Updated: 07 November 2006

HERITAGE STEAM CODES OF PRACTICE UPDATE

It is just over 12 months ago that work commenced on developing a Codes of Practice for heritage steam operators.  The small team that is working on your behalf has developed a very good working relationship with Government with a key outcome being The Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council giving approval for the development of the Codes of Practice in May. This is in effect a partnering arrangement between Government and heritage steam operators and is unique to Australia.

Following a workshop in Adelaide in July this year, where some of the team members were able to meet, work commenced on drafting of Part 3 of the Codes, which is the training manual.  This will be the main project for the next 12 months and many of the team members have volunteered to help Kevin Lord, who is coordinating this aspect of the Codes.  If you would like to volunteer your services I can be contacted via the Editor.

Following a motion at the NHMA Annual General Meeting in March, a submission was sent to them in August recommending establishment of a Steam Management Committee (SMC) under their organisational umbrella, to control and administer the Codes of Practice.  A positive response was received from the NHMA in October and the team would like to record its thanks to the NHMA Committee, as this decision avoids the massive effort to form a separate association.  While some in the steam community may have favoured this there was not one response from anyone anywhere offering to do the set up work!  Also note that the function of the SMC does not relate to how you operate on the road or rally ground or anywhere else.  This is a matter for the individual and rally organiser. 

It is intended that the positions of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Technical Director for the SMC will be available for nomination at the NHMA AGM in July next year. If you have an interest in steam and would like to make a positive contribution to our future and particularly our younger members have a think about putting your name forward.

As previously stated in previous issues, it will take a number of years before the Codes will become operational and in the mean time those of with you with the pre 1996 paper certificates should convert to the National Qualifications.  If you are without qualification but have an opportunity to undergo competency testing you are strongly encouraged to go for it!

In closing I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the team members, the public servants who have supported us, and the sponsorship from The Old Machinery Magazine.  As a united team we can go far, as a group of individuals we will disappear.

Gary Barker.