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Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice

AFCA has led the development of an industry and national Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice (LHC) which has now been endorsed by industry. 

The LHC was submitted to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for consideration in March 2020.  Following feedback minor changes were made to improve clarity and it has been re-submitted to the NHVR for registration.  On 28 April 2021 the NHVR commenced the final review and 28 day public consultation process. To read the media release please see here.

Get the latest version

The latest version of the Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice dated July 2020 is available to download here 

 The LHC July 2020 has been submitted to the NHVR requesting registration.  It has not yet been registered.  

Industry endorsed 

The AFPA Growers Chamber members held an out of session meeting on 18 December 2019 and resolved the following: 

  • Growers Chamber Members agreed to approve the Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice, December 2019 with the proposed amendments by Rob Hescock to page 68 and page 92. 

(Note Minor Amendments included: page 68 were the minimum length needs to be better qualified, maybe average should be used for the 300 millimeters over bark section and an amendment to page 92 where the scenarios need to have a reference to the low friction, words that are there are not quite accurate).  

How it all started

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has developed a new framework which encourages industry to work with them to develop a voluntary registered Code of Practice (RCoP) that is appropriate for the industries circumstances.  The NHVR released an introduction and guidelines in January 2017 to support those who wish to undertake the development of a RCoP.

Guidelines or further information NHVR Industry Codes of Practice
 
The forest industry has a responsibility to ensure the supply chain, particularly log haulage is conducted in a safe and efficient manner under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The project aims to identify how everyone can address their Chain of Responsibility obligations.  Given the importance of safety to our industry and the risk associated with log transportation, it is important for industry to consider and agree on national best practice approach for log haulage and provide guidance on the steps.  The overall objective is to improve and support safety outcomes and drive best practice in log haulage.  
 
It is expected that the Log Haulage RCoP will identify and assess the risks along the supply chain for log haulage and establish standards and procedures to mitigate risks with respect to the HVNL.  The Log Haulage RCoP will specifically cover the haulage of logs and specifically consider risks relating to loading, log restraint, rollover prevention and unloading and safe driving practices. 

What will the LHRCoP Do?

• Opportunity to create “best practice standards

• Provide for an industry wide standard with consistent elements

• Create a system that can be third party and internally audited

• Support industry to demonstrate compliance with the new legislation

• Improve safety of log haulage

• Clarify responsibilities along the supply chain

• Address and manage forest industry specific risks

• Provide a legal defense if something goes wrong

All of industry had the opportunity to guide and provide input into the project through formal Governance Structure.

An overview of the Project outline.

Funding

The Australian Forest Products Association membership has agreed to provide funding for 50% of the project and the Forest and Wood Products Association will provide additional funding to support the project.  The AFCA Board has agreed to provide $50,000 in kind support in order for the General Manager to project manage the project given the importance of this project to our members.