufficient rest between shifts?

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2. How much rest do you require prior to starting a job?

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3. Are there any leisure activities that you take part in which may add to your normal fatigue levels?

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4. Do you reorganise your rest sleep periods to compensate for fatigue activities?

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5. What are your average working hours?

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6. How often would you rest over the period of your working day?

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7. What are the six fatigue management areas?

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Common effects of fatigue

There are a number of common effects of fatigue. Some of these are: • falling asleep behind the wheel • slower reaction times, affecting driving ability, for example:

poorer gear changing oversteering poor fuel economy

• decreased attention to road signs and traffic on the roads.



Activity 5: Accidents linked to fatigue

Have any drivers from your workplace had an accident that may have been caused by fatigue? If yes, what plan was put into place to prevent it from happening again?

Yes No

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Section 2 Fatigue management



Section outline


How to manage fatigue

Relating warning signs to personal experience and describing the subjective nature of fatigue



How to manage fatigue

Effective fatigue management starts with the transport operators. Fatigue management allows them to organise and implement the most effective management procedures. Operators are well positioned to monitor your fatigue levels and take corrective action. There are several areas that transport operators can monitor in order to manage fatigue, these are:

• trip scheduling

• driver rostering

• working hours

• readiness of drivers for work

• driver health

• workplace conditions

• management practices and communication.

When scheduling of trips:

• trips must

be pre-‐planned to make sure that you have sufficient time to take the required rest periods during the trip

allow you to reschedule your rest periods within your trip according to how quickly and how often you become fatigued

eliminate non-‐driving work that fatigues you such as unnecessary loading and unloading

involve you in the scheduling process.



When drivers are rostered, they must be:

rostered according to your recent workload, how suitable the trip is, your welfare and your preference

provided with flexibility in rosters to allow you to alter your roster if you are already fatigued

notified of future trips, allowing you to prepare and be well rested.

Warning signs of fatigue

Common signs of fatigue may include:

• loss of concentration

• nodding off at the wheel

• dimmed vision

• stiffness in the limbs

• slower reflex time

• loss of co-‐ordination

• yawning

• quickly blinking eyes

• inability to judge your own level of alertness.



Activity 6: Other signs of fatigue

1. Can you think of any other fatigue warning signs?

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2. Have you ever experienced driving fatigue?

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3. How do you know when you are becoming fatigued?

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4. What steps did you take to overcome the problem?

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5. What are some of the noticeable effects of fatigue?

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Strategies to overcome fatigue

There are various strategies that are recommended to counteract fatigue. They include:

• limiting total driving hours

• regular rest stops before fatigue sets in

• avoidance of alcohol and drugs (although moderate use of caffeine is not harmful)

• adequate cabin ventilation

• introducing variation in the driving environment.

Management assistance in overcoming driver fatigue

Your company management will need to look at the following when considering a fatigue management program for drivers:

• driver’s previous time working, schedules and rosters

• safe driving time and adequate rest requirement

• non-‐driving time and work activities

• vehicle suitability and roadworthiness

• identification and management of specific fatigue risk factors of the freight task (type of load, night or city driving)

• driver’s readiness for duty, state of health and competence on the day

• use of relief and casual drivers and sub-‐contractors

• drivers involvement and flexibility to reschedule trips and change rosters.

Medical check

Prior to entering into a fatigue management program you will be required to:

• undergo a medical examination to the standard required of commercial drivers

• participate in a health screening program for sleep disorder, diet, substance abuse and medical history.



If you are found to be unfit or placed on restrictions to perform your job you will be provided with appropriate assistance and counselling to aid recovery. You and your family will be provided with information on good driver health and lifestyle.



Activity 7: Medical examination

1. Have you been ask by your trainer to undertake a medical examination in order to participate in the fatigue management program?

Yes No

2. What actions do you take to avoid fatigue? Write your answers below.

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3. What does your management do to assist you in avoiding fatigue?

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Guidelines for fatigue management

If your employer is participating in the fatigue management program they will follow guidelines for particular management practices.

