HSNO codes of practice (HSNOCOPs) set out how to comply with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and the HSNO regulations, or provide an alternative way of complying with the HSNO regulations.
They are not mandatory and you can meet the requirements in other ways instead.
The new Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 and EPA Notices replace the HSNO regulations, which means that some HSNOCOPs are no longer valid
HSNOCOP 3 Management of Agrichemicals code of practice NZS 8409:2004
HSNOCOP 16 Hazardous Substances Storage and HSNOCOP 28 Hazardous Substances Storage Code – incompatible separation
HSNOCOP 38 In-situ filling of LPG cylinders
HSNOCOP 42 Storage of Class 3.1 substances in retail stores conforming to AS/NZS 3833
HSNOCOP 50 LPG Compliance 100kg to 300kg
HSNOCOP 63 Management and Handling of Used Oil
HSNOCOP 67 Portable containers for petrol complying with ASTM F852-08
The full guide can be downloaded here
Introduction
About 150,000 workplaces throughout New Zealand use hazardous substances. The risks they pose are often underestimated. For example, common hazardous substances like commercial cleaning products, paints, adhesives, acids, bases and solvents can cause serious harm if not used safely.SECTION CONTENTS
- About Your Practical Guide
- What are hazardous substances?
- How hazardous substances are classified
- Controls for managing hazardous substances
- Managing risk
- ‘So far as is reasonably practicable’
- Health and safety duties in the workplace
- More about the PCBU
Download This Section
Approvals, Hazard Classifications and Controls
Every hazardous substance imported into New Zealand or manufactured in New Zealand must be approved and have its classifications determined under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO). Depending on its classification, rules are placed on a substance to manage the risks posed by that substance. These rules are known as controls.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Approvals
- Hazard classifications
- Controls for managing hazardous substances
Download This Section
Manage Hazardous Substance Risks
Not understanding the harm that can occur when working with hazardous substances is a serious problem with serious consequences. Between 600 and 900 New Zealanders are estimated to die from work-related illness every year, many from exposure to hazardous substances. Exposure to different hazardous substances affects people in different ways. Health effects can include personality changes, sleep disorders, memory loss, cancer, fertility problems and even death. These serious health risks are why it’s so important to safely manage the hazardous substances at your workplace and protect your health and the health of your workers and others.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Hazardous substances can damage your health
- Applying substance controls
- Prepare an inventory of your hazardous substances
- Find and implement the key controls
- Manage remaining hazardous substances risks
- Review control measures
- Health and exposure monitoring
- Information, instruction and training
- Young people
Download This Section
Hazardous Substance Information
Labels, safety data sheets and signs are all sources of information to warn people about the risks of the hazardous substances at your workplace.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Label all hazardous substances
- Symbols on labels and signs
- Safety data sheets
- Signage
Download This Section
Store Hazardous Substances Safely
Storing hazardous substances safely is an important part of protecting yourself, your workers, other people at the workplace, neighbouring properties and the environment.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Decanting or transferring hazardous substances
- Incompatibles
- Store only what you need, store it safely
- Gas cylinders
- Oxy-acetylene welding
- Flammable substances
- Other substances
Download This Section
Emergency Preparation
Even the most safety conscious organisation can have an emergency. So you, your workers, and emergency service workers need to know what to do, and who is responsible for what in an emergency.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Prepare for an emergency
- Spill kits
- Fire extinguishers
- Signage
- Secondary containment
- Emergency response plans
Download This Section
Compliance Certificates
Compliance certificates are issued by compliance certifiers to show that users of hazardous substances have appropriate controls in place or have the appropriate knowledge and training. You might need a compliance certificate for people, locations or equipment.A compliance certifier is an independent service provider approved by WorkSafe New Zealand to issue compliance certificates.
SECTION CONTENTS
- What are compliance certificates?
- Certified handler compliance certificates
- Approved filler certificates
- Location compliance certificates
- Stationary container system compliance certificates
Download This Section
Tracking Very Hazardous Substances
Some very hazardous substances must be tracked, recording what happens to them from when they were imported into New Zealand or manufactured, through their distribution and transport, to their final use or disposal.
SECTION CONTENTS
- Where does tracking start?
