Dangerous Goods Handler (HSNO classes 1-9)

For people who use, handle, load or shipping hazardous chemicals

$98 +GST per person ($112.70)

Dangerous Goods Handler (HSNO classes 1-9)

For people who use, handle, load or shipping hazardous chemicals

This course is for people who use, decant, unpack, move, fill, store, load, or ship dangerous goods as part of their daily job. It's ideal for warehouse team members who pack and load dangerous goods and complete dangerous goods declaration forms for freight carried on the road. If you use chemicals in your job, this course covers what you need. If you're a dispatcher or supervisor checking DG documentation, you'll know how to fill it out and what to check. If you're a forklift operator moving dangerous goods, you'll be able to stay safe and know what to do in an emergency.

The online modules include:

  • Dangerous goods legislation
  • Classifications of dangerous goods, including UN and GHS numbers
  • Dealing with hazards and risks, including disposal of hazardous goods
  • The role of people involved with dangerous goods handling
  • Packaging, labels, pictograms and markings
  • Load plans and packing certificates
  • Storing and loading
  • Segregation, placement and placarding
  • Documentation

The course meets the training requirements of NZS 5433 and Regulation 4.5 (see below). It is not a certified handlers or approved fillers course.

Training should be repeated every 3 years.

We recommend you also complete the Spill Control and Spill Kit training course.

  • Does this course comply with Regulation 4.5?

    This course covers safe working with chemicals and safe storage of all types of chemicals across the 9 classes and their divisions. For the specific chemical(s) that a person is working with, they must be provided with information about the physico-chemical and health hazards associated with it, the procedures for safe use, handling, manufacture, storage and disposal (where relevant), how to use PPE or equipment with the chemical, and what to do in an emergency involving the chemical(s). This information is usually found on the safety data sheet for the product. Generic training for groups of similar chemicals is included in this course, and this complies with clause 4.5(4). Trainees are taught how to read the SDS in this course.

  • What are the advantages of the dangerous goods handlers online course?

    • Easy to schedule - the course takes around 1.5 hours, depending on your experience. It is divided into short modules that only take a few minutes each, are easy to digest and convenient in terms of time commitment; you can do one or more modules when you have time
    • Full access to the course materials for 6 months - plenty of time to work through the course if you're busy
    • Detailed video instructions - watch and learn, then answer questions about what you've seen. You can watch the videos as many times as you need in order to really understand the material
    • Language and literacy support - if English isn't your first language or you'd prefer to listen to the questions, we've got you covered with audio recordings of the questions, and over 70 languages.
    • NOTE: This is an online course and there is no instructor-led training

    Companies: simply purchase as many course licences as you need for your team members and you can assign the courses and view their progress

    Individuals: simply purchase one course licence for yourself. You can do the course in your own time when it's convenient for you - you have access to the course materials for 6 months. Watch the videos then answer the questions. 

    Set up is free whether you are purchasing one course licence or a hundred course licences.

  • What do you get with this course?

    You get full access to all training materials for 6 months and a certificate of completion when you've finished it. Study in your own time at your own pace, take the modules as many times as you need to and really get to know the information. You can access it on any computer, smartphone or tablet wherever there's an internet connection available. You'll also receive a suite of useful documents:

    • Classifications
    • HSNO-GHS7 Conversion table
    • Sample SDS (Hydrochloric acid)
    • Schedule 3 segregation chart
    • Segregation in storage
    • UN packaging guide

    Managing trainees

    If you're managing other team members, you can add more managers at no extra cost. They can download detailed reports, plus track and manage team members. Managers can generate certificates on completion of the course. You can also hide modules that are not required.

  • FAQs

    Where is the course held? The theory is done online (anywhere you have internet access).

    I don't have a D endorsement yet. Can I use this course? Yes, if you don't need to drive a vehicle that carries dangerous goods on the road, you can do this course so you know how to handle dangerous goods in the workplace 

    Does this course cover any unit standards? This is not a unit standard course

    Do you have to do all the modules? See below. Some modules may be able to be disabled if they are not relevant to you.

  • Who is this course for?

    • You work with dangerous chemicals - you use, decant or otherwise are exposed to them in your day-to-day work
    • You receive dangerous chemicals at your workplace - you handle the documentation and you organise the storage when they are delivered
    • You manage people that work with dangerous chemicals - you need to know what they should be doing and if they're doing it right. Maybe you also have broader health and safety responsibilities
    • You load or unload hazardous chemicals using a forklift or pallet jack - it's important you know what to do in the case of a leak, how to store and segregate them, etc
    • You manage the warehouse and storage - you need to know segregation and what to do if things go wrong.

    This course covers all those scenarios. You can modify the course to suit the specific job requirements of your team; modules related to shipping and documentation can be disabled for team members that only use the chemicals.

  • Do you need a D endorsement and is a D endorsement different?