Some of these practices include:

• that selection, induction and training of all new drivers is appropriate to their employment

• that personnel performance management and counselling are included

• that communication process are in place between drivers and management

• that set maximum numbers of hours of driving and non-‐driving work, and minimum number of hours for rest at work are adhered to

• that records of ‘time working’ are kept and retained for audit purposes

• regular ‘time working’

• that regular checks for non-‐compliance, ‘time working’ non-‐compliances are corrected and considered in future scheduling and rostering plans

• the promotion and encouragement of drivers to consider the impact of out-‐of-‐work activities on their ability to cope with ‘time working’ tasks

• the opportunity and support mechanisms for drivers to admit to be unfit for duty due to any lifestyle, health, or medical issues

• that trainers make sure a driver’s fitness for duty is monitored and appraised prior to, and during their working time

• the training of drivers to make them aware of factors that may contribute to fatigue, the ability to self-‐diagnose symptoms of fatigue and determine strategies to combat or reduce fatigue

• set standards for driver readiness for duty which includes, at a minimum, health and medical status

• that vehicles that are used for sleep must meet Australian Design Rule AD42 (sleeper berths)

• that vehicle cabins must be appropriate for the freight task in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety requirements (ventilation, seating and suspension)



• that Depot facilities are appropriate to the operator’s freight task and in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety requirements

• that vehicles that use the road comply with respective vehicle standards and regulations

• that any vehicle found with a serious defect is reported or repaired before being used on a road

• that vehicles and loads have appropriate authorisation and permits to use the roads

• that all vehicle loads are loaded in a safe manner and in accordance with the Load Restraint Regulations

• that fatigue management program and educational needs are identified, documented and provided to all applicable personnel

• that training and education programs are produced, conducted and documented and employee attendance is recorded

• that responsibilities for the management of the fatigue management program are clearly defined

• that procedures are in place to monitor, identify, report, investigate and correct any non-‐compliance with the fatigue management program

• that all fatigue management program records, including sub-‐contractor records, are filed, stored, maintained and available for management and audit purposes

• that an internal fatigue management program audit program is conducted, reported and recorded and corrective action taken

• that internal auditors have been appointed and are competent.



Activity 8: Noticeable effects of fatigue

1. What are some of the noticeable effects of fatigue?

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2. What factors influence the long term management of fatigue?

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Tick the correct answer.

3. What should you do if you become very tired when driving? Yes No

Turn on the radio and open the window?

Drink coffee to stay awake?

Continue to drive at a slower speed?

Pull off the road and rest?




Lifestyle is important

Your lifestyle plays a very important part in managing your fatigue.

You cannot expect your body and mind to remain unfatigued, if you abuse it and do not allow time for rest and relaxation.

Your lifestyle choices may include:

• your diet

• how much you exercise

• how much sleep you get

• how late you socialise

• how much alcohol you consume

• whether you take drugs (prescribed or recreational).

A balanced diet

Although it is often hard to get good, healthy food when you are on the road, being aware of what is good for your body and what is not, can help you make the decision about your next meal. A diet of cigarettes and alcohol should be avoided at all costs.

It is better to eat small meals often rather than large meals less often as digestion is an energy drain and tends to make you sleepy.

Common problems which are related to poor diet include:

• weight gain/obesity

• coronary heart disease

• high blood pressure

• digestive problems

• constipation

• some cancers



• gallstones

• liver disease

• diabetes

• stokes

• tooth decay.

It is often difficult to maintain an ideal weight, particularly if you do not have some regular form of exercise. You should consume a variety of foods and vegetables everyday.

Improved diet

You can improve your diet by adopting the suggestions listed below.

1. Eat a variety of foods each day, including one from each of these groups:

• bread and cereals

• vegetables and fruit

• lean meat, fish, poultry and eggs

• milk, cheese and yoghurt

• butter and margarine.

2. If you believe you are overweight consult your doctor

3. Try to limit the fat in your diet when eating on the road. Avoid fried food, -‐ trim the fat off your meats and do not eat too much cheese or butter. Ask for foods that have been grilled, steamed, poached or stir fried. Substitute traditional breakfasts of fried eggs and bacon for poached eggs, omelettes, grilled bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes and cereals.

4. Try not to eat too much sugar -‐ choose mineral water or unsweetened fruit juice rather than sweetened drinks -‐ do not put too much sugar in your tea or coffee and eat fruit rather than sweet desserts, cakes or chocolate bars.

