Growsafe Emergency Response and First Aid — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the NZ National Poisons Centre emergency number that should be called in case of agrichemical poisoning?
- 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON) (Correct answer)
- 111
- 0800 737 000
- 0508 333 444
Correct answer: 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON)
The NZ National Poisons Centre can be reached on 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON) for advice on poisoning emergencies, including agrichemical exposure. For life-threatening emergencies, call 111 first.
Question 2: What first aid action should be taken if a person gets concentrated agrichemical in their eyes?
- Flush the eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Rub the eyes to stimulate tear production
- Apply antibiotic eye drops immediately
- Cover the eyes with a dry bandage and wait for medical help
Correct answer: Flush the eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes
For eye contamination with agrichemicals, the first aid response is to immediately flush the eyes with clean running water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open, then seek medical attention.
Question 3: According to NZ Growsafe, what information should be provided to emergency services or the Poisons Centre after agrichemical exposure?
- Product name, active ingredient, route of exposure, symptoms, and amount of exposure (Correct answer)
- Only the brand name of the product
- The price paid for the chemical
- The date the chemical was purchased
Correct answer: Product name, active ingredient, route of exposure, symptoms, and amount of exposure
Emergency services need the product name, active ingredient(s), how the person was exposed (ingestion, inhalation, skin, eye), symptoms observed, and the estimated amount of exposure to provide appropriate treatment.
Question 4: In NZ, what should be included in an agrichemical emergency response plan on a farm or workplace?
- Spill containment procedures, first aid protocols, emergency contacts, and location of safety equipment (Correct answer)
- Only the phone number for 111
- A list of all chemicals used in the past year
- Instructions for continuing work after a minor incident
Correct answer: Spill containment procedures, first aid protocols, emergency contacts, and location of safety equipment
A comprehensive NZ agrichemical emergency response plan should include spill containment and cleanup procedures, first aid protocols, emergency contact numbers (111, Poisons Centre, regional council), and locations of safety equipment such as spill kits, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers.
Question 5: What are the typical symptoms of organophosphate poisoning that a Growsafe-certified operator should recognise?
- Excessive salivation, constricted pupils, muscle twitching, nausea, and difficulty breathing (Correct answer)
- Dry mouth, dilated pupils, and high fever
- Skin rash and joint pain only
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Correct answer: Excessive salivation, constricted pupils, muscle twitching, nausea, and difficulty breathing
Organophosphate poisoning symptoms include the SLUDGE acronym: Salivation, Lacrimation (tearing), Urination, Defecation, GI distress, and Emesis (vomiting), along with constricted pupils, muscle twitching, and breathing difficulty.
Question 6: What type of spill kit should be available in an NZ agrichemical storage area?
- A kit containing absorbent material, containment booms, PPE, and disposal bags for hazardous waste (Correct answer)
- A standard first aid kit with bandages
- A bucket of sand only
- No spill kit is required if the storage area has a concrete floor
Correct answer: A kit containing absorbent material, containment booms, PPE, and disposal bags for hazardous waste
NZ agrichemical storage areas should have a spill kit containing absorbent material (granules or pads), containment booms or pillows, appropriate PPE for spill cleanup, and bags or containers for hazardous waste disposal.
Growsafe Emergency Response and First Aid
What is the NZ National Poisons Centre emergency number that should be called in case of agrichemical poisoning?