The chemicals you use for electroplating are now controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, which replaces previous laws such as the Dangerous Goods Act 1974 and the Toxic Substances Act 1979.
These are some of the typical chemicals that might be used in the electroplating industry:
- Acetic acid
- Acetone
- Ammonium hydroxide
- Chromic acid/chromates
- Chromium oxide
- Hydrochloric acid
- Nitric acid
- Sulphuric acid
- Trichloroethylene
If you want to continue using some of these substances, the law may require you to have the right Test Certificates. You may need:
- a Location Test Certificate for your premises (previously a Dangerous Goods Licence)
- an Approved Handler Test Certificate for employees responsible for the handling of certain highly hazardous chemicals.
Location Test Certificates
You will need a Location Test Certificate:
- if you are using and/or storing particular chemicals above certain minimum quantities
- as a general rule, if you hold a Dangerous Goods Licence for your premises you will need a Location Test Certificate. There are exceptions eg for diesel.
For more information about obtaining Location Test Certificates, please refer to the Quick Guide - Location Test Certificates
Approved Handlers
An Approved Handler must make sure that certain chemicals are handled safely, that they do not harm people, nor damage the environment.
The table below shows you which chemicals commonly used will need an Approved Handler. Note that not all employees handling these hazardous substances will have to be Approved Handlers, as long as they are working under the guidance of an Approved Handler. However, an Approved Handler must be present at the location and be available to provide assistance.
For more information about obtaining an Approved Handler Certificate, please refer to Approved Handlers (Dangerous Goods and Scheduled Toxic Substances) (quick guide) [pdf - 419 kb]
How to get a Test Certificate
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.
Tracked chemicals
The most hazardous chemicals need tracking, and you will need an Approved Handler in order to use them. To buy them your supplier will need to confirm you are an Approved Handler, and that you have a Location Test Certificate if needed. The table at the end shows which chemicals are tracked.
When do I need to have all my Certificates?
If you are handling tracked substances you need to have your Location and Approved Handler Test Certificates in place by 1 January 2005. ERMA New Zealand will not allow any extension of this date.
For substances that do not require tracking, Test Certificates for Locations and Approved Handlers will be needed following a timetable starting in October 2004 and ending in June 2006.
If the substance is not tracked and you cannot meet the date required, you may submit a plan to ERMA New Zealand for approval, providing a date by when you will comply.
At a glance
The following is an overview of some of the substances that require Approved Handlers, Location Certificates and Tracking. Note: these are for the pure substances. Some of the substances you use, such as Aqua Regia, are mixtures that will be transferred later. Other chemicals that you use, such as ammonium fluoride, iron phosphate, and sodium cyanide, are currently classified as Notified Toxic Substances (NOTS) and will be transferred to the HSNO Act by July 2006. All NOTS are still subject to Dangerous Goods or Toxic Substances Regulations until transferred.
| Electroplaters | Test Certificates | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Location | Approved Handler | Tracking |
| Acetic acid, >80% solutions in water | Yes >500 litres in large closed containers* | No | No |
| Acetic acid, up to 80% solutions in water | No | No | No |
| Acetone | Yes >100 litres in large closed containers* | Yes >250 litres | No |
| Ammonium dichromate | Yes >500 kg | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Chromium oxide | Yes >500 kg | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Hydrofluoric acid, >1% solutions in water | No | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Hydrofluoric acid, up to 1% solutions in water | No | No | No |
| Nitric acid >70% (not fuming) | Yes >1000 litres | Yes (any quantity) | No |
| Phosphoric acid | No | No | No |
| Potassium dichromate | No | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Potassium hydroxide | No | No | No |
| Sodium dichromate | Yes >500 kg | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Sodium dichromate, dihydrate | No | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Sodium hydroxide | No | No | No |
| Sulphuric acid - fuming | No | Yes (any quantity) | Yes |
| Trichloroethylene | No | Yes >10 litres | No |
* ie containers that are larger than 5 litres, this includes containers that are open occasionally for the contents to be removed.
NOTE: If you have more than one substance that requires a Location Test Certificate it is the total quantity of all those substances that will determine whether a Test Certificate is needed. Please contact a Test Certifier for advice.
What must I do now?
Not all the chemicals you use, distribute, or store will be listed in this leaflet, but please be aware that all hazardous chemicals are controlled by the HSNO Act.
You should:
- check your chemicals
- identify and obtain Test Certificates for Locations and/or Approved Handlers for those substances that require them
- contact a Test Certifier if you have any queries about what is required for a particular chemical.
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