5. Eat more wholemeal bread, cereals, vegetables and fruit.

6. Use less salt.

7. Do not drink too much alcohol.

8. Drink at least 2 litres of water as you drive.



Activity 9: What foods do you eat?

1. Write down the foods that you would eat in a typical day.

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2. Compare these to the suggestions made on the previous page. How could you improve your diet?

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A guide to help you choose your food

Eat generally Eat in moderation Eat occasionally

Wholegrain breads, flat breads, rolls, crispbreads, pasta, rice, oats

White bread, light rye bread crumpets, crackers, white rice, English muffins

Croissants, cakes, pastries, sweet biscuits, muffins

All vegetables; particularly those eaten raw, steamed or stir fried. All fruits without sugar syrup and fresh

Canned fruit or stewed/poached fruit in sugar syrup

Olives, glace fruit, chocolate dipped fruits

Beans, peas, lentils, tofu Nuts, peanut butter and seeds

Low fat milk and milk products e.g. yoghurt, cottage cheeses and ricotta cheese

Hard cheese, full cream milk and yoghurt

Cream cheese, ice-‐cream, condensed milk.

Unsaturated oil, margarine, mayonnaise salad dressing

Butter, cream, sour cream, suet, lard, dripping, coconut.

Custard, sweetened yoghurt, milk puddings

Sugar, honey, jam, lollies chocolate, creamy cakes and deserts, chips, twisties.

Plain water, vegetable juices, herbal teas

Fruit juice Alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks, cordial.

Exercise regularly The more you exercise the better for your heart and health generally. However, you do not have to puff and sweat to benefit. Regular moderate exercise, such as walking, brings the same benefits. It is the amount of energy you use that counts most, not how you use it up or how quickly.

Do the exercise that you enjoy. Walking, gardening, cycling or swimming are all good forms of exercise. Start at a low level and build up slowly over time. Do not overdo it. Choose suitable clothing and footwear. Do not exercise if the weather is very hot, humid or cold, straight after meals or alcohol, or if you do not feel well.



It is best to check with your doctor before you start exercising.



Section 3 The legislative framework



Section outline


Basic Fatigue Management and Advanced Fatigue Management Standards

Work hours and required rest breaks

Work diaries



What are the accreditation standards? There are different accreditation standards for truck drivers and bus drivers. These standards apply to organisations. It is the responsibility of the organisation to ensure their policies and procedures meet the accreditation standards required. Meeting these standards is covered in more detail in the unit TLI6307A Administer fatigue management strategies.

Work and Rest Hours There are three options for organisations. They are:

Table 1: Three Truck Options

Option Requirements

Standard hours Basic work and rest time limits

Basic Fatigue Management (NHVAS Accredited)

More flexible hours linked to accreditation

Advanced Fatigue Management (NHVAS Accredited)

Create your own safety management system and work hours linked to accreditation

To operate under the standard hours, companies do not need to apply for accreditation. This allows drivers to work up to, but not exceeding, 12 hours per day.

The standard hours option sets out minimum rest and maximum work hours and contains basic record keeping requirements.



Table 2: Standard Hours for Solo

Drivers



Table 3: Standard Hours for Bus Drivers

Work and Rest

Work time refers to all driving and any other tasks related to the operation of a heavy vehicle. All other time is counted as rest. Time is counted in 15 minute intervals and is recorded according to the time zone of the driver’s base (e.g. a 30 minute rest break can be taken as 2x15 minute rest breaks etc but 7 hour or 24 hour rest breaks can not be split up).

Work is a maximum so is always rounded upwards e.g. a period less than 15 minutes is counted as 15 minutes work, a period more than 15 minutes up to 30 minutes is counted as 30 minutes work etc. Rest is a minimum period so is always rounded downwards e.g. a period less than 15 minutes does not count towards rest while a period of 15 minutes but less than 30 minutes is counted as 15 minutes rest etc.

The Standard Hours option gives drivers more opportunities to take short rest breaks when they feel tired especially later in a shift when fatigue starts to cut in. Drivers must take a minimum 15 minute rest



break (under current laws this is 30 minutes) within the first 5 hours 30 minutes of work.