- The competent person’s responsibilities
- Keeping tracking records
- Information needed in tracking records
Download This Section
The inventory must include:-
1. the substance’s name and UN number (if available)
2. the maximum amount likely to be at the workplace
3. its location
4. any specific storage and segregation requirements
5. a current safety data sheet or a condensed version of the key information from the safety data sheet
6. any hazardous waste.
Refer to Worksafe’s page here for more details:
You should use Worksafe’s online calculator(external link) to check whether you need a location compliance certificate for your hazardous substances.
Check also Worksafe’s policy clarification for when a hazardous substance location exists for toxic and corrosive substances.
Should you require a Location Compliance Certificate, Compliance certifiers now need to ask and verify your site has:-
Training Record of workers trained (list of names)
Training Checklists for each worker (induction / orientation / emergency response and supervision)
Evidence of training in hazardous substances (certificates, SOP., workbooks etc.)
PPE / Equipment training record, if required.
For each line above, these are the questions Compliance Certifiers will ask
• Training Record of workers trained (list of names)
1. Is there a record of training for each worker that can be readily inspected for the use
and handling of the hazardous substances as per regulation 4.5(5)?
• Training Checklist for each worker (induction/orientation/emergency response and supervision)
• Evidence of training in hazardous substances (certificates, SOP., workbooks etc.)
• PPE / Equipment training record, if required.
2. Does this protocol of staff training cover the location and use of SDS as per regulation 4.5(1/2)?
There should be one for each worker who handles hazardous substances.
3. Does this training cover the use and handling of hazardous substances as per 4.5(3)a i – iv?
What type of training was provided? (classroom / job – retain copy) and has confirmation
of training been issued to the worker? (e.g. a certificate).
(i) the physico-chemical and health hazards associated with the
hazardous substances the worker uses at work:
(ii) the procedures (if applicable) for the safe use, handling, manufacture,
storage, and disposal of the hazardous substances:
(iii) practice in the safe use of plant (including personal protective equipment)
necessary to manage the hazardous substances:
(iiia) the worker’s obligations under these regulations:
(iv) the actions that the worker should take in an emergency involving
the hazardous substances
4. If there is no current training as per regulation 4.5(3)a, is there a record of relevant
previous training or experience as per regulation 4.5(6)?
5. Is there a supervision record showing that the worker has had an appropriate period
of practical experience that includes the task, duration, and nature of supervision?
You can source these directly from the supplier of your substance in either electronic or paper form
Regulation 2.11 lays out the requirements and is shown below.
2.11 Duty of PCBU to obtain and provide access to safety data sheets
(1) A PCBU with management or control of a workplace must obtain the current safety data sheet for
a hazardous substance from the manufacturer, importer, or supplier of the hazardous substance in
the following circumstances:
(a) when the hazardous substance is first supplied for use at the workplace:
(b) when the hazardous substance is first supplied to the workplace after the safety data sheet
is amended.
(2) The hazardous substance must be treated as first supplied to a workplace if the supply is the first supply
of the substance to the workplace for a period of 5 years.
(3) The PCBU must ensure that the current safety data sheet for the hazardous substance or a condensed
version of the key information from the safety data sheet (for example, a product safety card) is readily
accessible–
(a) to a worker who is in his or her work areas at the workplace; and
(b) to any emergency service worker, or anyone else, who is likely to be exposed to the hazardous
substance at the workplace.
(4) In the case of workers who travel between workplaces because their work is carried out in more than
1 geographical location, the safety data sheet may be kept at the PCBU’s principal place of business if
those workers (wherever they are) can immediately obtain the key information from the safety data sheet
(or a condensed version) in an emergency.
(5) Subclauses (1) to (4) do not apply to a hazardous substance that–
(a) is in transit; or
(b) in the case of a substance in a workplace of a retailer,–
(i) is a consumer product; and
(ii) is in that workplace only for the purpose of supply to other premises; and
(iii) is not intended to be opened on the retailer’s premises; or
(c) is a consumer product in a workplace and is used at the workplace only in quantities, and in a way,
that is consistent with household use; or
(d) is anhydrous ammonia that is contained in plant in which anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant,
except in the case of quantities of anhydrous ammonia in excess of 100 kg.
(6) In the circumstances referred to in subclause (5), the PCBU must ensure that sufficient information about
the safe use, handling, and storage of the hazardous substance is readily accessible to a worker who is
in his or her work area at the workplace.
