8th Annual Managing Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

About

“Chemical spill injures Lincoln staffer”
The Press, 19 September, 2011

“Canberra crews battling huge chemical fire”
Radio New Zealand, 16 September, 2011

The importance of effective hazardous substances management cannot be overstated. Headlines such as these highlight the importance of having proper management of hazardous substances. The 8th Annual Managing Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Conference is a one day event focusing on the practical side of HSNO, with a series of case studies and extended technical sessions.

Without proper management of your organisation’s hazardous substances, the likelihood of an incident or near miss can move from possibility to probability. We have secured vital presentations from industry experts to help you achieve a safe and compliant work place.

For those who are looking for something a little more hands on – make sure you register to attend our separately bookable half day workshops on 1st March 2012. Norbert Schaffoener will cover risk management and assessment of hazardous substances, while Suzanne Broadbent will take you through substance and site classification. See full outlines below.


Workshops

Workshop one (9.00am-12.30pm)
Understand the risks: Risk management and assessment of hazardous substances

Unavoidably, hazardous substances are often used in a way which can pose a risk to the health & safety to workers, the public, and the environment. To minimise the possible adverse effects, it is crucial to identify the risks that are associated with the various substances we use. The workshop facilitator will cover topics including:

  • The principles of risk management and assessment
  • Risk Management Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009
  • Risk management measures set out in Ministry for the Environment’s Assessment Guide for Hazardous Facilities
  • Risk assessment for substance approvals under the HSNO Act
  • Risk management of hazardous substances thorough out their life cycle

Norbert Schaffoener, Consulting Engineer and Planner, Resources

Norbert Schaffoener is a leading NZ expert on hazardous substance management, having worked as specialist adviser and expert witness. He is also a full member of NZ Planning Institute and an accredited Independent Hearings Commissioner.

 

Workshop two (1.30pm-5.00pm)
Hazardous substance classifications and site requirements

Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of physical and/or chemical risks, and the way they are managed are dependent on their properties. Requirements for your site will be triggered based on the quantity of substances of each class.  As the HSNO manager, you need to make sure your organisation is in compliance with legislations and regulations which govern how different substances are managed. The first step in doing so is to correctly classify the hazardous substance you are dealing with, then to consider the quantities stored of each class. The following will be covered

  • The classes and sub-classes
  • Using MSDS to assist in substance classification
  • The types of compliance that may be required (test certification, approved handlers, emergency planning etc)
  • The trigger quantities that might trigger these requirements
  • Site design to ensure compliance

Suzanne Broadbent, Principal Consultant, HaS Expertise Ltd

Suzanne started HaS Expertise in 2000. Prior to that she worked as a Senior Scientist at Sinclair Knight Merz. Suzanne has more than 20 years experience in the chemicals industry and has been a regular presenter at this event.

Agenda

8:30am

Registration & Coffee

9:00am

Opening remarks from the Chair

Janet Connochie, Senior Chemical Consultant, Chemsafety Ltd

9:10am

The role of the EPA in environmental regulation

The Environmental Protection Authority is responsible for regulatory functions concerning New Zealand’s environmental management. This includes national consenting under the Resource Management Act, regulation of hazardous substances and new organisms, ozone depleting chemicals, hazardous waste exports and imports, assessment of environmental effects in Antarctica, and management of the Emissions Trading Scheme (from 1 January 2012). This session will cover:
• An overview of the structure and functions of the EPA
• Hazardous substances - transferring functions and duties from ERMA to the EPA – what has changed?
• The role of the HSNO decision-making committee

Andrea Eng, General Manager Hazardous Substances, Environmental Protection Authority

9:55am

Department of Labour address: Compliance with HSNO to ensure the health and safety of your staff

When the EPA approves a hazardous substance for use, it will usually impose controls. The Department of Labour then looks at whether organisations are complying with the HSNO Act by looking for consistency with the controls required by EPA.
• Meeting your workplace health and safety obligations
• The latest development from the Department at addressing dangers associated with hazardous substances
• Working with the Department to make sure your organisation is compliant

Ron Andrew, National Practice Manager – HSNO, Department of Labour

10:40am

Morning Tea

11:00am

Extended technical sessions: Developing a code of practice for your organisation

While a Code of Practice is not mandatory, it can assist in meeting the HSNO requirements and can form a legal defence. Together with Best Practice, a Code of Practice can minimise the risks associated with hazardous substances. In this session, our HSNO expert will take you through what you need to know when it comes to developing you own Code of Practice.
• Why should your organisation utilise a Code of Practice?
• What are the major considerations when creating the Code of Practice?
• What are the steps in creating a Code of Practice?
• The consultation process during preparation
• Where you can get assistance?
• Staff training and support

George Hewitt, Senior Advisor Hazardous Substances, Environmental Protection Authority

12:25pm

Lunch

1:25pm

Transporting hazardous substances: Steps to ensure safety and compliance

Hazardous substances transportation is more than just getting a substance from A to B. Numerous considerations including the frequency, nature and the amount of hazardous substances been transported needs to be taken into account when deciding on the mode of transportation. In this session, the speaker will walk through the various aspects that you need to consider when transporting hazardous substances.
• The necessary considerations when deciding on a mode of transportation
• Understanding the legal and documentation requirements
• Working with your contractors and staff to ensure compliance
• Transit depot rules and guidelines

Grant Morris, Operations Manager, Dangerous Goods Management Lt

2:25pm

Case study: Developing a HSNO safety culture within the organisation (Case Study)

This session focuses on implementing/improving a safety culture, minimizing operational risk and explores the reasons for many system failures.
• Discussing the relationship between Safety, Culture and Risk. [SCR]
• Ensuring all managers are SCR competent
• Ensuring all employees are their own risk managers
• Conducting effective energy audits to identify hazards by energy category
• Compiling a Risk Matrix for the organisation from energy audit results
• Implementing an effective business plan to ensure timely improvements
• The resulting tangible and intangible benefits

David Calvert, Chief Executive, New Zealand Safety Council Trust

3:10pm

Afternoon Tea

3:30pm

Extended technical session: Emergency Response Planning for dealing with hazardous substances

A main concern for any organisation is to avoid incidents from taking place in the first instance, but sometimes things can go wrong. A well thought out and maintained emergency management strategy can be the deciding factor of whether or not your staff and the organisation are able to survive. Not only is it required by regulation, it also protects organisations’ assets.
• The requirements of the HSNO Emergency Management Regulations
• What needs to be covered in the Emergency Response Plan?
• Training required for your staff
• Regular testing and reviewing to identify flaws and necessary amendments

Bruce Evans, Director, Evatech Ltd

5:00pm

End of Conference and Networking Drinks

Sponsors/Partners

Interested in sponsorship?

There are some exclusive opportunities to promote your company, and its products and services, at this leading event. Contact the sponsorship team below to request a prospectus or discuss the options, or view more about event sponsorship.