23 February 2024

WorkSafe has granted an exemption (HS0020G) to the ​New Zealand Police​ (NZ Police) from compliance with regulations 9.18(1), 9.23(3)(c) and 9.27(2)(b)-(d) of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 in relation to the storage of explosive substances.

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 as there is a limit on the quantity of explosives that may be held in readily moveable containers and, with specific safety controls in place, this does not result in either increased health and safety risks to workers and other people or any associated risks are able to be managed by the safety controls; and
• this is a situation where there is good reason to exercise discretion to grant an exemption under section 220(1).

The amendment comes into effect ​23 February 2024 and expires on 23 February 2029​ unless it is replaced sooner or revoked.