Performance Standard for Issuing Approved
Handler Test Certificates for Agrichemicals
For test certifiers
August 2013
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
2
Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Preface
This standard is one of a series published by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to assist test
certifiers in their certification work. The EPA expects all test certifiers to operate in accordance with this
standard.
The performance of test certifiers will be audited against this standard, as will any complaint made against a
test certifier. If through auditing and/or investigation of complaints it is found that test certifiers are not
performing their functions in accordance with this standard the EPA may amend or cancel the test certifier’s
approval in accordance with its powers under the HSNO Act.
The purpose of this performance standard is to clarify:

the process a test certifier must follow when assessing an applicant’s competency for approved handler
test certification for agrichemicals, and

the content and format of agrichemicals approved handler test certificates.
As a test certifier, you must be knowledgeable on the HSNO regulations, relevant codes of practice and
guidance material published by the EPA and enforcement agencies.
A code of practice is a document of formal standing under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms
Act (the Act), and has to be approved by the EPA. Compliance with an approved code of practice is a
means of compliance and a defence in law.
A guideline document has no formal standing under the Act.
The EPA previously issued a test certifier guideline on the content and format of approved handler test
certificates (agrichemical module) in 2008. This standard replaces that guideline.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Introduction
When issuing an approved handler test certificate for agrichemicals, the test certifier is verifying that the
applicant is competent to handle agrichemicals of the type, and in the lifecycle phases, reflected in the test
certificate. Operating in accordance with this standard will ensure that assessments are made to a high
standard and in a consistent manner.
The test certifier’s role is to make a formal assessment of an applicant’s knowledge and practical experience
handling agrichemicals. The criteria for this assessment are stipulated in regulation 5 of the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001. Only when an applicant has
been assessed as meeting the requirements of regulation 5 may an approved handler test certificate be
issued.
Part 1 of this performance standard sets out the EPA’s expectations of a test certifier when issuing an
approved handler test certificate. Wherever possible, test certifiers should assess applicants against
established criteria. The criteria may be codes of practice or guidance material provided by the EPA and/or
other regulatory agencies. An example of such guidance material is the assessment forms developed for
approved handler test certification available on the EPA website1.
Test certifiers must, in the first instance, follow legislative requirements (the Acts, regulations) when issuing
test certificates. Where the legislation is silent on certain matters, due to the non-prescriptive nature of the
legislation, codes of practice or guidance material should be followed.
Test certificate format and content is discussed in Part 2 of this performance standard. Consistent and
comprehensive test certificates simplify the task of agrichemical suppliers, enforcement officers and others
who have to validate that a person is an approved handler for the substances and lifecycle phases specified
on the test certificate.
This performance standard has been developed:

to set out the EPA’s expectation that a test certifier shall assess an applicant, and issue an approved
handler test certificate in accordance with this performance standard

to set out the standards that the test certifier must follow

to set out the EPA’s expectation that a test certifier must enter certificates issued into the test certificate
register

to clarify the content, wording and format of approved handler test certificates to ensure uniformity and
comprehensibility

to provide certainty around the meaning of types/classes of substances, lifecycle phases, special
conditions or limitations recorded on test certificates, and

to clarify that in addition to an approved handler test certificate, there are certain agrichemicals that
trigger a requirement to have a controlled substance licence (CSL).
1
Electronic links are available in Appendix 1
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
This performance standard sets out the expectations of the EPA of test certifiers in assessing both the level
of competency of approved handlers of agrichemicals, and the content and format of approved handler test
certificates for agrichemicals.
If an applicant requires an approved handler certificate that covers other types of hazardous substances,
then the test certifier should refer to the performance standard for issuing approved handler test certificates
for classes 2 to 5, 6, 8 and 9 substances (June 2013).
