IN THIS ISSUE
(EASTER BUNNY EDITION)

H-Day 2 July 2001
HSNO Update for International Colleagues
Trade to the Forefront
New Kiwi Ambassador for Washington
One for the Colonials
Getting Enough ZZZZZZ's?
New Updated Standard for Isocyanates
Volunteers Wanted
Comment Sought on NZS5433:1999
New Noise Standards
Calling All Halon Recovery Experts!
Attention Importers!
AGM
Diary

Introduction

H-DAY 2 JULY 2001! Well, the waiting is almost over and despite continuing uncertainty over finalizing HSNO performance standards, the real work now begins for our members.

During the next seven weeks, suppliers of hazardous substances have several critical issues to address, if we are to begin a smooth transition to the HSNO regime. The continuing delay in the availability of the HSNO Regulations is frustrating for employers wanting to prepare for HSNO, however, please remember that, in practical terms, there will be little that is different on H-DAY+1!

The two key aspects are first, the cessation of the Notification process with effect 2 July, and second, the existing chemical regulations, including the associated controls will continue to apply (and be enforced) until a particular substance is reassessed, the controls confirmed and the substance transferred to the Approved Substances category.

The immediate priority is to ensure Notifications have been submitted for all the hazardous substances you are dealing with now. If in doubt, ERMA New Zealand will confirm your previous Notifications (gwenda.lapthorne@ermanz.govt.nz) Phone: +644 496 4868. ERMA New Zealand will continue to accept Notifications that are postmarked, up to and including 1 July 2001.

That done, give some thought to how you will ensure your customers understand how you intend to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of HSNO, thereby protecting their interests, while reinforcing your own high service standards.

This might be done by:

· ensuring your staff are knowledgeable about HSNO and its potential impact on customers;

· including regular HSNO 'updates' in your staff and customer newsletters;

· reviewing your on-site information system to ensure your products and procedures comply with the HSNO Regulations, e.g. information (MSDS/PSC's), labelling, packaging, emergency management, etc.;

· monitoring the HSNO websites at www.hsno.govt.nz and www.nzcic.org.nz;

· attending the ERMA New Zealand/Industry sponsored workshops in the main centres during May/June (details in the 'Diary' and on our website); and the NZCIC technical workshops scheduled throughout the remainder of the year. NB: The NZCIC workshops will examine individual HSNO Regulations and identify compliance options;

· arranging for an NZCIC expert to confirm your operation, including contractors and customers, is HSNO compliant;

The HSNO Regulations are extremely complex and regrettably the ERMA New Zealand User Guide already runs to several hundred pages. The primary source of interpretation and compliance advice should be our Technical Director Bill Birch, together with ERMA New Zealand specialists. Bill can explain new performance requirements as a prelude to the availability of the national HSNO performance standards (Approved HSNO Codes of Practice) which the Council will progressively publish during the next couple of years.

HSNO performance standards, a.k.a. Codes of Practice, reflecting international performance standards and best practice are being developed by the NZCIC, together with key stakeholders, for approval by ERMA New Zealand. The initial HSNO Codes (in order of preparation) are:

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