Hazardous Substance Compliance and Enforcement FAQs

How do I find a Test Certifier?

ERMA New Zealand holds a Register of Test Certifiers, which you can search from the ERMA New Zealand website. Alternatively, you can contact ERMA New Zealand directly and request a copy of the register be mailed to you, either by fax 04 914 0433, e-mail hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz, or call 0800 376 234 (Hazardous Substances Compliance Line).

Which Test Certificates do I need?

There are a number of types of Test Certificates:

  • A Location Test Certificate [pdf - 832kb] is required for a site when the quantity of hazardous substances exceeds a threshold quantity. These are similar to the previous Dangerous Goods Licence
  • Approved Handler Test Certificates are needed for people that handle the most hazardous substances. These are similar to the previous certificates of competence for fumigants or poisons. This is a new concept for flammables. Not all people handling the substance have to be Approved Handlers. See
  • Stationary Container System Test Certificates are for equipment that comprises a stationary tank or process container and its associated equipment, pipework, and fittings. They are required where the stationary container is over a certain size. See
  • Approved Filler Test Certificates are required by all persons filling cylinders with compressed gases. This includes both hazardous gases such as LPG and non hazardous gases including air.

In addition to the above, there are requirements for Test Certificates for particular items of equipment such as:

  • packaging
  • compressed gas cylinders
  • tank designs
  • tank fabricators.

All Test Certificates must be obtained from a Test Certifier.

What are the classifications of my substances?

The hazardous substance register is the most convenient way to find out the classification of an approved substance. Type in the name of your substance or click the 'hazardous substance' option and enter the Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) registry number. Select the substance you require and look at the 'controls' document.

Not all substances that are covered by a HSNO approval are listed on the register. The register lists those that have been given a Part V approval or have been transferred, but it does not currently list transferred explosives, or substances that have been given an HS-6 match. If you can not find the classification for your substance, contact ERMA New Zealand.

Where do I find the threshold quantities for my substances?

There are different threshold quantities depending on the HSNO controls for the substance. For example,

  • For locations and Approved Handlers of class 1 to 5 substances, see the Schedules in the Hazardous Substances (Classes 1 to 5 Controls) Regulations
  • For toxic, corrosive and ecotoxic substances, see the Hazardous Substances (Classes 6, 8, and 9 Controls) Regulations
  • The Hazardous Substances (Emergency Management) Regulations give the thresholds for information requirements, secondary containment, signage and emergency plans.

Where do I find the HSNO legislation?

You can find the legislation and its accompanying regulations at the Public Access to Legislation website.

What is an Approved Handler?

An Approved Handler is a person who is competent and certified to handle certain hazardous substances. S/he must make sure these substances are handled safely, so they don't harm people or the environment. Approved Handlers also provide guidance and assistance to other people who handle the substances but aren't Approved Handlers themselves.

How do I become an Approved Handler?

To become an Approved Handler , you need to demonstrate your knowledge, experience and competence to a Test Certifier, who will then issue your Test Certificate.

Knowledge of the substances :

  • their hazards, and how to prevent harm to people and the environment
  • what to do in an emergency

Practical experience and knowledge:

  • sufficient experience to be able to demonstrate you are competent to handle the substance and any operating equipment, and know about required protective clothing and safety equipment

Knowledge of HSNO:

  • some basic facts about the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 , mainly about what the law is trying to achieve
  • HSNO regulations that apply to the substances
  • any relevant codes of practice.

The Test Certifier will need evidence of your qualifications, experience and competence. If you have completed a training course that covers all or part of these requirements, you can show the Test Certifier your qualification. Or, if you have been trained on the job, a supervisor or manager can provide evidence. The Test Certifier will issue your Test Certificate. An Approved Handler Test Certificate lasts for 5 years.

When do I need my Approved Handler Certificate?

Dangerous Goods and Scheduled Toxic Substances

Transitional Approved Handler Certificates for Dangerous Goods and Scheduled Toxic Substances have now expired. If you require an Approved Handler Test Certificate, you must have a full 5-year Test Certificate, unless your substance comes under Group Standards/NOTS. (See below).

Agrichemicals

The transitional period for the Approved Handler requirement for pesticides and other agrichemicals has passed. If you require an Approved Handler Test Certificate you must have a full 5-year Test Certificate. For information on which chemicals require Approved Handlers and/or tracking, follow the links below.

Notified Toxic Substances (NOTS)

  • If you are handling chemicals that come under Group Standards, you may be able to 'deem' yourself an Approved Handler. If you have been using the substance for a period of more than 2 years (this must be within the last 5 years) then you can complete the 'Hazardous Substances - Deemed Approved Handler Declaration' form. For information, go to the Group Standards web page.

How do I renew an Approved Handler Certificate?

