Growsafe Standard Certificate — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the correct way to remove chemical-resistant gloves to avoid skin contamination?

Remove the right glove first, then the left using the bare hand
Peel them off inside-out without touching the outer contaminated surface (Correct answer)
Pull them off by the fingertips and discard immediately
Rinse them under water before removing

Correct answer: Peel them off inside-out without touching the outer contaminated surface

The correct technique is to peel the gloves off inside-out, using the glove's inside (clean) surface to grip the outside, so the contaminated outer surface never touches bare skin.

Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'buddy system' when using highly toxic agrichemicals?

To share the mixing and loading tasks between two people
To allow two people to complete the application more quickly
To ensure someone is present who can respond if the operator is incapacitated (Correct answer)
To comply with a legal requirement for all agrichemical work to be done in pairs

Correct answer: To ensure someone is present who can respond if the operator is incapacitated

A buddy system means another person is present or in communication during high-risk agrichemical work, so they can call for help or provide first aid if the operator is overcome by exposure.

Question 3: What does the GHS pictogram of a skull and crossbones indicate on an agrichemical label in New Zealand?

Environmental hazard to aquatic life
The product is corrosive to metals
Acute toxicity — may be fatal or cause serious harm (Correct answer)
The product is flammable

Correct answer: Acute toxicity — may be fatal or cause serious harm

The skull and crossbones pictogram under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS), which NZ follows, indicates acute toxicity — the substance may be fatal or cause serious harm if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Question 4: According to Growsafe NZ training, what should be done with empty agrichemical containers?

Buried on-farm in a deep pit
Placed in standard household rubbish bins
Burned in an open fire to destroy residues
Triple-rinsed and returned through the Agrecovery programme (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Triple-rinsed and returned through the Agrecovery programme

In New Zealand, empty agrichemical containers should be triple-rinsed (with rinsate added back to the spray tank) and returned through the Agrecovery programme for proper recycling and disposal.

Question 5: What does an anti-siphon device on spray equipment prevent?

Over-pressurisation of the spray tank during filling
Chemical settling at the bottom of the spray tank
Spray mixture or chemical from flowing back into the clean water source (Correct answer)
Nozzle blockages caused by undissolved particles

Correct answer: Spray mixture or chemical from flowing back into the clean water source

An anti-siphon device prevents spray mixture from back-flowing into the water supply, protecting dams, tanks, and waterways from agrichemical contamination.

Question 6: When transporting agrichemicals by vehicle in New Zealand, what documentation must the driver carry?

The purchase receipt for the chemicals
No documentation is required for quantities under 1000 litres
Only a standard driver's licence
A dangerous goods declaration, SDSs for all products, and emergency response information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A dangerous goods declaration, SDSs for all products, and emergency response information

When transporting agrichemicals in NZ (above threshold quantities), the driver must carry a dangerous goods declaration, Safety Data Sheets for all products being transported, and appropriate emergency response information.

Question 7: What does HSNO stand for in the context of NZ agrichemical regulation?

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Correct answer)
Health, Safety and Natural Operations
Health Standards for New Operations
Hazardous Sprays and Noxious Organisms

Correct answer: Hazardous Substances and New Organisms

HSNO stands for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 is the primary legislation governing the use, handling, and disposal of agrichemicals in New Zealand.

Question 8: What is 'inversion' weather and why is it a concern for agrichemical applicators?

A temperature inversion where cold air is trapped near the ground, causing spray droplets to hang in the air and drift unpredictably (Correct answer)
A weather pattern that increases the humidity of the spray solution
A type of wind pattern that reverses spray direction unexpectedly
A condition where temperature causes rapid product breakdown

Correct answer: A temperature inversion where cold air is trapped near the ground, causing spray droplets to hang in the air and drift unpredictably

Temperature inversions trap fine spray droplets near the ground surface, preventing normal air mixing. This greatly increases the risk of spray drift as droplets can travel long distances unpredictably.

Question 9: Before mixing two different agrichemicals together in a tank mix, what must you always check?

That both products are registered under the ACVM Act in NZ
That both products are manufactured by the same company
That the products are compatible with each other (Correct answer)
That both products have the same withholding period

Correct answer: That the products are compatible with each other

Checking compatibility is essential because incompatible agrichemicals can react together, causing loss of efficacy, physical separation, equipment damage, or hazardous reactions.

