Safely manage hazardous substances at your school

It is a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 for schools to have proper safety procedures. School boards are responsible for having policies and procedures for identifying and preventing risks.

You will find detailed information about how to manage hazardous substances on the WorkSafe website.

Hazardous substances – WorkSafe

WorkSafe also has codes of practice for specific hazardous substances, and general information about the regulatory regime.

Common hazardous substances on school sites

There are some hazardous substances that are commonly found on school sites. These include:

• aerosols, for example paints, air fresheners and fly sprays
• bleach
• diesel
• flammable paint and solvents
• liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• pesticides/agrichemicals
• petrol
• pool chemicals
• PCBs in light fittings
• lead-based paint.

Guidance for safety in the classroom

The New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE) has information on safety protocols and minimising hazards in school laboratories.

It will help you keep safe in the classroom as required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura (Safety and Science/Pūtaiao) – NZASE