How to Comply with Storage Containers for Hazardous Substances on Farms in New Zealand

How to Comply with Storage Containers of Hazardous Substances on Farms

Every farm in New Zealand uses hazardous substances — fuels, sprays, drenches, fertilisers, oils, and cleaning chemicals. They’re part of daily life, but if they’re stored wrong, they can become dangerous fast.

Leaking drums, corroded containers, or unlabeled spray bottles can put people, animals, and waterways at risk — and they’ll also get you in trouble with WorkSafe NZ under the HSNO (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms) Act 1996.

Here’s a simple, practical guide for farmers to stay compliant and safe.

1️⃣ Use the Right Type of Container

• Only use containers designed for hazardous substances — not old drink bottles, buckets, or fuel cans.

• Containers must be compatible with the chemical inside (e.g. acids can eat through metal).

• Make sure lids are tight and in good condition.

• Never mix chemicals in the same container.

👉 If a container looks damaged, rusty, or swollen — replace it immediately.

2️⃣ Label Everything Clearly

• Every container must have a clear label showing what’s inside.

• Labels should display hazard symbols like flammable, corrosive, or toxic.

• Keep labels clean and legible — no fading or peeling.

• If you transfer chemicals into smaller containers, copy the label across.

3️⃣ Store Containers in a Safe Area

• Keep hazardous substances in a secure, well-ventilated shed.

• Separate incompatible substances (e.g. flammables away from oxidisers or acids).

• Use spill trays or bunds to contain leaks.

• Keep containers off the ground and out of direct sunlight.

• Post HSNO hazard signage on the shed or storage area.

4️⃣ Check and Maintain Regularly

• Inspect containers every few months for leaks or corrosion.

• Keep a record of checks — WorkSafe loves seeing documentation.

• Replace old or brittle containers before they fail.

• Make sure all lids and bungs are sealed tight after use.

5️⃣ Keep an Up-to-Date Chemical Register

• List every hazardous substance on your farm.

• Include: product name, supplier, quantity, and storage location.

• Attach the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product.

• Update the register whenever you add or remove a substance.

This register is your first line of defence during inspections — it proves you’re managing chemicals responsibly.

6️⃣ Train Everyone Who Handles Chemicals

• Anyone using or moving hazardous substances must be trained and supervised.

• Workers must know how to read labels, find SDS information, and respond to spills.

• Keep written records of who’s trained — WorkSafe may ask for proof.

7️⃣ Plan for Spills and Emergencies

• Keep spill kits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits nearby.

• Make sure everyone knows what to do if a container leaks or breaks.

• Have emergency contacts displayed near storage areas.

Why Many Farms Fall Short

• Unlabeled spray bottles or drums sitting for years in sheds.

• Leaks or spills going unnoticed until too late.

• Outdated SDS sheets.

• “Temporary” storage that becomes permanent.

These are all common — and costly — mistakes that ChemMatrix can help prevent.

How Auditsure Ltd and ChemMatrix Can Help

Auditsure Ltd specialises in helping farms and SMEs across New Zealand meet their HSNO and WorkSafe obligations. They’re developing ChemMatrix, a smart digital platform that handles all your hazardous substance compliance in one place.

With ChemMatrix, you’ll be able to:

• Keep a live chemical register linked to storage containers and locations.

• Automatically attach and update SDS sheets.

• Get reminders for container inspections, training renewals, or SDS expiry dates.

• Scan a QR code on any container to instantly view its hazards and safe handling steps.

• Generate WorkSafe-ready reports with one click.

It’s compliance made easy — no guesswork, no missing records, and no panic before audits.

Final Word

Safe storage of hazardous substance containers on farms isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about keeping your workers, your animals, and your land safe.

Use the right containers, label everything clearly, store them properly, and keep your chemical register current. And if you want to make compliance simple, let Auditsure Ltd and their ChemMatrix platform do the heavy lifting for you.

You focus on farming — ChemMatrix will handle the compliance.