Question 10: What class of hazardous substance under the HSNO Act includes most agricultural herbicides and insecticides?

Class 8 — Corrosive substances
Class 3 — Flammable liquids
Class 6 — Toxic substances (Correct answer)
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 11: What is the best combined approach to minimise operator exposure when adding agrichemical concentrate to a spray tank?

Use a closed transfer system or induction hopper together with appropriate PPE (Correct answer)
Pre-dilute the concentrate in a bucket of water before transferring to the tank
Work as quickly as possible to minimise time spent near the concentrate
Only perform mixing outdoors in a well-ventilated area without any other precautions

Correct answer: Use a closed transfer system or induction hopper together with appropriate PPE

Engineering controls such as closed transfer systems and induction hoppers reduce exposure at the source, while PPE provides a secondary barrier — using both together gives the best protection.

Question 12: What is a 'chemical spill response' and what steps does it involve?

Covering the spill with dirt and leaving it to break down naturally
Simply hosing the spill area down with water
Containing the spill to prevent spread, absorbing it with appropriate materials, and disposing of waste as chemical waste (Correct answer)
Cordoning off the area and leaving it for a specialist contractor to handle without any immediate action

Correct answer: Containing the spill to prevent spread, absorbing it with appropriate materials, and disposing of waste as chemical waste

A chemical spill response involves containing the spill first (to prevent it spreading to drains or waterways), absorbing with appropriate materials, and disposing of the absorbed material as chemical waste.

Question 13: What type of respirator filter is typically required when spraying organophosphate insecticides in New Zealand?

Standard surgical mask
A2 organic vapour filter combined with P2 particulate filter (Correct answer)
P1 dust filter only
SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Correct answer: A2 organic vapour filter combined with P2 particulate filter

Organophosphate insecticides typically require an A2 organic vapour filter combined with a P2 particulate filter to protect against both vapour and mist/aerosol exposure during spraying.

Question 14: In NZ, who is legally responsible for ensuring agrichemicals are stored correctly on a farm?

The Growsafe training provider
The person in charge of the workplace (PCBU) (Correct answer)
The local council inspector
The chemical manufacturer only

Correct answer: The person in charge of the workplace (PCBU)

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) — typically the farm owner or manager — is legally responsible for correct storage of hazardous substances.

Question 15: Why is it important to minimise agrichemical use and consider integrated pest management (IPM)?

IPM is only relevant in organic farming systems
To reduce resistance development, minimise environmental impact, and lower costs while maintaining effective control (Correct answer)
Minimising agrichemical use always results in reduced crop yields
IPM is a voluntary concept with no practical bearing on environmental outcomes

Correct answer: To reduce resistance development, minimise environmental impact, and lower costs while maintaining effective control

IPM reduces reliance on agrichemicals by combining biological, cultural, and chemical controls. This slows resistance development, reduces environmental loading, and can lower costs while maintaining effective pest control.

Question 16: What is 'persistence' in the context of agrichemical environmental assessment?

The length of time an agrichemical remains active and detectable in the environment before breaking down (Correct answer)
The continued efficacy of a product despite repeated applications
The ability of an agrichemical to repel pests over multiple seasons
The physical stability of a product on the shelf before use

Correct answer: The length of time an agrichemical remains active and detectable in the environment before breaking down

Persistence describes how long an agrichemical remains in the environment. Highly persistent products can accumulate in soil, water, and organisms, creating longer-term environmental risks.

Question 17: Under the HSNO Act, what must all agrichemicals sold in New Zealand have?

A certificate from the Ministry of Health
An import permit from Customs New Zealand
Only a manufacturer's safety data sheet
EPA approval and a registered label with approved instructions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: EPA approval and a registered label with approved instructions

All agrichemicals sold in New Zealand must be approved by the EPA and carry a registered label with approved use instructions. Using a product in a manner contrary to its label is unlawful.

Question 18: What safety measure must be taken before performing any maintenance on a spray boom?

Maintenance may proceed safely with full PPE as long as the engine is switched off
Only wear gloves and safety glasses before maintenance
Flush the system once with clean water and then proceed immediately
Ensure the system is fully depressurised and the tank is empty before opening any fittings (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensure the system is fully depressurised and the tank is empty before opening any fittings

Spray systems under pressure can release product suddenly when fittings are opened. The system must be fully depressurised and the tank emptied or isolated before any maintenance.

