Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Plan
Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Plan
Work sites handling hazardous substances above certain threshold quantities must have a written Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
The plan must outline rules around managing hazardous substances for your workers, and emergency service workers - and who is responsible for what - in an emergency.
This plan must be tested:
As the site operator, you are responsible for creating and maintaining your ERP.
SafeWay can work with you to prepare your ERP.
If your site exceeds these thresholds you're required to have an ERP under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 Schedule 5 Threshold Quantities for an ERP.
You can use the WorkSafe Hazardous Substance Calculator to work out if you require an ERP.
If you store very large volumes, your site might be classified as a Major Hazard Facility (MHF) and face additional requirements.
A Major Hazard Facility (MHF) is a site where very large quantities of hazardous substances are present, stored, handled, or processed, and where a failure or accident could result in a major incident—such as fire, explosion, or toxic release—posing serious risk to people, property, and the environment.
In New Zealand, the classification and management of MHFs is set out under the Health and Safety at Work (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2016.
Click here for Health and Safety at Work (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2016 (LI 2016/14) (as at 30 March 2025) Contents – New Zealand Legislation.
If your site meets MHF thresholds:
If you're looking for a Building Evacuation Plan, please click here.
If it's Emergency Planning you're after, please click here.
| Type of Plan | Estimated Price Range (+GST) |
|---|---|
| First enquiry | $0 |
| Initial onsite Consultation | $200 |
| Complex ERP (hazardous sites, multiple buildings, community/industrial) | $2,500+ |