Online hazard training in New Zealand

People who deal with hazardous substances in the workplace can now complete the training and certification they require online.

Independent Verification Services (IVS) in New Zealand has a full training and certification package online for people who work with gases, aerosols, flammable liquids and other dangerous substances.

Independent Verification Services Chief Executive Peter Webb says people who work with such material are required to become approved handlers under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.

There are approximately 45,000 approved handlers in New Zealand at present who need to be recertified every five years.

“This move will benefit a wide range of New Zealand industries such as petroleum and gas companies, steel manufacturers and the forestry sector, as well as smaller businesses who deal with paints, pool chemicals and other hazardous materials,” Webb explains.

“What makes the package even more exciting is that not only is the training and certification program available online, it is a considerably more cost-effective option.

 “Up until now, people have had to take time off work to attend training courses - often travelling to main centres around New Zealand to do so. And once they have finished their study and assessment, they then have to find an approved test certifier to sign them off, which costs them or their employer even more time and money,” Webb says.

The HSNO Approved Handler Training Course is broken into four modules with videos and support manuals to guide people through.

“There is also an assessment at the end of each module which people only have one chance to pass - so they must learn the material thoroughly before they will be certified,” said Webb.

“In addition, our test certifier may contact students to check their understanding of the material at any time so while this training program is convenient, it’s also extremely robust.”

NZL Group [AM1] director Ken Harris has recently put six staff through IVS’s new course and said his team found the material relevant and interesting.

“The quality and interactive nature of the training has lifted considerably the team’s understanding of their responsibilities as an approved handler, and having certification included in the package is a bonus.

“We were able to program the training to fit in with work demands and were impressed with the customer focus of IVS. I highly recommend this course in terms of its content and its delivery mechanism.”

Webb says IVS’s Approved Handler Training Course covers classes 2-9 and teaches people the purposes and principles of the HSNO Act, hazardous substance classifications and controls, emergency management and enforcement, and people’s responsibilities as an approved handler.

“People can stop and start their study as often as they wish - so it’s perfect for fitting around their existing work schedule, causing minimal disruption for all involved.”

Independent Verification Service intends to get the new online course NZQA-approved in the near future so people can gain credits towards a wider qualification when they complete their approved handler training.