This course is designed for managers and supervisors who are responsible for the storage, handling, and oversight of hazardous substances in the workplace. The programme provides learners with the knowledge required to safely manage hazardous substances, understand their potential adverse effects on people and the environment, and ensure compliance with New Zealand health and safety legislation. Learners will gain an understanding of HSNO and GHS classification systems, risk management and hierarchy of controls, safety data sheets (SDS), emergency response, and monitoring requirements. The course supports leaders to meet their due diligence obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and to effectively supervise workers who use or work around hazardous substances.
US 31290 is a prerequisite for obtaining a Controlled Substance Licence
Students need to have 3 months of work experience in the industry prior to doing the course.
Please bring along your ID - We need to verify the identity of students in attendance, please bring ID with you on the day of training.
Key Learning Outcomes:
Explain how hazardous substances are classified under HSNO and GHS systems and interpret hazard information.
Identify the potential acute and chronic health effects and environmental impacts of hazardous substances.
Apply the hierarchy of controls to manage risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.
Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to determine safe handling, storage, emergency response, and disposal requirements.
Implement organisational procedures to support safe storage, handling, monitoring, and emergency management of hazardous substances.
Meet supervisory and managerial responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 when managing hazardous substances.
Entry Criteria:
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.
NZQA Unit Standards Included
Unit Standards - HSMS
Unit
Level
Credit
Description
31290
4
6
Demonstrate knowledge of safe management and potential adverse effects of hazardous substances in the workplace
Hazardous Substances for Managers and Supervisors Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Hazardous Substances for Managers and Supervisors training in New Zealand.
The Hazardous Substances for Managers and Supervisors course is a nationally recognised training programme designed for managers, supervisors and workplace leaders who are responsible for the safe storage, handling, use and management of hazardous substances. The course teaches participants how to identify chemical hazards, understand GHS classifications, interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), implement effective risk controls, and meet their legal responsibilities under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Successful participants achieve NZQA Unit Standard 31290.
This course is ideal for managers, supervisors, team leaders, health and safety managers, warehouse managers, operations managers, permit issuers and anyone responsible for overseeing hazardous substances in the workplace. It is suitable for organisations in manufacturing, construction, logistics, agriculture, laboratories, engineering, transport, local government and other industries where hazardous chemicals are stored or used.
During the course you'll learn how to:
Classify hazardous substances using GHS and HSNO systems
Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical labels
Identify chemical hazards and their health and environmental effects
Apply the hierarchy of controls to reduce workplace risks
Develop safe storage and handling procedures
Plan for hazardous substance emergencies and spill response
Meet legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Effectively supervise workers who handle hazardous substances
The course combines practical workplace examples with current New Zealand legislation and industry best practice.
Yes. Participants learn how to correctly read and interpret GHS hazard labels, chemical pictograms and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). You'll understand how to identify hazards, determine appropriate storage requirements, select suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), implement emergency procedures and ensure hazardous substances are managed safely within your workplace.
Successful participants achieve NZQA Unit Standard 31290 – Demonstrate knowledge of safe management and potential adverse effects of hazardous substances in the workplace. This nationally recognised qualification is accepted by employers throughout New Zealand and is a prerequisite for obtaining a Controlled Substance Licence.
Managers and supervisors have important responsibilities for protecting workers from chemical hazards. Hazardous substances training helps leaders identify workplace risks, implement appropriate controls, ensure legal compliance, supervise safe work practices, prepare for emergencies and reduce the likelihood of injuries, environmental incidents and costly compliance breaches. Effective hazardous substances management also supports a stronger workplace safety culture.
Yes. The course includes nationally recognised NZQA training that is widely recognised by employers throughout New Zealand. It helps organisations meet their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 while providing managers and supervisors with the knowledge needed to safely oversee hazardous substances in the workplace.
Yes. Safety 'n Action delivers Hazardous Substances for Managers and Supervisors training throughout New Zealand. Courses can be delivered at one of Safety 'n Action's training centres, onsite at your workplace, or completed through flexible online learning, allowing organisations to train multiple managers while minimising disruption to daily operations.
Yes. NZQA Unit Standard 31290, achieved through this course, is a prerequisite for applying for a Controlled Substance Licence in New Zealand. The course provides the essential knowledge required for managers and supervisors responsible for overseeing hazardous substances in workplaces where controlled substances are used or stored.
Safety 'n Action is one of New Zealand's leading workplace health and safety training providers. The Hazardous Substances for Managers and Supervisors course is delivered by experienced industry trainers using practical workplace scenarios that help leaders confidently manage hazardous substances. Participants learn current GHS classifications, SDS interpretation, risk management, emergency planning and legislative responsibilities while gaining nationally recognised NZQA qualifications. Training is available nationwide through face-to-face and flexible online learning options.