Creation of Electronic Work Diary template underway as telematics providers get involved
Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs) are a step closer to reality, with an agreement between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport Certification Australia (TCA) made recently.
EWDs will apply to bus operators and aim to address flaws of the current paper-based system, by providing an automated and flexible voluntary alternative.
NHVR executive director of productivity and safety Geoff Casey is happy with how the initiative has developed.
“The move to implement EWDs follows a significant level of planning and preparatory work performed by the NHVR and TCA over the last 18 months,” he says.
“EWD specifications are now being finalised as a first step in ensuring they meet the regulatory requirements for recording work and rest hours.
“This is a key step forward and one which will be of particular interest to the telematics industry and we are encouraging them to be involved.”
Telematics service providers will be required to seek certification of their systems to participate in the delivery of EWDs.
“We will work together with industry and telematics service providers to develop and implement a system that meets our requirements to enhance safety, as well as enhance productivity outcomes,” Casey says.
The implementation of EWDs will offer transport operators an option to move away from written work diaries and adopt a 21st century approach to fatigue management.
Current paper-based written work diaries remain the only mechanism to meet obligations for logging work and rest periods until the EDW specifications are finalised and other associated development work is complete.
Telematics service providers interested in gaining certification can visit the TCA website to view the current draft EWD specifications.