Changes to the Storage Requirements for Class 6 and 8 Substances

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What is changing?

There are new requirements for storing certain class 6 and 8 substances, particularly classes 6.1A, 6.1B, 6.1C, 8.2A and 8.2B.

What was previously know as Approved Handlers, has now become Certified Handlers. Certified Handlers have additional information, instruction and training requirements.

What is new?

WorkSafe has a guide on these new requirements (Guide to Storing Class 6 and 8 substances), but some of the key requirements are summarised as follows:

• If you have HSL (hazardous substance location) requirements, you need to hold tracked class 6 and 8 substances in an HSL after 2 hours, and untracked class 6 and 8 substances in an HSL after 24 hours
• All HSLs for solid or liquid class 6 and 8 substances require a location compliance certificate
• HSLs containing packaged class 6.1A, 6.1B, 6.1C, 8.2A or 8.2B substances must be separated from public and protected places by a distance required for their classification and quantity
• Different types of HSLs (including indoor storage cabinets) must meet the specified construction and capacity requirements.

There are new requirements for storing class 6 and 8 substances in:

Places other than HSLs, such as:

• securing the place from persons other than those that you (as the PCBU) allow to access the place
• providing ventilation and water for personal hygiene
• keeping substances away from incompatible substances and heat sources
• ensuring any possible spillage when you open containers or transfer their contents can be retained

Farms (if an HSL is not required), for example:

• separating the storage area from protected places, combustible vegetation or refuse, and the boundary of your property
• providing secondary containment or locating storage places so spills will not reach protected places, watercourses or the boundary of your property

 Transit depots, such as:

• notify WorkSafe before you commission the transit depot
• keeping substances inside their closed containers
• making sure workers receive information, instruction and training
• separating vehicles from other vehicles and containers of both compatible and incompatible substances

The regulations specify the clean-up equipment and chemicals for neutralising or decontaminating spills required in workplaces holding class 6 and 8 substances.

When do these changes come into effect?

Most requirements under the Health & Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations came into force on 1 December 2017. However, there were/are some later commencement dates for some specific requirements, summarised as follows for class 6 and 8 substances:

For class 6.1A, 6.1B, 6.1C, 8.2A and 8.2B substances:	Commencement Date
Storage requirements not at a hazardous substance location	1 June 2018
Storage requirements at farms	1 June 2018
Storage requirements at transit depots	1 December 2018
Establish a hazardous substance location	1 June 2019
Requirements for stores other than indoor storage cabinets	1 June 2019
Indoor storage cabinets	1 June 2019
Location compliance certificate (where certain class 6 and 8 substances present in specified quantities)	1 December 2019

 

Creating safer working environments

At Hazero our mission is zero hazards. Our extensive range of quality products will help you store, contain and control and clean-up dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

Our Chemshed Corrosive and Toxic Cabinets can help you with the changes.

Need help creating a safer working environment? Contact our team today on 0800 688 844 or email us at info@hazero.co.nz. Our team are also available for on-site assessments across New Zealand, click here to request a site visit.

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