From 1st December 2017 the Hazardous Substance Regulations came into effect.  As a result the previous concept of Approved Handler has been replaced with Regulation 4.5.  Any staff that handle, store or use hazardous substances, regardless of the quantities, will now require to be trained under Regulation 4.5.  Class 6.1A and 6.1B will also require specific Certified Handlers Certification as per Regulation 4.3. HSWA training must be completed prior to 1st June 2018.

If you are unsure of which course applies, review your SDS’s to ascertain what substances you hold.  If it is just Class 2 and Class 3, then the HSWA Workplace Chemical Handling – Basic Course is required.  If you hold other substances the HSWA Workplace Chemical Handling – Comprehensive Course is correct.  If you also have Class 6 then a Certified Handler Certificate will be included within the Comprehensive Course.  This will require additional documentation to be completed.

HSWA Workplace Chemical Handling – Basic Training

Compliant with the Hazardous Substance Regulations 4.5 for sites with only Class 3: Flammable Liquids and/or Class 2: Flammable Gases, such as:

• Spray painting type organisations,
• warehousing and distribution,
• LPG only sites (swappa bottles, forklift cylinders, etc),
• service stations.

HSWA Workplace Chemical Handling – Comprehensive/Certified Training

This course is designed for sites with multiple classifications such as:

• Inwards goods handlers (warehousing, retail, etc)
• Manufacturers
• Disposal

For sites with Class 6: Toxic Substances (eg. 6.1A and 6.1B) HSWA Certified Handler Certification is also required.  This requirement is included in the Comprehensive Course if required.