The following information bulletins and DVD provide advice about managing fatigue, and information to assist heavy vehicle operators and drivers comply with legal working times. It suggests approaches to ensure drivers have suitable rest periods, and also contains a list of organisations that offer fatigue management training.
Napping Information Bulletin [PDF, 139kb,2pp]
Guidelines for Using Napping to Prevent Commercial Vehicle Driver Fatigue [PDF, 2.80mb, 24pp]
The following DVD, 'Napping to Manage Fatigue' is also available from VicRoads TSS offices
DVD - Napping to Manage Fatigue (high speed internet connection) (WMV, 81.5 MB)
DVD - Napping to Manage Fatigue (low speed internet connection) (WMV 48 MB)
All RTOs accredited to deliver the Transport and Logistics training package are listed on the
National Training Information Service website. The website has a searchable function where you can find RTOs by training package and geographic area. Please note that when searching, you need to search for RTOs by Scope.
Working and rest hours are regulated for drivers of heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicle operators now have a range of information and schemes available to assist them to manage this aspect of their operations.
The relevant Act and regulations can be found on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website.
New fatigue laws, implemented in September 2008, set revised work and rest limits for heavy vehicle drivers and require better management of driver fatigue. The reform makes all parties in the supply chain legally responsible for preventing driver fatigue. It includes three work hours options, linked to safety, that you can choose from to suit your business.
The new laws are consistent with current obligations under Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) laws that also require employers and employees take all reasonably practicable steps to manage driver fatigue.
The reform changes the focus from regulating hours to managing fatigue. Working long hours and fighting your body clock at night is widely recognised as high risk. Operators and drivers who do the right thing by managing those risks through accreditation schemes will have a greater say in when they can work and rest.
A series of fact sheets that provide an overview of the fatigue reform, in addition to specific information relating to the various work and rest options, the obligations associated with consignors, consignees, and loading managers and instruction on how to complete the new work diary are below.
Commonly used terms [PDF, 187KB, 2pp]
Fact sheets explained [PDF, 131KB]
Fact Sheet 1 - Heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws: Overview [PDF, 281KB, 4pp]
Fact Sheet 2 - Which driving hours option suits you? [PDF, 255KB, 4pp]
Fact Sheet 3 - Standard hours explained [PDF, 233KB, 2pp]
Fact Sheet 4 - Basic Fatigue Management explained [PDF, 284KB, 4pp]
Fact Sheet 5 - Advanced Fatigue Management explained [PDF, 288KB, 4pp]
Fact Sheet 6 - Standard driving hours for the solo bus sector [PDF, 210KB, 2pp]
Fact Sheet 7 - Two-up driving explained [PDF, 318KB, 4pp]
Fact Sheet 8 - What records you need to keep: A guide for record keepers [PDF, 216KB, 2pp]
Fact sheet 9 - How to use and complete your new work diary [PDF, 1774KB, 8pp]
Fact Sheet 10 - Fatigue information for managers and staff with loading/unloading duties [PDF, 231KB, 2pp]
Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue Laws (Requirements for working within a 100 km radius under standard hours) [PDF, 203 KB, 2pp]
Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue Victorian Transitional Arrangements [PDF, 116 KB]
Transitional Fatigue Management Scheme Information for Drivers and Operators [PDF, 111 KB]
Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue FAQs [PDF, 75 KB, 5pp]