GROWSAFE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield GROWSAFE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is 'leaching' in the context of agrichemical environmental impact? → The movement of agrichemicals through soil into groundwater
2. What is the correct procedure when filling a spray tank with water and agrichemical concentrate? → Fill the tank half full with water, add the chemical, then top up with water
3. What should be done with triple-rinsed agrichemical containers in New Zealand? → Puncture and return to an agriPak collection site for recycling
4. When transporting agrichemicals by vehicle in New Zealand, what documentation must the driver carry? → A dangerous goods declaration, SDSs for all products, and emergency response information
5. What should be done with PPE that has been contaminated and cannot be adequately cleaned? → Dispose of it as chemical waste according to the product's disposal instructions
6. What is the purpose of adding a surfactant or wetting agent to an agrichemical spray mix? → To improve spray coverage and adhesion on plant surfaces
7. What does an anti-siphon device on spray equipment prevent? → Spray mixture or chemical from flowing back into the clean water source
8. What information about PPE requirements will an operator find on a product label? → The specific types of PPE required for mixing, loading, and applying the product
9. What class of dangerous goods licence does a NZ driver need to transport large quantities of agrichemicals? → A Dangerous Goods (DG) endorsement on their driver licence
10. What environmental hazard classification on an agrichemical label indicates risk to aquatic life? → Environmental Hazard Class 9 — Aquatic Ecotoxicity
11. What information does Section 4 of an SDS provide? → First aid measures for different routes of exposure
12. What is the correct way to remove chemical-resistant gloves to avoid skin contamination? → Peel them off inside-out without touching the outer contaminated surface
13. In NZ, when should a half-face respirator be upgraded to a full-face respirator for agrichemical work? → When the product label requires eye protection and respiratory protection simultaneously
14. What records are required to be kept under NZ good practice after mixing and applying an agrichemical? → Product name and rate, area treated, date, applicator name, and weather conditions
15. What is the main practical hazard created by excessive foam when filling a spray tank? → Foam can cause the tank to overflow, creating a spill and contamination hazard
16. What does 'off-label use' of an agrichemical mean? → Using a product on a crop, pest, or in a way not listed on the approved label
17. 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
18. Under NZ regulations, what records must be kept when applying agrichemicals commercially? → Product name, rate, area treated, date, time, weather conditions, and operator details
19. What do GHS hazard pictograms on an agrichemical label communicate? → The type of hazard posed by the product through internationally recognised symbols
20. What is the minimum age requirement to hold a Growsafe Introductory certificate in New Zealand? → 16 years old
21. What does the term 'tank mix' refer to in agrichemical application? → A combination of two or more products mixed together in the spray tank
22. After completing the three-rinse procedure, what should be done with empty agrichemical containers in NZ? → Puncture them and dispose of through an approved collection scheme such as AgRecovery
23. Which Act governs the registration and use of vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs) such as 1080 in New Zealand? → The HSNO Act, with VTAs managed under specific controls
24. What is the purpose of 'no-spray zones' around conservation areas in NZ? → To protect native flora, fauna, and ecosystems from agrichemical damage
25. In the recommended mixing order for agrichemicals, which type of product is typically added last? → Surfactants and adjuvants
26. Why should agrichemical spraying generally be avoided during the hottest part of the day in NZ? → Increased evaporation reduces effectiveness and thermal updrafts increase drift
27. What does 'tank mixing' of agrichemicals involve? → Combining two or more products in the same spray tank for a single application pass
28. Which New Zealand government agency is responsible for enforcing the HSNO Act regarding agrichemical use? → Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
29. In NZ, what is the main advantage of using GPS guidance systems for agrichemical application? → Prevents overlapping and missed strips, ensuring even coverage
30. Under New Zealand's HSNO Act, what is the primary purpose of Growsafe certification? → To ensure safe handling and application of agrichemicals