Growsafe Agrichemical Safety Fundamentals — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under New Zealand's HSNO Act, what is the primary purpose of Growsafe certification?
- To ensure safe handling and application of agrichemicals (Correct answer)
- To certify organic farming practices
- To license agricultural vehicle operators
- To approve new chemical products for the NZ market
Correct answer: To ensure safe handling and application of agrichemicals
Growsafe certification ensures that operators handling agrichemicals in New Zealand do so safely and in compliance with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.
Question 2: What does the acronym SDS stand for in the context of agrichemical handling in New Zealand?
- Safety Data Sheet (Correct answer)
- Standard Dosage Schedule
- Substance Delivery System
- Safe Distribution Standard
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet
SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet, which provides essential information about the hazards of a chemical product and how to handle it safely. In NZ, all agrichemicals must have an SDS available.
Question 3: Which New Zealand government agency is responsible for enforcing the HSNO Act regarding agrichemical use?
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (Correct answer)
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
- Department of Conservation (DOC)
- WorkSafe New Zealand
Correct answer: Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the lead agency responsible for managing hazardous substances under the HSNO Act in New Zealand, including agrichemicals.
Question 4: What is the minimum age requirement to hold a Growsafe Introductory certificate in New Zealand?
- 16 years old (Correct answer)
- 15 years old
- 18 years old
- 21 years old
Correct answer: 16 years old
In New Zealand, a person must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a Growsafe Introductory certificate for handling agrichemicals.
Question 5: What class of hazardous substance under the HSNO Act includes most agricultural herbicides and insecticides?
- Class 6 — Toxic substances (Correct answer)
- Class 3 — Flammable liquids
- Class 8 — Corrosive substances
- Class 9 — Ecotoxic substances
Correct answer: Class 6 — Toxic substances
Most agricultural herbicides and insecticides are classified as Class 6 (Toxic substances) under the HSNO Act, though many also carry Class 9 (Ecotoxic) classifications.
Question 6: According to NZ Growsafe training, what is the first step you should take before using any agrichemical?
- Read the product label and SDS (Correct answer)
- Put on all available PPE
- Check the wind speed and direction
- Calibrate your spray equipment
Correct answer: Read the product label and SDS
The first step before using any agrichemical is always to read the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to understand the hazards, required PPE, application rates, and safety precautions.
Growsafe Agrichemical Safety Fundamentals
Under New Zealand's HSNO Act, what is the primary purpose of Growsafe certification?