What is a certified handler under the NZ HSW(Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017?
Short answer
A certified handler is a person who has demonstrated competency to manage certain hazardous substances under the NZ Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, regulation 13.9. They must hold a current certified handler certificate issued by a certifying body for the substance class concerned.
Under the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 ("HSW(HS) Regs 2017") reg. 13.9, certain hazardous substances may only be handled in the workplace if a certified handler is in attendance or has set the controls in place.
A certified handler:
- Holds a current certified handler certificate issued by a certifying body approved by WorkSafe NZ.
- Has demonstrated competency for the class of substance they are certified for (e.g., flammable liquids, toxic substances, oxidisers, fumigants).
- Renews the certificate periodically (typically every 5 years, depending on the substance class).
The substances that need a certified handler are listed in the HSW(HS) Regulations and include substances with high acute toxicity, explosivity, or particular handling risks (e.g., methyl bromide for fumigation, certain agrichemicals, particular industrial gases).
PCBU duties under reg. 13.9:
- Identify the substances that need a certified handler.
- Maintain a register of certified handlers with their certificate details (substance class, expiry date, certifying body).
- Ensure a certified handler is present, or has set the controls, whenever the substance is handled.
- Provide refresher training before certificate renewal.
This is distinct from the Australian regime, which uses the GHS classification under WHS Regulation Chapter 7 with no equivalent "certified handler" concept.
RAE IQ's NZ chemicals module surfaces certified handler requirements per substance and tracks the certified handler register beside the substance register.