This shifts the emphasis to taking regular short rest breaks later in a shift when a driver starts to feel tired. Importantly this option provides a special defence for drivers (allowing up to 45 minutes additional driving) to ensure they are not unfairly penalised if a suitable rest area is not available (note: this agreed national provision will not apply in New South Wales or Victoria).

Under the Standard Hours option a driver must take 4 nights rest including one pair of consecutive nights rest in any 14 day period. For example, in a 14 day period, a driver would be able to work up to 6 night shifts (between the hours of midnight to 6am) in 1 week and 4 night shifts the following week. Night rest is 7 continuous hours rest taken between 10pm and 8am (this can include a 24 hour continuous rest).

Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) Hours

BFM accreditation offers more flexible hours and retains the ability to work 14 hour shifts. BFM gives operators a greater say in when they can work and rest providing the risks of working long and night hours are properly managed.

Operators will need to be accredited in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) and comply with six BFM standards covering scheduling and rostering, fitness for duty, fatigue knowledge and awareness, responsibilities, internal review, and records and documentation. It is also anticipated that, in the future, members in an alternative accreditation scheme that is deemed equivalent to BFM may get entry into the NHVAS via that scheme.

Working long hours and night shifts is widely recognised as high risk. Operators and drivers who ‘do the right thing’ by managing fatigue risks have a greater say in when drivers can work and rest and will now have access to a reasonable steps defence.

The basis for operating under BFM is working safer, not less hours. Operators who take basic steps to manage the risk of driver fatigue – such as planning trips and schedules, training drivers and schedulers and checking records – can schedule up to 14 hour shifts.

Work and Rest



Table 2 sets out the minimum rest and maximum work hours for BFM. Work time refers to all driving and any other tasks related to the operation of a heavy vehicle. All other time is counted as rest.

Under BFM a driver can work up to 14 hours in 24 hours. Drivers must also have a 7 hour continuous rest break in 24 hours but will have the ability to split this rest break (does not apply in Victoria). Split rest breaks can not be scheduled but can be taken by a driver if necessary if for example their rest is disturbed and the driver needs to move their vehicle.

Drivers splitting their rest will need to have a total eight hours rest with one part of at least six hours. Under BFM drivers are required to have 2x24 hour break (the first after maximum 84 hours work) and at least four nights rest (two nights consecutive) in each 14 day period (this can include a 24 hour continuous rest).

There is also a restriction (36 hour rule) on the amount of night work and long shifts which a driver can work in any seven day period to the greater risk of fatigue from this combination.



Table 4: BFM Hours



Combining Long Shifts and Night Work

The ‘36 hour rule’ is a term used to assist drivers in managing the risk of working long hours in combination with night shifts.

A night hour is any hour worked between midnight and 6am. This time is also counted in 15 minute periods. A long hour is any hour worked above 12 hours in 24 hours (this time is counted in 15 minute periods). For example, if a driver works a full 14 of 24 hours, the additional two hours worked are counted as ‘long hours’.

If a driver works 13 hours and 30 minutes, this is counted as 1.5 long hours and so on. A driver can only work up to 36 long and night hours in any 7 day period. Table 3 summarises a 14 day work period for a driver. Night and long hours worked on various days count toward the 36 hour limit in any 7 days. For simplicity, it is assumed the driver has not worked in the 7 days before.

Night hours and long hours worked each day are added across (highlighted in red). On day 1 the driver worked a total of 13 hours (including 5 night hours and 1 long hour). The 5 night hours and 1 long hour are added together to total the long/night hours totaling 6 accumulated long/night hours.

The numbers highlighted in blue show a 7 day period (days 1 to 7) and how a driver can reach 36 hours very quickly when working nights and long days as shown above. In this example, the driver reaches 36 hours in only 6 days and must take a days rest.

The green area shows the same principle applied over a 14 day schedule. The numbers highlighted show another 7 day period (days 8 to 14) and show that even though the driver has taken 3 x 24 hour rest breaks (in the 7 day period highlighted) the total accumulated hours is 28. In this example, the driver could have worked another 8 night and/or long hours as long as fatigue was managed.

