GHS Implementation in New Zealand

HSNO and Workplace Safety Framework - Chemical Safety and Regulatory System

Overview

New Zealand has implemented GHS through the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and workplace safety regulations. The implementation ensures comprehensive chemical safety while supporting New Zealand's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Implementation Timeline

Regulatory Authorities

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

  • HSNO Act implementation
  • Chemical approval and registration
  • GHS classification oversight
  • Environmental protection

WorkSafe New Zealand

  • Workplace safety regulation
  • Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Chemical safety in workplaces
  • Compliance and enforcement

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

  • Agricultural chemical regulation
  • Pesticide registration
  • Food safety oversight
  • Import/export controls

Regulatory Framework

Integrated Approach

New Zealand's GHS implementation integrates environmental protection, workplace safety, and agricultural chemical regulation under a unified framework.

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996

  • Scope: All hazardous substances and new organisms
  • GHS Integration: Classification and labelling requirements
  • Approval System: Chemical registration and evaluation
  • Enforcement: EPA oversight and compliance

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

  • Workplace chemical safety framework
  • Employer duties and responsibilities
  • Worker participation and consultation
  • Risk management requirements

Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act

  • Agricultural chemical regulation
  • Pesticide registration and control
  • Veterinary medicine oversight
  • Food safety protection

Classification and Labelling Requirements

GHS-Based Classification

New Zealand implements GHS classification and labelling requirements through the HSNO framework with specific adaptations for local conditions.

Hazard Classification

  • Physical Hazards: 16 classes following GHS principles
  • Health Hazards: 10 classes including acute and chronic effects
  • Environmental Hazards: Aquatic and terrestrial toxicity
  • New Zealand Specifics: Additional environmental categories

Labelling Elements

  • Product Identifier: Chemical name and trade name
  • Signal Words: "DANGER" or "WARNING"
  • Hazard Pictograms: Standard GHS symbols
  • Hazard Statements: H-codes in English
  • Precautionary Statements: P-codes for safe handling
  • Supplier Information: New Zealand company details

Special Requirements

  • HSNO Approval Number: EPA approval reference
  • Emergency Information: 24-hour emergency contact
  • Environmental Warnings: Specific environmental hazards
  • Agricultural Use: Specific requirements for farm chemicals

Safety Data Sheet Requirements

16-Section SDS Format

New Zealand SDS requirements follow the international 16-section GHS format with specific local adaptations and requirements.

Key SDS Requirements

  • Language: English language mandatory
  • Format: 16-section GHS structure
  • Content: Comprehensive safety and hazard information
  • Updates: When new information becomes available
  • Distribution: Provided with chemical supply

New Zealand Specifics

  • HSNO Classification: Include HSNO hazard classifications
  • Local Regulations: Reference to New Zealand laws
  • Emergency Contacts: New Zealand emergency services
  • Environmental Information: Local environmental considerations

Agricultural Chemical Regulation

Primary Industries Focus

New Zealand's agricultural sector requires specialized GHS implementation for pesticides, fertilizers, and veterinary medicines.

ACVM Registration

  • Scope: Agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines
  • Registration Process: Safety and efficacy evaluation
  • GHS Labelling: Required for hazardous agricultural chemicals
  • Monitoring: Post-market surveillance and compliance

Pesticide Management

  • Approved Handler Certification: Training requirements
  • Application Records: Use documentation requirements
  • Restricted Use: Professional application only chemicals
  • Environmental Protection: Waterway and habitat protection

Compliance and Enforcement

Multi-Agency Enforcement

New Zealand maintains robust enforcement through EPA, WorkSafe, and MPI with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Enforcement Measures

  • Compliance Monitoring: Regular inspection programs
  • Improvement Notices: Corrective action requirements
  • Prohibition Orders: Immediate cessation of activities
  • Prosecutions: Court proceedings for serious breaches
  • Approval Suspension: Chemical registration revocation

Penalty Structure

  • Infringement Fees: NZ$1,500 - NZ$15,000
  • Court Fines: Up to NZ$500,000 for individuals
  • Corporate Penalties: Up to NZ$10 million for companies
  • Imprisonment: Up to 2 years for serious offenses

Industry Support and Resources

Comprehensive Support System

New Zealand provides extensive support for chemical safety compliance through government agencies and industry organizations.

Government Support

  • EPA Guidance: HSNO compliance resources
  • WorkSafe Resources: Workplace safety guidance
  • MPI Support: Agricultural chemical guidance
  • Training Programs: Professional development courses

Industry Resources

  • Chemical Industry Council: Industry representation
  • Agcarm: Agricultural chemical industry association
  • BusinessNZ: Business advocacy and support
  • Federated Farmers: Agricultural sector representation

Resources and Support