May 17, 2001
Toxic substances, chemical formulations, dangerous goods, food additives, resins, aerosols, fireworks, toiletries, cleaning agents, petroleum, explosives, pesticides, inks, herbicides, solvents, fragrances, animal remedies, paints and fertilisers.
These items are all around us - in homes, factories and on the farm. They are widely used in New Zealand industry and agriculture. They are transported and stored right across the country. And, potentially, they can all be highly dangerous.
Hazardous substances might be found in your workshop, in your bathroom, in your handbag or lying around in the back shed. Up until now, there has been only patchy control to ensure that they are manufactured and used in a safe way. Hazardous substances have been regulated under a patchwork of over 20 different laws, with different objectives and standards for assessment. Thousands of toxic substances have only been listed without ever having been assessed for harmful effects.
But the whole system will be tightened up when the hazardous substances part of the HSNO Act comes into effect from 2 July 2001. The new law will set clear criteria so that substances are managed in a way that protects the environment and public health. Anyone who wants to import or manufacture a new hazardous substance will require approval from the Environmental Risk Management Authority. The new regime will also provide for some140,000 existing substances to be assessed by ERMA New Zealand technical staff and matched up to new standards under the HSNO Act.
To promote the new regime, ERMA New Zealand is holding a national roadshow over May and June. Training workshops - aimed at importers, manufacturers, and users of hazardous substances - will be held in 5 centres:
- Auckland Waipuna Hotel, 30 May;
- Christchurch Holiday Inn (formerly Avon River Centra) Hotel 6 June;
- Dunedin Otago/Southland Employers Association 7 June;
- Wellington BP Theatrette 14 June Hamilton- Novotel Tainui 21 June.
The Minister for the Environment, Hon Marian Hobbs, will open the roadshow in Auckland on 30 May. Special briefings for environmental and other community groups will be held as well in Auckland 29 May; Christchurch 5 June and Wellington 13 June. Full details: www.hsno.govt.nz
For further information:
Karen Cronin,
Communications Manager,
ERMA New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 918 4826