Growsafe NZ Agrichemical Legislation (HSNO Act) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does HSNO stand for in the context of NZ agrichemical regulation?
- Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Correct answer)
- Health, Safety and Natural Operations
- Hazardous Sprays and Noxious Organisms
- Health Standards for New Operations
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 2: Which government agency is responsible for approving agrichemicals under the HSNO Act?
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (Correct answer)
- Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)
- WorkSafe New Zealand
- New Zealand Police
Correct answer: Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is the key regulator under the HSNO Act, responsible for assessing and approving hazardous substances, including agrichemicals, for use in New Zealand.
Question 3: Under the HSNO Act, what must all agrichemicals sold in New Zealand have?
- EPA approval and a registered label with approved instructions (Correct answer)
- Only a manufacturer's safety data sheet
- A certificate from the Ministry of Health
- An import permit from Customs New Zealand
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 4: Under the HSNO Act, what is the legal status of using an agrichemical in a way that contradicts the label instructions?
- It is unlawful and may constitute an offence (Correct answer)
- It is allowed if the user has a GrowSafe certificate
- It is permitted with written consent from the EPA
- It is only prohibited for commercial users, not home gardeners
Correct answer: It is unlawful and may constitute an offence
Using an agrichemical contrary to its label is an offence under the HSNO Act. The label is a legal document and its instructions are binding on users.
Question 5: 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 (Correct answer)
- The Wildlife Act 1953 exclusively
- The Biosecurity Act 1993
- The Resource Management Act 1991
Correct answer: The HSNO Act, with VTAs managed under specific controls
Vertebrate toxic agents, including 1080, are classified as hazardous substances under the HSNO Act and are subject to specific controls regarding their use, handling, and application.
Question 6: Under the HSNO Act, who is responsible for ensuring that employees who handle agrichemicals are appropriately trained?
- The employer or PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) (Correct answer)
- The employee themselves
- The agrichemical supplier
- WorkSafe New Zealand
Correct answer: The employer or PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking)
Under both the HSNO Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the employer or PCBU has the primary duty to ensure workers who handle agrichemicals receive appropriate training.
Growsafe NZ Agrichemical Legislation (HSNO Act) 1
What does HSNO stand for in the context of NZ agrichemical regulation?