26 July 2024

WorkSafe has granted an exemption (​HS2308​) to ​Antarctica New Zealand​ from compliance with regulations 2.5, 2.6(4), 2.10, 8.1(1), 10.3, 10.26(2), and 10.30 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 for the transport, use and storage of unleaded petrol and kerosene fuels by Antarctica New Zealand in the Antarctica field environment, where the field environment is defined as outside Scott Base and McMurdo Station.

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; and
• this is a situation where it is necessary and appropriate for the decision maker to exercise their discretion to grant an exemption (section 220(1)).

WorkSafe also notes that:

• granting of this exemption will not result in lesser health and safety outcomes based on the unique operating environment of Antarctica and the specific controls that Antarctica New Zealand has in place.

The exemption comes into effect ​26 July 2024 and expires on 26 July 2029​ unless it is replaced sooner or revoked.