Developing a Code of Practice

Industry Codes of Practice (ICPs) are developed by the NHVR in collaboration with industry to address specific safety issues, hazards, risks, or controls that are not adequately covered by existing guidance or in the Master Code.

Identify an issue

A proposal for a new ICP may be identified by the NHVR or raised by industry. Where industry identifies the need for a new ICP, an Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted to the NHVR using the Notice of Intention (DOCX, 124KB). The EOI should describe the hazards, risks or controls which are unique to the industry sector and explain why a specific ICP is needed.

The NHVR assesses each EOI to determine whether an ICP is the most appropriate regulatory response to address the identified hazard, risk or controls, or whether another regulatory product, such as Regulatory Advice, Safety Bulletins, Fact Sheets or a Notice, would be more suitable.

When the development of an ICP is supported, the NHVR is responsible for drafting the content of the code in collaboration with the proposing industry participants or representative association. The NHVR convenes and facilitates meetings of a code development group (CDG) and where required, seeks expert or technical advice throughout the development process. Once the CDG is satisfied that the draft meets the requirements of the Guidelines for preparing and registering Industry Codes of Practice (PDF, 402KB), the NHVR publishes the draft on the NHVR’s website for public consultation for a minimum of 42 days.

At the same time, NVHR establishes a separate panel to assess the draft code. The panel includes representatives with industry experience, regulators, and subject matter experts. Panel members consider feedback received during the public consultation and use their knowledge and experience to determine whether the draft code is comprehensive, fit for purpose and practicable to implement. The panel then recommends whether the code should be issued, amended before issue, or not issued.

Note: The NHVR does not provide funding for industry participants or associations involved in the code development process.

Overview of the registration process