September 17, 2002
If you run an industry or organisation which deals with Petrol and Petroleum Products, you will be interested in this!
Petroleum Products in common use are being transferred from the existing regime (essentially the Dangerous Goods Act and regulations) to the framework of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. A major part of this transfer process involves consultation with industry on the classifications and the proposed controls for using, handling, storing, tracking or disposing of these substances.
This is your opportunity to comment on these proposals.
The six-week consultation period began on Monday, 16 September 2002 and ends on Friday, 25 October 2002.
The overall objective of the consultation is to ensure that all organisations and individuals with a stake or interest in the transfer of Petroleum Products have an opportunity to present their views and be informed about the proposals for the substances to be transferred. Organisations and industry are invited to comment on the proposed classifications and controls and any other issues which may affect them.
The transitional provisions of the HSNO Act (Part XIV) allow Dangerous Goods (including Petroleum Products) that are lawfully used in New Zealand at this date to continue to be used until the expiry of the transitional provisions, or until the substances are transferred to the HSNO Act. The transfer of all classes of Dangerous Goods (single component and common mixtures) is scheduled to take place on 1 April 2003. From this time, you will have to comply with the new controls on the transferred substances.
The list of Petroleum Products is based on those petroleum products in common use, defined through consultation with technical representatives of the New Zealand oil industry. Other Petroleum Products petroleum products will be transferred separately with other flammable liquids or as previously notified toxic substances.
The proposed timetable for completing the transfer of Petrol and Petroleum Products is as follows:
| Activity | Completion date |
|---|---|
| Consultation period for the proposed classifications and controls; | 25 October 2002 |
| Analysis of submissions and preparation of Report to the Authority ; | 8 November2002 |
| Consideration of the proposals by the Authority; | 21 November 2002 |
| Information and awareness programme; | 28 February 2003 |
| Completion of the legislative process for promulgation of regulations (there is a standard 28 day period between the regulations being promulgated and taking effect); | 3 March 2003 |
| Test certifiers in place, enforcement regime in place, and regulations take effect | 1 April 2003 |
This consultation document is the second in a series of consultation documents covering the transfer of existing Dangerous Goods. The third consultation document, covering the transfer of the Dangerous Goods Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 4 (Solids) and Class 5 (Oxidisers) will follow in early October 2002.
The consultation on the Scheduled Toxic Substances will follow at about the same time.
Media Contact:
Uma Cannon, Public Awareness Advisor
Phone 04 918 4865