Automotive Hazardous Substances NZ – Risks for Mechanics & Panel Beaters | Auditsure Ltd
Automotive Workshops in NZ: The Silent Threat of Hazardous Substances
Walk into any Kiwi mechanic’s garage or panel beater’s shop and you’ll see tools, parts, and cars in every corner. What you don’t always see are the hazardous substances floating in the air, clinging to workbenches, and seeping into skin. The automotive trade is one of the heaviest users of hazardous substances in New Zealand, and the risks are often underestimated.
Why Hazardous Substances Are Everywhere in Automotive Work
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Fuels & Oils: Petrol, diesel, lubricants, and greases are handled daily — vapours ignite quickly, and contact leads to chronic skin issues.
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Solvents & Degreasers: Used for cleaning engines and panels, but dangerous to breathe in.
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Brake Dust & Asbestos Residue: Older vehicles still release fine dust and hidden fibres that damage lungs.
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Welding Fumes: Metal fumes lead to lung disease, fume fever, and long-term health decline.
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Spray Paints & Isocyanates: Common in refinishing, but notorious for triggering asthma and chronic respiratory illness.
These aren’t one-off exposures — mechanics and panel beaters breathe, touch, and absorb these chemicals every single day.
The Risks You Can’t Ignore
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Respiratory Disease – Welding fumes, brake dust, and isocyanates scar the lungs and can cause asthma or even cancer.
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Skin Conditions – Constant oil and solvent exposure strips natural oils, leading to dermatitis and long-term irritation.
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Explosion & Fire Hazards – Petrol vapours hanging in the air are a spark away from disaster.
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Chronic Health Damage – Long-term exposure is linked to organ damage, cancers, and reduced life expectancy.
Compliance Is the Safety Net
Under HSNO and HSWA regulations, every automotive workshop in NZ must:
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Keep a Hazardous Substances Register
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Train staff in safe handling and PPE use
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Provide ventilation and fume extraction
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Store fuels, oils, and solvents in labelled, compliant containers
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Have spill kits and fire response plans on site
Ignoring compliance isn’t just risky — it’s expensive. WorkSafe fines, insurance headaches, and shutdowns can cripple a small garage.
Why Bring in Auditsure Ltd
Most mechanics are masters under the bonnet, not behind a compliance desk. That’s where Auditsure Ltd steps in. As a professional compliance company, they:
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Build custom hazardous substance registers for workshops
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Audit existing practices against HSNO law
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Train teams on PPE, spill response, and emergency planning
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Provide ongoing compliance support, so you can focus on cars instead of paperwork
Auditsure doesn’t just tick boxes — they help protect workers, customers, and your bottom line.
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