Exlosives were the first group of substances that ERMA New Zealand transferred, from older pieces of legislation, into the HSNO Act regime on the 28 August 2003.
Who is an approved handler?
An Approved Handler is a person who has a Test Certificate that indicates that the person meets the competency requirements laid down in the HSNO regulations for handling explosives. Explosives may be handled by a person who is not an Approved Handler if:
- an Approved Handler is present at the location where the explosive is being handled;and
- the Approved Handler has provided guidance to the person for handling; and
- the Approved Handler is available at all times to provide assistance, if necessary, to the person while the explosive is being handled by the person.
There are two routes to becoming an Approved Handler. You can apply for a transitional Test Certificate through the Grandparenting path or you can apply for a full Test Certificate as an Approved Handler.
Transitional Test Certificates for Approved Handlers - Grandparenting existing certificates
If you hold a Certificate of Competency (COC) issued under the Explosives Regulations or the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations, you can have it 'grandparented' as a transitional Test Certificate. You will need to have been handling explosives for more than two consecutive years in the period since July 1999 to qualify for a transitional Test Certificate as an Approved Handler. This transitional certificate will be valid for two years. Before the end of these two 'grandparented' years, you will need to obtain a full Approved Handler Test Certificate.
To have your COC grandparented you will need to establish two things with a Test Certifier:
- That you have a current Certificate of Competency
- Proof of your two years consecutive work experience. A letter from an employer will suffice in this area.
If you do not meet the criteria for grandparenting you will need to apply for a full Test Certificate as an Approved Handler.
Full Test Certificates for Approved Handlers
To obtain a Test Certificate as an Approved Handler you need to demonstrate to a Test Certifier that you have a thorough working knowledge of how to safely manage explosives. You also need to be able to demonstrate knowledge of the relevant provisions of the HSNO Act and regulations.
You can demonstrate your knowledge and skills, for example, by providing evidence of previous qualifications, or competence in relevant unit standards, completing a training course or through previous work history. You must provide a written record signed by a person who has trained and assessed you, describing the method of assessment of your knowledge and practical skills, and the results of that assessment. A Test Certificate as an Approved Handler granted on the basis of a full HSNO assessment expires after five years.
Where can I find a Test Certifier?
A general register of Test Certifiers is available on the ERMA New Zealand website under the register search page. You may need to contact ERMA New Zealand to find out who the Test Certifiers are in your area. These are people who have been approved by ERMA New Zealand to issue certificates in their areas of expertise.
When do I need to have a Test Certificate?
The Test Certificate requirements start when the substances are formally transferred to the HSNO regime which will take place at the beginning of August 2003. You should look to comply by this date but we recognise the practical difficulties of everybody getting certificates at once, and expect that enforcement agencies will allow a short period for achieving full compliance providing you are compliant with the pre-HSNO controls. Please contact OSH or ERMA New Zealand for further information on compliance.
How much will it cost?
There are no standard fees set under the HSNO Act for Test Certificates. Test Certifiers are independent and can set their own charges.
What if I don't have a Test Certificate?
It is an offence under the HSNO Act to fail to comply with any requirement to obtain a Test Certificate as specified in the Regulations.
Will I need to renew my COC under the HSE Act with OSH?
OSH will be writing to all COC holders with further information on Certificates of Competency.
Who will be enforcing the HSNO requirements?
The HSNO Act distributes responsibility for enforcement between several agencies. The most relevant enforcement agency will be OSH who has responsibility for enforcement in places of work. Other relevant enforcement agencies are the Police (on road, rail and vehicles); Ministry of Health, where necessary to protect public health; and territorial authorities in premises other than those covered by any other agencies.
Further information:
Test Certification/Approved Handlers contact:
David Querido at ERMA New Zealand
Email: david.querido@ermanz.govt.nz
Tel: +64 4 918 4838
Enforcement contact:
Ron Andrew HSNO Manager,
OSH Mobile: 0274 401 731
Website: http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/law/about/hsno.shtml
For information on Training contact:
Cathrine Venrooy
Tel: +64 3 964 4713 or
Graham Burt
Tel: +64 3 377 8476
Extractive Industries Training Organisation (EXITO)
Website: www.exito.org.nz.