31 January 2019

WorkSafe has granted an exemption to South Taranaki District Council in accordance with section 220 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 from compliance with regulation 17.20 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

The exemption is granted to the South Taranaki District Council by WorkSafe in accordance with section 220 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 on the basis that WorkSafe:

1. Is satisfied that the exemption sought is not broader than is reasonably necessary to address the matters that gave rise to it (pursuant to section 220(2)(a) of the HSWA); and
2. Is satisfied that the exemption sought is not inconsistent with the purpose of the HSWA (pursuant to section 220(2(b) of the HSWA) subject to conditions to manage the health and safety risks to workers and other persons; and
3. Accepts the reduced inter-tank separation distance between two tanks holding poly aluminium chloride solution, 70-T-01 and 70-T-02 at the Waimate West Water Treatment Plant at 791 Rowan Road, Kaponga, Hawera.

The drawing Waimate West Water Treatment Plant Floor Plan, number W-DKA-0100 revision 1A dated 30 July 2014 forms part of this decision.

The exemption is made subject to the following conditions:

1. South Taranaki District Council must ensure that the poly aluminium chloride solution tanks 70-T-01 and 70-T-02 are maintained in accordance with Part 17 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 and the standard to which they were designed and constructed.
2. South Taranaki District Council must install signage which meets the requirements of regulation 2.5(2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 stating ‘caution required due to narrow gap’ or similar wording.
3. South Taranaki District Council must paint or otherwise highlight all hazards at floor level within the bund which holds the poly aluminium chloride solution tanks 70-T-01 and 70-T-02.
4. The exemption is revoked if:
1. there is a change to the layout of the two poly aluminium chloride solution tanks 70-T-01 and 70-T-02 as detailed in the drawing Waimate West Water Treatment Plant Floor Plan, number W-DKA-0100 revision 1A dated 30 July 2014; or
2. there is a change in substances held in the tanks; or
3. either of the tanks are replaced; or
4. any of the conditions are not complied with.

The exemption takes effect on 31 January 2019 and expires on 31 January 2024 unless it is sooner replaced or revoked.