FAQs for Test Certifiers Renewing Approved Handler Test Certificates

 

  1. Do I need to verify the knowledge and competencies that were required of the applicant to obtain his/her original certificate?

    No. The applicant should have previously demonstrated the knowledge and competencies to obtain their original certificate. You should only need to verify that the applicant is aware of any changes to HSNO legislation, ERMA New Zealand-approved codes of practice and work practices relating to the substances for which they are seeking a renewal.

  2. Can I renew a test certificate before it has expired?

    Yes. The new certificate must be issued for a period of five years from the day after the expiry date of the original certificate.

  3. Can I renew an expired test certificate?

    Yes. Within a reasonable period of time. The new certificate must be issued for a period of five years from the day after the expiry date of the original certificate.

  4. What is a reasonable period of time?

    This will need to be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the circumstances - for example, whether the approved handler has been employed in work that has maintained his or her skills as an approved handler.

  5. Is there an ERMA New Zealand form to complete when assessing whether an applicant meets the qualifications for a renewal?

    Yes. ERMA New Zealand recommends that you complete and retain Form ER-AF-HS-13-1 02/09 when issuing a renewal.

  6. Do I assign a new test certificate number to a renewal or do I re-assign the number from the original certificate?

    You must use a new, unique number on each renewal you issue. Do not re-assign the number on the original certificate
    to the renewal.

  7. What is the process to follow if an applicant wishes to upgrade his/her certificate at the same time as seeking a renewal?

    If the applicant is seeking to 'upgrade' by adding substances/classes and/or lifecycle stages to the original certificate, or wishes to alter any conditions on the original certificate, you must fully assess the applicant on the additional matters only. The renewal can still proceed as described above but you should also complete and retain Form ER-AF-HS-14-1 02/09 for those substances/classes, lifecycle stages, or conditions additionally sought by the applicant.

  8. Do I assign a new test certificate number for an upgrade to a test certificate or do I re-assign the number from the original certificate?

    You must use a new, unique number on each upgrade you issue. An upgrade is, in effect, a new certificate.

  9. If I previously trained an applicant, but did not issue their original certificate, can I now do their renewal?

     Yes. Provided the applicant meets the criteria for the renewal.

  10. Can I renew a test certificate for classes of substances that my ERMA approval does not cover.

    No. You can only renew a test certificate for classes of substances you have been approved for.

  11.  What sections of the HSNO legislation describe the renewal qualifications?

    Section 4 and 5 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001 set out the renewal qualifications. The relevant sections are copied below:
    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2001/0122/latest/DLM43117.html?search=ts_regulation_hazardous_resel&sr=1

  12. How many Approved Handler Test Certificates will expire in the next five years?

    More than 72,000 test certificates will expire in the next five years. See graph below.