Growsafe Mixing and Loading Agrichemicals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure when filling a spray tank with water and agrichemical concentrate?
- Add the chemical first, then fill completely with water
- Fill the tank half full with water, add the chemical, then top up with water (Correct answer)
- Mix the chemical in a separate bucket first, then pour into the full tank
- Add the chemical and water simultaneously through separate inlets
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.
Question 2: What is the three-rinse method used for in agrichemical handling?
- Cleaning spray nozzles after completing an application
- Rinsing PPE after accidental chemical contact
- Emptying and cleaning agrichemical containers before disposal (Correct answer)
- Flushing spray lines between different chemical products
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 3: What is an induction hopper primarily used for when loading agrichemicals?
- Storing agrichemical concentrates safely during transport
- Safely adding powders and liquids to the spray tank without direct tank opening contact (Correct answer)
- Measuring accurate quantities of agrichemical before mixing
- Filtering the spray mixture to remove undissolved particles
Correct answer: Safely adding powders and liquids to the spray tank without direct tank opening contact
An induction hopper allows operators to safely load concentrated agrichemicals into the spray tank via a dedicated inlet, reducing exposure to concentrated product.
Question 4: Before mixing two different agrichemicals together in a tank mix, what must you always check?
- That both products are manufactured by the same company
- That both products are registered under the ACVM Act in NZ
- 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 5: What does an anti-siphon device on spray equipment prevent?
- Spray mixture or chemical from flowing back into the clean water source (Correct answer)
- Over-pressurisation of the spray tank during filling
- Chemical settling at the bottom of the spray tank
- 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: Where is the most appropriate place to mix and load agrichemicals on a NZ farm?
- Any convenient location away from people and livestock
- On a sealed, bunded pad located away from waterways and drains (Correct answer)
- Inside the agrichemical storage shed to keep chemicals contained
- In an open paddock where spills can soak into the soil harmlessly
Correct answer: On a sealed, bunded pad located away from waterways and drains
A sealed, bunded pad captures spills and prevents them from contaminating soil, groundwater, or waterways, which is a requirement under NZ environmental legislation.
Question 7: What is the correct first response if you accidentally spill agrichemical concentrate during mixing?
- Dilute immediately with large volumes of water to reduce concentration
- Cover the spill with soil to prevent evaporation and vapour release
- Contain the spill and absorb it with suitable absorbent material, then dispose of safely (Correct answer)
- Wash the spill area down with a hose to disperse the chemical
Correct answer: Contain the spill and absorb it with suitable absorbent material, then dispose of safely
Containing and absorbing a spill prevents it from spreading to soil or waterways; using water to wash away a spill simply spreads contamination over a wider area.
Growsafe Mixing and Loading Agrichemicals 1
What is the correct procedure when filling a spray tank with water and agrichemical concentrate?