The NHVR is using new requirements for auditing heavy vehicles from this month
Higher requirements for heavy vehicle auditors take effect this week after the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) updated its National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS).
This occurs on the same day as the NHVR extends its standardised vehicle inspection manual to apply in Queensland and Victoria.
Ninety NHVAS auditors will be required to adhere to the higher standards as the changes take place, as well as following the NHVR’s inspection manual in the ACT, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, and now Queensland and Victoria.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the new standards will not only benefit the transport industry, but also make roads safer for everyone.
“The operation of safe, productive and innovative heavy vehicle industry is important for all road users,” Petroccitto says.
“All our auditors are now approved under the enhanced registration criteria in the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards that will standardise the way audits are conducted and strengthen the quality of audits and auditors.
“The new criteria include requirements to hold technical competencies for heavy vehicles, which may include mechanical qualifications or successfully completing training recognised by the NHVR.”
Petroccitto says the NHVR has been helping train auditors to reach the standards now required by the NHVR.
“To assist auditors in meeting these higher requirements the NHVR developed and delivered an Auditors technical competency course in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.”
A total of 107 auditors completed the course, which trained them to recognise and carry out necessary safety changes and checks needed to ensure a vehicle is safe.
Emphasis has been placed on keeping safeguards in place to avoid dangerous situations, including observance of a strong maintenance culture.
The changes will be trialled over the next few weeks as the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey takes place, with almost 9000 heavy vehicles being inspected.
The changes take effect on July 1.