Retail Hardware Stores

Retail hardware stores are an essential element of the New Zealand economy and contribute significantly to the retail sector. They may store and handle significant quantities of hazardous substances. Careful management of these is important to protect people and the environment.

This page contains information to assist persons in charge of retail hardware stores and others working in this sector on managing these hazardous substances. It provides a series of links to information and guidance material on the following topics:

Index


Responsibility of Person in Charge

The person in charge is the person with overall control or possession of the retail hardware store at a particular time. He or she may be the owner or occupier or lessee of the retail hardware store.

The person in charge is responsible for ensuring that all specified controls are in place and are being followed. Further information is available:

Guide to the Certification for Retail Hardware Stores

The publication Guide to Certification for Retail Hardware Stores provides a guide for the person in charge of a retail hardware store to obtain the test certificates required under the HSNO Act.

Location Test Certificates

Many retail hardware stores will require a location test certificate. A location test certificate verifies that hazardous substances are stored away from other structures, combustible materials and ignition sources.

Further information is available at:

Approved Handlers

The most hazardous substances are required to be under the control of an approved handler. At retail hardware stores this may include thinners, petrol and LPG. Approved handlers are persons who have knowledge of the hazardous substances they are using and who have experience in handling them.

Approved handlers must meet the qualifications set out in the regulations made under the HSNO Act and must be available. If an approved handler is not available, hazardous substances must be secured (i.e. locked away) to prevent their unauthorised use.

Emergency Response Plan

Retail hardware stores may require an emergency response plan to encompass every reasonably likely emergency scenario.

Further information is available:

Fire Extinguishers and Hydrant Systems

Retail hardware stores may require to have fire extinguishers available

Further information is available:

Signage

Signs may be required to be erected at retail hardware stores explaining the hazardous substances present, the general types and degrees of hazard, steps to prevent unintended ignition and the action to be taken in an emergency.

Further information is available:

Secondary Containment System

A secondary containment system is a system to contain liquids if they escape from the container in which they are stored. Common forms of secondary containment systems for retail hardware stores include an impermeable concrete floor.

Further information is available:

Storage of Flammable Gases and Liquids

Buildings containing flammable substances (including aerosols) must meet specific design standards. The type of building is dependent upon several factors including the hazard class of the substances, the quantities stored, whether the container is open or closed and the proximity of neighbouring buildings.

Further information is available:

Controlled Zones

A controlled zone is an area established to protect people and places from the risks associated with the storage or use of flammable hazardous substances. Beyond the controlled zone, the public is provided with reasonable protection from the potential adverse effects arising from the hazardous substance.

If there are activities within the controlled zone, the potential adverse effects must be reduced or prevented.

A separation distance is the minimum distance that must be maintained from the location of a hazardous substance with flammable or oxidising properties (i.e. hazard classes 1-5) to other activities, such as residential properties, commercial premises, and traffic routes.

Further information is available:

Hazardous Atmosphere Zones

A hazardous atmosphere zone is an area in which an explosive or flammable atmosphere is present, or may be expected to be present, in quantities that require precautions to exclude potential ignition sources.

At retail hardware stores, hazardous atmosphere zones typically apply to areas where thinners and oil based paints are stored.

Further Information is available:

Segregation

Substances that are incompatible with each other must be segregated (that is, kept separate from each other). As a rule, flammable liquids, flammable gases, aerosols, flammable solids, oxidising agenrts and organic peroxides must be segregated form each other.

Further Information is available:

Tracking

Extremely hazardous substances must be tracked. Tracking is the recording of what happens to, and who is responsible for, a hazardous substance from the time it is imported or manufactured through to its end use or disposal.

Further Information is available:

Stationary Container System Test Certificates

A stationary container system means a stationary tank and its associated equipment, pipework, and fittings up to and including the dispensers. Where LPG is stored, the pumps, cylinder-filling equipment, and, for large tanks, any fire-fighting systems are part of the stationary container system.

Retail hardware stores may require a stationary container system test certificate. This ensures that the bulk fuel storage systems meet the requirements for their design, construction, installation and maintenance.

Further information on stationary container system test certificates is available at:

Stationary tanks or their associated secondary containment systems that were constructed prior to April 1 2004 may not comply with the HSNO requirements. If these stationary tanks have a capacity no greater than 60,000 litres, they may be managed under an ERMA New Zealand code of practice.

Threshold Quantities

Many of the compliance requirements at retail hardware stores have threshold quantities which, when exceeded trigger the requirement. Lists of these threshold quantities are here:

HSNO Legislation

The HSNO Act and the regulations made under this Act are available at the Government Legislation Website

ERMA New Zealand has also published Transfer Notices in the New Zealand Gazette. These notices set requirements for fuels.

Transfer Notices for other substances are also available:

ERMA New Zealand has also published Group Standards These set out the requirements for groups of similar substances.

Transfer Notices are available:

Group Standards

Hazardous Substances Register

HSNO requirements for any hazardous substance are summarized on the ERMA New Zealand Hazardous Substance Register

You can search this register using the common name of the substance.

Obtaining a Test Certificate

Test certificates are obtained from a test certifier. Test Certifiers able to issue certificates for locations and stationary containers systems can be found at the Test Certificate Register

HSNO Enforcement

The Department of Labour enforces the HSNO legislation at retail hardware stores. You can contact an enforcement officer for guidance and advice on HSNO compliance at your Regional Department of Labour Office.

Information on HSNO compliance is also available from ERMA New Zealand. Contact our Hazardous Substance Compliance Line:

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

Or contact us at:

ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131
Wellington.