23 December 2022

WorkSafe has granted an exemption (HS2112) to OJI Fibre Solutions (NZ) Limited from compliance with regulation 17.99(2) under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 in relation to the specified tanks at the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill, Fletcher Avenue, Kawerau.

The exemption is granted by WorkSafe in accordance with section 220 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 on the basis that WorkSafe is satisfied that -

• the extent of the exemption is not broader than is reasonably necessary to address the matters that gave rise to the proposed exemption; and
• the exemption is not inconsistent with the purpose of the Act.

WorkSafe also notes that -

• constructing a secondary containment system as required by the regulations would not be feasible and would be disproportionate to the risks currently posed by the current system.

The exemption comes into effect 23 December 2022 and expires on 23 December 2027 unless it is replaced sooner or revoked.