Most laboratories use hazardous substances. A laboratory can manage these substances by either:
- Complying with the relevant substance controls
- the Laboratory chemicals and reagent kit group standard
- operating as an exempt laboratory, as provided by section 33 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
Operating as an exempt laboratory
Operating as an exempt laboratory means that the laboratory:
- is not required to apply to use or manufacture a new hazardous substance i.e. the substance does not need HSNO approval
- is exempt from approved handler requirements
- must comply with the Hazardous Substances (Exempt Laboratory) Regulations 2001 to ensure that the hazardous substances are appropriately managed within the laboratory.