Advanced Fatigue Management - Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information on Advanced Fatigue Management?

The National Transport Commission website contains a library of detailed information and downloads related to Advanced Fatigue Management – this includes video clips to explain what the new Laws mean for Transport Operators.

Who are the Fatigue Experts?

Dr. Adam Fletcher, Dr. Stuart Baulk and Mr. Richard Yates are Integrated Safety Support Consultants, and became the first 'Fatigue Experts' registered by the National Transport Commission in February-March 2009. The National Transport Commission site also includes the most up to date list of registered Fatigue Experts.

Who are Integrated Safety Support?

Integrated Safety Support is a professional & experienced team of consultants with diverse backgrounds including extensive experience in: extended and 24-hour operational environments with particular focus on Aviation, Rail and Road transport; University and Government-level scientific research; International, federal and state regulations; Risk engineering at the level of Insurance Standards; and Assessing and training in operational environments.

We work with major national and international clients, helping them to better understand the business implications of effective fatigue management, and providing support in fatigue risk management systems (FRMS), rostering, fatigue management training and educational materials. We specialise in extended hours, shiftwork and 24/7 operational work environments, particularly in industries such as aviation, mining, emergency services (ambulance/paramedic, fire), road transport, oil and gas, military, rail and healthcare.

How do I submit my Advanced Fatigue Management Application?

We will work with you in preparing and reviewing your AFM application, until it is ready for you to submit either to your local authority in the case of single-state operations, or to the Fatigue Authorities Panel (FAP) via the National Transport Commission (NTC) in the case of multiple-state operations.

What is the Fatigue Expert’s role?

Our role is a critical one in allowing you to progress your Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) application to the formal stage of review by the relevant regulator, or the Fatigue Authorities Panel (FAP). Unlike the entry audit carried out by the NHVAS auditor, the role of the Fatigue Expert also specifically includes a detailed assessment of whether you have a clear understanding of the likely fatigue risks in your operation, as well as the controls required to manage those risks under expected circumstances. This specialist process reflects the fact that a very high standard needs to be met (or exceeded) by all operators wanting to be granted the flexibilities of Advanced Fatigue Management, given the potentially higher fatigue risks of Advanced Fatigue Management operations.

How long will the process take?

We will work directly with you on a day-to-day basis so that the maximum available documentation and other system-related elements can be reviewed, updated and created as part of the Fatigue Expert assessment. The more support you are able to give us – in getting copies of requested documents, data or other evidence – the quicker we will be able to complete your review. The minimum time we expect the full review to take is three weeks and the maximum time is six weeks, following our receipt of a signed ‘letter of engagement’.

What does the Fatigue Expert review assessment process involve?

There are three phases of the Fatigue Expert Review assessment. These involve a comparison of your systems, proposal and all relevant documentation (including policy, procedures, incident reporting tools, training plans, etc.) against three sets of requirements:

1. The AFM Standards: this aspect of the review has some similarities with the desktop audit completed by the NHVAS auditor but more detail is required for parts of the Fatigue Expert assessment (although some of the criteria will not be addressed again by the Fatigue Expert). Specific attention is given to how fatigue-related risks are identified, assessed, controlled and monitored, as well as how relevant data such as incident reports, fatigue training records, and hours of work are tracked, stored and made ready for audit.

2. The Existing and Additional Requirements: this aspect of the review allows for a formal acknowledgement of relevant obligations already in place – including Chain of Responsibility – and also considers requirements that exist over-and-above the 10 Standards.

3. The Final Key Questions: This aspect of the review leads to the documentation of answers to 12 questions relating to essential cross-checks, the development of conclusions, and completion of the review.

When each of these phases is successfully completed you will be provided with a Fatigue Expert Report to accompany your AFM application to your applicable state regulator.

Is a SITE-VISIT necessary as part of the Fatigue Expert Review process?

In the majority of AFM cases, a site visit is NOT required as part of the Fatigue Expert Review process.

What are the costs related to a Fatigue Expert Review for my Advanced Fatigue Management Application?

Bands of pricing based on complexity and risk of different operations. Prices start from $2900 (+ GST) for an owner driver operation. We would be happy to discuss exact costs for your operation, and a full pricing sheet is available on request. In general, the more complex the operator in terms of factors such as number of vehicle/drivers/sites etc, the higher the cost.

How many Advanced Fatigue Management Applications have you reviewed? Were they Successful?

To date (July 2010) we have reviewed 26 Advanced Fatigue Management applications. Of these, 18 have been approved, through Queensland Transport, VicRoads, NSW RTA and/or the Fatigue Authorities Panel, and a further 8 are currently under review with state authorities. Click to read our AFM Cient Testimonials.

How can you add value to my application?

We are committed to providing a high quality service to all sectors of the Road Transport Industry in relation to Advanced Fatigue Management. We endeavour to collect feedback from our clients on how the process is useful and adds value. Some responses from previous Advanced Fatigue Management clients are shown on the AFM Client Testimonials page.

How do I get more Information about making an application through Integrated Safety Support?

For further information on getting Integrated Safety Support to work with you as your Fatigue Expert, please contact Dr. Adam Fletcher or Dr. Stuart Baulk at AFM@integratedsafety.com.au, or by calling the Melbourne office on 03 9015 9696.