Printing Industry

The chemicals you use for printing (including lithographic, flexographic, screen and gravure printers) are controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.

Some of the typical chemicals that might be used in the printing industry include:

Solvents
such as acetone, white spirit, mineral turpentine, butanol, dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol, hexane, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), perchloroethylene, styrene, toluene, trichloroethylene, and xylene
Adhesives
which may contain isocyanates as well as solvents
Inks and coatings
which may contain chromates/chromic acids - such as lead chromate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP, N-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone), Michler's ketone, and solvents

If you use these substances, you may need:

  • a Location Test Certificate for your premises
  • 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 (refer to the table below).

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 you commonly use 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.

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.

Tracked chemicals

The most hazardous chemicals require 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 (refer to the table below).

At a glance

The following is an overview of some of the substances that require Approved Handlers, Location Certificates and Tracking.

Chemical Name Location Test Certificate Approved Handler Test Certificate Tracking
Ammonium dichromate Yes >500 kg Yes (any quantity) Yes
Dichloromethane No No No
Ethylene glycol No No No
Nitric acid >70% (not fuming) Yes >1000 kg Yes (any quantity) No
Perchloroethylene No Yes >10 litres No
Potassium dichromate No Yes (any quantity) Yes
Sodium dichromate Yes >500 kg Yes (any quantity) Yes
Sodium dichromate, dihydrate No Yes (any quantity) Yes
Sodium hydroxide No No No
Solvents (low flashpoint):
Acetone; butyl acetate; ethanol; ethyl acetate; heptane; hexane; isopropyl acetate; isopropyl alcohol; methanol; methyl ethyl ketone (MEK); toluene
Yes >100 litres in large closed containers* Yes >250 litres No
Solvents (medium flashpoint):
Butanol ; Mineral Turpentine; Styrene; p-xylene
Yes >500 litres in large closed containers* 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 are listed. Please be aware that all hazardous chemicals are controlled by the HSNO Act.

You should:

  • contact a Test Certifier if you have any queries about what is required for a particular chemical;
  • obtain Test Certificates for Locations and/or Approved Handlers for those substances that require them.

Contact ERMA New Zealand
If you have any questions about hazardous substance compliance contact the Hazardous Substances Compliance Line:

Phone: 0800 376 234, or
Email: hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz

Or contact us at:
ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131
Wellington.