(7) A PCBU who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
2.5(2)(c)(iv) specifies that the signage MUST BE VISIBLE FROM 10 METRES in varying weather conditions
(note reg 2.5(2A)(4) for service station for class 3.1A and 3.1D- if signage is at refuelling point)
2.6(5) specifies and details what the SIGNAGE MUST CONTAIN and DESCRIBE
2.10 specifies and details the requirement of the PCBU to maintain signage
The trigger volumes for signage are found in Schedule 3 – Quantities of Hazardous Substances that Require Signage
2.5 Duty of PCBU to display signage: general duty
(1) This regulation applies to a workplace where–
(a) quantities of a hazardous substance with a hazard classification specified in the first column of the
table in Schedule 3 and in a form specified in the second column of that table, that exceed the quantity
specified for that classification in the third column of that table are present; or
(b) more than 50 kg of LPG, propane, butane, or isobutane is present within a building; or
(c) any quantity of LPG, propane, butane, isobutane, or other flammable gas refrigerant is present in an
integral part of a refrigeration system that is contained in a machinery room as defined in
AS/NZS 5149.1: 2016, AS/NZS 5149.2: 2016, AS/NZS 5149.3: 2016, and AS/NZS 5149.4:2016— Refrigerating systems and heat pumps—Safety and environmental requirements; or
(d) more than 250 kg of LPG, propane, butane, or isobutane is present in a place other than a building.
(2) The PCBU with management or control of the workplace must ensure that–
(a) the signage required by regulation 2.6 is displayed; and
(b) the content, presentation, and positioning of the signage comply with that regulation; and
(c) the signage meets the following requirements for comprehensibility, clarity, and durability:
(i) the signage is in English:
(ii) the signage is readily understandable:
(iii) abbreviations and acronyms are not used unless they are in common English usage and the
term described by the abbreviation or acronym is used at least once on the signage:
(iv) all required information is clearly visible and legible at a distance of not less than 10 m
under varying conditions (for example, rain or poor light):
(v) the signage is made of
materials that are durable, are resistant to sunlight, and require minimal maintenance.
(2A) This regulation applies to a hazardous substance referred to in–
(a) regulation 2.7 (transit depots) only to the extent set out in regulation 2.7(1)(b):
(b) regulation 2.9 (milking animals) only to the extent set out in regulation 2.9(1)(b).
(3) Subclause (1)(a) does not apply to anhydrous ammonia that is contained in plant in which anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant.
(4) Subclause (2)(c)(iv) does not apply to signage at a service station where E10, E85, petrol, or diesel is stored for the refuelling of vehicles of the general public if the signs are clearly visible and legible at the point of refuelling.
(5) A person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
2.6 Signage requirements for general duty
(1) For the purposes of regulation 2.5, if a hazardous substance is located in a building at a workplace, but is not confined to a particular room or compartment within the building, the PCBU with management or control of the workplace must ensure that there is positioned at every vehicular and pedestrian entrance to the building and the land on which the building is located signage–
(a) stating that hazardous substances are present; and
(b) stating the general type of hazard of each of them; and
(c) describing the immediate response action to be taken in an emergency.
(2) Despite subclause (1), if the hazardous substance is a class 1 substance, the PCBU must ensure that signage that complies with paragraphs (a) to (c) of that subclause is positioned–
(a) at every vehicular and pedestrian entrance to the building; and
(b) at every approach to the building that is within the boundary of the land where the building is located
and that emergency services organisations may use.
(3) If hazardous substances are located in a particular room or compartment within the building, the PCBU with management or control of the workplace must ensure that signage that complies with subclause (5) is positioned at each entrance to the room or compartment.
(4) If hazardous substances are located in an outdoor area, the PCBU with management or control of the workplace must ensure that signage that complies with subclause (5) is positioned immediately next to that area.
