Hazardous Substances and Chemicals
Proper management of hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle is necessary to avoid adverse health effects from either direct exposure or environmental contamination.
For more information about hazardous substances and the HSNO Act see the website of the New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).
ERMA also provides a toll free phone number for the public 0800 376 234.
The reference to Vertebrate Toxic Agent application forms can be downloaded from the ERMA’s website.
The Ministry of Health has launched a health education website, which contains information pamphlets for the general public. The relevant pamphlets regarding lead-based paint and asbestos issues are available at:
- Management of lead-based paint
- Lead and lead poisoning
- All about asbestos
- Removing asbestos from the home
The Department of Labour provides best practice information and guidance to assist New Zealand businesses with health and safety in the workplace. Its occupational safety and health (OSH) website publishes and updates systematic guidelines and information on lead-based paint and asbestos which are available at:
- http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/leadpant.pdf and
- http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/asbmgmt.pdf
Other helpful websites include:
- the NZ Ministry for the Environment
- the US Environmental Protection Agency’s hazardous substance control and management
- the UK Government’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Contact the Duty Health Protection Officer (Environmental Health) for any concern or enquiries over hazardous substances on (09) 623 4600.
