When evaluating Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs), it’s essential to ensure that the solution you choose meets all necessary compliance standards and provides reliable functionality.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has established comprehensive standards and guidelines to ensure EWDs effectively manage driver fatigue and comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

This guide will help you assess and compare EWD options effectively, incorporating key aspects from the NHVR’s EWD Standards.

1. Compliance with NHVR Standards

• Work/Rest Event Management: Verify that the EWD accurately enforces the binary work/rest system. The system should prevent drivers from logging consecutive work periods without the required rest, adhering to NHVR regulations.
• Time Management: Ensure the EWD records events to the exact minute and prohibits multiple entries within the same minute, as per NHVR standards.
• Timestamp Accuracy: Confirm that the EWD timestamps each event accurately to the second at the moment of entry, ensuring precise record-keeping.
• Event Locking Mechanism: The EWD must require drivers to lock events older than 24 hours before adding new work entries. Once locked, these records should be immutable by both the driver and the record keeper, maintaining data integrity in line with NHVR guidelines.

2. Vehicle Change Protocols

• Odometer and Work/Rest Transitions: The EWD should mandate drivers to finalize the odometer reading and switch from rest to work status when changing vehicles, ensuring continuous and accurate records.

3. Schedule A API Integration

• Record Transfer Functionality: Assess whether the EWD’s Schedule A API facilitates seamless data transfer between different systems, preventing operational disruptions and data mismatches.

4. Rolling Period Compliance

• 7-Day and 14-Day Rolling Periods: The EWD must correctly calculate cumulative work and rest hours over 7-day and 14-day periods from relevant starting points, helping drivers avoid unintentional breaches of work/rest limits.

5. Counting Time

• Multiple 24-Hour Periods: A 24-hour work period concludes only after the full duration has elapsed, regardless of rest taken. Ensure the EWD accurately identifies and manages these 24-hour counting periods.
• 48-Hour Reset Rest Break: A 48-hour rest break resets counting periods only when transitioning between Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Standard hours, or vice versa. If a driver remains within the same fatigue management regime, previous counting periods continue unaffected.
• Rule Set Switching Functionality: When changing fatigue management rules within the same regime, the EWD should halt the old rule set’s count and initiate the new one, while maintaining historical data for compliance verification.

6. Edit History Transparency

• Display of Edit History: The EWD must provide a comprehensive and accessible edit log within both the application and associated portals. This transparency is crucial for compliance audits and aligns with NHVR’s emphasis on clear record-keeping.

7. Real-Time Data Synchronization

• Continuous Data Visibility: Ensure the EWD offers real-time synchronization of driver activity data throughout the day. Delays in data updates can obscure compliance issues and impede timely management responses.

Conclusion

Selecting an EWD that aligns with NHVR standards is vital for ensuring compliance, maintaining data accuracy, and enhancing operational efficiency.

By meticulously evaluating these key areas, transport operators can choose a solution that upholds safety and meets regulatory requirements.