Surface Coatings

Paints, dyes, inks and adhesives are some of the most widely used hazardous substances present within New Zealand and those using them need to be aware of their responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

This page contains information to assist manufacturers, importers and retailers working with paints, dyes, adhesives and other similar products. It provides a series of links to information and guidance material on the following topics:

Introduction Download pdf
Approved handler test certificates Download pdf
Storage of paints and surface coatings Download pdf
Packages, transport and tracking Download pdf
Separation distances or controlled zones and hazardous atmosphere zones Download pdf
Hazardous substance identification Download pdf
Emergency management Download pdf
Spill procedures and spill kits Download pdf
 
The documents above are in pdf format. ERMA New Zealand has also released a downloadable e-book containing all of these documents and an index. Download the e-book here surface_painters.zip [1.3MB]
Please note the zip file contains an e-book which is a self contained executable file that does not require installation. The executable has been checked for virii, trojans and is guaranteed to be free of adware and spyware.
 
E-book © ERMA New Zealand

Group Standards for Surface Coatings and Colorants

The Surface Coatings and Colourants Group Standards include any material used as an adhesive, dye, ink, paint, pigment, or graphic material, including any raw materials used in the manufacture of these materials.
In addition there is a Solvents Group Standard which is also relevant
About Group Standards
Surface Coatings and Colorants Group Standards
Solvents Group Standard

Location Test Certificate Information

A location test certificate verifies that hazardous substances are stored away from other structures, combustible materials and ignition sources and that relevant HSNO controls and requirements have been adhered too.
Further information is available at:
Quick Guide Location Test Certificates Quick Guide

Approved Handler Information

The most hazardous substances are required to be under the control of an approved handler. Approved handlers are persons who have knowledge of the hazardous substances they are using, have experience in handing them and know what to do in an emergency. If an approved handler is not available, hazardous substances must be secured (i.e. locked away) to prevent their unauthorised use. Other people may handle the substance if they have received guidance from an approved handler and an approved handler is available to give advice at all times if required.
Approved handler Test Certificate

Register of Certifiers

A Test Certifier is an individual approved by ERMA NZ to issue Test Certificates confirming that sites, individuals or containers are compliant with the HSNO Act.
Register of Certifiers

HSNO Legislation

The HSNO Act and its regulations are available at the Government Legislation Website.

Substance Classification and Controls

ERMA New Zealand has published Summary of Approvals documents that set out the classifications of a substance as well as any variations to the default controls. See:
Summary of Approvals documents

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

you may also find the classification and controls on an individual substance on the ERMA New Zealand Organism/Substance Search register on the ERMA New Zealand homepage.

You may search this register using, for example, the common name of a substance or its CAS number.

HSNO Enforcement

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

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.