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Striving for excellence: NHVAS Standard 5 and the power of internal review

For Australian fleet managers, navigating the complexities of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) is essential for maintaining operational excellence and safeguarding against potential risks. 

NHVAS Fatigue Management Standard 5, focusing on internal review, serves as a cornerstone for continuous improvement within fleets. 

Here at Hubfleet, we’ve partnered with Glyn Castanelli, who is an NHVR approved auditor from Transport Health and Safety, to delve into the seven fatigue management standards established by the NHVR. 

Our goal is to provide insight into what these standards mean and how transport companies can implement practical systems to fulfill their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).  

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of Standard 5, provide insights into meeting its requirements, and discuss how innovative solutions like Hubfleet software can streamline the internal review process.

Understanding NHVAS Standard 5: Internal review

NHVAS Standard 5 underscores the importance of regular internal reviews within fleet operations. This standard aims to promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging fleet managers to evaluate their compliance with NHVAS standards, identify areas for enhancement, and implement corrective actions as necessary. Key components of Standard 5 include:

1. Regular audits: Fleet managers are required to conduct regular audits of their operations to assess compliance with NHVAS standards, including those related to fatigue management.

2. Corrective actions: Upon identifying areas of non-compliance or opportunities for improvement, fleet managers must develop and implement corrective actions to address deficiencies and enhance compliance.

3. Documentation and reporting: Standard 5 emphasises the importance of maintaining thorough documentation of internal reviews, audit findings, corrective actions, and outcomes to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

4. Continuous improvement: Internal reviews should not be viewed as a one-time exercise but as an ongoing process aimed at driving continuous improvement within fleet operations.

Tips for meeting the standard

Glyn Castanelli has spent over 30 years in the heavy vehicle transport industry in many roles including his current role as an NHVR Accredited Auditor at Transport Health and Safety.

Glyn has the following practical tips for fleet managers:

• Establish clear procedures: Develop clear procedures and protocols for conducting internal reviews, including the frequency of audits, criteria for evaluation, and processes for implementing corrective actions.

• Train personnel: Ensure that personnel responsible for conducting internal reviews are adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.

• Utilise technology: Leverage advanced fleet management software like Hubfleet to streamline the internal review process, automate data collection, and generate comprehensive reports for analysis.

Promote accountability: Foster a culture of accountability within the organisation by clearly defining roles and responsibilities for conducting internal reviews, implementing corrective actions, and monitoring compliance.

Leveraging Hubfleet software for compliance

Hubfleet software offers a powerful solution for streamlining internal review processes and enhancing compliance with NHVAS Standard 5. 

Here’s how Hubfleet can assist fleet managers in meeting the compliance standard:

• Automated audits: Hubfleet automates the audit process, allowing fleet managers to schedule and conduct audits efficiently, track compliance metrics, and identify areas for improvement.

• Real-time reporting: With Hubfleet, fleet managers have access to real-time reporting and analytics, providing actionable insights into compliance levels, audit findings, and corrective actions.

• Document management: Hubfleet facilitates the documentation and storage of audit reports, corrective action plans, and compliance documentation, ensuring easy access and retrieval during regulatory inspections.

• Continuous monitoring: Hubfleet enables continuous monitoring of compliance status, alerting fleet managers to potential issues or deviations from NHVAS standards, allowing for timely intervention and corrective action.

By incorporating Hubfleet software into their compliance efforts, fleet managers can streamline internal reviews, enhance accountability, and drive continuous improvement within their operations, ultimately contributing to safer roads and more efficient fleet management practices.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidance. For specific legal advice and detailed information on Fatigue Management Accreditation, always consult the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) website or an accredited legal advisor.

To catch up on the first four stories in the Hubfleet series, click on the links below:

Demonstrating a company-wide commitment to fatigue management

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