It is important to remember your total night and long hours are accumulated over any 7 day period. For example, if you wanted to know your total on day 10 you would need to add the night and long hours worked over the previous 7 days (including day 10) so you would add up days 4 to 10 totaling 30 hours.



Table 5: Example of 36 Hour Rule

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) Hours

Under the AFM hours it is up to the organisation to choose how they would like to organise work and rest hours. Before implementing these hours they must have them approved. For organisations intending to deliver under AFM there are some boundaries. If your organisation is operating under AFM you should check the required rest and work periods with your supervisor.

Two-Up Driving For two-‐up drivers the work and rest hours are slightly different. Tables 5 and 6 show the required rest and work hours under standard and BFM.



Table 6: Standard Two-Up Hours



Table 7: BFM Two-‐Up Hours

Work Diaries What is a work diary?

The new laws also include the introduction of a driver work diary to replace the existing driver log books. A work diary can be either written or electronic, but, whatever form it takes, it must contain a record of the driver’s work/rest history as required under the legislation.

The written work diary contains similar information to the existing logbook and is issued by a road authority. Drivers must complete daily sheets to record their work/rest history. An electronic work diary is an electronic device or system fitted to the heavy vehicle to monitor and record the work and rest times of a driver. It must be approved as an electronic work diary by a road authority.



Who must use a work diary?

Drivers must use a work diary (written or electronic) if they are driving a heavy vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of over 12 tonnes or a bus with more than 12 seats (8 seats in NSW).

When should a driver use a work diary?

The work diary must be used and carried at all times if the driver is working as summarised below:

Drivers must always keep a work diary in their vehicle that contains current records of work and rest time within the last 28 day period. This includes any supplementary records (e.g. records kept if the work diary is lost – see relevant section below) and any printouts from an electronic work diary relevant to the period.

If a driver travels in WA or the ACT for less than 7 days he or she must continue to use the work diary (if a driver is working solely in WA different regulations apply and the local road authority should be contacted).

Important: regardless of whether a driver is required to keep a work diary, he or she is still required to comply with the work/rest hours limits.



Information that must be recorded

Drivers must record all the required information (as specified in the work diary instructions) in their work diary on a daily basis. Drivers must continue to record the information until their next major rest break (5 hours continuous rest or more).

How to record information

Drivers must record the required information on a separate daily sheet in a current work diary. Ensure adequate pressure is applied to ensure a readable record of the driver’s information appears on duplicate sheets. Drivers must record details in electronic work diaries according to road authority requirements and the manufacturer’s instructions.

False or misleading records

A driver or record keeper must keep an accurate work record in their possession. Severe penalties apply to drivers and/or record keepers who:

• record information in a work diary that they know, or ought to know, is false or misleading;

• keep a spare work diary (other than a filled-‐up work diary);

• record information for the same period in more than one work diary;

• deface or change a work record they know, or ought to know, is correct;

• pretend they have made a work record or made an entry in a work record when this is not the case;

• make an entry in someone else’s work record (unless otherwise permitted, e.g. a police officer making an annotation or a two-‐up driver’s counter-‐signature);



• destroy a work record before the end of the period for which they are required to be kept (the law requires records to remain readable and easily understood as evidence); and

• tamper with the operation of an electronic work diary.

If a driver becomes aware or suspects his or her vehicle’s electronic work diary or odometer is faulty, the driver must report the problem to his or her record keeper (e.g. supervisor) as soon as possible. The record keeper must ensure the electronic work diary is examined and returned to working order as soon as possible. Vehicle owners must ensure faulty odometers are operating correctly.

Storage of work diary pages

Each page in the written work diary has three copies. The driver must give the first copy (marked record keeper) to the person he or she is currently working for as soon as possible or within 21 days of the date recorded on the daily sheet. The driver should keep the second copy in the work diary unless he or she has worked for two separate record keepers within the same 24 hour period. In this case the driver should give a copy to each record keeper. Otherwise the driver retains the second copy in the work diary unless it is requested by an authorised enforcement officer who may remove it. The record keeper must keep copies of the work diary sheets for 3 years. Self-‐employed drivers (owner-‐drivers) working under Standard Hours are the record keepers under the legislation.