(5) The signage required by subclauses (3) and (4) must–
(a) contain–
(i) the word EXPLOSIVES in relation to class 1 substances; or
(ii) the word HAZCHEM in relation to class 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 substances; and
(b) state the hazardous properties and describe the general type of hazard relating to each
category of hazardous substance present through the use of–
(i) hazard pictograms consistent with the correct classification of the hazardous substances
present; or
(ii) hazard statements consistent with the correct classification of the hazardous substances
present; and
(c) describe,–
(i) if the substances include explosive substances, the precautions necessary to prevent
unintended explosion of an explosive substance; and
(ii) if the substances include flammable substances, the precautions necessary to prevent
unintended ignition of a substance; and
(iii) if the substances include oxidising substances or organic peroxides, the precautions
necessary to prevent unintended combustion of, acceleration of a fire from, or thermal
decomposition of, an oxidising substance or organic peroxide; and
(d) describe the immediate response action to be taken in an emergency.
(6) Subclause (4) does not apply if the hazardous substance is class 6.1A, 6.1B, 6.1C, or 6.1D vertebrate toxic agents or agrichemicals at a temporary storage site.
Example
The following are examples of temporary storage sites:
(a) a temporary field bait handling site:
(b) an aircraft loading site.
2.7 Signage requirements for transit depots
(1) A PCBU with management or control of a transit depot to which regulation 2.5 applies and at which containers that contain hazardous substances are located must ensure that–
(a) there is positioned at the primary points of vehicular and pedestrian entry to the land on which the
transit depot is located signage that–
(i) contains the word HAZCHEM; and
(ii) identifies the site as a transit depot; and
(iii) warns people that hazardous substances may be present on the site; and
(b) that signage complies with regulation 2.5(2)(c).
(2) A PCBU who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
2.8 Additional signage requirements for fireworks and safety ammunition
(1) This regulation applies in relation to fireworks or safety ammunition that is located in a building at a workplace, but is not confined to a particular room or compartment within the building.
(2) A PCBU with management or control of the workplace or building must, in addition to complying with regulation 2.5, ensure that there is positioned at the primary points of vehicular and pedestrian entry to the building, and at the primary points of vehicular and pedestrian entry to the land on which the building is located, signage–
(a) stating that fireworks or safety ammunition (as the case may be) is present; and
(b) stating its general type of hazard; and
(c) describing its general type of classification; and
(d) describing the immediate response action to be taken in an emergency.
(3) Despite subclause (2), the PCBU is not required to comply with regulation 2.6(1) and (2).
(4) A PCBU who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
2.9 Signage at workplace where milking animals are milked
(1) A PCBU with management or control of a workplace to which regulation 2.5 applies and where a hazardous substance that is a teat-sanitising product or a dairy maintenance compound is located in a building in which milking animals are milked must ensure that–
(a) signage is positioned at the primary vehicular or pedestrian entrance to the building–
(i) stating that hazardous substances are present; and
(ii) stating the general type of hazard of each of them; and
(iii) describing the immediate response action to be taken in an emergency; and
(b) that signage complies with regulation 2.5(2)(c).
(2) A PCBU who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
2.10 Duty of PCBU to maintain signage
(1) A PCBU who is required to display signage must–
(a) alter the signage as soon as practicable if a change in the type, class, or quantity of
hazardous substances present at the workplace requires different information to be displayed; and
(b) ensure that the signage is–
(i) kept clean; and
(ii) maintained in good repair; and
(iii) not covered or obscured.
(2) A PCBU who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $6,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $30,000.
Where:-
a plan of the relevant place that is accurate and drawn to scale to the extent necessary to enable the plan to meet its purpose in the provision that refers to it (in particular, by enabling a person inspecting the plan to identify actual distances and other relevant dimensions)
The specific regulations are as follows:
Regulation 3 (3) Interpretation
Regulation 5.7 (3) (d) (ii) Duty to prepare an Emergency Response Plan
Regulation 10.26 (4) (b) Where Class 2, 3 and 4 are present
Regulation 12.8 (5) (b) Where Class 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 are present
Regulation 12.34 (5) (b) Where Class 5.2 is present
Regulation 12.44 (b) & 12.36 (2) Where Class 5.2 is manufactured and used
Regulation 13.34 (5) (b) Where Classes 6 and 8 are present
(3) A reference in these regulations to a site plan is a reference to a plan of the relevant place that is accurate and drawn to scale to the extent necessary to enable the plan to meet its purpose in the provision that refers to it (in particular, by enabling a person inspecting the plan to identify actual distances and other relevant dimensions and need not necessarily be prepared by a person with qualifications in the preparation of plans.
