Growsafe Label Reading and Safety Data Sheets 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many sections does a standard Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contain?
- 16 sections (Correct answer)
- 8 sections
- 12 sections
- 24 sections
Correct answer: 16 sections
Under the GHS (Globally Harmonised System) adopted in New Zealand, a standard SDS contains 16 sections covering all aspects of the substance from identification to regulatory information.
Question 2: What information does Section 4 of an SDS provide?
- First aid measures for different routes of exposure (Correct answer)
- Physical and chemical properties of the substance
- Handling and storage recommendations
- Information about fire and explosion hazards
Correct answer: First aid measures for different routes of exposure
Section 4 of the SDS covers first aid measures, describing what to do in the event of exposure through skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion.
Question 3: What does Section 9 of an SDS cover?
- Physical and chemical properties such as boiling point, pH, and solubility (Correct answer)
- Ecological information
- Regulatory information
- Exposure limits and engineering controls
Correct answer: Physical and chemical properties such as boiling point, pH, and solubility
Section 9 covers the physical and chemical properties of the substance, including appearance, odour, pH, boiling point, solubility, and other characteristics relevant to safe handling and storage.
Question 4: What is the purpose of Section 14 of an SDS?
- Transport information — covering classification and requirements for transporting the substance safely (Correct answer)
- Storage and handling precautions
- Regulatory status of the substance
- Environmental fate and persistence information
Correct answer: Transport information — covering classification and requirements for transporting the substance safely
Section 14 of the SDS provides transport information, including UN numbers, packing groups, and transport hazard classifications relevant to shipping and transporting the substance.
Question 5: How often should Safety Data Sheets for agrichemicals used on a farm be reviewed and updated?
- Whenever a new version is issued by the manufacturer or supplier, and at least every three years (Correct answer)
- Only when the product label is changed
- Every 10 years as a minimum standard
- Only when a new person is trained to use the product
Correct answer: Whenever a new version is issued by the manufacturer or supplier, and at least every three years
SDS information must be current. Manufacturers update SDSs when new hazard information becomes available. Using outdated SDS information may mean missing new hazard findings or updated precautions.
Question 6: Where must Safety Data Sheets be kept on a farm where agrichemicals are used?
- In a location readily accessible to all workers who may be exposed to the chemicals, including near storage areas (Correct answer)
- Kept only in the farm office and shown to workers only when requested
- Filed with the regional council as part of chemical registration
- Stored only with the farm's insurance documents for liability purposes
Correct answer: In a location readily accessible to all workers who may be exposed to the chemicals, including near storage areas
SDSs must be readily accessible to workers during work activities — not just filed away. Workers need to be able to access them quickly in an emergency.
Growsafe Label Reading and Safety Data Sheets 2
How many sections does a standard Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contain?