The latest move by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator mean EWDs are coming. The minimum performance based standards for an Electronic Work Diary which the NHVR will pass as compliant have been released.
This is the beginning of a process through which electronic suppliers will be able to assess and adapt their offering to the trucking industry. This may mean using existing monitoring equipment fitted in trucks, or it may see all-new devices, or software, coming onto the market.
One of the major points in the document released by the NHVR is the decision to create a unique driver identification to enable the truck driver to log into any EWD in any truck they are driving. The system needs to be able to cope with two-up driving as well as drivers moving from truck to truck.
When a driver is first connected to an EWD, the supplier of the device will issue the unique identifier and this will be the driver’s to use on any device they come across. The identification number will be connected to the driving licence, but there is not a requirement for there to be something like a fob or chip to confirm a driver’s identity.
There is also a requirement for a common interface across any device used. The basic controls and information displayed on the screen have to be designed to the same layout and standard across all platforms.
The device must also be able to display a common layout for enforcement officers to access in order to enable them to monitor the driver’s fatigue management. Both driver and enforcement will be able to enter notes to explain anomalies or discrepancies.
The basic rules which now cover paper work diaries will also cover the new devices. The EWD is just to be included in the rules as a way of recording driving activity. The requirement remains to have the last 28 days available whether it is recorded on paper or electronically, or a mixture of both.
According to the NHVR the new devices could be working and accepted as early as March 2018. The earlier devices are likely to be those already functioning and simply adapted to meet the standards. All-new EWD system are likely to follow as they are developed.
The NHVR are not going to restrict innovative solutions, which may be developed, as long as they meet the standards set by this latest release. Under the rules it may be possible to develop a phone app, which meets the standards and would be accepted as a substitute for a paper work diary.
“The EWD Policy Framework and Standards will allow the NHVR to approve electronic recording systems as an alternative to the traditional written work diary, which will be a win for the heavy vehicle industry and a boost for safety,” said Geoff Casey. “Under the EWD Policy Framework and Standards, an EWD records the work and rest activity declared by the driver and drivers can move between employers and record keepers using different approved systems.
“The standards also allow drivers to record non-driving work hours, declare the location of the change of activity and confirm records when they are submitted. Importantly the EWD Policy Framework and Standards will allow drivers to focus on driving and where required, transport operators can integrate this information into their business for scheduling and planning.
“All EWDs will have a standard graphical view of work and rest information, similar to the daily sheet in the written work diary and will have the potential to alert drivers when a rest break is required.”
The NHVR are looking for feedback on the standards to be submitted before January 30, 2018. For more information visit the NHVR website.