HAZARD
CLASSIFICATIONS,
APPROVALS
AND CONTROLS
Hsno approvals
How substances are classified
Controls (rules) for managing hazardous substances
7
8
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS
AND CONTROLS
HSNO APPROVALS
Most products used by small businesses will be approved under a group standard
approval. A group standard is an approval for a group of similar substances or products
that have a similar use. The manufacturer or importer can ‘assign’ a product to a group
standard by making sure that the product has only the classifications that are allowable
within the scope of the group standard. If the product meets the scope of the standard,
the product is considered to be approved.
A HSNO approval sets out the rules (also called controls) for managing the risks of a
hazardous substance.
THE HSNO approval number IS on THE safety data sheet
HSNO approval numbers are usually found in Section 15: Regulatory Information of your
safety data sheet and look like the following example:
HSR002530
If you can’t find the approval number on your safety data sheet, contact your supplier.
HOW SUBSTANCES ARE CLASSIFIED
Hazardous substances can be classified under one of several similar systems. In
New Zealand, the HSNO system is used. Substances manufactured overseas may use
another system. The HSNO system is based on the United Nations (UN) dangerous goods
classification system for transport and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification
and Labelling (GHS).
hazard classification
The classification for your product should be listed in the Hazards Identification section
of the safety data sheet, usually found in Section 2. Section 15 of the safety data sheet
may also have information specific to HSNO.
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS
HSNO classification system
6.3 A
class
subclass
The HSNO system uses
numbered classes and
subclasses to indicate
the hazardous properties
of a substance.
degree of
hazard
For example, for a substance classified as 6.3A:
dd 6 is the class, which indicates the substance is toxic to people
dd 3 is the subclass, which indicates the type of toxicity, for example, irritating
to the skin, and
dd the letter A indicates the degree of hazard, with A being the highest hazard.
Therefore a hazardous substance classified as 6.3A is highly irritating to the skin.
The HSNO classes are:
dd Class 1 – explosives (note that this booklet does not provide information
about explosives)
dd
dd
dd
dd
dd
dd
dd
Class 2 – flammable gases
Class 3 – flammable liquids
Class 4 – flammable solids
Class 5 – oxidising substances
Class 6 – substances toxic to people
Class 8 – corrosive substances
Class 9 – substances that are toxic to the environment.
Dangerous goods class 6.2 (infectious substances) and class 7, radioactive materials,
are not regulated under HSNO but must be managed under the HSE Act when used and
stored in the workplace.
Most hazardous substances have more than one classification
Most hazardous substances will have more than one hazardous property and therefore
more than one classification. For example, petrol is classified as a 3.1A (highly flammable
liquid), 6.1E (acutely toxic – may be harmful, aspiration hazard), 6.3B (mildly irritating to
the skin) 6.7B (suspected human carcinogen) and 9.1B (toxic to the aquatic environment).
9
10 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS
United Nations transport classes and packing groups
If you don’t have the HSNO classifications for products approved under
group standards you can use the United Nations (UN) classification
and packing groups in the HSNO Calculator. Most safety data sheets
will include the UN classes and packing groups because these are
used internationally when transporting dangerous goods.
The UN classes and packing groups are found in the Transport
Information section of your safety data sheet. This is usually section 14.
The packing group determines the standard of packaging to be used depending on how
dangerous a hazardous substance is. There are three packing groups, I II and III. Packing
group I is used for the most dangerous substances.
An example of what to look for in section 14 is shown below (toluene is used as
an example):
UN number
1294
Proper shipping name
Toluene
Class 3
Packing group II
If you don’t have the HSNO classification for
your products approved under group standards
you need to include the UN class and the
packing group in the HSNO Calculator.
CONTROLS (RULES) FOR MANAGING HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES
Controls are rules put in place to prevent or manage the adverse effects of hazardous
substances. The controls for substances differ depending on their hazard classification
and their particular approval.
