“HSNO Compliance for VTAs and Pest Control Chemicals: Simple Safety Rules Every NZ Farmer Must Follow”

Vertebrate Toxic Agents & Pest-Control Chemicals on Farms: HSNO Rules in Plain English

Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) — like 1080, cyanide, pindone, Diphacinone, brodifacoum, feratox, and zinc phosphide — are powerful tools used on farms to control possums, rats, rabbits, and other pests.
Because these chemicals are highly toxic to people, livestock, pets, and wildlife, the HSNO (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act) regulations apply strict rules.

Here’s what every farmer needs to know, without the complicated legal wording — plus how ChemMatrix helps you stay on top of compliance.

1️⃣ Know What You’re Using (Classification & Approvals)

VTAs and pest-control chemicals are classified as toxic hazardous substances under HSNO.
Some have very high toxicity levels, so you must:

• Identify the active ingredient (e.g., cyanide, brodifacoum, 1080, zinc phosphide)

• Know its class (often 6.1A or 6.1B, meaning acutely toxic)

• Use only approved formulations

These classifications determine what controls apply on your farm.

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
The platform pulls the chemical class from the SDS automatically — so you always know the hazard rating and legal requirements.

2️⃣ You Must Keep a Hazardous Substances Inventory

All farms must keep a record of every hazardous substance stored or used, including:

• Product name

• Active ingredient

• Quantity

• Where it’s stored

• Its SDS

• First-aid requirements

• Emergency procedures

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
Your entire farm inventory is digital, auto-updated, and instantly available if Worksafe or MPI visit the site.

3️⃣ Storage Requirements (Very Important for VTAs)

Because VTAs can kill animals and humans in small doses, HSNO requires safe storage:

• Use locked storage — vermin-proof, weather-protected, and secure

• Keep chemicals away from food, animal feed, fuel, water sources, and children

• Keep them in original labelled containers

• Ensure secondary containment for liquids

• Store away from incompatible substances (e.g., flammables or oxidisers)

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
Upload a photo of each storage area.
ChemMatrix will tell you if it meets HSNO separation distances and security rules.

4️⃣ Signage Requirements

If you store more than certain amounts of toxic substances, you must display hazard signs at:

• Main farm entrances

• Storage areas

• Work zones

Signs must show:
⚠️ Toxic Hazard
🧪 Keep Out
☎️ Emergency numbers

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
The platform alerts you when your quantities pass the signage threshold.

5️⃣ Safe Use and Handling Rules

Farmers must:

• Read the SDS

• Follow label instructions

• Wear PPE (gloves, chemical goggles, coveralls, respirator if required)

• Keep children, pets, and untrained workers away

• Mix and prepare chemicals outdoors or in ventilated areas

• Prevent contamination of waterways

• Never smoke, eat, or drink while handling VTAs

• Record usage, especially for restricted poisons

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
ChemMatrix stores SDSs, PPE requirements, and handling instructions in one tap.

6️⃣ Approved Handler Requirements (For Some VTAs)

Some toxins (like cyanide and 1080) can only be used by trained and approved handlers.

If you’re using restricted VTAs, you must:

• Hold the correct certification, or

• Be under the direct supervision of an approved handler

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
Store your handler certificate in the app and track expiry dates.

7️⃣ Emergency Management Requirements

HSNO requires farmers using VTAs to have:

• A written emergency response plan

• First aid instructions

• Spill kits

• Decontamination materials

• Emergency contacts

• Clear instructions if a person or animal is poisoned

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
ChemMatrix keeps the emergency plan, SDS, and first-aid instructions ready on your phone — instantly usable in a real emergency.

8️⃣ Disposal Rules

VTAs and pest-control chemicals must be disposed of correctly:

• Never burn or bury chemicals

• Never pour into drains or soil

• Use approved rural recycling or hazardous waste services

• Dispose of empty containers following label and regional council requirements

💡 ChemMatrix advantage:
ChemMatrix can store disposal records and attach waste transfer receipts.

🧭 Plain-Talk Summary for Farmers

🌿 ChemMatrix Makes HSNO Compliance Effortless for Farmers

HSNO rules can feel overwhelming — especially with highly toxic chemicals like 1080, cyanide, and brodifacoum.
ChemMatrix turns farm compliance into a simple, step-by-step digital system that stores:

• SDS

• Signage requirements

• PPE

• Storage conditions

• Emergency plans

• Training records

• Inventory

• Usage logs

Everything Worksafe expects — all in one place.