Hazardous substances (chemicals) have become an integral part of our society. Their use contributes to our economic growth and prosperity. Whilst chemicals are most commonly associated with industrial applications, they can also be found in our homes. For example, many workplaces contain hazardous substances, such as solvents, dyes, explosives and pesticides. Hazardous substances that you may find at home include the fuel in your BBQ or lawnmower, cleaning products and paints.
Unfortunately incidents can occur with hazardous substances that may harm people or the environment. There are a number of reasons why an incident may happen. An incident may occur, for example, from an accident, an equipment failure or because people are not following the controls that are set to safely manage hazardous substances.
ERMA New Zealand monitors the incidents that occur. This enables us to determine the effectiveness of the regulatory system and whether the controls are working. We are able to see if trends are occurring or if particular substances or practices are causing problems.
Incidents are reported to ERMA New Zealand by a variety of sources including enforcement agencies and members of the public. We also monitor the media for reports of incidents involving chemicals.
An incident is defined as:
An event involving a hazardous substance that may or may not involve non-compliance with regulatory requirements and/or cause adverse effects to human health and safety, or the environment.
Most incidents involve spills or leakages and occur in the workplace. The most common substances associated with incidents are LPG, hydrocarbons, acids, petrol and diesel.
Incident summaries
A summary of incidents is included in ERMA New Zealand’s Annual Report
to Government, and we also report on incidents in the annual Monitoring
Report. These can be found on our website at
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/accountability.html.
Lists of the incidents involving hazardous substances reported to ERMA NZ can be found below:
2006 - 2007
2007 - 2008
2008 - 2009
- Incidents Document 1 July 2008 - 30 September 2008
- Incidents Document 1 October 2008 – 31 December 2008
- Incidents Document 1 January 2009 - 31 March 2009
- Incidents Document 1 April 2009 - 30 June 2009
2009 - 2010
New Incident Levels
A new incident level categorisation system came into effect on 1 July 2009. There are now five
incident levels replacing the four previously. There is no direct correlation between the old and
new categorisation system, however in effect an additional lower level category has been added.
Incidents prior to 1 July 2009 retain the old four level categorisation.
The new levels are: New Incident Levels
The HSNO Act allows the Authority to undertake an inquiry into any incident or emergency that involves a hazardous substance. There has been one inquiry carried out by ERMA NZ in recent years:
Report of Inquiry into the Use of LPG Cylinders in Indoor Situations (May 2004)
ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131, Wellington
Tel: 04 916 2426 or 0800 376 234
Email: hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz