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Hazardous Substances for Workers

Key Information

Duration:1 Day (8 Hours)

Maximum Attendees: 12

Training available nationwide at one of our centres, or your own workplace

Price (excl GST)

$470 Per Person

Price (excl GST)

$4230 Company Booking

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Safe handling of everyday workplace chemicals for frontline workers.

Not sure which training you require, use the flowchart below or give us a call on 0800 222 388 and our team will be happy to help. 

This course is designed for workers who use hazardous substances as part of their day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning, maintenance, and operational roles. It provides learners with the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely handle, store, use, and dispose of hazardous substances in accordance with workplace procedures and New Zealand health and safety legislation.
The course has a strong practical focus, including the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), identification of GHS pictograms, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe decanting and storage, and responding to spills or uncontrolled releases. It does not cover managerial responsibilities such as procurement, inventory control at a management level, or regulatory decision-making for hazardous substance storage thresholds.

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:

  1. Define hazardous substances and explain their potential adverse effects on people and the environment.

  2. Identify hazardous substances commonly used in their workplace and interpret GHS labels and pictograms.

  3. Locate and use information from Safety Data Sheets to support safe handling, storage, and disposal.

  4. Apply workplace controls to minimise risks associated with hazardous substances.

  5. Select and correctly use appropriate PPE when working with hazardous substances.

  6. Safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous substances in accordance with organisational procedures.

  7. Respond appropriately to spills or uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances, including emergency actions and reporting requirements.

Entry Criteria:

  1. 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 - HSWP

    Unit

    Level

    Credit

    Description

    31292

     

    		 3

    2

    Demonstrate knowledge of workplace procedures relating to hazardous substances

    31293

    		 4

    3

    Demonstrate safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances in the workplace

     

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Hazardous Substances for Workers Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Hazardous Substances for Workers training in New Zealand.

The Hazardous Substances for Workers course is a nationally recognised one-day training programme designed for employees who regularly use hazardous substances as part of their daily work. It teaches participants how to safely identify, handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances while following workplace procedures and New Zealand health and safety legislation. The course includes practical training on Safety Data Sheets (SDS), GHS hazard labels, personal protective equipment (PPE), spill response and safe chemical handling, and includes NZQA Unit Standards 31292 and 31293.
This course is ideal for workers who directly handle hazardous substances, including cleaners, maintenance workers, manufacturing employees, warehouse staff, laboratory technicians, tradespeople, contractors, agricultural workers and anyone whose role involves using or storing workplace chemicals. It is designed for frontline workers who need practical knowledge to safely work with hazardous substances and comply with workplace safety requirements.
You'll learn how to:
  • Identify hazardous substances used in your workplace
  • Read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Understand GHS hazard labels and pictograms
  • Select and correctly use personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances
  • Apply workplace controls to minimise chemical risks
  • Respond safely to hazardous substance spills and emergencies
  • Follow workplace procedures and New Zealand health and safety legislation
The course combines practical activities with real workplace scenarios to help participants confidently apply safe hazardous substance practices.
Yes. Participants learn how to locate and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), understand GHS hazard classifications, warning symbols and pictograms, identify chemical hazards, and use this information to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances in the workplace.
Successful participants achieve the following nationally recognised NZQA Unit Standards:
  • 31292 – Demonstrate knowledge of workplace procedures relating to hazardous substances
  • 31293 – Demonstrate safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances in the workplace
These unit standards are recognised by employers throughout New Zealand and help demonstrate competency in hazardous substances management.
Yes. Participants should have at least three months of relevant industry work experience before attending the course. Learners also need English language skills equivalent to NCEA Level 1 or IELTS 5.5 to successfully complete the training and assessment.
Yes. The course includes nationally recognised NZQA unit standards that are accepted by employers throughout New Zealand. It helps organisations meet workplace health and safety obligations while ensuring employees can safely handle hazardous substances, reduce chemical risks and follow workplace procedures.
Yes. Safety 'n Action delivers Hazardous Substances for Workers training throughout New Zealand at its training centres or onsite at workplaces. Group bookings allow organisations to train multiple employees consistently while reducing downtime and helping maintain safe hazardous substances management practices across the business.
Hazardous substances training helps workers identify chemical hazards, reduce the risk of exposure, safely use personal protective equipment (PPE), respond effectively to spills and emergencies, and comply with workplace health and safety legislation. Effective training reduces workplace incidents, protects employees and the environment, and supports a strong workplace safety culture.
Safety 'n Action is one of New Zealand's leading workplace health and safety training providers. The Hazardous Substances for Workers course combines expert instruction with practical workplace scenarios that build confidence in safely handling hazardous substances. Participants learn to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), understand GHS labels, correctly use PPE, manage hazardous substance risks and respond to spills while achieving nationally recognised NZQA Unit Standards 31292 and 31293. Training is available nationwide for individuals and workplace groups.

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“The teacher was very knowledgeable about the course and explained things clearly and expertly.”

Student Feedback March 2022

“The trainer was very knowledgeable and explained things very clearly. It helped to make the course a breeze.”

Student Feedback March 2022

“The tutor was straight to the point managed to squeeze in real life, relatable scenarios that helped us better understand the course.”

Student Feedback March 2022

Trainer's cool, I learned a lot from him. He guided everyone to make sure we understand. I hope we meet him again for another course.

Course: Management & Handling of Hazardous Substances Initial Student Feedback Dec 2023

Awesome course. I learned a lot about LPG. Best way to store gas bottle and what to do if there is any leak. This course is very important for all the forklift drivers.

Course: Management & Handling of Hazardous Substances Initial Student Feedback Dec 2023

Good trainer. Friendly and knowledgeable. Able to share personal anecdotes

Student Feedback June 2024

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