Hazardous substances are an essential part of our daily lives - dishwasher detergents, methylated spirits, bleaches and petrol can all be dangerous or poisonous. Many hazardous substances are used in manufacturing and other business activities.
If you use hazardous substances in your business, or if you import or manufacture them to sell to others, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act is likely to affect you.
If you are concerned about how hazardous substances might affect our health and environment, you should know about the HSNO Act and how it works.
Under the HSNO Act, a hazardous substance is any substance that exceeds the level defined in regulations of any of the following properties:
- an explosive nature (including substances, articles and pyrotechnics such as fireworks)
- flammability
- ability to oxidise (that is, to accelerate a fire)
- corrosiveness
- acute or chronic toxicity
- ecotoxicity, with or without bioaccumulation (that is, it can kill living things either directly or by building up in the environment)
- can generate a hazardous substance on contact with air or water.
The HSNO Act also controls compressed gas containers, whether or not the gas itself is hazardous.
In reality, most hazardous substances have more than one hazardous property, that is, they are hazardous in a number of ways. For example, methylated spirits and petrol are not only flammable but also toxic. Some common garden pesticides not only kill garden pests but also beneficial organisms, and may be toxic to humans.
Anyone who uses or is involved with hazardous substances needs good information on their potential risks and how to use them safely. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act provides a platform for completely assessing a hazardous substance so that it can be managed appropriately.
Examples of hazardous substances
Some examples of hazardous substances are:
- Solvents, for example dry-cleaning fluid or paint thinners
- Printing inks and dyes
- Resins
- Paints
- Adhesives
- Cleaners
How do I know if a substance is hazardous?
Substances on sale to public
Information provided by the manufacturer, supplier or retailer (typically, this would be as a label on the package or container) should tell you:
- if a substance is hazardous
- its hazardous properties
- how to dispose of it or where to find that out
- contact details for the manufacturer or supplier.
There may be additional information - for instance, in the package or attached in a plastic sleeve - depending on its type and degree of hazard.
Substances supplied to a workplace
A hazardous substance supplied to a workplace must be accompanied by more detailed documentation on:
- the type and degree of hazard
- kinds and extent of harm or damage it can cause
- when that harm or damage is likely to happen and how to prevent it happening
- how to dispose of it and how not to dispose of it.
Hazardous substances packaged for transport
When a substance is packaged for transport
- the package must have a placard or label indicating its type and degree of hazard
- the driver must carry documentation identifying the substance and the hazards it presents
What are my responsibilities?
- You must make sure that you have been supplied with the right information and documentation for the hazardous substances that you deal with.
- Each hazardous substance must be supplied in packages that comply with packaging controls. You must make sure that this packaging is not damaged. Information supplied with the hazardous substance must be kept with the substance and must remain in good condition.
- You need to comply with the controls set by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) on each substance that you deal with. Check to see if a code of practice has been approved by the Authority. Following that could make compliance with these controls easier.
- If you are dealing with restricted hazardous substances (such as almost all explosives and many highly toxic substances), you may need to become an approved handler or ensure that certified approved handlers deal with these substances.
- In some cases, your site may need to be certified as suitable for some hazardous substances.
- For certain substances you will need to be prepared for an emergency (for example, where there are flammable substances have the right sort of fire extinguisher available and have an emergency management plan).
Where can I go for more information?
The manufacturer, supplier or importer should provide you with a contact number for more information. The enforcement agencies, particularly the hazardous substances experts in local authorities and Department of Labour Workplace Group (Occupational Safety and Health Service), as well as ERMA New Zealand, are able to give you advice on dealing with hazardous substances.
There are also regional consultants for hazardous substances who can offer independent advice. Refer to:
ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131, Wellington
Tel: 04 916 2426 or 0800 376 234
Email: hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz