Chemical / Hazardous Substances in the Workplace

This course is designed for individuals working in environments where hazardous substances are present but not directly handled.

Duration
1/2 day
Topic
Hazardous Substances
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At a glance

Course details

Duration: 1/2 day
Unit Standard:

Unit #   Name Level 
Credits  
31292 Demonstrate knowledge of workplace procedures relating to hazardous substances  3 2


This course raises awareness of the risks posed by hazardous substances in workplace environments. It is ideal for individuals encountering hazardous substances for the first time but not directly handling them, or for contractors and visitors working near these materials.

Learners are trained to identify risks and apply controls to minimize exposure. This course ensures a PCBU’s compliance with Regulation 4.5 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

Overview

Chemical / Hazardous Substances in the Workplace course overview

Assuming you are safe just because you are not directly handling the chemicals is how exposures and emergency situations catch people off guard. Vapours, spills, and uncontrolled releases do not stay neatly contained to the person using the substance. This half-day Chemical / Hazardous Substances in the Workplace course is designed for workers, contractors, and others operating near hazardous substances who need to understand the risks, controls, and actions required to stay safe in these environments.
 
We skip the heavy theory and focus on what people need to know to work safely around hazardous substances. Our industry-experienced trainers guide learners through what makes a substance hazardous, where to find key information, and the controls used on site to minimise exposure. Participants develop an understanding of how to recognise warning signs, follow site-specific emergency procedures, respond to unknown or uncontrolled substances, and know who to go to for decisions about hazardous substances in the workplace.
 
IMPAC’s focus is on building capable people who understand the risks of working around hazardous substances and how to respond appropriately when something is not right. Participants leave with a clear understanding of the controls used on site, the actions to take in an emergency, and how to support safer work practices around hazardous substances.

Curriculum

What you'll cover

This course is designed for:

  • Workers who work near hazardous substances but are not responsible for directly handling them.
  • Contractors and visitors who need to understand site controls before entering hazardous substance areas.
  • People who are new to workplaces where hazardous substances are present and need practical awareness of exposure risks.
  • Safety officers, supervisors, managers, and health and safety personnel who need a clearer understanding of hazardous substance risks and site procedures.
  • Organisations in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, chemical processing, and utilities where people may be exposed to hazardous substances during normal work.

Our approach

+IMPAC's Chemical / Hazardous Substances in the Workplace training approach

This training is delivered in a practical, discussion-led format that helps people understand what hazardous substances look like in day-to-day work rather than leaving them with abstract rules. Facilitators use workplace scenarios and examples to walk learners through how hazardous substances are identified, how warning signs and Safety Data Sheets are used, and what people should do when something does not look right.
 
Learners work through the controls commonly used on site, the exposure pathways that matter in real workplaces, and the immediate actions expected during spills, releases, or contact with an unknown substance. The emphasis is on helping participants recognise risk early, follow workplace procedures, and know when to escalate so they can support safer work around hazardous substances with more confidence.

Format

Course format and duration

This course is delivered over half a day.

Training is available in person nationwide for in-house delivery.

Upcoming sessions

Public courses – Book now

There are no public sessions scheduled at this time. Please contact us to arrange in-house training or to be notified when new dates are available.

Want to discuss running this course at your organisation?

Continue learning

Further study options

If you’re continuing your learning journey in health and safety, this course can contribute towards IMPAC’s Certificate in Applied Workplace Health and Safety Practices (Level 3), which leads to the New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 3).

This course is a elective module within the programme, allowing you to build on your existing training while working towards a recognised qualification over time.  To learn more, click here, or to enrol, click here.

This programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section 439 of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Impac Services Limited is accredited to provide it under section 441 of the Education and Training Act.

What's next

Next steps

To get started, you can book now.

To explore more courses in this area, see the Hazardous Substances category.
 

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