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HSNO Storage Rules for Farms in New Zealand — What You Must Know (and Why It Pays to Use a Professional)

HSNO Storage Rules for Farms NZ — What You Must Know

If you’re farming in New Zealand, chances are you’ve got a few things on site that count as hazardous substances — diesel tanks, spray chemicals, gas bottles, or drums of fertiliser.
They’re part of everyday life on the farm, but under the HSNO Act 1996 and the Health and Safety at Work (HSWA) Act 2015, how you store them matters.

Get storage wrong, and you could be risking not only a fine from WorkSafe NZ but also your stock, your workers, and your land.

Here’s what the HSNO storage rules really mean — and why it’s worth having a professional set it up right.

🧾 What the HSNO Rules Actually Say

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) rules are designed to stop accidents before they happen — leaks, fires, spills, or explosions.

If your farm stores hazardous substances, you must:

  • ✅ Store them in the right containers (approved, labelled, and in good condition).

  • ✅ Keep incompatible substances separated (for example, fuels away from fertilisers).

  • ✅ Provide secondary containment — a bund or tray to catch leaks and spills.

  • ✅ Display clear hazard signage where the substances are stored.

  • ✅ Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) nearby and up to date.

  • ✅ Make sure workers are trained to handle, store, and dispose of them safely.

  • ✅ Have fire extinguishers and spill kits on hand for emergencies.

Basically, HSNO is about control, containment, and communication — know what you’ve got, store it properly, and make sure everyone can handle it safely.

🚜 Common Storage Areas on NZ Farms

1️⃣ Fuel Tanks — must have a bund or spill pad if near waterways. Tanks over certain capacities need certification.

2️⃣ Chemical Sheds — must be well ventilated, with signage and separate shelving for incompatible substances.

3️⃣ Fertiliser Bins and Silos — must be secure and protected from moisture or ignition sources.

4️⃣ Workshops — paints, oils, and batteries need labelled shelves and spill trays.

Even “small amounts” still fall under HSNO rules if they’re hazardous — it’s not about how much you have, but how it’s stored.

🧠 Why HSNO Storage Compliance Is a Big Deal

  • Prevents Accidents — Proper storage reduces risk of fire, explosion, or chemical burns.

  • Protects the Environment — A single diesel spill can contaminate thousands of litres of groundwater.

  • Keeps You Legal — WorkSafe NZ can and does inspect farms for compliance.

  • Protects Insurance — If a spill or fire happens and you’re non-compliant, your claim can be denied.

🧰 Why You Should Use a Professional

Sure, you can do it yourself — but the truth is, most farmers don’t have time to dig through HSNO regs or update chemical signage. Here’s why getting a professional involved makes sense:

✅ 1. They Know the Rules Inside Out

HSNO and HSWA regulations can be a maze. A professional consultant (like Auditsure Ltd) knows exactly what WorkSafe expects and how to meet it without the jargon.

✅ 2. They Spot Hidden Risks

Pros look for things you might miss — dodgy containers, poor ventilation, incompatible storage, or missing signage. One small fix can prevent a massive incident.

✅ 3. They Set You Up Once, Properly

They’ll design a compliant storage layout, update your hazardous substances register, and provide ready-to-use SDS folders and signage.

✅ 4. They Keep You Future-Proof

Auditsure Ltd is developing ChemMatrix, a digital platform built for farmers and small businesses.
With ChemMatrix, you can:

  • Manage your hazardous-substance register online

  • Store and update SDS sheets automatically

  • Track inspections, training, and expiry dates

  • Get alerts before compliance lapses

  • Generate WorkSafe-ready reports anytime

It’s like having your farm’s safety file in your pocket — always current, always compliant.

💬 Real Talk

Most farmers don’t mean to break HSNO rules — they just don’t know all the details. But that “she’ll be right” attitude doesn’t cut it when a spill hits a waterway or someone gets hurt.

A professional will make sure your farm meets every requirement, without you having to read a single page of legislation.

And if WorkSafe ever visits, you’ll be ready.

✅ Final Word

HSNO storage rules for farms aren’t just red tape — they’re there to keep your property, your stock, and your people safe.

Whether you’ve got one tank or a whole shed full of chemicals, safe storage and proper documentation are the law.

Don’t wait for a fine or a spill to learn the hard way.
Let Auditsure Ltd and ChemMatrix help you set up, stay compliant, and keep your farm running safely for years to come.

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