An Approved Handler Certificate lasts for 5 years. After this it must be renewed. For a renewal of your Approved Handler Test Certificate, you must only demonstrate that you have maintained your knowledge and understand any changes to work practices, regulations, or codes of practice which have occurred since the previous certificate was issued. In simple terms, you must demonstrate that you have kept up to date. Renewing your Approved Handler Test Certificate should be a much less onerous task than when you were first issued the Test Certificate.

Do all my staff need to be Approved Handlers?

Not everyone in your workforce needs to be an Approved Handler; others may work with the substance if they have received instruction from the Approved Handler, and the Approved Handler is available to give advice. How promptly the Approved Handler is available should take into account the competence of your staff. Clearly, a new employee will require training and supervision, and this is also a requirement of the Health and Safety in Employment legislation. For experienced employees, the ability to contact the Approved Handler by telephone may be sufficient. Remember there will be a need to have sufficient Approved Handlers to cover sickness and holidays and any shift work.

See also: 'Quick Guide to Approved Handlers':

I previously had a Dangerous Goods Licence - what do I do?

All Dangerous Goods Licences have now expired. If you had a Dangerous Goods Licence and are required to have a Location Test Certificate for substances transferred under Dangerous Goods, you need to have your Test Certificate now. . If you have not obtained a Location Test Certificate you should contact a Test Certifier immediately. Note that not all those sites that needed a Dangerous Goods Licence will need a Location Test Certificate - some requirements have changed.

If your substances are under Group Standards, you have until 1 January 2008 to obtain your Location Test Certificate.

If you are unsure of how to proceed, call the Hazardous Substances Compliance Line on 0800 376 234.

How much will my Test Certificate or Approved Handlers cost?

Test Certifiers are not employed by ERMA New Zealand, and there is no set fee for issuing Test Certificates. The cost for a certificate is a commercial arrangement between you and the Test Certifier, so it may pay to check the cost before you proceed. To organise a quote for your site, contact a Test Certifier. They will be able to advise you on the estimated cost to become compliant.

I handle vertebrate poisons, what do I need to do?

Vertebrate Poisons (or Vertebrate Toxic Agents) are governed under both the HSNO and Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Acts. There are new requirements for handling these substances.

The main change is that if you are handling, storing or manufacturing these substances you need to be an Approved Handler and have a Controlled Substances Licence.

To find out the particulars for your situation, contact a Test Certifier who can issue a Controlled Substances Licence.

What is a Controlled Substance Licence?

Under the HSNO Act, certain substances such as vertebrate toxic agents and fumigants can only be used by people who have a Controlled Substance Licence. To get a Controlled Substance Licence you must be

  • An Approved Handler
  • Aged 17 years or over
  • Considered a 'fit and proper' person
  • Require the licence to enable you to work.

Controlled Substance Licences are issued by Test Certifiers.

Where do I find Approved Codes of Practise?

List of the published codes of practice and those under development

If the particular code you are looking for is not available from the website, contact the organisation who published the code.

Where may I find an equipment register (for example, an Approved Burner)?

ERMA New Zealand holds a number of registers for equipment. Some of these were previously held by the Department of Labour. The following registers are available online:

The following registers are available on request. These are registers for:

  • Approved Burners
  • Burners Not Permitted for Use
  • Dispensers (for Stationary Container Systems)
  • Stationary Container Systems - Approved Design and Fabricators
  • Tank Wagon Design
  • Vaporisers (for Stationary Container Systems).

To gain access to these registers please contact ERMA New Zealand directly on 0800 376 234, or email hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz. We are adding more registers online as they become available. See other registers for up to the minute information.

What is a Stationary Container System?

A Stationary Container System is a stationary tank or process container, together with any associated equipment such as its pipelines and fittings.

What is a Stationary Container System Test Certificate?

This Test Certificate is a 'warrant of fitness' that shows the Stationary Container System is safe, properly maintained and compliant with the law. It is different from a Location Test Certificate, and in some instances both may be required.

When do I need a Stationary Container System Test Certificate?

Stationary container systems which need Test Certificates must have these in place by 31 March 2007.

What if I can't get a Certifier to visit my site by 31 March 2007?

It is best to get yourself booked in with a Test Certifier at their earliest opportunity. Ask for a written record from the Test Certifier with an estimated inspection date.

I already have a Location Test Certificate, do I need a Stationary Container System Test Certificate as well?

The Stationary Container System Test Certificate is a separate requirement from the Location Test Certificate. It only applies to sites when there is a bulk stationary container (such as an above ground diesel tank, below ground fuel tank, or large capacity fixed LPG cylinder) which meets certain criteria. Information on when a Stationary Container System Test Certificate is required can be found at:

I only ever fill my tank half-way, and already have a Location Test Certificate. Do I need a Stationary Container System Test Certificate as well?

It is the capacity of the container which is measured, not the amount of substance stored at any given time.

Group Standards - what do I need to know?

A Group Standard is an approval for a group of hazardous substances. They were issued by the Authority on July 1, 2006. Information on Group Standards can be found at:

Further information

If you have any further questions e-mail hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz, or call 0800 376 234 (HS Compliance Line)