All that you want to know about Basic Fatigue Management in 2021

 The Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) accreditation allows the operators to work under a flexible schedule to get plenty of rest (among other things). These flexible work hours can extend up to 14 hours in a 24-hour work schedule. As long as the fatigue and rest hours are properly managed, operators can manipulate the drivers' working hours as per their work demand.



Can drivers swap between standard hours and BFM?

Drivers who wish to swap between the normal standard working hours and BFM or vice versa can drive fatigue regulated heavy vehicle under two conditions-

The driver must have at least 48 hours of continuous sleep

The driver is aware and by the new rest and work option (standard hours)

BFM working hours

Time 

Work

Rest

Period

Maximum work hours

Minimum rest period

6  ¼ hours

6 hours work time

Continuous 15 minutes

9 hours

8 ½ hours work time

30 minutes (divided into intervals of 15 continuous minutes)

12 hours

11 hours work time

60 minutes (divided into intervals of 15 continuous minutes)

24 hours

14 hours work time

Stationary 7 continuous hours rest time

7 days

36 hours (night shift included)


14 days

144 hours work time

24  hours continuous rest at an interval of 84 hours shift (2-night rest breaks)

Standards for Accreditation

These are some of the basics for accreditation for BFM-

Roistering and Scheduling

The operator must review and plan the driver’s rosters and schedules. This will ensure that everything is in compliance with the new regulations.

Fitness for duty

The operators must ensure the drivers have the required medical assessments and are in the right health condition.

Fatigue Awareness and Knowledge

All the drivers, managers and supervisors must be well aware and competent enough to demonstrate the fatigue management protocols.

Responsibilities

All the fundamental duties and responsibilities must be well understood and followed strictly by the staff. Under no circumstances a compromise or negligence must be made.

Internal Review

At least every year, an internal audit must be undertaken. Operators must honestly identify non-compliances and investigate the cause. Reasonable and appropriate measures must be taken to tackle any problems to uphold the operator's fatigue management system.

Records and Documentation

The operators must maintain documents like work hour's records, compliance checks, and the fatigue management system review. Appropriate procedures, policies and instructions must be developed to meet the BFM standards.

To best learn the art of managing fatigue while driving, enrol for an online training course with KRTS. They offer courses for truck and bus drivers in compliance with NHVR national fatigue management laws. The best part is that all courses are low priced so that anyone can afford them without burning the pocket. You will complete your course online, with just a PC and a stable internet connection, from the comfort of your home. For more information, you can contact the KRTS team today on the hotline numbers given on their website.  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Five Frequently Asked Questions about Basic Fatigue Management

How do I get BFM Accreditation?

Why the organisation offers fatigue risk management course