Duty to prepare an emergency response plan
(3) The emergency response plan must, for each reasonably foreseeable emergency,–
(d) provide–
(i) an inventory of hazardous substances present at the workplace; and
(ii) a site plan that shows the physical position of all hazardous substance locations within the boundary of the workplace (if applicable).
10.26 Duty of PCBU to establish hazardous substance location
(4) The PCBU with management or control of the hazardous substance location must ensure that,–
(a) if a compliance certificate is required under regulation 10.34 or 10.36, a compliance certificate is obtained that certifies that the requirements of the relevant regulation are met; and
(b) a site plan is available for inspection that shows the physical position, in relation to the legal boundary of the site in which the hazardous substance location or hazardous substance locations are located, of–
(i) all hazardous substance locations within the workplace that contain class 2, 3, or 4 substances; and
(ii) all hazardous areas and controlled zones within the workplace; and
(c) if required under regulation 10.6, a hazardous area is established and maintained in accordance with that regulation
12.8 Duty of PCBU to establish hazardous substance location where class 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 substances present
(5) The PCBU with management or control of a hazardous substance location must
also ensure that,–
(b) a site plan is available for inspection showing, in relation to the legal boundary of the site where the hazardous substance location is situated, the physical location of–
(i) all hazardous substance locations within the workplace that contain class 5.1.1 or 5.1.2 substances; and
(ii) all controlled zones within the workplace
12.34 Duty of PCBU to establish hazardous substance location where class 5.2 substance present
(5) The PCBU with management or control of a hazardous substance location must ensure that–
(b) a site plan is available for inspection showing, in relation to the legal boundary of the site where the hazardous substance location is situated, the physical position of–
(i) all hazardous substance locations within the workplace that contain class 5.2 substances; and
(ii) all controlled zones within the workplace;
12.44 Matters to be certified for hazardous substance location where class 5.2 substances manufactured or used
If a compliance certificate is required for a hazardous substance location under regulation 12.42 and that location or any part of that hazardous substance location is one where class 5.2 substances are manufactured or used, the compliance certificate must, in addition to certifying the matters specified in regulation 12.43, also certify that the requirements in regulation 12.36 are met, except that–
(b) a site plan shows that regulation 12.36(2) is complied with.
12.36 Additional duties of PCBU relating to hazardous substance location where class 5.2 substances are manufactured or used
(2) The PCBU with management or control of a hazardous substance location where class 5.2 substances are manufactured or used must ensure that it is separated from any other such hazardous substance location by–
(a) a distance of not less than that specified for incompatible substances or materials in tables 4 and 5 in Schedule 11; or
(b) a wall–
(i) that has a fire-resistance rating of 120/120/120 minutes; and
(ii) that is constructed to prevent a fire on one side of the wall from coming into contact with any such substances on the other side of the wall.
13.34 Duty of PCBU to establish hazardous substance location where certain class 6 or 8 substances present
(5) The PCBU with management or control of the hazardous substance location must also ensure that,–
(b) a site plan is available for inspection showing, in relation to the legal boundary of the site in which the hazardous substance location is situated,–
(i) the physical location of all hazardous substance locations within the workplace that contain the substance; and
(ii) all distances from the hazardous substance location to protected places, public places, and other hazardous substance locations within the boundary of the workplace
Click here to be redirected to the Legislative Instrument
Supervision and training of workers
4.5 Duty of PCBU to provide information, training, and instruction
(1) In addition to complying with regulation 9 of the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and
Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, a PCBU must ensure that every worker who uses, handles,
manufactures, or stores a hazardous substance (including hazardous waste) is, before the worker is
allowed to carry out or supervise work involving those substances, provided with—
(a) the information referred to in subclause (2); and
(b) the training and instruction referred to in subclause (3).
(2) The information is–
(a) any operations in the worker’s work area where hazardous substances are present; and
(b) the location and availability of known reference material on the hazards, safe handling, and
storage of the hazardous substances found in the workplace, including (without limitation)
safety data sheets.
