Hazardous Substances and New Organisms

Home / Hazardous Substances and New Organisms

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) in New Zealand

Overview

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act is a crucial piece of legislation in New Zealand designed to protect the environment and public health from the risks associated with hazardous substances and new organisms. The Act governs the importation, manufacture, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances and the introduction of new organisms into New Zealand.

Key Components of HSNO

1. Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances are materials that can cause significant harm to people, property, or the environment. The HSNO Act classifies these substances based on their hazardous properties, including explosiveness, flammability, toxicity, and corrosiveness.

  • Classification and Labelling: All hazardous substances must be correctly classified and labelled according to their hazardous properties.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets for hazardous substances, detailing their properties, handling procedures, and emergency measures.
  • Packaging: Hazardous substances must be packaged in containers that prevent leakage and are resistant to damage.

2. New Organisms

New organisms include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and any species not previously present in New Zealand. The HSNO Act regulates the importation, development, field testing, and release of new organisms to ensure they do not pose a risk to the environment or human health.

  • Approval Process: Any activity involving new organisms requires approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
  • Containment: Activities involving new organisms must be carried out in contained environments to prevent accidental release.

3. Risk Management

The HSNO Act emphasizes a risk management approach to minimize the potential adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms. This includes:

  • Risk Assessment: Evaluating the likelihood and consequences of adverse effects associated with hazardous substances and new organisms.
  • Controls and Regulations: Implementing controls to manage identified risks, including restrictions on usage, mandatory safety measures, and monitoring requirements.

4. Compliance and Enforcement

The EPA is responsible for administering the HSNO Act and ensuring compliance. Enforcement measures include:

  • Inspections and Audits: Regular inspections and audits of facilities handling hazardous substances and new organisms to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Penalties: Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
  • Remediation: Requirements for businesses to remediate any harm caused by non-compliance with the HSNO Act.

5. Community Right to Know

The HSNO Act promotes transparency and public awareness by ensuring that information about hazardous substances and new organisms is readily available to the public. This includes:

  • Public Registers: The EPA maintains public registers of hazardous substances and new organisms, including details of approvals and associated conditions.
  • Public Participation: Opportunities for public input and participation in the decision-making processes related to hazardous substances and new organisms.

How Horizon Compliance Ltd Can Help

Hazardous Substances Management

We offer a comprehensive suite of services to help you manage hazardous substances safely and in compliance with the HSNO Act:

  • Classification and Labelling: Assistance with correctly classifying and labelling hazardous substances according to regulatory standards.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Preparation and review of SDS to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and provide essential safety information.
  • Packaging and Storage Solutions: Guidance on compliant packaging and storage practices to prevent leaks and ensure safety.

New Organisms Compliance

Our experts help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape associated with new organisms:

  • Approval Applications: Support with preparing and submitting applications for approval to the EPA.
  • Containment and Monitoring: Development of containment and monitoring protocols to ensure compliance and prevent accidental releases.

Risk Assessment and Management

We conduct thorough risk assessments and implement robust risk management strategies:

  • Risk Identification: Identifying potential risks associated with hazardous substances and new organisms.
  • Control Measures: Designing and implementing control measures to mitigate identified risks and ensure compliance with the HSNO Act.

Training and Education

We provide training programs to ensure your team understands and complies with HSNO requirements:

  • Employee Training: Educating employees on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
  • Regulatory Updates: Keeping your team informed about changes in HSNO regulations and best practices.

Compliance Audits and Inspections

Our compliance audits and inspections help you maintain continuous adherence to the HSNO Act :

  • Facility Audits: Conducting detailed audits of your facilities to identify and rectify compliance gaps.
  • Regulatory Inspections: Preparing your facilities for regulatory inspections to ensure smooth and successful outcomes.

Contact Us

Ensure your compliance with the HSNO Act and protect your organisation, employees, and the environment with Horizon Compliance Ltd. Contact us today to learn more about our HSNO services and how we can support your organisation in achieving excellence in hazardous substances management and new organisms compliance.

Horizon Compliance Ltd – Your Partner in HSNO Compliance and Environmental Safety Excellence.