Major Hazard Facilities and Regulations
In 2015 a new Health and Safety at Work Act was introduced, which included specific regulations for Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs). If a facility has certain hazardous substances present in quantities above a set threshold, then it is classed as a MHF under the MHF Regulations. The Regulations are overseen by a specialist group within WorkSafe New Zealand and are designed to provide oversight and safety assurance of MHFs.
Our Major Hazard Facilities
We operate three geothermal power stations which are classified as MHFs. MHFs may be either an upper tier or lower tier facility depending on the quantity of specified hazardous substances onsite. Eastland Generation's Te Ahi O Maui (TAOM) and Eastland Tarawera One (TOPP1) stations are classified as upper tier facilities. Our Geothermal Developments Limited (GDL) station is classified as a lower tier facility.
Safety management
Safety cases for upper tier facilities
The MHF Regulations require upper tier MHFs to develop a Safety Case that demonstrates our ability to operate and maintain our power station safely. This means that we have identified all potential major incidents and we are using appropriate controls to minimise the risks of these incidents so far as is reasonably practicable.
A major incident is defined in the regulations as an uncontrolled event at a MHF that involves specified hazardous substances (e.g. n-Pentane) and exposes multiple persons to a serious risk to their health or safety.
Our TAOM Safety Case was approved by WorkSafe New Zealand on 11th September 2023 and the TOPP1 safety case was approved on 13th October 2022.
Major accident prevention policy for lower tier facilities
Eastland Generation has developed a major accident prevention policy applicable to the GDL facility. The purpose of this Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP) is to establish the requirements for the Safety Management System (SMS) that is used by Eastland Generation to ensure the safe and effective operation and maintenance of its electricity generation assets and to reduce the likelihood of major incidents occurring.
Public safety information
Te Ahi O Maui
Name of Operator | Eastland Generation Limited |
Location of Facility | State highway 34 Kawerau |
Person from whom information can be requested | The Duty Operator 07 923 6040 |
General Description | Te Ahi O Maui is a geothermal power facility utilising Ormat binary cycle energy conversion technology. This technology uses n-Pentane as its motive fluid in a closed loop process. The site is situated in an isolated area on private land surrounded by indigenous and exotic forestry and is accessed via a private access road. |
How will a major incident at the facility be notified |
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In the event of an emergency at TAOM
Audible evacuation sirens are sounded to alert onsite personnel to follow the site evacuation procedures and activate the EMP. Fire and Emergency NZ will assume control of any major incident onsite, in collaboration with us, local authorities and other emergency service agencies.
Due to its isolated nature, people in the community do not need to take any immediate action if they hear these sirens. In the event of a major incident, we will notify any potentially affected parties by telephone. In the case of an emergency Fire and Emergency NZ and other emergency services will direct members of the public if any action is required.
It is important members of the public do not approach or try to gain access to TAOM. If required barriers will be erected to prevent access to site.
We will provide information to the local community via regular news channels and here on our website.
Eastland Tarawera One (TOPP1)
Name of Operator | Eastland Generation Limited |
Location of Facility | Tarawera Road Kawerau |
Person from whom information can be requested | The Duty Operator 07 923 6040 |
General Description | TOPP1 is a geothermal power facility utilising Ormat binary cycle energy conversion technology. This technology uses n-Pentane as its motive fluid in a closed loop process. The station is situated within the Kawerau geothermal field in a highly developed industrial site. |
How will a major incident at the facility be notified |
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In the event of an emergency at TOPP1
Audible evacuation sirens are sounded to alert onsite personnel to follow the site evacuation procedures and activate the EMP. Fire and Emergency NZ will assume control of any major incident onsite, in collaboration with us, local authorities and other emergency service agencies.
In the case of an emergency Fire and Emergency NZ and other emergency services will direct members of the public if any action is required. Communications protocols have been established with neighbouring facilities and landowners to inform them of the occurrence of a major incident. Communication with the local community during an emergency, will focus on informing the community of the event and any actions that are being undertaken to bring it under control.
It is important members of the public do not approach or try to gain access to TOPP1. If required barriers will be erected to prevent access to site.
Further information
We have systems in place to ensure the safety case and its requirements are maintained, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the MHF Regulations. This includes assessing the need for resubmission of the safety case when significant changes have occurred at TAOM or TOPP1. WorkSafe NZ will routinely review the safety cases for these facilities.
For further information on our upper tier facilities please contact the duty operator on 07 923 6040.
Geothermal Developments Limited (GDL)
Name of Operator | Eastland Generation Limited |
Location of Facility | Spencer Avenue Kawerau |
Person from whom information can be requested | The Duty Operator 07 923 6040 |
General Description | Geothermal Developments is a geothermal power facility utilising Ormat binary cycle energy conversion technology. This technology uses n-Pentane as its motive fluid in a closed loop process. The site is situated on private land surrounded by indigenous forest and river. It is accessed via a private access road. |
How will a major incident at the facility be notified |
|
In the event of an emergency at GDL
Audible evacuation sirens are sounded to alert onsite personnel to follow the site evacuation procedures and activate the EMP. Fire and Emergency NZ will assume control of any major incident onsite, in collaboration with us, local authorities and other emergency service agencies.
Due to its isolated nature, people in the community do not need to take any immediate action if they hear these sirens. In the event of a major incident, we will notify any potentially affected parties by telephone. In the case of an emergency Fire and Emergency NZ and other emergency services will direct members of the public if any action is required.
It is important members of the public do not approach or try to gain access to GDL. If required barriers will be erected to prevent access to site. We will provide information to the local community via regular news channels and on this website.
Further information
We have systems in place to ensure the safety management system is maintained, reviewed, and revised to maintain compliance with the MHF Regulations.
For further information on our lower tier facility, please contact the duty operator on 07 923 6040.
More information regarding the requirements for major hazard facilities is available from the WorkSafe NZ website www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/major-hazard-facilities/