(3) The training and instruction must include–
(a) training and instruction in the following:
(i) the physico-chemical and health hazards associated with the hazardous substances the
worker uses at work:
(ii) the procedures (if applicable) for the safe use, handling, manufacture, storage, and
disposal of the hazardous substances:
(iii) practice in the safe use of plant (including personal protective equipment) necessary to
manage the hazardous substances:
(iiia) the worker’s obligations under these regulations:
(iv) the actions that the worker should take in an emergency involving
the hazardous substances; and
(b) an appropriate period of practical experience of the matters described in paragraph (a),
under direct supervision in the workplace.
(4) The information provided under subclause (2) and the training and instruction provided under
subclause (3) may cover specific hazardous substances or groups of hazardous substances with
the same hazardous properties.
(5) A PCBU must–
(a) keep a record of training and instruction provided under this regulation for each worker;
and
(b) ensure the record is available for inspection by an inspector or compliance certifier.
(6) A PCBU who can demonstrate, by documentation or certification, that a worker’s previous experience
or training (or both) has resulted in training equivalent to that described in subclause (3) is not required
to provide training and instruction in accordance with subclause (3) unless the PCBU considers
refresher training to be necessary.
(7) Despite subclause (6), a worker with equivalent training who is new to the workplace must receive site-specific induction and have appropriate supervised experience at the new workplace.
(8) A PCBU who contravenes subclause (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $10,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $50,000.
(9) A PCBU who contravenes subclause (5) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,–
(a) for an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
(b) for any other person, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Who needs a dangerous goods (D) endorsement?
If you’re transporting dangerous goods, you usually need to have a dangerous goods (D) endorsement on your driver licence.
A lot depends on what you’re transporting, how much of it and under what circumstances.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods for hire or reward (eg if you’re a transport operator or a courier), you will usually need a D endorsement. There are some exceptions, which are listed in clause 9.2 of Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 (the rule).
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods as tools-of-trade and the quantities are under the limits in schedule 1 of the rule, you don’t need a D endorsement.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods as tools-of-trade in quantities that are over the limits in schedule 1 of the rule, you will need a D endorsement, except for dangerous goods that are toxic to the aquatic environment and classified as UN 3077 or UN 3082, environmentally hazardous substances.
- If you’re transporting dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes, you don’t need a D endorsement.
If you’re not sure whether you need a D endorsement, call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.
Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005
Dangerous goods carried by transport service operators
Dangerous goods transported as tools-of-trade
Dangerous goods transported for domestic or recreational use
What are dangerous goods?
Commonly available goods that are classified as dangerous for transport include:
- ammunition and fireworks
- aerosol canisters
- LPG and CNG cylinders
- oxyacetylene and other welding cylinders
- compressed air cylinders for scuba diving
- diesel
- flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits, turpentine, thinners, solvent-based paints and epoxy resin
- hardener for epoxy resin
- some swimming pool chemicals
- some commercial and household cleaning products, such as dishwasher detergents
- some garden care products.
If you’re not sure if you need a D endorsement, please call us on 0800 822 422.
Are there exceptions to needing a D endorsement?
- If you’re transporting allowed quantities of dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes, you don’t need a D endorsement.
- If you’re transporting allowed quantities of dangerous goods as tools-of-trade, agricultural purposes or commercial purposes, without pay or reward, you don’t need a D endorsement.
Drivers being paid or rewarded or carrying quantities over the allowed limits will need a D endorsement. Exception details are listed in clause 9.2 of the rule.(external link)
You need to complete a course
To ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills for transporting dangerous goods you need to complete an approved course.
Find an approved course provider in your area
Please note you can’t drive on the road just because you’ve got the course certificate. The endorsement must be on your driver licence.
Applying for the endorsement
You can apply for a D endorsement at your nearest driver licensing agent (participating offices of the Automobile Association, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand and Vehicle Testing New Zealand).
You need to:
- complete an Application for endorsement D, F, R, T, W (DL19) [PDF, 200 KB] form
- present your New Zealand driver licence or two other forms of identification
- provide a certificate showing you’ve successfully completed an approved D endorsement course
- have your eyesight checked or show an eyesight certificate
- pay the application fee of $44 (per endorsement).
Where can I find out more?
Transporting dangerous goods for domestic or recreational purposes
Transporting dangerous goods as tools- of-trade, for agricultural use or for a commercial purpose, but not for hire or direct reward.
Transporting dangerous goods as a licensed transport service operator or if you transport dangerous goods for direct reward.
Get in touch with us today for assistance.