Because original and amended safe work instruments (SWIs) represent the law at the time they were developed, WorkSafe must publish both documents – which can be confusing.

So to make it easier for you to access all the information, WorkSafe now publishes consolidated SWIs – combining the original SWI with its amendments in a single document.

We have consolidated all five amended SWIs:

• Above ground stationary tanks connected to a generator set
• Additional substances that do not require tracking
• Polyethylene above ground stationary tanks for diesel fuel
• Requirements for specific fumigants
• Specification of design standards for refillable cylinders

WorkSafe has partnered with the industry to update its asbestos guidance so it’s easier to manage and work with asbestos. 

Knowing how to protect yourself and others is important if managing asbestos is part of your work, or if you’re carrying out renovations or repairs on your property. 

The guides provided targeted asbestos information for specific audiences instead of a one-size-fits-all guidance document. They contain a mix of new and updated information, and information that’s still relevant from existing guidance including the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). 

The first set of guides – for homeowners, commercial and residential landlords, and businesses that come across asbestos – are now available on the WorkSafe website.  

Further guides specifically for surveyors, removalists, assessors, and tradies are currently in development and are planned for release in 2025/26.  

The ACOP remains in place until all asbestos guidance have been updated. In the meantime, please refer to both the ACOP and updated guidance to ensure you’re applying best practice when working with or near asbestos. 

Public consultation is now open on two proposed SWIs under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017:

• Requirements for burners - this would set requirements for burners by specifying five standards and allow WorkSafe to approve types of burners that comply with those standards.
• Periodic test interval for seamless steel cylinders - this would set a new test interval for seamless steel cylinders that hold certain gases.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 20 September 2024.

WorkSafe is proposing updated restricted entry intervals to protect workers. And a quick guide is also being developed to help businesses manage restricted entry intervals.

Submissions close at 5pm on 20 September 2024.

The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 regulate the use and storage of hazardous substances in places of work in New Zealand.

The Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 also apply to the supply and use of hydrogen as a fuel gas.

Currently these regulations do not include specific controls for hydrogen as a fuel gas. 

You will likely need to apply for exemption if you can’t meet these prescriptive requirements.

WorkSafe is aware that the New Zealand Hydrogen Council is preparing a guide which will give oversight of the applicable current safety regulations and standards for the design and development of hydrogen refuelling stations  in New Zealand. We anticipate the new resource will help to step you through the process to obtain compliance.