A Certified Handler Compliance Certificate is required if buying, storing or using class 6.1A and 6.1B agrichemicals. The new Health and Safety at Work Act (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 came into force on 1 December 2017 meaning that the Certified Handler Certificate replaces the old Approved Handler Certificate, which is valid until expiry.

Gaining your certificate

A number of training providers are available for full chemical handling. These courses are designed for people who are new to handling/using chemicals. Once a course has been completed and the person has gained on-the-job experience, the person or their employer then needs to apply for a certified handler certificate through a compliance certifier who is charged with making the decision whether a certificate will be issued (https://compliancecertifiers.worksafe.govt.nz/). The compliance certifier will need to be satisfied that the applicant has the right training and experience for the products they will be dealing with.

Renewing your certificate

If you need to renew your approved handler certificate, you need to go through the application process with the compliance certifier who will assess your understanding of the new regulations. The Hazardous Substances Practical Guide will provide further guidance and can be found at www.hazardoussubstances.govt.nz. There are a number of competencies that are required in order for a certificate to be issued – talk to your local PGG Wrightson or Fruitfed Supplies team for a list of these.

It's important to note if an approved handler or certified handler certificate cannot be produced when purchasing class 6.1A and 6.1B products, our team will not be able to sell the products to you.

PGG Wrightson Ltd (PGW). PGW does not warrant the accuracy of this information or any advice given or any product supplied. Reliance on this information is at your own risk. Our terms of trade apply to this information and any services and products that we supply you.