Question 19: What is the three-rinse method used for in agrichemical handling?

Flushing spray lines between different chemical products
Emptying and cleaning agrichemical containers before disposal (Correct answer)
Rinsing PPE after accidental chemical contact
Cleaning spray nozzles after completing an application

Correct answer: Emptying and cleaning agrichemical containers before disposal

The three-rinse method involves rinsing an empty container three times with water and adding the rinse water to the spray tank, ensuring all residue is removed before container disposal.

Question 20: Which agrichemical application practices help minimise the risk of waterway contamination?

Applying only in wet conditions so the product is diluted
Applying at higher rates to compensate for potential runoff losses
Increasing spray pressure to reduce the time near waterways
Observing label buffer zones, applying in calm conditions, and avoiding application before forecast rain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Observing label buffer zones, applying in calm conditions, and avoiding application before forecast rain

Buffer zones, calm weather application, and timing to avoid pre-rain application all reduce the risk that product will drift, run off, or leach into waterways.

Question 21: What does 'spray drift' refer to in the context of NZ agrichemical application?

The natural settling of spray on the crop canopy
Movement of spray droplets away from the target area by wind or air currents (Correct answer)
Evaporation of chemicals from treated surfaces
Leaching of chemicals through the soil profile

Correct answer: Movement of spray droplets away from the target area by wind or air currents

Spray drift is the unintended movement of spray droplets away from the target area due to wind or air currents, which can cause contamination of neighbouring properties, waterways, and non-target organisms.

Question 22: What information should be provided to Poison Control or emergency services when reporting an agrichemical exposure?

Only the location and time of the incident
Only the symptoms, as the chemical name may be difficult to pronounce
The product name, active ingredient, amount involved, route of exposure, and symptoms (Correct answer)
Only the brand name of the product

Correct answer: The product name, active ingredient, amount involved, route of exposure, and symptoms

Emergency responders need the product name, active ingredient (or SDS), amount involved, how exposure occurred, and current symptoms to give the correct advice and treatment.

Question 23: How should an agrichemical fire be handled according to NZ emergency response guidelines?

Evacuate the area, call 111, and inform firefighters about the chemicals involved — never fight a large chemical fire yourself (Correct answer)
Use water to extinguish any chemical fire
Cover the fire with soil to smother it
Continue with normal work and let the fire burn out

Correct answer: Evacuate the area, call 111, and inform firefighters about the chemicals involved — never fight a large chemical fire yourself

For agrichemical fires, evacuate upwind immediately, call 111, and provide firefighters with information about the chemicals involved (SDSs). Never attempt to fight a large chemical fire yourself as toxic fumes can be produced.

Question 24: What must an applicator do if they observe dead or dying wildlife following an agrichemical application?

Wait 48 hours to see if recovery occurs before taking any action
Record the incident and report it to the EPA and MPI, and preserve specimens if possible (Correct answer)
Apply a second product to treat any remaining pest population
Remove the carcasses from the scene and continue work

Correct answer: Record the incident and report it to the EPA and MPI, and preserve specimens if possible

Dead or dying wildlife following agrichemical application is an environmental incident that must be reported to the EPA and MPI. Specimens should be preserved as they may be needed for investigation.

Question 25: How should PPE be stored when not in use according to NZ Growsafe best practice?

In the cab of the spray vehicle
In a clean, dry area separate from agrichemical storage (Correct answer)
Hung on the outside of the chemical store for quick access
In the same locked shed as the agrichemicals

Correct answer: In a clean, dry area separate from agrichemical storage

PPE should be stored in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area separate from agrichemical storage to prevent contamination and degradation of the protective equipment.

Question 26: What is the correct procedure when filling a spray tank with water and agrichemical concentrate?

Mix the chemical in a separate bucket first, then pour into the full tank
Add the chemical first, then fill completely with water
Add the chemical and water simultaneously through separate inlets
Fill the tank half full with water, add the chemical, then top up with water (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fill the tank half full with water, add the chemical, then top up with water

Filling half with water first ensures the concentrate is immediately diluted, reducing the risk of splashing or reacting with undiluted chemical when topping up.

Growsafe Standard Certificate

The Growsafe Standard Certificate assesses competency in the safe handling, application, and storage of agrichemicals in New Zealand under NZS 8409:2021, covering legislation, PPE, labels, environmental protection, and emergency response.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

70%

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