    You only need a D endorsement if you move dangerous goods on the road. This also applies to forklift operators with an F endorsement who unload dangerous goods from the road or a right-of-way.

    The difference between a D endorsement and this course is that this course has the specific knowledge about handling the actual chemicals; a D endorsement doesn't include that because it assumes you're driving a truck and someone else has handled, packed and loaded them.

    If you need a D endorsement, check out our D endorsement course.

  • Which classes of hazardous goods does this course cover?

    It covers all classes from 1-9, plus how to understand GHS and HSNO classifications, packing groups, and hazardous area atmosphere zones (0-2) 

  • Requirements

    • You will need one course licence per person taking the course - you can't use one licence for multiple operators
    • You will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access to take the theory training

$98 +GST per person ($112.70)

 

Certificate of Completion

 

Approximately 2.5 hours

 

Full access for 6 months

 

Downloadable documents

Course provider logo

Course provided by
TR Driver Training

TR Driver Training and DT Driver Training are New Zealand's largest suppliers of vehicle and machinery training and instruction

Training modules

The Rule and classifications

Where does the Rule apply and what are the different classifications of chemicals
  • An overview of worker and PCBU responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act when handling hazardous goods.
    2 minutes
  • This module teaches learners to identify dangerous goods classifications through two complementary methods: a memorable mnemonic device and visual recognition of hazard placards and their distinctive symbols.
    10 minutes
  • A comprehensive overview of the nine dangerous goods classifications, illustrating each class with everyday examples whilst introducing a memorable mnemonic device to help handlers recall the classification sequence.
    11 minutes
  • This module explains how dangerous goods can present multiple hazards through primary and subsidiary risks, and introduces the three-tiered packing group system that determines handling requirements based on the level of danger presented.
    3 minutes

Responsibilities

Understanding the various roles when preparing dangerous goods for transport
  • This module outlines the distinct responsibilities of key players - consigners, drivers, loaders and employers - emphasising each role's specific duties and documentation requirements to ensure safe handling and transport.
    3 minutes

Handling dangerous goods

  • Ensure accurate classification and compliant transport of hazardous materials.
    3 minutes
  • Discover the essential requirements for dangerous goods packaging, including UN approval standards, correct labelling protocols, and how to interpret packaging codes and handling marks for safe transport.
    9 minutes
  • This module teaches trainees to interpret GHS 7 chemical hazard classifications and associated H and P statements, whilst explaining the transition from the older HSNO system to help handlers work safely with dangerous goods in New Zealand.
    7 minutes
  • The essential principles and practices of hazardous waste management, including proper handling procedures, storage requirements, documentation protocols, container management, emergency preparedness, and disposal methods for different types of hazardous substances, with emphasis on safety measures, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection throughout the waste management lifecycle.
    10 minutes
  • Master the nine hazard pictograms used in chemical labelling, understanding their distinctive symbols and associated risks, from flammables and corrosives to environmental hazards and acute toxins.
    6.5 minutes
  • Explore the regulations for transporting dangerous goods in limited quantities (DGLQ), including packaging requirements, quantity restrictions, and labelling standards for consumer commodities and tools of trade.
    4 minutes
  • The importance of designated work areas, hazardous area atmosphere zones, ignition source control, segregation of incompatible substances, and proper containment measures to prevent spills, fumes, and accidental ignition for class 2 and 3 substances
    4 minutes

Segregation

Keeping dangerous goods safely separated on the road and in storage
  • This module details the critical principles of dangerous goods segregation during transport, explaining how to use segregation charts, the three acceptable segregation methods, and important exceptions to segregation rules for specific goods classifications.
    9 minutes
  • This module teaches learners how to interpret the dangerous goods storage compatibility chart, explaining the colour-coded system and segregation codes that determine safe storage distances and requirements for different hazard classifications.
    5 minutes

Documentation

What are the different types of documentation required in different circumstances when shipping dangerous goods
  • The documentation requirements when transferring dangerous goods from storage to transport, including dangerous goods declarations, load plans, and packing certificates.
    14 minutes
  • Con coms and dangerous goods declaration
    4 minutes
  • Understand the vital role of safety data sheets (SDS) in hazardous substance management, including their structure, when they're required, and how to use them effectively for emergency response and safe handling procedures.
    5 minutes

Placards and emergency response

How to warn and inform people about the dangerous goods being stored or carried, and what to do in an emergenvy
  • Vehicle placarding requirements for dangerous goods transport, covering size specifications, placement rules, and quantity thresholds that determine whether generic or specific hazard placards must be displayed.
    9 minutes
  • Learn how to systematically respond to dangerous goods incidents by assessing site safety, implementing appropriate spill management procedures, and coordinating effectively with emergency services.
    6 minutes

Dangerous Goods Handler (HSNO classes 1-9)

For people who use, handle, load or shipping hazardous chemicals

$98 +GST per person ($112.70)

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