Recent investigations into the regulatory requirements of the storage and handling of chemicals used for water treatment have identified the need for further communication and education in this area. During these investigations it was found that a number of barriers exist to finding, understanding and applying safety standards that relate to hazardous substances. Many in the industry seem unaware of their responsibilities under the law as they relate to chemical safety.
This paper aims to identify the key barriers to achieving chemical compliance in the water industry and highlight some tools that make understanding and applying chemical compliance requirements easier. The impact of the reform of health and safety legislation in New Zealand will also be discussed as it relates to the roles and responsibilities of those dealing with hazardous chemicals.