Hazardous Substances
A hazardous substance is any substance that may be explosive, flammable, able to oxidise, corrosive, toxic or eco-toxic. Most of us use hazardous substances every day at home and at work. Unwanted hazardous substances should not be disposed of with general rubbish - the annual Hazmobile collection is a safe and easy way to dispose of such waste.
Risks posed by hazardous substances
We are also broadly familiar with the most important risks they pose, for example:
- the flammability of methylated spirits or petrol
- the oxidising capacity of a common household bleach
- the ecotoxic nature of some garden chemicals
In reality, most hazardous substances have more than one hazardous property, that is, they are hazardous in a number of ways.
For example, methylated spirits and petrol are not only flammable but also toxic. Some common garden pesticides not only kill garden pests but also beneficial organisms, and may be toxic to humans.
Anyone who uses or is involved with hazardous substances needs good information on their potential risks and how to use them safely. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act provides a platform for completely assessing a hazardous substance so that it can be managed appropriately.
Visit the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) website for more detailed information about hazardous substances in New Zealand.
Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSH)
OSH keeps New Zealander's safe and healthy at work. OSH administers the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act) that encourages employers to follow a systematic approach of hazard identification and management to workplace safety.
OSH also administers the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 which covers the health and safety of people and the protection of the environment by setting standards for managing the adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms.
National Poisons Centre
This is a nationwide service providing information on poisons and hazardous chemicals to health authorities, emergency services and the public. The centre provides excellent information in an event of drug overdose.
Postal Address: PO Box 913, Dunedin
Physical Address: Otago Medical School,
Dunedin
Phone: 03 474 7000 24hrs Emergency, 0800 POISON (0800 746 766)
Fax: 03 477 0509
Email: poisons@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.poisons.co.nz
