Useful links for hazardous substances compliance

The official legislation, WorkSafe guidance, forms and tools we use most, in one place. Every link goes to the government source.

Links checked 16 October 2026. Tell us if one has moved.

Templates from HSWNZ

Hazardous substances inventoryFillable PDF. Records what regulation 3.1 requires for each substance and for hazardous waste.
Emergency response planFillable PDF. Follows Part 5 of the regulations, with a testing record and a one-page summary to post at the entrance.
Pre-inspection checklistFillable PDF. The things that usually decide a certification visit, to work through in the weeks before your visit.

Hazardous substances calculatorWorkSafe tool that builds your inventory and shows which controls apply to what you store.
Register of compliance certifiersCheck that a certifier is authorised for the certificate type and substances you need.
Hazardous substances that activate key safety controlsWorkSafe's table of the quantities that trigger signs, certificates, emergency plans and containment.
Hazardous Substances ToolboxWorkSafe's hub for the practical guide, workbook, calculator and videos.

Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017The full regulations: inventory, signs, emergency plans, certificates, tanks and LPG.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015The Act that sets the duties of every business (PCBU).
Hazardous substances regulations overviewWorkSafe's plain-English introduction to the regulations.
Safe work instruments for hazardous substancesInstruments that vary the regulations for particular tanks, cylinders and substances.
Regulatory clarificationsWorkSafe's short notes on how particular regulations are interpreted.

Location compliance certificatesWho needs one, the thresholds, and how long certificates last.
Application to extend a location compliance certificateForm to apply for a three-year certificate.
Stationary container system compliance certificatesWhich tanks and process containers need certifying.
Validity periods for stationary container system certificatesThe 2018 safe work instrument that sets how long tank certificates last.
Compliance certificates overviewThe types of compliance certificate and who issues them.
Notify WorkSafe of a new hazardous substance locationRequired 30 working days before commissioning, or 5 for LPG.
Hazardous substances application formsWorkSafe's full list of application forms.

InventoryWhat your inventory must contain. Our guide.
Workbook and inventory formPrintable form for recording what you hold.
Safety data sheetsWhen to get an SDS and where to keep it.
Hazardous substance signage quick guideWhen signs are required and where they go. Our guide.
Emergency plansWhen you need a written plan and how often to test it. Our guide.
Emergency management flipchartWorkSafe's template for an emergency response plan (PDF).
Secondary containment systemsThresholds and capacity rules. Our guide.
Secondary containment calculation toolSpreadsheet for working out bund capacity.
Separation distancesProtected places, controlled zones and WorkSafe's calculation tool.
StorageSegregation, cabinets and stores.
Certified handler requirementsWhen a certified handler is needed.
How to use the quantity-ratio sumThe manual method for checking whether you need a location certificate.

LPG in industryLPG thresholds and storage. Our guide.
DieselControls that apply to diesel storage.
Above ground fuel storage on farmsThe farm fuel guideline. Our guide.
Checklist for safe farm fuel storageOne-page farm checklist (PDF).
Service stationsGuidance for petrol, diesel and LPG retail sites.
Storing flammable liquidsCabinets, stores and outdoor areas for packaged flammables. WorkSafe notes it predates the current regulations.

Fire and Emergency NZ: emergency response plansHow Fire and Emergency reviews plans, with a preparation guide.
Fire and Emergency NZ: evacuation schemesBuildings storing certain quantities of hazardous substances may need an approved scheme.
MPI: NZCP1 Design and Operation of Farm DairiesThe code behind the 20 metre distance between bulk fuel and a farm dairy.