This page deals with managing hazardous substances to ensure Fire and Emergency New Zealand can respond safely in a hazardous substances emergency.
How we deal with hazardous substance emergencies is outlined in our factsheet.
You can find more information about safely managing hazardous substances on the Worksafe New Zealand website and in Worksafe New Zealand's Hazardous Substances Toolbox.
Flammable substances
Flammable substances must be stored away from ignition sources. An ignition source is anything that has the potential to cause a fire to occur. There are three main types of ignition sources you should be aware of:
- Flames, e.g. welding flames, gas heaters and pilot lights.
- Sparks, e.g. welding arcs, starters for fluorescent lighting, electric motors, electrical equipment like power points, cigarette lighters, switches, telephones, static electricity, hot works.
- Heat, e.g. hot surfaces such as light bulbs, ovens, radiators or heaters, flue pipes, vehicle engines and exhaust systems, pumps and generators.
Hazardous substances signage
Hazardous substances must be clearly signposted.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel have been trained to recognise hazardous substance signage. We use different tactics when responding to emergencies where hazardous substances are identified.
Emergency responders will not always be familiar with the contents of a specific location. Correct signage gives us a continuous warning.
For advice on hazardous signage, refer to the WorkSafe Hazardous Substances Toolbox.
Related documents