Controls that are always needed
A list of all of the hazardous substances you use and store
dd To safely manage your hazardous substances you need to know what you’ve got.
Make a list of all of the hazardous substances used and stored at your workplace.
See your Workbook.
An assessment of the hazards followed by elimination, isolation, minimisation of hazards
dd Hazardous substances can be harmful to people’s health. Learn about the hazards
of each hazardous substance, and assess who will be exposed and in what way.
You then need to either get rid of the hazardous substance or isolate the use of the
substance away from people. If you can’t eliminate or isolate the substance you
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS 11
need to minimise your staff’s exposure to it using controls, such as ventilation, safer
work practices, and personal protective equipment. See Keep safe with hazardous
substances, page 13.
Staff training to use and store substances safely
dd Staff need to be trained to use and store hazardous substances safely.
See Keep safe with hazardous substances, page 13 and
substances safely, page 35.
Store hazardous
Preparing for an emergency
dd Make sure that your staff and workplace are prepared for an emergency.
See
Emergency preparation, page 43.
Additional controls that may be needed
If you have particular types or amounts of hazardous substances, you
may have to comply with additional controls. The HSNO Calculator
will help you work out what key HSNO controls apply to you.
Fire extinguishers
dd If you have flammable or oxidising substances, you may need a specific type and
number of fire extinguishers. However, even if it’s not legally required, it’s best
practice to always have fire extinguishers at your workplace. Fire extinguishers are
used to put out fires before they reach the hazardous substances used and stored
at your workplace. See Emergency preparation, page 43.
Signs
dd Depending on the types and amounts of hazardous substances you use or store, you
may need signs to warn people that hazardous substances are present. Although
signs are only required when you have certain amounts of hazardous substances, it’s
best practice to always have them. See Hazardous substance information, page 23.
Approved handlers
dd If you have very toxic substances or amounts of flammable or oxidising substances
over certain limits, one or more of your staff may need to be trained and certified as
an approved handler. This is someone who has specific knowledge and experience
about how to handle particular hazardous substances and has received a test
certificate from a test certifier. See Test certificates, page 51.
A location test certificate
dd If you have flammable or oxidising substances at your workplace, you may need
a location test certificate. This certifies that you are managing your flammable or
oxidising substances in accordance with the rules. Test certificates are issued by
test certifiers. See Test certificates, page 51.
12 HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS, APPROVALS AND CONTROLS
Hazardous atmosphere zones
dd A hazardous atmosphere zone surrounds a place where flammable substances
are used or stored and flammable vapours may be present. Within these zones,
special precautions must be taken to prevent unintended ignition so that a fire
or explosion does not occur. See Store hazardous substances safely, page 35.
Emergency response plan
dd An emergency response plan is a written document that covers what will be done and
who is responsible for doing each task if an emergency were to occur involving your
hazardous substances. See Emergency preparation, page 43.
Secondary containment (bunding)
dd A secondary containment system ensures that liquid substances can be contained
if they leak or spill from the container or vessel they are stored in.
See Emergency preparation, page 43.
CONTROLS that may be needed NOT COVERED BY THE CALCULATOR
The controls below are not covered by the HSNO Calculator but guidance about what to
do is provided in this booklet.
A stationary container system test certificate
dd A stationary container system is a fixed tank or process container and its associated
equipment, pipe work and fittings. If you have a stationary tank containing a gas
or liquid hazardous substance you may need a stationary container system test
certificate. This certifies that your tank is safe and complies with the rules.
See Test certificates, page 51.
Controlled zones
dd A controlled zone is an area around a flammable or oxidising substance. Within that
area, ignition sources must be controlled and access must be limited to authorised
personnel to protect the general public. See Store hazardous substances safely,
page 35.
Tracking
dd Tracking is a record of what happens to a substance and who is responsible for it.
The employer must keep records and track very hazardous substances from import
or manufacture, to distribution and transport, through to use or disposal.
See Tracking very hazardous substances, page 57.