If your business handles, stores or uses hazardous substances it’s important that your staff are properly trained.  They need to be aware of the risks involved and what they can do to protect themselves, their colleges, the environment and your business.

Recent changes (MfE) to the Resource Management Act have increased the potential fines for your business to $600,000, and for individuals to $300,000 and up to two years in prison. If you have an incident that involves a hazardous substance and injures someone you could also be liable for prosecution under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) and the Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE).  Fines under these could total up to $1,000,000.

Patterson Environmental can provide your staff with basic hazardous substance awareness training.  At the end of the course your staff, who meet the required standard, will know:

• what hazardous substances are
• how to recognise a hazard class
• how hazardous substances can injure themselves or others
• how to use basic personal protective equipment
• what to do in the event of a small spill and a major spill

The course can be extended to include a practical spill training exercise.