Code HSNOCOP 31-1 was developed by the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ).  It has been approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority New Zealand (ERMA) under sections 78 and 79 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.

Codes of Practice are “how to” documents.  They tell you how you can meet the requirements of the HSNO regulations and controls, in a way that is legally defensible.  However, they are not mandatory.  If you have other ways of meeting the requirements, you can adopt those instead.

What is this Code About?

Fumigants, comprising products containing methyl bromide, chloropicrin, dichloroporpene, hydrogen cyanide and phosphine (including aluminium phosphide and magnesium phosphide) are regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) and its associated regulations.  In addition, the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE) apply to the use of fumigants in the workplace.

This document applies to all fumigation procedures carried on, in or about buildings, ports, ships, vehicles and similar locations.  It also covers fumigation of shipping containers for quarantine purposes, but does not cover the specialised area of soil fumigation in horticultural undertakings.  This document provides guidance on:

• Steps to be taken to prepare for, and during, a fumigation, including notification requirements
• Training and supervision
• Monitoring requirements
• Exposure limits and standards
• Personal protective equipment requirements
• Emergency management.

What is in the Code?

The Code has three parts to it.

Part 1 provides an outline of the main features of the HSNO legislation as it applies to fumigation practice.

Part 2 contains information and guidance about recommended practices and links these into the HSNO system of controls for fumigants.

Part 3 contains best practice information linked to the other main legislation involved such as the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996.

Limitations of the Code

For avoidance of doubt, this code does not provide a means of compliance with the Resource Management Act 1991, including rules, regional plans, district plans, and resource consents made under the Act.  Neither does it provide a means of compliance with any other legislation, except the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.