1 September 2021

WorkSafe has granted an exemption (HS0020) to New Zealand Police from compliance with regulations 9.18(1), 9.23(3)(a; c) and 9.27(2) of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 in relation to the storage of their explosive substances.

The application to grant an exemption has been decided as follows:

The exemption is granted by WorkSafe in accordance with section 220 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 on the basis that WorkSafe is satisfied that—

• the extent of the exemption is not broader than is reasonably necessary to address the matters that gave rise to the proposed exemption; and
• the exemption is not inconsistent with the purpose of the Act.

The reason for granting this exemption is that—

• NZ Police require access to these explosives to carry out their function in order to safeguard the public, and it is not practical for the Police to comply fully with the regulations above and continue to meet their operational need to prepare for and respond to threats to public safety.
• WorkSafe notes that the risks to health and safety of workers and others in or nearby the workplace can be managed by setting the conditions listed in the attached exemption document

The exemption comes into effect 01 September 2021 and expires on 01 September 2026 unless it is replaced sooner or revoked.