A burner is a device that burns liquid fuel. The fuel such as fuel oil, diesel or home heating oil, is usually a fine spray forced through a nozzle under pressure. The spray is ignited along with air that is forced through by an electric fan. The fuel can also be burnt in other ways; for example by vapourising the oil on a hot plate.

You will find burners in many applications including industrial oil heaters and boilers.

A business wishing to import or supply a new type of burner is required to apply to WorkSafe for an approval.

Manufacturing or importing burners

Burners must be designed and constructed to comply with Part 17, subpart 11 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017(external link)

These requirements include that the burner is approved by WorkSafe.

Check the burner records to find out if your burner has already been approved.

Getting your burner approved

To get a new type of burner approved, send the completed application form with all the necessary documentation to WorkSafe.

All approvals are issued with a validity period of five years.
 
An approval certificate issued by WorkSafe that contains an expiry date ceases to have effect on the day following expiry. If a burner is installed after the date of expiry, these examples of the burner will not be approved by WorkSafe under Regulation 17.67 of the HS Regulations.
PDF
Application for approval of a type of burner (PDF 225 KB)

Using burners

When installed, burners are part of a stationary container system, that is a fixed tank with associated pipe work and fittings.

If there is more than 60 litres of fuel, then you (or the business) need to get a stationary container system compliance certificate. A location compliance certificate may also be needed.

The Environmental Protection Authority (www.epa.govt.nz)(external link) is responsible for domestic installations.

Burners that have a current approval at the time of installation are considered to be approved under Regulation 17.67 of the HS Regulations for the time that the product continues in service as originally installed, including maintenance needs.

This in service product does not need to be removed or replaced if the approval in force at the time of installation has now expired.

WorkSafe considers that the approval must be current at the time of installation to be compliant with Regulation 17.67.