Certified Handler Preparation
Key Information
Duration:1 Day (8 hours)
Maximum Company Attendees: 12
Training available nationwide at one of our centres, or your own workplace
Prepare to become a workplace certified handler
This course provides learners with the knowledge required to fulfil the role of a Certified Handler for hazardous substances in the workplace.
Participants will develop an understanding of hazardous substance classifications, associated risks and controls, legislative requirements, safe handling and storage practices, emergency response procedures, and the responsibilities of a Certified Handler under New Zealand health and safety legislation.
The programme is designed for workers who manage or use highly hazardous substances and need the underpinning knowledge to ensure compliance, minimise risk, and maintain a safe working environment.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Describe requirements relevant for a Certified Handler
- Demonstrate knowledge of hazardous substances relevant to the candidate’s role
- Describe emergency procedures involving hazardous relevant to the candidate’s role
Entry Criteria:
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All students are required to have a level of written and oral English equivalent to NCEA level 1 (year 11) or IELTS 5.5 or higher, to be eligible to attend our courses. The person responsible for making bookings or authorising attendance on the course must agree to these Terms and Conditions prior to acceptance of their student(s) onto the course. Where a student does not meet our English language requirement a reader/writer must be supplied by the student or the person responsible for authorising the student’s attendance. The reader/writer cannot be another student attending the same course.
Certified Handler Preparation Online Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Certified Handler Preparation Online course in New Zealand.
Safety 'n Action's Certified Handler Preparation course provides online training covering NZQA Unit Standard 31291, helping learners prepare for the certification process. Additional workplace or substance-specific training may also be required.
All workers handling hazardous substances must receive appropriate information, training and instruction, even when formal Certified Handler certification is not required. WorkSafe's hazardous substances calculator can help businesses identify applicable controls.
Learners receive 60 days of online access to complete their learning and assessment, support from a qualified trainer and access to a live Zoom tutorial. The course includes NZQA Unit Standard 31291 and prepares learners for the Certified Handler certification process. Formal certification is issued separately by an authorised compliance certifier.
The current requirements focus on workers handling particular substances, rather than requiring certification for every hazardous substance. Workers with older Approved Handler qualifications should check whether they now require a Certified Handler Compliance Certificate for the substances they handle.
It covers Certified Handler requirements, the hazardous substances relevant to a worker's role and emergency procedures. Safety 'n Action's Certified Handler Preparation course includes Unit Standard 31291. Completing this unit standard provides relevant evidence of knowledge, but does not automatically qualify someone as a Certified Handler. The compliance certifier determines the evidence required for certification.
Safety 'n Action's Certified Handler Preparation Online course is currently listed at $440 excluding GST per person. Compliance certifiers set their own fees for issuing or renewing Certified Handler Compliance Certificates, so the total cost depends on your certification requirements.
The course specifies that this prerequisite must be within its five-year-and-three-month refresher period. Learners then progress to Unit Standard 31291, which focuses on the specialised knowledge required for Certified Handler certification.
If your certificate expires, you cannot continue working as a Certified Handler until your certification is renewed. Keeping your training and certification current is important for both workers and businesses managing highly hazardous substances.
The Certified Handler must be present at the location, have provided guidance and remain available to assist throughout the handling activity. All workers must also receive appropriate workplace training and instruction. This does not remove any separate Controlled Substance Licence requirements that may apply.
Some workers require both. To apply for a CSL, you must already hold a current Certified Handler Compliance Certificate covering the relevant substances and meet WorkSafe's additional eligibility requirements. Safety 'n Action's Certified Handler Preparation course helps develop the knowledge needed as part of the certification pathway.
