Approved Handler Test Certificates

The HSNO Act requires some hazardous substances be under the control of an Approved Handler. In addition, the sale or transfer of some of the most hazardous substances needs to be recorded or 'tracked'.

What is an Approved Handler?

An Approved Handler is a person who is competent and certified to handle certain hazardous substances. To become an Approved Handler you must meet the requirements of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001. It is an easy process, particularly if you have handled the substances before.

How do I get an Approved Handler test certificate?

Approved handler test certificates are issued by Test Certifiers. Test Certifiers are individuals approved by ERMA New Zealand to issue certificates in their area of competency.

What do I need to know?

You will need to demonstrate your knowledge, experience and competence. The detail is found in the regulations (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001), but in plain terms this means:

Knowledge of the substances

You will need to know the following specific things about the substances you wish to handle:

  • the hazards of the substances and how to prevent harm to people and damage to the environment
  • what to do in an emergency.

Practical experience and knowledge

You will need to have sufficient experience to be able to demonstrate you are competent to handle the substance, the operating equipment, and know about the protective clothing and safety equipment required.

Knowledge of HSNO

You will need to know some basic facts about the HSNO Act. These mainly related to enforcement issues and what the law is trying to achieve. You will also need to know:

  • the HSNO classifications and regulations that apply to the substances
  • any codes of practice that apply to the substances.

How long does a certificate last?

A 'full' certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.

What are the responsibilities of an Approved Handler?

An Approved Handler must make sure particularly hazardous substances are handled safely, and that they do not cause harm to people, nor damage to the environment. The Approved Handler will also be expected to provide guidance to other people handling the substances, who are not Approved Handlers, and be available to assist them if needed.

Where is an Approved Handler required?

An Approved Handler is only required for the most hazardous substances. This is determined by the hazard classification of the substance and the amount being used. This can be found in the 'controls' documents, by searching for your substance on the ERMA New Zealand register

The following is a list of substances requiring approved handlers:

In some circumstances an approved handler may not be needed.

Where is an Approved Handler not needed?

Depending on what substance you are using and how, will determine whether an Approved Handler is needed all the time or just be available. However, an Approved Handler does not need to be present if the substance is not in use and secured so that a person cannot gain access without a key or similar device.

Explosives (class 1)

Explosives may be handled by a person who is not an Approved Handler provided the Approved Hander:

  • is present at the location where the explosive is being handled
  • has provided guidance to the person for handling
  • is available (in person) to provide assistance at all times while the explosive is being handled.

Dangerous Goods - Flammable, oxidising (classes 2 to 5)

For these type of substances not everyone handling them will be required to be an Approved Handler. Another person may handle the substance if an Approved Handler:

  • has provided guidance to the person actually handling the substance
  • is 'available' to provide assistance at all times while the substance is being handled.

'Available' in some instances means present at the location, in others it may be acceptable for them to be contacted quickly and if not on site be available, for example, on a telephone.

Toxic, corrosive (classes 6 and 8)

For toxic or corrosive substances, not everyone handling the substance is required to be an Approved Handler. Another person may handle the substance if an Approved Handler:

  • is present at the location where the substance is being handled
  • has provided guidance to the person actually handling the substance
  • is available to provide assistance at all times while the substance is being handled

Pesticides

Not everyone handling hazardous pesticides is required to be an Approved Handler. Another person may handle a hazardous pesticide if an Approved Handler:

  • is present at the location where a toxic, corrosive, or ecotoxic pesticide is being handled
  • has provided guidance to the person actually handling the pesticide
  • is available to provide assistance at all times while the pesticide is being handled.

A contractor using an ecotoxic pesticide will need to be an Approved Handler. Anyone using an ecotoxic pesticide in a widely dispersive manner will also need to be an Approved Handler. See the Information Sheet on Approved Handler Requirements of Pesticides [pdf - 181kb] for the definitions of 'available' and 'widely dispersive' for use of pesticides.

Transportation

The transportation of packaged hazardous substances by road does not require an Approved Handler provided the Land Transport Rules are complied with, and the driver has a dangerous goods (D) endorsement on their driver licence. For rail, sea and air transport similar exceptions apply if a person has undergone recognised training and qualifications in those industries.

No exemptions exist for the transportation of hazardous substances in road tank wagons i.e. for those substances requiring an Approved Handler, the driver of the road tank wagon must be an Approved Handler.

An Approved Handler is always required when transporting explosives.

What do I need to provide to a Test Certifier

With the help of industry, we are developing assessment forms to help you though this process. The first is now available:

For a full Test Certificate the Test Certifier will need evidence of your qualifications and experience/competence in either or both of the following ways:

  • Training providers - if you have completed a training course that covers all or part of these requirements you can provide the qualification you gain from the course.
  • Work supervisors - if you have been trained at work or 'on-the-job' a supervisor or manager from your organisation can provide evidence for you.

Whichever way, or combination of ways you choose, the evidence you provide must describe:

  • how your knowledge and skills were assessed
  • the results of that assessment

A Test Certifier may not need to see an Approved Handler applicant. In most cases an application can be handled satisfactorily by mail provided all the necessary evidence has been made available to the Test Certifier. You should discuss these requirements with your chosen Test Certifier.

Transitional Provisions

See these pages for more information on the transitional arrangements for:

Further information