Latex Risk Assessment Template for New Zealand

You need a comprehensive latex risk assessment to protect your workers from potential allergic reactions and health complications associated with latex exposure. Under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, you have a duty of care to identify, assess and control workplace hazards, including those related to latex products used in your organization.

When do you need this document?

You must conduct a latex risk assessment before introducing any latex-containing products into your workplace, such as gloves, tubing, or equipment components. Healthcare facilities, laboratories, food processing plants, and manufacturing environments commonly require these assessments. You'll also need to update your assessment when changing suppliers, introducing new latex products, or following any workplace incidents involving allergic reactions. Regular reviews are mandatory, particularly when new employees join your team or when WorkSafe NZ guidance changes.

Key legal considerations

Your assessment must identify all potential exposure routes, including direct skin contact, inhalation of latex particles, and cross-contamination scenarios. You're required to evaluate the severity and likelihood of allergic reactions, from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. The document must detail current control measures such as latex-free alternatives, proper ventilation systems, and personal protective equipment protocols. You must also establish health monitoring procedures for at-risk workers and emergency response plans for allergic reactions. Worker consultation and training requirements are critical components that demonstrate your compliance with participatory safety obligations.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, you must follow a systematic risk management approach that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation. The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 may apply if your latex products contain specific chemical additives. You're required to maintain safety data sheets for all latex products and ensure workers receive appropriate information, training, and supervision. Your assessment must be documented, regularly reviewed, and made available to workers, health and safety representatives, and WorkSafe NZ inspectors upon request. Consultation with affected workers and their representatives is mandatory throughout the assessment process.