HSNO Regulations vs HSWA: Who Governs Hazardous Substances in Auckland?
HSNO Regulations vs HSWA: Who Governs Hazardous Substances in Auckland?
If you run a business in Auckland that deals with hazardous substances — fuels, solvents, paints, cleaning chemicals, gases — you’ve probably asked the same question most business owners do:
“Who actually governs all this — HSNO or HSWA?”
It’s not a dumb question. Even seasoned operators get tangled in the web of acronyms, acts, and authorities. Let’s break it down so it actually makes sense.
HSNO: The Backbone of Hazardous Substances Law
The HSNO Act (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996) was built to protect people and the environment from dodgy chemicals and risky materials. Under HSNO, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the boss.
What the EPA does under HSNO:
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Decides if a hazardous substance can be imported, manufactured, or sold.
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Sets the rules around approvals, labelling, and packaging.
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Maintains the official HSNO Register so businesses can check if their substance is approved.
Think of HSNO as the front gate — if a substance doesn’t have HSNO approval, it doesn’t even make it into New Zealand legally.
HSWA: The Workplace Enforcer
Fast forward to 2015, when the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) took over workplace safety duties. Under HSWA, it’s WorkSafe NZ calling the shots.
What WorkSafe does under HSWA:
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Makes sure businesses store, handle, and use hazardous substances safely in the workplace.
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Sets rules for training, emergency plans, signage, and storage controls.
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Can show up for an inspection and shut you down if you’re non-compliant.
So, HSWA is less about whether the substance is legal, and more about how you manage it once it’s on site.
HSNO vs HSWA in Auckland – Who’s in Charge?
Here’s the quick and dirty version:
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HSNO (EPA): Approves the substances.
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HSWA (WorkSafe): Enforces how you use and manage them in your business.
It’s a tag-team. If you’re missing either piece, you’re out of compliance.
Where Businesses Trip Up
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Thinking overseas approvals count – Just because it’s fine in Australia doesn’t mean it’s HSNO-approved here.
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Paperwork gaps – Out-of-date Safety Data Sheets (must be NZ-specific and updated every 5 years).
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Poor storage setups – Flammable liquids next to oxidisers? That’s an instant fail under HSWA.
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No worker training – Staff must know what they’re handling and how to deal with spills, fires, or exposure.
How Auditsure Ltd Fits In
This is exactly where Auditsure Ltd, Auckland’s first Māori-owned audit consultancy, makes life easier for SMEs. We cut through the jargon and:
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Check if your substances are covered under HSNO approvals.
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Audit your site to see if you meet HSWA hazardous substance controls.
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Build you a practical compliance plan — not just paperwork to tick a box.
Because let’s face it: between the EPA and WorkSafe, it’s easy to miss a rule. And missing a rule usually means fines, delays, or reputational damage.
Final Word
In Auckland, hazardous substances compliance is a two-headed beast:
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HSNO (EPA) makes sure the substance is legal.
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HSWA (WorkSafe) makes sure you’re using it safely.
Get one wrong, and you’re exposed. Get both right, and your business runs smoother, safer, and without nasty surprises.
When in doubt, talk to Auditsure Ltd. We live and breathe this stuff, and we’ll make sure your HSNO and HSWA compliance is solid from every angle.
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