Refer to the glossary for an explanation of the terms used within this performance standard.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Part 1: Standard of the assessment for approved handlers
Before issuing an approved handler test certificate, the test certifier must be satisfied that the applicant has
met the requirements of regulation 5, Qualifications for approved handlers, of the Hazardous Substances
and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001. Regulation 5 requires that the applicant
demonstrates knowledge of HSNO and related controls for the agrichemical the applicant intends to be an
approved handler for. Regulation 5 says:
(1)
Before being appointed as an approved handler, a person must know and be able to describe the
following matters:
(a)
the hazard classifications of those hazardous substances for which he or she is to be an
approved handler:
(b)
the adverse effects that could be caused by each of those substances:
(c)
the controls that are imposed under the Act in respect of those substances:
(d)
his or her obligations and liabilities under the Act as an approved handler, including—
(e)
(i)
the purpose and principles of the Act; and
(ii)
the offence and defence provisions of the Act; and
(iii)
the penalties and liabilities imposed by the Act; and
(iv)
the effect of a compliance order:
which regulations apply in respect of those substances, and where those regulations can be
obtained:
(f)
any conditions of his or her test certificate as an approved handler:
(g)
if regulations require a person handling a hazardous substance to comply with a code of
practice approved by the Authority, that code of practice:
(h)
the precautions required to prevent injury to a person or damage to the environment by any
of those substances:
(i)
(2)
the procedures to adopt in an emergency involving those substances.
The person must also know and be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the operating
equipment (including protective clothing and equipment) necessary to manage those hazardous
substances for which he or she is to be an approved handler.
Regulation 5(3) sets out the “sufficient evidence” on which a test certifier may decide to issue a test
certificate to an approved handler, notably:
(3)
A written record that—
(a)
is signed by the provider of a course of instruction or a work supervisor; and
(b)
describes the method used to assess a person’s knowledge and practical skills and the
results of that assessment—
is sufficient evidence on which a test certifier may decide whether or not to issue a test certificate
as an approved handler to that person.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Precise details on the level of competency, standard of training or duration of previous practical experience
required are not specified in the regulations. Because there are no ‘minimum entry’ requirements which has
caused variability in the quality of applicants issued with an approved handler test certificate. Therefore, to
ensure consistency in the application of regulation 5, codes of practice and guidance material have been
developed to provide clarification on acceptable standards and best practice.
Of relevance to the issue of approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals is the New Zealand
Standard Management of Agrichemicals (NZS8409:2004) (HSNOCOP 3) and the EPA Approved Handler
Assessment Forms which provide guidance on the assessment of applicants.
Preliminary assessment of the applicant
Prior to undertaking an assessment of an applicant, the test certifier should determine the nature of the
activities that the applicant undertakes. In particular the test certifier should determine if the applicant:
 is involved in the widely dispersed land based application of agrichemicals on a regular basis, for
example, a commercial contractor who applies insecticides to crops
 is involved in the application of many different types of agrichemicals, e.g. fumigants, herbicides and
insecticides
 uses specialised equipment for the wide dispersal of agrichemicals, e.g. mistblower, boom or band
spraying, or
 is involved in the application of agrichemicals in public areas, roadside or railway verges.
The EPA expects that approved handlers should have qualifications/experience commensurate with the
scale and risks associated with their use of agrichemicals. The test certifier assessment should address the
applicant’s level of competence relevant to the applicant’s actual use of agrichemicals and the associated
risk to the environment and/or health of people.
Assessment standards that must be followed
A test certifier should only issue an approved handler test certificate for agrichemicals if the applicant has
met the requirements of Regulation 5.
These requirements can be met by the applicant providing evidence of the following:
 an appropriate qualification that includes instruction on HSNO (e.g. NZQA unit standards/National
Certificate)
 knowledge of the relevant code of practice, such as the New Zealand Standard Management of
Agrichemicals (NZS8409:2004) (HSNOCOP 3), and
 relevant practical experience.
Agrichemicals are limited to the definition in NZS 8409:2004, they do not, for example, include petrol or
aviation gasoline. A test certifier must have an additional approval for substances that are not agrichemicals.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Making use of the NZQA unit standards
An applicant that has completed a formal training programme and assessment, such as that offered through
the NZQA framework, can readily demonstrate their knowledge and competency in an application to a test
certifier. There are a range of unit standards that can be completed by the applicant at a level that relates to
their actual agrichemical use and practices. For the test certifier assessment process, recognition of the
applicant’s knowledge, evidenced by a NZQA qualification, should be very straightforward.
For example, a farm hand who applies agrichemicals has completed an industry training course that included
NZQA unit standards on HSNO (NZQA 21563) and the application of agrichemicals using hand held
equipment (NZQA 27215). The supervisor has completed the EPA assessment form to validate the
applicant’s working knowledge and practical skills. The completion of the NZQA unit standards and the
supervisor validation provides evidence to the test certifier that the applicant has sufficient knowledge and
experience relative to their practical use of agrichemicals.
In contrast, a commercial contractor typically applies agrichemicals on a daily basis using specialised
equipment over a wide geographic area. Because of the nature of application and the frequency of which the
applicant would apply agrichemicals there is a greater risk of an adverse impact on the environment and/or
the health of people. Therefore, the EPA would expect that the test certifier would assess that the applicant
has advanced knowledge and practical experience in the broad scale application of agrichemicals. Where
the applicant has obtained the National Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) or equivalent,
coupled with evidence of substantive practical experience (i.e. >200 hours), this would provide evidence to
the test certifier of the applicants advanced knowledge and experience relative to their practical use of
agrichemicals. This level of knowledge and practical experience is typically a requirement of regional plans
for the widespread application of agrichemicals (i.e. not using handheld appliances) and application of
agrichemicals on public land.
Chart 1 illustrates the decision path test certifiers should follow when assessing an applicant’s approved
handler application of agrichemicals.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
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EPA guidance documents
The EPA Approved Handler Assessment Forms for test certifiers set out a standard level of competency to
be demonstrated by the applicant before they can be eligible for approved handler status. These forms are a
practical guide to the requirements of regulation 5 and, when completed, are considered by the EPA to
represent a best practice assessment of an applicant against those requirements.
The forms require evidence as outlined below.
Form 1 validates an applicant’s ability to know and describe their legal obligations and liabilities, the hazard
classifications, which regulations apply and the controls imposed under the Act for those substances, as well
as any conditions on the Approved Handler test certificate. A training provider would be expected to
complete this form.
Form 2 validates an applicant’s ability to know and describe the adverse effects, precautions to avoid injury
or damage, and emergency procedures for agrichemicals. This form could be completed by a training
provider or a work supervisor.
An applicant that is self employed, and has not completed a training course, will need to be assessed using
the forms by a person (for example, a previous employer), who knows their competence at handling
agrichemicals. The relationship of the person providing the assessment, and how the assessment was
performed, will need to be provided to the Test Certifier in order for the Test Certifier to make a judgement on
the acceptability of the assessment.
Form 3 validates an applicant’s working knowledge and practical skills in operating equipment, including
protective clothing and equipment, used to handle agrichemicals. This would normally be completed by a
work supervisor.
The EPA Approved Handler Assessment Forms and guidance documents are available on the EPA website.
Electronic links are available in Appendix 1.
Renewing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
When renewing an approved handler test certificate for agrichemicals the test certifier must:
 assess the candidate against the regulatory matters described on the approved handler renewal page on
the EPA website and complete the renewal assessment form, available on the EPA website, and
 evaluate the candidate’s previous experience and proficiency in using agrichemicals while the holder of
an approved handler test certificate.
The test certifier must evaluate the applicants previous experience and proficiency to handle agrichemicals
and require the candidate to provide evidence of his/her experience in handling these in the previous five
years.
Approved handler test certificates need to be renewed every five years. An electronic link to the renewals
page is available in Appendix 1.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
When renewing an approved handler test certificate for agrichemicals, the test certifier must describe how
they assessed the applicant’s knowledge of changes relating to the substances they are seeking a renewal
for, including changes to:
 HSNO and any relevant regulations made under HSNO
 codes of practice used in the industry, and
 work practices relating to handling agrichemicals.
The applicant must also be aware of any changes in controls relevant to their approvals (e.g. changes that
have come about from the reassessment of substances).
If the applicant is the principal commercial contractor or supervisor of persons that apply widely dispersed
agrichemicals then evidence of the applicants knowledge of changes could be meet by maintaining a
Registered Chemical Applicator certification.
If the applicant wants to add substances, lifecycle stages or new conditions to their certificate, they must
apply for an upgrade to their approved handler certificate. The test certifier must assess the applicant’s
practical competencies and HSNO knowledge for the additional lifecycle stages, substances or conditions to
the same standard for issuing the original certificate. Information for adding a lifecycle stage or substances to
a renewal can be found on the EPA website.
Approved handler and controlled substance licence requirements for
fumigants
All fumigants require a person to have a Controlled Substance Licence (CSL). This includes fumigants that
are used in an agricultural context.
Table 1: Fumigants that could be used in an agricultural context
Fumigants
1,3-dichloropropene
1,3-dichloropropene & chloropicrin
Chloropicrin
Hydrocyanic acid
Methyl bromide
Phosphine
Aluminium phosphide
Magnesium phosphide
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Controlled Substances Licences (CSL) are issued by the EPA under section 95B of HSNO. To be eligible for
a CSL, the applicant must have an approved handler test certificate issued in accordance with this standard.
Information about the CSL application process can be found on the EPA website.
Any special conditions related to the fumigants must be included on the approved handler test certificate as
these are not recorded on the CSL card. Approved handler test certificates must therefore be consistent,
clear and concise in relation to the conditions imposed.
An example of an approved handler certificate that includes an approval for a fumigant is in Appendix 2.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Part 2: Information requirements for a test certificate
(regulation 4)
Test certifiers must ensure that every approved handler test certificate for agrichemicals they issue
accurately reflects the knowledge and competencies of the approved handler in relation to substances,
lifecycles and equipment. Documentary evidence of all decision pathways and assessment material used
by the test certifier during the assessment of the approved handler must be recorded kept on file by the test
certifier for the life of the certificate.
Information to be recorded on a test certificate
There is a legal requirement to provide personal details of the approved handler on the approved handler
test certificate. Regulation 4(2) of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications)
states:
“A test certificate as an approved handler must state the name of the approved handler, and his or her
residential and work contact information (such as a street address and telephone number).”
Test certifiers must record all information required by HSNO and regulations 4 and 5 on the test certificate.
Test certifiers have no discretion to omit information from a test certificate.
Document identifier and type
The certificate must be identified as an approved handler test certificate.
Identifying the Act and regulations
An approved handler test certificate is a legal document issued pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996. The
certificate must identify the section of the Act and the regulations under which the certificate is issued. The
certificate must state that it is issued:
 under Section 82 of HSNO, and
 in accordance with Regulation 5 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel
Qualifications) Regulations 2001.
Certificate number
A certificate number must be recorded. The certificate number must consist of the test certifier’s approval
number (prefix) plus a unique identifier (suffix)2. For example, 100999-001 where 100999 is the test certifier’s
approval number and 001 is the unique identifier. When renewing a test certificate, the certificate number
must still be unique.
2
The unique identifier may be alpha numeric and have a maximum of 8 digits
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Contact details
The following contact details of the applicant being issued the test certificate must be recorded on a
certificate:
 Surname
 Forename/Christian name
 Residential contact information (provide the street address and telephone number as a minimum)3
 Work contact information (provide the company/organisation name, street address and telephone number
as a minimum)4, and
 Date of birth (to verify the identity of the approved handler).
Hazardous substance categories and classifications
The requirement to record certain information on an approved handler test certificate is given in regulation 4
of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations. Regulation 4(1)
requires the following information to be included:
 hazardous substances, or a combination of hazardous substances, or
 hazardous substances with one or more hazard classification.
The test certificate must record the type of hazardous substance (i.e. Agrichemical) and the hazard
classification(s) of the substance(s) for which the approved handler has been assessed. Examples include:
Agrichemicals – Class 3.1A,B
Agrichemicals – Class 6.1A,B,C
Agrichemicals – Class 6.7A
Agrichemicals – Class 8.2A
Agrichemicals – Class 9.1A
It is likely that the approved handler will have been assessed for a variety of classes/subclasses of
hazardous substances. You must ensure that all classes/subclasses are listed.
For example: Agrichemicals –Classes 6.1A, B, C, 6.7A, 9.1A
When the term “Agrichemicals” is used, the following definition must be printed on the test certificate:
“Agrichemicals” has the meaning given in the latest version of NZS 8409 and includes agricultural
compounds, veterinary medicines, fumigants, detergents and sanitisers used in an agricultural
context”.
3
Regulation 4(2) of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations states: A
test certificate as an approved handler must state the name of the approved handler, and his or her residential and work
contact information (such as a street address and telephone number). The inclusion of the street address and telephone
number of the approved handler is considered best practice, and therefore is a requirement of this performance
standard.
4
Regulation 4(2) also requires “work contact information”. Section 82A (f) (ii) requires: the name and address of the
person’s place of work.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Lifecycle phase(s)
One or more phases of the lifecycle must appear on the test certificate. Only the following lifecycle phases
are to be used:
 Manufacture
 Transport (Bulk)
 Storage
 Use, and
 Disposal
An approved handler who has “use” may also require “disposal” as there may be times when the person has
to dispose of unused and unwanted product or empty containers, etc. Refer to the section below headed
“Lifecycles Defined” for the lifecycle phases to use.
Standard conditions
The following standard conditions must appear on all approved handler test certificates:
 The test certificate must be produced at the request of an enforcement officer appointed under the HSNO
Act 1996, and
 Unless surrendered or revoked beforehand, the certificate shall remain in force until (expiry date
dd/mm/yyyy) and may be renewed thereafter by an authorised test certifier.
Special conditions
A test certifier shouldimpose conditions or limitations on the approved handler to reflect the applicant’s
knowledge and competency using specific agrichemicals or equipment for which the test certificate is being
issued. Special conditions remove doubt and ensure that an approved handler test certificate reflects the
substances and the evaluated skill level of the handler. Limitations can be placed on industry types, specific
equipment and types of use. For example,

a crop farmer who has been assessed in the use of pesticides only, will require a limitation under the
Special Conditions noting the restriction of the test certificate to crop pesticides.

an approved handlers skill and competence in the lifecycle phase “manufacture” must be reflected as a
special condition (see “manufacture” in the “Lifecycles defined” section below).
Examples of special conditions that may be placed on agrichemical approved handler test certificates are:
 Limited to handlers in the [insert type of industry]
 Limited to handlers using [insert type of equipment]
 Limited to “on farm” or minor storage
 Excludes substances used in an Urban Pest Management context
 Excludes fumigants used in an agricultural context, and
 Excludes veterinary medicines.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Issue date
The issue date of the test certificate must be recorded in date/month/year (dd/mm/yyyy) format.
Expiry date
The expiry date of the test certificate must be recorded in date/month/year (dd/mm/yyyy) format. The expiry
date must be five years from the issue date.
Test certifier identification
The test certifier’s name and registration (approval) number given on the test certifier’s Approval Certificate
must be recorded on the approved handler test certificate.
Test certifier signature
The test certifier’s signature must appear on the test certificate. This signature must be the standard
signature used by the test certifier, not an abbreviated form or their initials. The test certificate is a legal
document and there will be times when its authenticity needs to be validated. The test certifier’s signature is
an important means of doing this.
Optional
The test certifier may print additional information on a test certificate such as the test certifiers company logo
and contact details.
IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances shall the EPA logo be included on a test certificate, or any reference
made to the EPA that implies endorsement of the test certificate.
Renewals
When renewing an approved handler certificate for agrichemicals the new certificate must have the following:
 the details of the test certifier who renewed the certificate and not that of the test certifier who issued the
original test certificate
 a new, unique certificate number5, and
 the renewal date.
Examples
Three examples of approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals and their corresponding test
certificates are provided in Appendix 2. These illustrate the approved handler test certificate format and
content for different scenarios.
5
This can be achieved by changing the suffix on a renewed certificate, for example, 100999-001a
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Record keeping
Before issuing a test certificate, the test certifier must sight documentary evidence, such as the record of
learning, log books, and other relevant material, and be satisfied that the applicant has met the requirements
of a code of practice or guidance material where these are available. Test certifiers must maintain records of
their decisions, and should follow the Performance Standard for Record Keeping for Test Certifiers
(EPA0019; August 2012). This standard includes a description of the type of records that must be kept when
issuing an approved handler test certificate.
The completion of the relevant EPA approved handler assessment forms is an important quality assurance
step that must be taken prior to issuing a test certificate. A copy of the completed assessment forms for
each certificate issued must be kept by the test certifier for the term of the certificate issued and be
accessible for audits.
Recording of information in the EPA test certificate register
All certificates issued must be recorded in the EPA test certificate register. This must be done within one
month of the date of issue of the certificate. The Test Certifier Register User Manual, available on the test
certifier secure page, provides instructions on entering information into the register.
Printing a certificate from the test certificate register
The test certificate register template for approved handler includes all the information to be recorded on a
certificate as recorded in this performance standard. The template has the mandatory fields, standard
conditions and the correct formatting for dates. To ensure consistent quality of printed certificates, it is
considered best practice for test certifier to use the printing functionality of the test certificate register.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Lifecycles Defined
A lifecycle phase may only be added to a test certificate after the test certifier has thoroughly assessed the
applicant’s skill, knowledge and competency in that phase of the lifecycle.
Only lifecycle phase(s) listed below may be added on an approved handler test certificate.
