Agrichemical sellers upskill in health and safety

Agrichemical sellers upskill in health and safety

Embargoed Until: 3:30 PM on Fri, 24 Oct 2014

Protection of people and the environment is the focus of a new qualification developed by Agcarm to upskill staff in the rural servicing industry.

The New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Supply (Level 4) developed jointly with the Primary Industry Training Organisation will promote safe storage, handling and use of agrichemicals and animal health products.

Agcarm chief executive Graeme Peters says qualified retail staff working in the rural servicing industry will help ensure the safety of kiwis working with agrichemicals.

“Having someone on the shop floor to help make the most appropriate and sustainable decisions about what chemicals to use on their farm, orchard, or even at home is vital for human and environmental well-being.

“This qualification will also train staff to be able to provide advice on what to wear when using agrichemicals – or at least know where to find the right information,” says Mr Peters.

Training also covers standards and regulations on supplying agrichemicals and animal health products. Topics include first aid, environmental concerns, emergency response as well as transport, storage and disposal.

Agcarm welcomes the qualification which was recently approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

“Members of Agcarm spent many years developing the qualification, so it’s rewarding to get the green light to educate people on keeping safe with agrichemicals,” says Mr Peters.

The course programme will be developed with the major rural retailers to fine-tune it for effectiveness and consistency and ensure it is fit for purpose.

Pending final NZQA approvals, the qualification is expected to be ready for delivery by mid-2015.

About Agcarm

Agcarm is the industry association which represents crop protection, animal health and rural supplier businesses. Agcarm members distribute and sell the majority of veterinary medicines and crop protection products in New Zealand. Agrcarm members promote responsible use of products right through the product life cycle, from research to disposal.

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