The relaxation of social distancing requirements and the reopening of interstate borders now enables audits to be conducted in person at the operator’s operating address. It also means drivers operating under a fatigue module can obtain a medical certificate as required by the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards.
The temporary changes to the NHVAS medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements will cease on 29 April 2022.
What does this mean?
After 29 April 2022
- All NHVAS compliance audits must be conducted in person at the operator’s location.
- All drivers nominated under an operator’s BFM or AFM fatigue management accreditation must have a current medical certificate.
Remote auditing exception
It is acknowledged that some NHVAS audits will have already been booked and approved to be conducted remotely after 29 April 2022.
Audits approved prior to 29 April 2022 can still be conducted remotely after 29 April 2022 under the previous rules.
The NHAVS Approved auditor may:
- request that documents and records are sent to them electronically, or by another suitable method and;
- conduct interviews with operator representatives via telephone.
Suitable controls must be used to ensure that the auditor’s conclusion can be substantiated with reliable and credible evidence. You must still:
- ensure policies, procedures and records are made available for analysis
- ensure parties are available for interview where necessary
- follow the normal process for audits to be approved.
Further support
If the current situation changes and new advice is provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, the NHVR will reassess approval conditions as necessary.
If you are experiencing any issues associated with meeting your accreditation requirements or believe there may be issues having an audit completed, please ensure that you contact the NHVR as soon as possible before your accreditation expires.
For assistance or further information contact the NHVR on 13 64 87, or Greg Harmes on 0417 585 223.