 Manufacture
 Transport
 Storage
 Use, and
 Disposal
The permitted lifecycles are defined below:
Manufacture
 the handling or control of a substance or substances being mixed, blended or reacted together to produce
an agrichemical. It will include the packing of a finished product where this is the final stage of the
manufacturing process
 where an agrichemical is used in a manufacturing process to produce another substance (whether
hazardous or not) or a manufactured article, and
 the repackaging of an agrichemical in which an individual package is open and the agrichemical is
exposed, for example opening a 200 litre drum of an agrichemical and decanting it into smaller
containers.
Any test certificate with manufacture listed as a lifecycle phase must have a special condition that explains
precisely what activity the holder is permitted to undertake under that life cycle.
An example of a special condition related to manufacture is related to the blending and formulation of other
agrichemicals.
Transport (Bulk)
Only add transport to the test certificate if the applicant is handling or in control of an agrichemical being
transported by road, rail, sea or air in bulk. This is a specialist area.
Storage
 handling packaged agrichemicals held in a workroom, store or warehouse prior to sale, use, manufacture
or disposal. The individual packages would normally be closed, but will include the separation of
packages from a bulk consignment and repackaging into different containers. It does not include the repackaging of an agrichemical in which an individual package is open and there is potential for a person to
be exposed (this is Manufacture)
 the loading and unloading of agrichemicals from vehicles, and
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
 the transfer of agrichemicals into and out of a bulk store or storage tank prior to sale or disposal. It would
include the transfer of the agrichemical to a bulk vehicle or container for despatch but not to a
manufacturing process or other use.
Differentiation between the assessment of the approved handler’s knowledge and previous practical
experience, in relation to minor storage (on farm) or warehouse storage (retailer stores, suppliers
warehouses) should be reflected in the special conditions on the test certificate. As an example, should a
farmer seek approved handler status for agrichemicals in the use, storage and disposal lifecycles, and that
farmer’s knowledge and previous practical experience was assessed by the test certifier in relation to “on
farm” activities, then the storage lifecycle should be limited to reflect this. In this case the limitation must then
read “Limited to”, “on farm”, or “minor storage”.
Use
 when agrichemicals are mixed and applied.
Disposal
 treating agrichemicals in such a way that they are no longer hazardous
 discharging agrichemicals into the environment as waste, and
 exporting agrichemicals as waste from New Zealand.
Checklist
A checklist is provided in this document (Appendix 3) to help you ensure the completeness and accuracy of
the information that you record on a test certificate. This checklist is also available on the test certifier secure
area of the EPA website. The use of a checklist (whether the one provided or an equivalent version) is an
important quality assurance step when issuing a test certificate.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Glossary
For the purposes of this performance standard:
Agrichemical means:
Any substance, whether inorganic or organic, man-made or naturally occurring, modified or in its original
state, that is used in any agriculture, horticulture or related activity, to eradicate, modify or control flora and
fauna. It includes agricultural compounds, but excludes fertilisers, vertebrate pest control products and oral
compounds (NZS 8409).
Commercial contractor means:
Any person or organisation who, by agreement with the owner, occupier or manager of any land or premises,
applies or causes to be applied any agrichemical in an agricultural, horticultural, domestic, commercial,
industrial or related situation for hire or reward. It does not include an owner, occupier, manager or their
employees, using an agrichemical on their property. Reward includes situations where a property owner
sprays another property in return for other work performed on their property, or similar payment in kind.
Fumigant means:
Means a substance, which at a specific temperature and pressure can exist in a gaseous state in sufficient
quantities to be lethal to a pest organism, and which is an approved substance under the HSNO Act.
Training provider means:
Any person or organisation that provides formal instruction to a set curriculum. It is recommended that
courses are accredited to a NZQA Unit standard.
Widely dispersive use means:
The application of a substance using techniques for which there is a potential for increased risk of an effect
to any property, other than the property containing the application area, from the physical movement of a
substance through air at the time of application or soon thereafter. A widely dispersive use includes
agrichemical entering water and leaving a property.
