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 |
|
Yes >100 litres in large closed containers* | Yes >250 litres | No |
|
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.