In New Zealand, the storage and handling of dangerous goods is governed by WorkSafe, while transport is regulated by:
All of these agencies follow the United Nations (UN) internationally standardised classifications.
New Zealand therefore uses the same 9-class system as the UN:
WorkSafe defines high‑risk workplaces as those with potential for catastrophic, acute, or chronic harm. Examples include warehousing, forestry, construction, mining, and hospitals.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), a PCBU must ensure first aid arrangements are “adequate and appropriate having regard to the nature of the work and the associated risks.”
High‑risk environments are therefore required to provide comprehensive training, typically First Aid Level 2.
WorkSafe classifies low‑risk workplaces as roles where injuries are less likely, such as offices or service industries.
Under the HSWA, PCBUs must ensure first aid arrangements match workplace risks.
In low‑risk environments, staff can typically be certified with First Aid Level 1.
For The Training Team’s courses, acceptable ID includes:
Some courses (e.g., D or F endorsements) legally require a valid New Zealand driver licence.
To comply with Health and Safety legislation and industry best practice, most training should be refreshed every 2 years.
Some standards or industry guidelines may specify different validity durations depending on the qualification; however, keeping staff up to date with frequently refreshed certifications keeps staff safe and can reduce legal liability on the organisation in the case of accidents as-well as.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and General Risk and Workplace Management Regulations 2016, PCBUs must ensure:
Higher‑risk workplaces require higher levels of first aid capability.
Formal first aid certification provides evidence that the worker has been trained to a nationally recognised standard and assessed as competent to respond to emergencies.
Without documented evidence, PCBUs may face:
Using accredited training providers ensures recognised certification, structured assessment, and compliance.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and hazardous substance/transport regulations, PCBUs must ensure workers handling, storing, or transporting dangerous goods are trained and competent.
Dangerous Goods environments involve elevated risks, requiring workers to understand:
Training ensures familiarity with UN standards and transport regulations (land, sea, air).
For road transport, D endorsements (NZTA) are legally required and only obtainable via formal training.
Without documented competency, PCBUs risk:
Qualified training providers offer structured instruction and recognised certification.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, PCBUs must ensure forklift operators are trained and competent.
Formal forklift certification provides evidence that an operator has been trained according to:
If a forklift is used on public roads, NZTA requires an F endorsement, which can only be obtained through formal training.
Without proper certification, PCBUs face significant liability following incidents.
Using qualified third‑party training providers ensures: