AG-004 · Free microlearning

Agrichemicals & Hazardous Substances

Awareness learning for people who work with or around agrichemicals, fuels, cleaning products and other hazardous substances in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture.

What you will learn

  • why labels, safety data sheets and inventories matter
  • how exposure can occur and how risks should be controlled
  • why storage, segregation and container labelling matter
  • what to consider before mixing, using or cleaning up substances
  • how emergency planning supports safe response.
This is awareness learning. It does not certify a learner to handle every agrichemical or replace substance-specific legal requirements, training, authorisation, label directions or SDS instructions.
Lesson 2

Know what hazardous substances are on site

PCBUs need an up-to-date inventory of hazardous substances used, handled, manufactured or stored at each workplace they manage or control.

  • include the substance name and UN number where available
  • record the maximum amount likely to be present and its location
  • include relevant storage and segregation requirements
  • include hazardous waste
  • keep the current SDS or condensed key information with the inventory
  • make the inventory readily accessible to emergency services.
You cannot manage an unknown chemical stock. An inventory is a working safety control, not just paperwork.
Lesson 3

Labels and safety data sheets

Labels identify hazards and essential controls. SDSs give more detailed information for safe handling and emergency response.

  • read the label before use and follow its directions
  • make sure containers remain correctly and legibly labelled
  • if a hazardous substance is transferred to another container, make sure the new container is appropriately labelled as required
  • know where SDSs are kept and be able to access them quickly
  • use the SDS to understand hazards, PPE, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and spill/fire response
  • workers need information and training when hazardous substances or relevant SDS information changes.
Lesson 4

Control exposure — do not start with PPE alone

People may be exposed by breathing vapour, mist or dust, skin/eye contact, swallowing contamination, injection or other task-specific routes.

  • first consider whether the hazardous substance or exposure can be eliminated
  • where elimination is not reasonably practicable, minimise exposure using effective controls
  • use safer products, enclosed/automated methods, ventilation, separation and safe work methods where appropriate
  • use PPE selected for the actual substance and task as required by the SDS, label and risk assessment
  • maintain, clean, store and replace PPE so it remains effective
  • wash hands and prevent contamination of food, drink, vehicles, homes and clean areas.
PPE is one layer. Gloves or a respirator do not make an otherwise uncontrolled chemical task automatically safe.
Lesson 5

Storage, mixing and use

  • store substances in accordance with their label, SDS and applicable legal requirements
  • keep incompatible substances separated where required
  • control ignition sources around flammable substances
  • keep hazardous substances secured from unauthorised access where required
  • measure, mix and apply only in accordance with the product instructions and workplace procedure
  • never improvise by using food/drink containers for hazardous substances
  • some substances, quantities or activities trigger additional controls, certification or competency requirements.

Use WorkSafe's hazardous substances calculator and current regulatory information to determine controls for the actual substances and quantities at your workplace.

Lesson 6

Spills, exposure and emergency readiness

  • know the farm/workplace emergency procedures before an incident happens
  • make SDSs and the hazardous-substance inventory accessible for workers and emergency responders
  • have suitable spill equipment and emergency facilities for the substances present
  • if a spill or exposure occurs, protect people first and follow the SDS and emergency plan
  • do not attempt a clean-up that exceeds your training, equipment or safe capability
  • some workplaces/substance quantities require a written emergency response plan and other prescribed controls.
Do not guess during chemical exposure. Identify the substance safely, use the label/SDS and follow the emergency procedure. Escalate when the incident cannot be managed safely.
Lesson 7

Stop · Think · Act

Scenario: You find an unlabelled container of liquid beside the chemical store. A co-worker thinks it is leftover spray mix and suggests pouring it into the sprayer.

What is the best response?

Lesson 8

Knowledge check

Answer all four correctly to complete this awareness module.

1. What is the purpose of a hazardous-substances inventory?

2. Where should you look for substance-specific first-aid, storage and spill information?

3. Which approach best reflects risk management?

4. What does AG-004 completion demonstrate?