Petroccitto reminds operators and drivers to expect potential delays during inspections
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR’s) two-month National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey (NRBS) has kicked off today.
In launching it, federal transport and infrastructure minister Darren Chester says the survey will provide a snapshot of the existing fleet that will, in turn, help develop a national inspection approach, while NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto warns that operators and drivers must make contingency plans to accommodate potential delays during the inspection.
“For the first time we’ll have a single approach and set of rules for inspecting and assessing the safety condition of heavy vehicles,” Chester says.
“The National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual now provides a nationally-consistent approach to assessing compliance to the vehicle standards.
“From today heavy vehicle health check inspections will be conducted by authorised officers at roadside check points and in depots throughout Australia to the same standard.
“This snapshot of the fleet’s condition will identify factors that increase the risk of incidents, assist to develop a national risk-based inspection approach and identify high-risk components, systems, vehicles or operators.”
Petroccitto says the onus lies on heavy vehicle operators to advise their drivers and clients to expect potential delays during inspections.
“If a vehicle is selected it will have a comprehensive visual inspection which, depending on the condition of the vehicle, may take on average 30 minutes and in certain case around 45 minutes,” Petroccitto says.
“Operators must be prepared for a potential delay. We understand the importance of time in the supply chain and with drivers’ cooperation we will ensure minimal disruption occurs.
“Several pilots across the nation were conducted during July to ensure that inspections were completed as quickly as possible.
“We met with 130 inspection staff in 12 workshops across Australia in preparation for the survey.
“The health check will deliver a clear picture of roadworthiness. We’re doing it right, not rushed.”
The regulator conducted an industry webinar last month to answer questions regarding how and why the health check is being conducted.