Mixed Deck — All GROWSAFE Topics Flashcards

What must an applicator check before beginning a spray application near waterways?

Answer: The product label and regional council rules for buffer zones, and weather conditions including wind direction

Near waterways, applicators must check label buffer zone requirements, regional council rules (which may be stricter than the label), and conditions such as wind direction that could cause drift into the water.

What is the 'tank mixing order' for preparing a spray solution?

Answer: Half fill with water, add wettable powders or flowables first, then emulsifiable concentrates, top up with water

The standard mixing order — half fill, add products in the correct sequence (typically wettable powders before emulsifiable concentrates), then top up — ensures proper dispersion and compatibility.

Under NZ law, who is responsible for providing PPE to workers handling agrichemicals?

Answer: The employer or PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the employer or PCBU is legally required to provide appropriate PPE at no cost to workers who are exposed to hazardous substances.

What is the maximum allowable variation in output between nozzles on the same boom?

Answer: Typically no more than 5-10% variation between nozzles — nozzles outside this range should be replaced

A maximum 5-10% variation between nozzles is the standard acceptable tolerance. Greater variation leads to uneven application, with some areas under- or over-treated.

According to NZ Growsafe training, what is the first step you should take before using any agrichemical?

Answer: Read the product label and SDS

The first step before using any agrichemical is always to read the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to understand the hazards, required PPE, application rates, and safety precautions.

Why is it important to avoid preparing more spray mixture than you need for a job?

Answer: Leftover spray mixture is difficult and restricted to dispose of legally

Leftover spray mixture cannot legally be poured down drains or onto bare ground; excess must be managed according to label directions, so preparing only what is needed avoids this problem.

What precaution should be taken to protect bees when applying insecticides to flowering crops?

Answer: Apply in the late evening or early morning when bees are not foraging, and notify local beekeepers in advance

Applying when bees are not actively foraging (early morning or late evening) and notifying local beekeepers allows them to manage their hives reduces the risk of bee mortality.

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

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.

According to NZ Growsafe standards, what is the minimum PPE required when handling concentrate agrichemicals?

Answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, overalls, eye protection, and appropriate respirator

When handling concentrate agrichemicals in NZ, the minimum PPE includes chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls or overalls, eye protection (goggles or face shield), and an appropriate respirator as specified on the product label.

Where is the most appropriate place to mix and load agrichemicals on a NZ farm?

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.

What type of respirator is required when using agrichemicals with an inhalation hazard?

Answer: The type specified on the product label — typically an organic vapour respirator for liquid products or a P2 filter for dusts

The product label specifies the type of respiratory protection required. Organic vapour respirators filter vapours and gases, while P2 or P3 filters protect against dusts and particulates.

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

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.

What does the term 'application rate' mean on a NZ agrichemical product label?

Answer: The amount of product to be applied per unit area (e.g., litres per hectare)

The application rate specifies the amount of product (or active ingredient) to apply per unit area — typically expressed as litres per hectare (L/ha) or kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) in New Zealand.

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

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.

What is a 'pre-harvest interval' (PHI) and why is it legally important?

Answer: The minimum time that must elapse between applying an agrichemical and harvesting the crop, ensuring residues fall within legal limits

The pre-harvest interval ensures that agrichemical residues in harvested produce fall within Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Failing to observe the PHI can result in produce exceeding legal residue limits.

What is the correct order for removing contaminated PPE after agrichemical application?

Answer: Gloves last — remove outwear first while gloves protect your hands

Gloves should be removed last because they protect your hands from contamination while you remove other items of PPE. Removing gloves first would expose your hands to contaminated surfaces.

What is a 'no-spray zone' in NZ agrichemical application?

Answer: An area where agrichemical application is prohibited, such as near waterways, dwellings, or sensitive areas

No-spray zones are designated areas in NZ where agrichemical application is prohibited to protect sensitive environments, waterways, neighbouring properties, schools, and public spaces.

What is 'runoff' in the context of agrichemical contamination?

Answer: The flow of water across treated soil or plant surfaces carrying dissolved or suspended agrichemical into waterways

Runoff occurs when rainfall or irrigation causes water to flow across treated surfaces, carrying agrichemicals into drains, streams, and other waterways.

What is the correct first aid for skin contamination with agrichemical in a NZ workplace?

Answer: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes

For skin contamination, remove all contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists or the product is highly toxic.

What is the NZ requirement for ventilation in an agrichemical storage area?

Answer: Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation to prevent buildup of toxic vapours

NZ regulations require adequate ventilation in agrichemical stores — either natural cross-ventilation through vents or mechanical ventilation — to prevent the buildup of toxic vapours that could harm anyone entering the store.