Chlorine Users

Chlorine is now controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 which replaces old laws such as the Dangerous Goods Act 1974 and the Toxic Substances Act 1979.

These are some of the typical uses of chlorine, so if you are involved in these activities read on as the new law will affect your operation.

  • Bleaching
  • Manufacture of sodium hypochlorite
  • Water Treatment
  • Swimming Pools (usually large public pools)

Chlorine is classed as:

  • an oxidising agent
  • acutely toxic to humans
  • corrosive to metals, skin and eyes
  • very ecotoxic to the aquatic environment and in the soil environment.

From 1 October 2004, if you want to continue using chlorine, the law will require you to have the right Test Certificates. Depending on the quantities you handle, you may need:

How to get Test Certificates

You must obtain your certificates from a Test Certifier. To find your nearest Test Certifier check the register or call ERMA New Zealand for a list of Test Certifiers to be posted to you.

Location certificates

You will need a Location Test Certificate if you hold more than 150 kilograms of chlorine. You must have your Location Test Certificate in place by 31 December 2004 and then renew it annually. It would be prudent to contact a Test Certifier without delay.

For more information about obtaining Location Test Certificates, please refer to the Quick Guide - Location Test Certificates

Approved Handlers

An Approved Handler is required no matter how much chlorine you have. The Approved Handler must make sure that chlorine is handled safely, that it does not harm people, nor damage the environment.

Not all employees handling chlorine have to be Approved Handlers, as long as they are working under the guidance of an Approved Handler. In this case the Approved Handler must be present at the water treatment facility or location and be available to provide assistance. Anyone connecting or disconnecting a cylinder will need to be an Approved Handler. However, delivery people who do not connect chlorine cylinders will not need to be Approved Handlers.

If the chlorine, valves and dispensing equipment is secured (kept locked), an Approved Handler is not required to be present. An Approved Handler will be required when access to any of these components is required.

For more information about obtaining an Approved Handler Certificate

Tracked chemicals

The most hazardous chemicals need tracking, and chlorine fits this category. Before your supplier can agree to a delivery of chlorine they will need to confirm and keep a record that you have an Approved Handler who will take responsibility for the delivery, and a Location Test Certificate if needed. If the chlorine is later transferred to another location then the person transferring the chlorine must follow the same procedure. You must keep sufficient records on site when transferring chlorine from a main plant to secondary plants so that you know where your chlorine is located at any given time.

When do I need to have all my certificates?

Approved Handlers and Location Test Certificates for tracked substances are needed by 31 December 2004.

You should:

  • Check your chemicals to see if the new HSNO law applies to them yet
  • Identify and obtain Test Certificates for Locations and/or Approved Handlers for those chemicals that require them
  • Contact a Test Certifier if you have any queries about what is required for a particular chemical.

If you hold a Dangerous Goods licence for other chemicals, ERMA New Zealand will have contacted you to let you know what you have to do. You may wish to obtain the necessary Test Certificates for all substances at the same time.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

We have chlorine at our facility. It is locked away, automatically controlled and no one goes near it. What do I need to do?

If your facility stores over 150 kg of chlorine then you need a Location Certificate for the site. As chlorine is classified as acutely toxic, an Approved Handler is required on site during connection and disconnection processes.

An Approved Handler is not required to be present on the site when the cylinder is secured and in normal operation. Delivery people who do not connect cylinders do not need to be Approved Handlers.

What is required of the maintenance contractor who services the equipment?

If maintenance is required on your facility it is the responsibility an Approved Handler to disconnect the chlorine prior to maintenance being carried out. The Approved Handler who disconnects and reconnects the supply can be the maintenance contractor or an on site qualified Approved Handler. Adjustments made to the dosing equipment must be made by an Approved Handler.

Is the training that our supplier gives us sufficient?

At present Orica, New Zealand's main supplier of chlorine, has a training programme which includes both the correct care and handling of chlorine, Approved Handler requirements and your obligations under the HSNO Act. For further information, please contact Grant Cooper at Orica New Zealand Ltd, 07 574 8850.

How many Approved Handlers do I need?

For most sites one or two Approved Handlers would be sufficient. It depends on how large your plant is, how often you take delivery of chlorine stocks, and how likely that person is to be available whenever chlorine is being handled at the facility.

NOTE

Other chemicals you may use will not be listed in this leaflet. The HSNO Act and Regulations will apply to some of these chemicals already, but for others the new laws may not apply until 2006. For these the old laws will continue to apply for the time being.

Further information

You can contact a hazardous substance enforcement officer, normally Department of Labour Workplace Group (Occupational Safety and Health Service), in your district.

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