Work supervisor means:
A person in the applicant’s workplace who manages, controls, or oversees the applicant’s work with
agrichemicals. The work supervisor may be:
 The applicant’s manager, employer or supervisor (if that person controls the applicant’s use of
agrichemicals)
 A partner in the company that owns the workplace (if that person controls the applicant’s use of
agrichemicals)
 A person who oversees contract worker’s use of agrichemicals in their place of work, or
 A supervisor of a training course that provides practical tuition and work experience.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Appendix 1 Useful links
Approved handler assessment forms
Assessment forms and guidance notes for test certifiers to use when assessing an approved handler
applicant for the first time. This page includes links to assessment forms and guidance notes for substances
used in urban pest management and the use of fumigants.
http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/certifications/people/approvedhandlers/Pages/Assessment%20forms%20for%20test%20certifiers.aspx
Approved handler test certificate renewal page
Approved handler test certificates need to be renewed every five years. This web page details the process to
be undertaken and the link to the renewal form.
http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/certifications/people/approved-handlers/Pages/renew-ahtc.aspx
Code of practice
Information on the Code of Practice (HSNOCOP 3) for Management of Agrichemicals NZS 8409
http://www.epa.govt.nz/publications-resources/publications/codes-of-practice/Pages/COP3-Agrichem.aspx
Controlled Substance Licence (CSL) information
http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/certifications/csl/Pages/What-is-csl.aspx
NZQA standards
Description on the content of the standards and certificates listed in this document can be found on the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority website. The website also provides contact information for course providers.
http://www.nzqa.org.nz
Test Certifier Performance Standard for Record Keeping
http://www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/Record-Keeping-for-Test-Certifiers.pdf
Tracking
The EPA quick guide to tracking provides information on what substances need to be tracked and the
records that need to be kept.
http://www.epa.govt.nz/Publications/ER-QG-30.pdf
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Appendix 2 Examples of test certificates
To illustrate the information that must be printed on an approved handler test certificate, three scenarios and
their corresponding test certificates are given in Examples 1 to 3. The approved handler test certificates are
for persons handling agrichemicals in different industries and environments. These are hypothetical
situations.
The format or layout of each test certificate is slightly different, but this is not important as these examples
are meant to illustrate the various certificate templates that different test certifiers use. What is important,
however, is the content of each test certificate.
Example 1
The applicant works in the kiwifruit industry. The test certifier received written a record that the applicant
successfully completed NZQA unit standard 21563 and was provided with third party evidence from a works
supervisor that the applicant has working experience using, storing and disposing of a restricted number of
pesticides using a tractor mounted mist blower. The test certifier is satisfied the applicant is competent.
Example 2
The applicant works in a rural retail store. The test certifier has received a written record that the applicant
successfully completed the National Certificate in Agrichemical Supply and was provided with third party
evidence from a work supervisor that the applicant had previous practical experience storing agrichemicals.
The test certifier is satisfied the applicant is competent.
Example 3
The applicant works as a commercial contractor. The test certifier has received written a record that the
applicant has successfully completed the National Certificate in Agrichemical Application and has been
provided with third party evidence (from a training provider) that the applicant has extensive working
experience using, storing and disposing of a wide variety of pesticides, fumigants (in hot houses) and
veterinary medicines using a variety of equipment types. The test certifier is satisfied the applicant is
competent.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Test Certificate Example 1
TEST CERTIFICATE
Approved Handler
Issued pursuant to Section 82 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
Certificate Number: AGRI123
Name: Joe Bloggs
Date Of Birth: 10-06-1965
Residential contact details:
Work contact details:
123 Alpha Road
Te Kuiti
Telephone: (04) 123 4567
Kiwi Suppliers
457 Bravo Street
Te Kuiti
Telephone: 0800 123 456
This certificate is issued in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001.
This certifies that the handler has met the relevant requirements for the substances and lifecycles specified
below:
Substance / Classes
Life Cycles
Agrichemicals – Class 6.7A
Use, storage, disposal
“Agrichemicals” has the meaning given in the latest version of NZS 8409 and includes agricultural
compounds, veterinary medicines, fumigants, detergents and sanitisers used in an agricultural context.
Conditions:
1.
Unless surrendered or revoked beforehand, this certificate shall remain in force until 04/02/2018
and may be renewed thereafter by an authorised test certifier
2.
This certificate shall be produced at the request of an enforcement officer appointed under the
HSNO Act 1996.
Special Conditions:
1.
The certificate is limited to handlers in control of the above mentioned substances using a tractor
mounted mist blower or similar wide dispersive equipment
2.
The certificate excludes: substances being used in the Built Environment (Urban Pest
Management), fumigants used in an agricultural context, and Veterinary Medicines.
