Back HANDLING AND PLANTING TREATED SEED - HEALTH AND SAFETY OBLIGATIONS

Date: 11 April 2018

Seed treatments are an effective tool for combating the negative impacts of diseases, insects, nematodes and other pests at the time of planting and thereafter, therefore helping New Zealand’s growers produce higher quality crops, while minimising impact to humans, animals and the environment.

In regards to seed treatments, much importance is made of pollinator health and in particular in relation to neonicotinoids. However, any chemical applied to seed does have risks associated with its application and use. As business owners or directors, you will be aware of the new health and safety legislation that came into effect last year, and the impact this has for your growing operation in regards to ensuring the health and safety of those that come into contact with your business.

Proper management of treated seed plays an important role in looking after our employees, sustaining our environment and maximising the health of crops, our communities and your bottom line. That’s why we strongly recommend responsible stewardship principles that result in minimal impact of seed treatments on people, animals and our environment.

The objective of seed treatment stewardship is to improve the management of potential chemical risks. All agricultural chemical products in New Zealand, including seed treatments, are rigorously assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority to ensure that, when used in accordance with label directions, agricultural chemical products present no unacceptable risk to users, consumers or the environment.

While a rigorous regulatory scheme is essential to managing the risks presented by agricultural chemicals, regulation can only go so far. Stewardship is an essential complement to regulation that allows management processes and procedures to be efficiently put in place to best manage these products throughout their lifecycle. This includes transport, storage and disposal of the product. Successful stewardship requires collaboration, engagement and support by all stakeholders. Where this occurs, the community can be assured that best practices are being consistently applied for safety of users, consumers and the environment.

USER AND WORKER SAFETY

The safety of users, contractors and other employees that might come into contact with treated seed is a key concern.

As many chemicals are often applied to seed during treatment it is not common that packaging of the treated seed details the instructions for the safe and responsible use of the chemicals applied. Should businesses require this information Seed Innovations can provide the Product Label and Safety Data Sheet to ensure your employees can manage the workplace risk including using personal protective equipment appropriate to the products applied and the activity.

Whilst there is a temptation for DIY seed treatments, it is important businesses understand that to minimise risk to employees these products should be applied by professional seed treatment providers to ensure the appropriate application and adherence of the chemicals applied.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE:

For seed handling best practices, follow the label directions of the chemicals applied (available on request from Seed Innovations – sales@seedinnovations.co.nz). In addition, these guidelines will help protect you and the environment:

• Purchase high quality seed free from excessive dust
• Use a professional seed treatment provider who will:
      - have an appropriate coating system that will keep abrasion of the seed to a minimum,
      - and • use appropriate seed treatment products to ensure adherence of products applied
• Do not use treated seed for human or animal consumption
• Keep out of reach of children, livestock and wildlife
• Store treated seed under appropriate conditions
• Minimise user exposure to treated seed and dust from treated seed using the appropriate personal protective equipment relevant for the activity
• Do not reuse empty seed bags/pails for purposes other than storing the original treated seed
• Observe withholding periods and grazing restrictions.

PRE-SOWING/PLANTING

When preparing for sowing/planting, review this checklist:

• Take note of the label and understand what chemicals have been applied and what precautions therefore need to be taken in relation to handling these chemicals
• When opening seed containers; and when filling or emptying the planting equipment, avoid exposure to dust
• Avoid adding excess dust from the bottom of the seed container to the drill/planter
• Follow drill/planter manufacturer recommendations (if any) for use of talc or discuss your requirements with Seed Innovations who may have a seed treatment product that can avoid the use of talc if appropriate for the type of seed and treatment you require.

SOWING/PLANTING

When it’s time for sowing/planting, consider these guidelines:

• Minimise off-site movement of dust from treated seeds during sowing/planting
• If using vacuum or pneumatic planters direct seed dust to/into soil
• Be aware of wind speed and direction
• Ensure any spilled seed is handled appropriately, i.e. collected up or buried immediately.

STORAGE, DISPOSAL AND CLEANING

After sowing/planting is completed, review this checklist:

• Ensure that any leftover treated seed is returned to the original containers and properly stored for future use
• Do not reuse empty seed containers for purposes other than storing original treated seed 
• Clean drills/planters and seedboxes away from sensitive environmental areas, especially those that are attractive to pollinators
• When cleaning equipment use the appropriate personal protective equipment and minimise dust release, i.e. use workshop vacuum. Do not use compressed air.

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

Protect your treated seed by reviewing the following guidelines:

• Avoid mechanical damage to treated seed
• Store under appropriate conditions. The storage area must:
• Have sufficient lighting and ventilation
• Be dry and secure • Preferably avoid temperature fluctuations
• Transport in a way that no seeds are spilled on the road or ground.

Should you have any questions relating to the safe handling of your treated seed please don’t hesitate to contact Seed Innovations.