Growsafe Storage and Transport — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NZ regulations, what type of floor must an agrichemical storage facility have?
- An impervious, bunded floor capable of containing spills (e.g., sealed concrete) (Correct answer)
- Any flat surface including compacted earth
- Wooden flooring with drainage holes
- Carpet or rubber matting for comfort
Correct answer: An impervious, bunded floor capable of containing spills (e.g., sealed concrete)
NZ regulations require agrichemical storage facilities to have impervious floors (typically sealed concrete) with bunding capable of containing at least the volume of the largest container, plus an allowance for firewater, to prevent spills reaching the environment.
Question 2: What is the bunding capacity requirement for an agrichemical store in New Zealand?
- Capable of holding the volume of the largest container plus 10% of the total stored volume (Correct answer)
- Equal to the total volume of all containers combined
- No specific capacity requirement if floor is concrete
- Half the volume of the smallest container
Correct answer: Capable of holding the volume of the largest container plus 10% of the total stored volume
NZ regulations require bunding that can contain at least the volume of the largest single container in the store plus 10% of the total volume of all containers, ensuring containment in case of a major spill.
Question 3: According to NZ standards, what signage must be displayed on an agrichemical storage facility?
- Hazchem signs, no smoking signs, and emergency contact information (Correct answer)
- A simple 'keep out' sign is sufficient
- No signage is required for on-farm storage
- Only the farm name and address
Correct answer: Hazchem signs, no smoking signs, and emergency contact information
NZ agrichemical stores must display appropriate Hazchem warning signs (indicating the classes of hazardous substances stored), no smoking signs, and emergency contact information including the Poisons Centre number.
Question 4: What separation requirements apply to storing herbicides and insecticides together in NZ?
- They can be stored together but must be clearly separated and labelled on different shelves or sections (Correct answer)
- They must be in completely separate buildings
- No separation is required if both are sealed
- Herbicides must be stored outdoors only
Correct answer: They can be stored together but must be clearly separated and labelled on different shelves or sections
Herbicides and insecticides can be stored in the same facility but should be clearly separated and labelled in different sections or shelves to prevent confusion and cross-contamination. However, incompatible chemicals must be separated.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- Only a standard driver's licence
- The purchase receipt for the chemicals
- No documentation is required for quantities under 1000 litres
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 6: What temperature considerations apply to NZ agrichemical storage?
- Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight, and protect from frost where product labels require (Correct answer)
- Temperature does not affect stored agrichemicals
- All agrichemicals must be refrigerated
- Only liquid products are affected by temperature
Correct answer: Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight, and protect from frost where product labels require
Agrichemicals should be stored below 30°C, protected from direct sunlight (which can degrade products and increase pressure in containers), and some products must be protected from frost as per label instructions.
Growsafe Storage and Transport
Under NZ regulations, what type of floor must an agrichemical storage facility have?