NHVAS Audits
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) is an optional scheme in Australia Managed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to improve road safety, vehicle and driver compliance, and overall efficiency in the heavy vehicle industry. The program promotes road safety and compliance within the heavy vehicle industry. It recognises operators with compliant safety systems and is a great pathway to meeting primary duty obligations. Regulatory audits are conducted to ensure that transport operators are complying with local, Accreditation Standards and Business Rules
There are three NHVAS accreditation modules, each with specific business rules and compliance standards.
Mass Management
Maintenance Management
Fatigue Management including Standard Hours, Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM)
NHVAS audits we can help with
Audits must be conducted by certified National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation auditors who are trained and approved by the NHVR, ensuring impartiality and integrity in the audit process. The NHVAS accreditation required regular audits to verify compliance. The audit framework includes:
Entry Audit- This audit is conducted before an operator is accredited, ensuring that the operator's policies and procedure meet NHVAS standards.
Initial Compliance Audit- are required within 6 months of being accredited. Compliance Audits are accreditation audits a conforming compliance audit is required for an operator to maintain accreditation.
Compliance Audits - these are regular audits that typically happen every 2 years and are required to maintain accreditation. These audits assess ongoing compliance with NHVAS standards.
Our Heavy Vehicle Auditing Process
Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to the scheme, understanding the auditing process can help you navigate the requirements and ensure your business remains compliant. Here’s a breakdown of how the NHVAS auditing process works and what it means for your operations. First off audits are conducted by independent auditors, meaning they are not affiliated with the business being audited.
The Independent Audit Framework is a structured process used to assess compliance and performance in various industries, ensuring that an organisation's operations meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards. In the context of the NHVAS, independent audits play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the operator's accreditation and process.
Before the audit begins, there are several important steps the operator can take to prepare. The first step is to find an auditor. Operators then need to gather all relevant records depending on the modules the operator is enrolled in. Having these documents ready available ensures the auditor can efficiently review your systems. The operator will also need to notify the auditors at NHVR that they are ready to complete the audit. This must be done through the NHVR portal by completing a Compliance Audit Application (CAA).
The auditor will then attend the operator's physical operating address. Whilst on site, the auditor will complete a comprehensive inspection on whether the operator's systems and practices meet NHVAS requirements. This includes verifying vehicle maintenance schedules, fatigue management policies, and mass management procedures (depending on the modules in which the operators is enrolled in). After the evaluation, a detailed audit report is generated, the audit findings report includes areas of compliance, identified non-compliances, and recommendations for corrective actions.
If non-conformance/s is found, Correct Action Request (CAR) are issued by the auditor and the operator will need to implement corrective measures in order to demonstrate they have fixed the non-compliance, this may include updating policies, improving record-keeping, or providing additional training. The report, along with any supporting documents, is submitted to the NHVR for review. The NHVR determines the operators accreditation status based on the audit results. The process is then repeated every two years if the operator wishes to remain in the scheme.
Why operate under NHVAS accreditation?
Businesses implement NHVAS accreditation for several key reasons, primarily focused around improving compliance, safety, and operational efficiency. The NHVAS Accreditation enables heavy vehicle operators, including transport companies, owner-operators, and logistics businesses to have an auditable compliance system.
Operators may also implement specific modules in order to gain increased access to road networks or as a condition of a Notice, PBS combination or as a contract requirement. When operating on these networks operators must have supporting documents to show authorities they have access.
These modules include Mass Management, Maintenance Management, and Fatigue Management, each designed to assist to meet different operational requirements.
Mass Management Module: This module allows operators to Operate under Concessional Mass Limits (CML) or Higher Mass Limits HML), enabling their vehicles to legally carry heavier loads on approved networks. To qualify, businesses must prove they can manage the weight distribution of their vehicles in a way that minimises wear on road infrastructure and ensures safety.
Maintenance Management Module: Operators must demonstrate that their vehicles are well-maintained, reducing the risk of mechanical failures. In return, it removes the requirement for annual inspections, which is mandated by some state authorities when renewing heavy vehicle registrations. It may also be a requirement/condition for certain combinations.
Fatigue Management Modules (Standard Hours, Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM): These modules ensure that operators are managing fatigue risks properly and adhering to work and rest legislation requirements. Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) allows businesses more flexibility in scheduling work and rest periods for drivers. Drivers must complete a Nationally Recognised BFM Training Course (TLIF00005) provided by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This training ensures drivers understand the BFM requirements, including managing their rest breaks and how to recognise and manage fatigue.
Drivers must keep detailed work diaries or electronic records of their driving hours, breaks, and rest periods. These records should be internally audited to demonstrate compliance and must demonstrate compliance with the BFM requirements. Drivers must also be assessed to ensure they are in a fit state to perform their duty. This requires drivers to be certified by a medical practitioner in accordance with the Austroads' Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines, by completing ongoing medicals as a minimum, once every three years for drivers aged 49 or under, and yearly for drivers aged 50 or over.
NHVAS Auditors
At BTT Engineering, we offer comprehensive NHVAS accreditation auditing services to help heavy vehicle operators comply with industry regulations and maintain safety standards.
Exemplar Global is a globally recognised organisation that provides comprehensive training and certification for auditors, focusing on skills such as quality management, safety compliance, and auditing techniques. Our auditors' Exemplar Global certification guarantees that they are up to date with the latest industry standards and best practices, enabling them to deliver top-quality audits that help your business meet regulatory requirements and maintain compliance efficiently.
Related Services & accreditation that we can help with
Road access permits
NHVR Fatigue Management Accreditation