Hazardous Substances
Everyday there are many chemical products used that can harm people, the environment and property. These are called hazardous substances and it is the Council's responsibility to monitor their use and storage.
At Home
For most household cleaners, detergents and pesticides, providing you follow the instructions on the label on how to use and dispose of the products, you should be meeting legislative requirements.
However, if you have one of the following products, you may need a little more information:
Swimming Pool Chemicals
Most domestic swimming pool chemicals do not need any special training or certification requirements but it is important to
- Read all of the instructions carefully, especially on how to use them, and where and how you can safely store them.
- Avoid having more than you need.
- Always keep them locked up away from children and sources of ignition, such as electricity or flammable substances.
- Talk to your supplier if you need more information on the specific products that you are using.
Petrol
Containers of petrol must be stored properly and safely. If you have more than 50 litres of petrol (not including what is in your car), you will need to have a Location Test Certificate. Only store what you need to use and keep below the limit, unless you get a Location Test Certificate.
Divers
If you have tanks for diving
- Ensure they are within their test period. Your local dive shop will check this each time they are filled.
- If you fill your own tanks, you must be an Approved Filler and ensure the tanks you fill are within the test period. You should also make sure your filling equipment is well maintained and the quality of the compressed air is checked regularly.
Who to Contact
If you require more information please contact our Senior Regulatory Officer Frances Shepherd, phone 03 209 0330 or email fshepherd@goredc.govt.nz.
At Work
Hazardous substances at work are regulated by the Department of Labour.
Disposal of Hazardous Substances
Emergency spills
- Phone the Environment Southland Pollution hotline: 0800 768 845
Domestic and/or small quantities of hazardous substances (less than 20kg)
- Dispose of at a hazardous waste storage shed at the Gore transfer station. Contact the Council if you have any queries.
Commercial and/or large quantities of hazardous substances (more than 20kg) or
agrichemicals, explosives, extinguishers, gas cylinders, paint, asbestos, used oil, batteries, smoke alarms, treated timber, fluorescent tubes
General hazardous waste queries
- Contact the Hazardous Waste Officer at Environment Southland.
More Information
Information sheets
Links
The Environmental Protection Authority administers the Hazardous Substances and New Oorganisms Act, which regulates hazardous substances. Their website has lots of useful information, including a substance search:
The Department of Labour website has a huge range of publications on hazardous substances.