Combining written and electronic work diaries

Only use one work diary at a time. If the driver changed from a written work diary to an electronic work diary for part of the previous 28 days he or she needs to keep that written work diary in the vehicle for auditing purposes. If the



driver has changed from using an electronic work diary to a written work diary, he or she must carry printouts of their daily records for the previous 28 days with them.

Replacing work diaries

If a driver has nearly filled up his or her work diary, a new one can be obtained by applying in person to the relevant road authority. The road authority will cancel the unused pages. If a work diary is lost, stolen, destroyed – or filled up before the driver can get a new work diary – he or she must report this in writing to the relevant road authority within 2 business days. The driver has a maximum of 7 business days before he or she must get a new work diary.

Until the driver is issued with a new work diary, he or she must continue to record all work and rest time in a supplementary record. This record must contain the same information that would be required in his or her work diary.

Supplementary records

Any supplementary record must be treated the same way as work diary. The driver must keep a copy of each daily supplementary record in the vehicle for 28 days after it is made and give a copy to his or her record keeper within 21 days, who must store it for 3 years. If the driver’s lost work diary is returned after a new one has been issued the driver must:

• immediately cancel any unused daily sheets in the old work diary by writing CANCELLED across each unused page; and

• notify the road authority at once.

The driver can hand in the cancelled work diary to the road authority.



Additional resources


© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L April 2008 ADELG1010

Print based: • NRTC (1996) Course for Fatigue Management for Drivers of Heavy Trucks

(Trainer and Participant Manuals, resource file and Fatigue Management and Relaxed Awareness audiotape)

• Hawthorn, N.L. and Heffernan, C.J. (1989) Fatigue in Truck Accidents. Report #3. Monash University accident Research Centre: Victoria

• Hawthorn, N.L. and Heffernan, C.J. (1989) Information for Development of Education programs to reduce Driver Fatigue. Report #4. Monash University Accident Research Centre: Victoria

• Hawthorn N.L. (1996) Factors affecting the Success of Educational programs to Reduce Driver Fatigue. Paper presented to the Second International Conference on ‘Fatigue and Transportation’. Monash University Accident research Centre: Victoria

• NRTC (1995) Guidelines for Fatigue Management Programs for Truck Drivers. Victoria

• NRTITC (1992) The Truck Drivers Manual

Web based:

• National Transport Commission www.ntc.gov.au

• VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au



Feedback on activities

The responses provided in this section are suggested responses. Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment available and the nature of the business.



Activity 3: Prepare and schedule to prevent fatigue

1. Lack of the correct documentation, dangerous goods incorrectly loaded, overloading and taking the wrong route (restricted roads or low bridge).

2. Pre-plan trip, allow driver to schedule own rest periods, arrange to have vehicle loaded and unloaded for the driver. Have vehicle loaded and unloaded by staff other than the driver, allowing driver to take break.

Activity 6: Other signs of fatigue

1. Possible answers may include:

heavy eyelids

dryness of the mouth

sore eyes

shivering

double vision.

5. As fatigue increases, driving performance drops rapidly. You will find that you begin making poor judgements and over-reacting to situations. You should stop and rest immediately when you notice any of these symptoms (better still, you should not even allow these symptoms to appear).



Activity 7: Medical examination

2. Answers could include such points as:

• carry out pre-departure vehicle check

• have regular rest breaks

• work effectively

• short term `on road’ strategies, For example:

− regular meal breaks

− adequate cabin ventilation

− stopping to get out of the cab to stretch.

3. Answer could include such points as:

• arranges to have others load and unload your vehicle

• has a policy of flexible scheduling

• good rostering practices

• communicates effectively with employees

• maintains well serviced vehicles.

Activity 8: Noticeable effects of fatigue

1. As fatigue increases, driving performance drops rapidly. You will find that you begin making poor judgements and over-reacting to situations. You should stop and rest immediately when you notice any of these symptoms (better still, you should not even allow these symptoms to appear).

2. Patterns of sleep and rest.

Diet and exercise.

Use of drugs, such as:

• alcohol

• stimulants

• sleep inducing medications.

Job and personal stress.

3 Tick the correct answer. Yes No

Turn on the radio and open the window?

Drink coffee to stay awake?



Continue to drive at a slower speed?

Pull off the road and rest?

tlif1007c - apply fatigue management strategies - learner guide

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