Turf Management

The chemicals you use for managing turf are now controlled by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, which replaces previous laws such as the Dangerous Goods Act 1974, the Pesticides Act 1979, and the Toxic Substances Act 1979.

As someone responsible for the maintenance of turf, these are some of the typical groups of chemicals that you might use.

Fungicides
such as Benomyl and Mancozeb
Herbicides
such as Amitrole and Oxadiazon
Insecticides
such as Carbaryl and Diazinon

If you want to continue using some of these chemicals, the law may require you to have the right Test Certificates.

Location Test Certificates

You will need a Location Test Certificate if you are using and/or storing particular chemicals above certain minimum quantities. As a general rule, if you hold a Dangerous Goods Licence for your premises you will probably need a Location Test Certificate.

For more information about obtaining Location Test Certificates, please refer to the Quick Guide - Location Test Certificates

Approved Handlers

Some chemicals used in turf management can cause harm when inhaled, others can damage your skin or eyes. An Approved Handler must make sure that certain chemicals are handled safely, that they do not harm people, nor damage the environment.

The table below shows which commonly used chemicals will need an Approved Handler. Not all chemicals require Approved Handlers and not all employees handling chemicals have to be Approved Handlers, as long as they are working under the guidance of an Approved Handler. However, spray contractors will need to be Approved Handlers for most chemicals.

For more information about obtaining an Approved Handler Certificate

How to get Test Certificates

You can obtain your certificates from a Test Certifier. To find your nearest Test Certifier, check the register or call ERMA New Zealand for a list of Test Certifiers to be posted to you.

Tracked chemicals

The most hazardous chemicals need tracking, and you will need an Approved Handler in order to use them. To buy them your supplier will need to confirm you have an Approved Handler, and a Location Test Certificate if needed. The table at the end shows some of the chemicals that are tracked.

When do I need to have all my certificates?

For fuels, if you need Location Test Certificates and/or Approved Handlers they will be needed following a timetable starting in October 2004. If you already hold a Dangerous Goods Licence, ERMA New Zealand will contact you to let you know what you have to do.

Key dates for pesticide Approved Handler requirements

1 January 2005

You will need to be an Approved Handler by this date

31 December 2006

You will be deemed to be an Approved Handler until 31 December 2006 if you have two years consecutive and recent experience using pesticides under the old regulations. You will not need to actually prove anything to achieve this status, but may subsequently be asked to do so by an enforcement officer

1 January 2007

You will need to become a full Approved Handler by this date, which will require you to demonstrate an understanding of the new HSNO legislation and your experience

If the chemical is not tracked and you cannot meet the date required, you may submit a plan to ERMA New Zealand for their approval, providing a date by when you will comply. For more information refer to Guidelines for submitting an Implementation Plan

At a glance

You may recognise some of the chemicals you use in this table. This is a list only of the most commonly used chemicals. There are others that are not listed here.

Turf Management Test Certificates
Chemical Name Location Approved Handler Tracking
Pasture-Kleen Herbicide, Relay, Thistle Killem, Agrichem 2,4-D No Yes No
Hortcare Chlorpyrifos 480EC, Chlorfos 480 Yes* Yes Yes
Lorbsan 50 EC Insecticide, Chlorpyrifos 48 EC, Dursban NF Insecticide, Jolyn CHLOR-P 480 EC, Pyrinex 480 EC Insecticide No Yes Yes
Diazinon 800 EC No Yes Yes
Diazinon 800 Yes* Yes Yes
Roundup Renew, Glyphosate Weed Killer, Glyphosate 360 Herbicide, Jolyn G360, Agrichem Glyphosate, etc. # No No No
Renovate Gorsekiller, Renovate, Victory, Grazon, Scrubcutter, Brush Off No Yes No

# No Glyphosate products currently on the market require Tracking, an Approved Handler, or a Location Certificate. For this reason not all trade names have been listed in this table.

* For containers larger than 5 litres you can store 500 litres in total, and for containers that are 5 litres or less you can store 1,500 litres in total before requiring a Location Test Certificate.

Note: If you have more than one chemical that requires a Location Test Certificate it is the total quantity of all those chemcials that will determine whether a Test Certificate is needed. Please contact a Test Certifiers for advice.

What must I do now?

Not all the chemicals you use may be listed. Please be aware that all agrichemicals and other hazardous chemicals are controlled by the HSNO Act, although some will be transferred at a later date. You should:

  • Check your pesticides and other chemicals to see if they include any of the hazardous chemicals listed
  • Identify and obtain Test Certificates for Locations and/or Approved Handlers for those chemicals that require them
  • Contact a Test Certifier if you have any queries about what is required for a particular chemical

Further information

You can contact a hazardous substance enforcement officer, normally Department of Labour Workplace Group (Occupational Safety and Health Service), in your district.

There are also regional consultants for hazardous substances who can offer independent advice. Refer to:

ERMA New Zealand
PO Box 131, Wellington
Tel: 04 916 2426 or 0800 376 234

Email: hsinfo@ermanz.govt.nz