A starter on NATS, UK. (Area radar side at Swanwick, dunno if there is a difference at airports)
Maximum time on radar is 2 hours, then a 30 minute break is needed. Most positions, including our planner positions, have enhanced relief during the day (7am to 8pm) of 1 and 1/2 hours max. 12 hours minimum off between shifts. Max shift length is 10(?) hours. Normal cycle pattern is 2xmornings (7 hours), 2xafternoons (8 1/2 hours), 2xnights (8 1/2 hours) or dayshifts (various times, average 8 hours), 4 days off. No more than 6 consecutive days can be worked in a row. After nights a period of 56(?) hours is needed before next shift (in the case of overtime).
The bits I'm hazy on are the maximum hours allowed per month, but know we fall well within that, and there is a rule something like at least 2 periods of 60 hours off each month, but unsure of what it is exactly.
On night shifts we comply with the standard SCRATCOH rules above, each doing 2 hours on maximum with a 30 mins minimum break. We do bandbox sectors down to the minimum, but all must be manned with both a Tactical and Planner controller. I know that some units have an SRG dispensation to work 4 hours on, but Swanwick does not have this (yet) and there are associated rules which I think are a planned period of no activity for at least 30 minutes.
Our Assistants follow the European Working Regulations of no more than 3 1/2 hours without a 20 minute break.
Distinctly, SCRATCOH works for civil so that we don't sit doing too heavy traffic loads for more than 2 hours, normally 1 1/2 hours. It means we have to have a minimum number of staff per shift/sector and if it falls below the requirement we will either bandbox and flow regulate (during daytime) or even shut sectors at night every 2 hours to get the 30 mins required break. The enhanced relief of 1 1/2 hours can be overridden if necessary as its only an agreement with NATS and the Unions, but there is a form to fill if it happens for internal investigation. If the 2 hours is broken then a CA1261 will be filed (I believe, never had this happen).
This is all from my midnight knowledge, hopefully a collegue will correct anything and confirm if my (?)'s are correct too.
