The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has released a new draft Code of Practice pertaining to improved safety outcomes in the transport of logs from forest to mill or port.
The new Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) provides guidance for businesses involved at every level of the forest log haulage task.
It will be available for public feedback over the next eight weeks, with feedback from stakeholders within the sector to be considered by the NHVR as part of the assessment to determine whether the Code is suitable for registration.
“The LHC is a practical guide of interest to anybody who conducts business in the forestry sector,” Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer Paul Sariban says.
“It supports parties in the Chain of Responsibility to understand and meet their primary duty and other obligations under the HVNL.
“Consulting with industry associations and stakeholders in the creation of the new LHC was key in allowing us to properly understand how the industry’s operations are conducted, identify any hazards and document or develop effective control measures to eliminate the risks they may cause.”
The new LHC will be relevant to anyone who or whose business:
- Owns a forestry area where logs are harvested.
- Harvests or stockpiles logs for transport.
- Loads, operates or contracts heavy vehicles to transport logs.
- Manages a facility such as a mill where logs are delivered.
Sariban says the code also assists businesses to assess training needs for drivers and other workers.
“Like all heavy vehicle drivers, drivers of log haulage vehicles must comply with numerous obligations under the HVNL, including loading requirements, mass and dimension requirements, and fatigue management,” he says.
“Additionally, log haulage drivers confront particular challenges operating off-road or on primitive dirt roads, in all weather and with vehicles loaded near to their maximum capacity.
“High-quality ongoing training must be provided to ensure drivers are sufficiently skilled to carry out these operations safety and efficiently.
“The environments these heavy vehicles are subjected to can damage vehicle components, so the new LHC provides in-depth guidance and control measures so all parties in the supply chain can work together to minimise damage to vehicles and to identify and address vehicles and loads that may pose risks to public safety.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the forestry and haulage industry members and other parties who have given their time to helping to improve the log haulage transport task for all road users.
“By collectively embracing a safety-first approach, we can protect lives and infrastructure and maintain a productive industry.”
The draft LHC can be accessed here.
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