Competency Requirements for Certified Handler

Course Content

The course focuses on:

• Requirements relative to a certified handler.
• Knowledge of hazardous substances including legislation requirements.
• Properties and effects of hazardous substances.
• Technical vocabulary.
• Documentation for hazardous substances including safety data sheets.
• Storage, separation and segregation.
• Emergency management and preparation.
• Spill response.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of classifying hazardous substances.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the potential adverse effects of hazardous substances on the body and environment, types of exposure monitoring, and treatment options.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe storage, tracking requirements, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Describe response to uncontrolled release of hazardous substances.
• Describe requirements relevant for a certified handler.
• Demonstrate knowledge of hazardous substances relevant to their role.
• Describe emergency procedures involving hazardous substances relevant to their role.

Course structure

The course is conducted in a classroom environment and is theory based.

Unit standard prerequisite

US31290 is the pre requisite for US31291. You can achieve both during the course.

This course is assessed at Level 5 of the New Zealand’s Qualification Framework and is a written assessment. Due to the level of complexity in this course, it is recommended that students hold a qualification at Level 2 as a minimum.

Assessment process

Theory assessment which includes a scenario takes place when the student is ready.

Revalidation/Refresher

To maintain current competency, it is recommended that refresher training occurs regularly. Depending on the industry you work in this may vary. Requirement for the Certified Handlers Certificate to be refreshed/renewed after five years.

Items to bring

• Photo ID.
• Comfortable clothing suitable for participating in practical exercises.
• Covered-in footwear.
• A copy of current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the products handled.

There is a cost to apply for a Certified Handler certificate through a Compliance Certifier. The process for the Certifier to review and award a Handler certificate will take around 30 days.