New Organisms

Complying with the HSNO Act

What do I need to know about HSNO and Compliance

This depends on what hazardous substances you use, how you use them, and how much you have.

AT WORK 

If you make or import new substances see making an application

See our Hazardous Substance Register to find out what controls have been placed on the substances you use. If you can’t find the products you are looking for, contact your supplier for more details as our registers do not record all trade name products.

What you need to know will largely depend on what you have, how much you have and how you store it. A workbook Chemical Safety in the Workplace is available to help you do this. These are some of the requirements which you may need to be aware of:

AT HOME

For most household cleaners, detergents and pesticides you use at home providing you follow the instructions on the label and packaging on how to use and dispose of the products you should be meeting the key requirements of the HSNO Act.

However, if you have one of the following products you may need a little more information:

Swimming pool chemicals 

Most domestic swimming pool chemicals do not need any special training or certification requirements. BUT it is important you read all the instructions carefully especially on how to use them, where and how you can store them safety.
Avoid having more than you need and always keep them locked up in a safe place away from children and away from sources of ignition; such as electricity or flammable substances. Talk to your supplier if you need more information on the specific products you are using.

LPG gas bottles 

If you use LPG gas bottles for your barbeque or heater:

  • ensure they are within their test period. Your service station will check this each time they are filled
  • if you have old LPG bottles, talk to your Local Authority about how to dispose of them safely
  • if you have more than 100kg of LPG, you need to have an Approved Handler available and a Location Test Certificate; this includes the total amount of all the bottles you have at home. Talk to your supplier and confirm they have an Approved Handler available at all times and contact a Test Certifier to arrange your Location Test Certificate.

Petrol

Containers of petrol, must be stored properly and safely. For information on approved fuel containers please refer to this document. If you have more than 50 litres of petrol (not including what is in your car) then you will need to have a Location Test Certificate and if you have more than 100L of petrol then you will need to be an Approved Handler (or have one available). So only store what you need to use and keep below the limits unless you get the appropriate certificates.

Paint

Solvents like turpentine for thinning paint or washing brushes is flammable and must be stored safely and away from sources of ignition.

DIVERS 

If you have tanks for diving:

  • ensure they are within their test period. Your local dive shop will check this each time they are filled
  • if you fill your own tanks, you must be an Approved Filler and ensure the tanks you fill are within their test period. You should also ensure your filling equipment is well maintained and the quality of the compressed air is checked regularly (note the filling equipment and air quality is not controlled under the HSNO Act).

If you wish for further information specific to your business, you are welcome to contact-

tony@envirohaz.co.nz   Phone 027 443 6938

or

brendan@envirohaz.co.nz Phone 027 664 2030