New Zealand has adopted a new classification system for hazardous substances

New Zealand has adopted a new classification system for hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO). This new system is the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). In effect, there is no change to the system used under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

What the Hazardous Substances Regulations mean for you

Hazardous substances are widely used across New Zealand workplaces, so it’s important to know the risks and how to protect people from harm. This brochure explains ten key things you need to know and do.

Inventory

You must keep an inventory of all of your hazardous substances used, handled, manufactured or stored in the workplace, including hazardous waste.

Safety data sheets

Obtain a safety data sheet for all hazardous substances in your workplace. Safety data sheets are a key source of information about how to manage your hazardous substances.

Risk management

It is important to manage the risks associated with hazardous substances and to review what you have in place to keep people healthy and safe. Eliminate the risk if this is reasonably practicable; and where it’s not, minimise it.

Information, instruction, supervision and training

Workers must know how to safely use, handle and store the hazardous substances in their workplace.

Emergency plans

You should be managing your risks to avoid an emergency, but it’s equally important to plan for one. There are specific requirements for this.

Labelling

Make sure the hazardous substance containers in your workplace are labelled, including process vessels, as well as maintaining the labels on hazardous substances supplied to you.

Signs

Signs are an important part of hazardous substances management. Signs allow people to approach the site and buildings with appropriate care.

Storage

You must store your hazardous substances safely to protect yourself and your workers.

Hazardous waste

Most of the rules that apply to managing hazardous substances in the workplace also apply to hazardous waste.

Certified handler requirements

This quick guide provides information on needing certified handlers to handle certain hazardous substances, and information on what to do to become a certified handler.

Tracking hazardous substances

Some substances are so hazardous they must be tracked at all times.

Frequently asked questions