Agrichemical Storage

Agrichemical Storage

Physical requirements

The store must be structurally sound and kept under lock and key.

There must be a good (natural or artificial) lighting source so product labels can be easily read. There must also be sufficient, constant ventilation of fresh air, to avoid a build-up of harmful vapors.

Shelving must be made of non-absorbent material (plastic-covered shelving is still acceptable as long as it is in a good state of repair and non-absorbent).

The store has fire protection, nearby water supply, fire extinguishers, moisture and heat control. 

The store is able to hold all types and amounts of agrichemicals.

The store meets territorial authority (regional and district plans) requirements and building consent if applicable.

Product requirements

The products must be stored according to the label storage requirements.  

Keep only agrichemicals in the store (or in a separate air space from anything else in the store).

Ensure that liquids are always stored below powders in the store and products are grouped together by type.

Check that products are in their original packaging. In case of breakage, ensure any replacement packaging is labelled.

Keep all products used on other crops clearly labelled and separated in the store. If multiple crops are sprayed, make sure the products are separated and labelled in the store so it is clear which products are allowed for use on each crop.

The store must be constructed (or individual products bundled) so as to retain 110 per cent of the largest stored liquid.

Obsolete agrichemicals are identified, stored and disposed of via approved channels. 

There is a current SDS for each product stored (no older than 5-years).

Maintaining Accurate Inventory Records

There are three main things you need to do:

  • have an inventory of all the hazardous substances used, handled, manufactured or stored at your workplace

  • keep it up-to-date

  • make sure it is available to emergency services workers.

Click here for more information on the WORKSAFE requirements for managing Inventory.

Access & Signage

Access to the store must be restricted to those appropriately trained (i.e. GROWSAFE® accredited).

Storage sheds must comply with all legislative requirements, especially in regards to the display of signage- as a minimum "HAZCHEM 2WE agrichemicals" and "No Smoking" signs. 

The Management System Owner (MSO) must know the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO Act) classification of products stored, to ensure the appropriate signage is used.

An up-to-date inventory for the store must be available - one copy for the store and one kept elsewhere. Update this monthly.

Health & Safety requirements

Accident and emergency procedures must be visually displayed within 10m of the spray shed, and mixing and filling areas. Anyone coming onto the site must be made aware of these.  More information on emergency plans can be found on the WORKSAFE site.

Keep a source of clean water, accident and emergency procedures, and a first aid kit within 10m of the plant protection product store.

You must keep and maintain a Spill Kit.  Basic Spill Kit Contents include:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - gloves, overalls, overshoes, safety goggles

  • Absorbent materials (paper towels, spill pads, spill socks)

  • Disposal bags with tapes or twist ties

  • Dustpan and polypropylene broom  

  • Container for Waste that can be sealed

A first aid kit must be accessible when any activities are being carried out on the orchard.  

It is mandatory to offer Health monitoring for workers who are exposed to significant volumes of agrichemicals or other hazardous substances.  More information on health monitoring can be found on the WORKSAFE site.

NOTE:

For more details, including all principles and criteria, please refer to the “Am I Ready?” checklist