Approved Handlers

Training Requirements under HSNO

Staff handling certain chemicals will need to be certified as competent to handle that chemical. These people will be known as “approved handlers”. Training to ensure that staff are competent is likely to be a new requirement for a number of industries. Further information of the training services provided by HaS Expertise is can be found in the Training section.

Approved Handler Qualifications

• the hazard classifications of the hazardous substances for which he or she is to be an approved handler.
• the adverse effects that could be caused by each of the substances.
• the controls which may be imposed under the Act for the substances
• his or her obligations and liabilities under the Act, including the purpose and principles of the Act; the offence provisions of the Act; the penalties and liabilities imposed by, the Act; and the effect of a compliance order.
• which Regulations apply to the phases of the lifecycle of the substances and where those Regulations can be obtained
• any conditions of his or her test certificate as an approved handler
• the precautions required to prevent injury to a person or damage to the environment by any of the substances;
• the procedures to adopt in an emergency involving those substances.

An approved handler must know and be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the operating equipment (including personal protection clothing and equipment) and procedures necessary to manage the hazardous substances for which he or she is an approved handler.