Understanding Hazardous Substances Certification in New Zealand

The management of hazardous substances in the workplace is governed by a robust regulatory framework designed to protect workers, the public, and the environment. On 1 December 2017, significant reforms came into effect, transferring workplace hazardous substance controls from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) to the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. These changes introduced more stringent requirements for certification, site planning, and operational controls.

Defining Hazardous Substances

A hazardous substance is any product or chemical with properties that are:

• Explosive – capable of causing detonation or explosion
• Flammable – ignites easily and burns rapidly
• Oxidising – intensifies combustion or explosion
• Toxic – harmful to human health via contact, inhalation, or ingestion
• Corrosive – causes severe tissue damage or material degradation
• Ecotoxic – poses risks to ecosystems and the environment

These properties are classified into hazard classes under the Regulations:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Flammable gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids
• Class 5: Oxidising substances
• Class 6: Toxic to people
• Class 8: Corrosive substances
• Class 9: Toxic to the environment

Note: Class 7 (radioactive materials) is regulated under the Radiation Safety Act 2016.

Certification Requirements and Site Planning

The 2017 reforms introduced a more intensive certification process, particularly for sites storing hazardous substances. Businesses must now provide comprehensive documentation and scaled site plans that include:

• Hazardous and control zones
• Legal boundaries and adjacent properties
• Distances to other hazardous substances
• Fire suppression systems and emergency assembly points
• Accurate representation of site layout and buildings
• Elevation views of hazardous storage areas
• Orientation (including North) and spatial accuracy
• Substance-specific compliance data
• Distances to public and protected spaces

These requirements apply to Location Compliance Certificates for sites storing substances in Classes 3.1, 6, and 8, and must be authorised for above-ground stationary container systems only.

Stationary Container Systems – Regulatory Overview

The Regulations also govern the installation, maintenance, and modification of stationary container systems, including:

• Installation of new systems (Regulation 17.91(2)(b))
• Transfer point pipework between ship and tank (Regulation 17.91(2)(i)(iii))
• Repair, alteration, and maintenance of existing systems (Regulation 17.91(2)(l))
• Compliance plans for existing systems (Regulation 17.91 and Schedule 1 Clause 45)

Each activity must meet specific regulatory conditions and be supported by appropriate documentation and certification.

DEG’s Role in Hazardous Substance Compliance

DEG provides end-to-end support for hazardous substance certification, including:

• Site assessment and compliance planning
• Scaled and regulation-aligned site plans
• Certification support for Classes 3.1, 6, and 8 substances
• Stationary container system compliance documentation
• Liaison with regulatory bodies and certifiers

Our team ensures that your site meets all legal and regulatory obligations under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. We work closely with clients to deliver practical, audit-ready solutions that uphold safety and compliance.

For further information or to begin your certification process, contact DEG or complete our online application form.