Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017: Managing Risks and Ensuring Compliance
Hazardous substances are an unavoidable part of many workplaces, from construction sites to manufacturing plants. While they are essential for various tasks, they also pose significant risks if not managed correctly. The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 outline the legal requirements for businesses in New Zealand to store, handle, and use hazardous substances safely.
In this article, we explain the purpose and scope of the regulations, highlight the key responsibilities for businesses, and explore how Advanced Safety can help your organisation remain compliant while keeping workers and others safe
What Are the Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017?
The Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017 were introduced under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) to specifically address the risks posed by hazardous substances in the workplace. These regulations aim to prevent harm to workers and the environment by ensuring businesses manage hazardous substances responsibly.
What Are Hazardous Substances? Hazardous substances include any material that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment. These are often classified based on their properties, including:
Explosiveness
Flammability
Corrosiveness
Toxicity
Oxidising or chemically reactive
Examples include industrial chemicals, paints, fuels, solvents, and even cleaning products.
Key Responsibilities for Businesses
The Hazardous Substances Regulations place a clear obligation on PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to ensure the safe handling, use, and storage of hazardous substances. Below are the key responsibilities:
Identify and Classify Hazardous Substances
Businesses must know what hazardous substances are present in their workplace and understand their classifications.
How Advanced Safety Can Help: We provide assessments to identify and classify hazardous substances in your workplace, ensuring you meet regulatory requirements.
Maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Substances
PCBUs are required to keep a detailed inventory of all hazardous substances, including quantities, locations, and safety information.
Solution: Advanced Safety can help you develop and maintain a compliant hazardous substances inventory to stay organised and audit-ready.
Implement Controls to Minimise Risks
Businesses must implement appropriate controls to eliminate or minimise risks associated with hazardous substances. This includes:
Proper ventilation
Safe storage (e.g., segregating incompatible substances)
Spill containment systems
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
How Advanced Safety Can Help: We assist in designing and implementing effective risk controls to protect your workers and workplace.
Provide Information, Training, and Supervision
Workers must be informed about the risks associated with hazardous substances and trained on safe handling and emergency procedures.
Solution: Advanced Safety offers training workshops to educate your workforce on handling hazardous substances safely and using protective measures effectively.
Emergency Preparedness
Businesses must develop emergency response plans for hazardous substance incidents, including spills, fires, and exposures.
How Advanced Safety Can Help: Our team can help you create tailored emergency plans and conduct drills to ensure your team is prepared for any scenario.
Comply with Storage and Signage Requirements
Hazardous substances must be stored safely in appropriate containers with clear, compliant signage.
Solution: We review your workplace storage systems and signage to ensure compliance with WorkSafe NZ requirements.
The Role of WorkSafe NZ
WorkSafe NZ plays a key role in ensuring compliance with the Hazardous Substances Regulations. It provides:
Guidance materials to help businesses understand their obligations.
Tools like the Hazardous Substances Calculator to simplify compliance.
Inspections and enforcement for non-compliance, which can lead to fines or legal consequences.
Non-compliance with these regulations can expose businesses to significant risks, including:
Harm to workers and the public
Environmental damage
Legal penalties and financial loss
Reputational damage
Practical Steps for Compliance
To ensure compliance with the Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017, businesses can follow these practical steps:
Conduct a Hazardous Substances Assessment: Identify all substances and assess their risks.
Develop and Maintain a Hazardous Substances Inventory: Keep accurate and up-to-date records.
Implement Controls: Ensure effective systems for storage, handling, and risk management are in place.
Train Your Workforce: Provide ongoing education on hazardous substance safety.
Prepare Emergency Plans: Develop and test emergency response plans for incidents.
Conduct Regular Audits: Review systems and practices regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.
How Advanced Safety Can Support Your Business
At Advanced Safety, we simplify compliance with the Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017 through tailored solutions that fit your business needs. Our services include:
Workplace Assessments: Identifying and classifying hazardous substances.
Inventory Development: Creating compliant inventories that meet WorkSafe NZ standards.
Risk Control Implementation: Designing and implementing effective safety measures.
Training Workshops: Educating your team on safe handling, storage, and emergency response.
Emergency Preparedness Planning: Helping you develop robust plans to protect your workers and workplace.
With Advanced Safety by your side, you can manage hazardous substances confidently, knowing your business is compliant and your workers are safe.
Conclusion: Take Proactive Steps Toward Compliance
he Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 set a clear standard for managing hazardous substances in the workplace. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your people, your business, and the environment.
Contact Advanced Safety today to book a hazardous substances assessment or explore our training and compliance services. Let’s ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and ready for any challenge.