Issued Date:
5 February 2013
_______________________________________
Charlie Foxtrot
Test Certifier
Test Certifier Approval No: TST000501
August 2013 EPA0232
Expiry Date: 4 February 2018
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Test Certificate Example 2
TEST CERTIFICATE
Approved Handler
Issued pursuant to Section 82 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
Certificate Number: AGRI123
Name: Joe Bloggs
Date Of Birth: 10-06-1965
Residential contact details:
Work contact details:
123 Alpha Road
Te Kuiti
Telephone: (04) 123 4567
Kiwi Suppliers
457 Bravo Street
Te Kuiti
Telephone: 0800 123 456
This certificate is issued in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001.
This certifies that the handler has met the relevant requirements for the substances and lifecycles specified
below:
Substance / Classes
Life Cycles
Agrichemicals – Class 6.7A
Storage, disposal
“Agrichemicals” has the meaning given in the latest version of NZS 8409 and includes agricultural
compounds, veterinary medicines, fumigants, detergents and sanitisers used in an agricultural context.
Conditions:
1. Unless surrendered or revoked beforehand, this certificate shall remain in force until 04/02/2018 and
may be renewed thereafter by an authorised test certifier
2. This certificate shall be produced at the request of an enforcement officer appointed under the HSNO
Act 1996.
Special Conditions: None
Issued Date: 5 February 2013
_______________________________________
Charlie Foxtrot
Test Certifier
Test Certifier Approval No: TST000501
August 2013 EPA0232
Expiry Date: 4 February 2018
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Test Certificate Example 3
TEST CERTIFICATE
Approved Handler
Issued pursuant to Section 82 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
Certificate Number: AGRI123
Name: Joe Bloggs
Date Of Birth: 10-06-1965
Residential contact details:
Work contact details:
123 Alpha Road
Te Kuiti
Telephone: (04) 123 4567
Kiwi Suppliers
457 Bravo Street
Te Kuiti
Telephone: 0800 123 456
This certificate is issued in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations 2001.
This certifies that the handler has met the relevant requirements for the substances and lifecycles specified
below:
Substance / Classes
Life Cycles
Agrichemicals - Classes 3.1B, 6.1, 6.7, 8.2 & 9
Use, storage, disposal
“Agrichemicals” has the meaning given in the latest version of NZS 8409 and includes agricultural
compounds, veterinary medicines, fumigants, detergents and sanitisers used in an agricultural context.
Conditions:
1. Unless surrendered or revoked beforehand, this certificate shall remain in force until 04/02/2018 and
may be renewed thereafter by an authorised test certifier
2. This certificate shall be produced at the request of an enforcement officer appointed under the HSNO
Act 1996.
Special Conditions:
1. The certificate is limited to handlers in control of agrichemicals used in an agricultural context and
fumigants used in a hot house environment
2. The certificate excludes: substances used in the Built Environment (Urban Pest Management).
Issued Date: 5 February 2013
_______________________________________
Charlie Foxtrot
Test Certifier
Test Certifier Approval No: TST000501
August 2013 EPA0232
Expiry Date: 4 February 2018
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Appendix 3
Checklist
The checklist on the next page (or an equivalent version) should be used whenever you issue a test
certificate. It will help ensure the completeness and accuracy of information you record on the test certificate.
Complete the checklist before you give the test certificate to the applicant. You should sign and date the
completed checklist and file it with the other information and documentation you have from the applicant for
the test certificate being issued. Further instructions on record keeping can be found in the Test Certifier
Performance Standard for Record Keeping available on the test certifier secure page on the EPA website.
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
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Performance Standard for Issuing approved handler test certificates for agrichemicals
Check
Item
Document identifier and type
Phrases identifying the section of the Act and regulations under which the certificate is issued
Certificate number
Contact details
 Surname
 Forename/Christian name
 Date of birth (optional)
 Residential address and telephone number
 Work address and telephone number
Hazard substances and classifications
 Hazardous substance and category of use
 Hazard classifications
Lifecycle phase(s)
 Use
 Manufacture
 Storage
 Disposal
 Transport
Standard conditions
 This certificate shall be produced at the request of an enforcement officer appointed under the
HSNO Act 1996.
 Unless surrendered or revoked beforehand, this certificate shall remain in force until (expiry date)
dd/mm/yyyy and may be renewed thereafter by an authorised test certifier.
Special conditions (limitations)
(Free text but purpose is to provide clarity on any lifecycle phase)
Dates
Issue date
Expiry date (5 years from issue date)
Test certifier identification
 Test certifier name and signature
 Test certifier EPA registration (approval) number
August 2013 EPA0232
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