Referring to SANS 10231:2019 Edition 4.2
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD: Transport of dangerous goods by road — Operational requirements

With reference to the exemptions
Exemptions related to the nature of the transport operation, as such, the requirements of this standard shall not apply to the following:
Point f: The goods transported by a bona fide farmer or an employee of the farmer and are intended for use in farming operations, provided that:

1. the goods are not used for resale either in their original form or in combination with any other substance,
2. the journey does not exceed 250 km of which no more than 50 km shall be on a main arterial road designated with an N number,
3. the quantity of classified dangerous goods in liquid form does not exceed 1 000 L
4. the quantity of classified dangerous goods in solid form does not exceed 1 000 kg
5. the quantity of classified dangerous goods transported in a mixed load containing goods in both liquid and solid form, in kilograms and litres, does not exceed 1 000.

NOTE These exemptions should not apply to class 1 and class 7 substances.
For any applicable exemptions, refer to the relevant national legislation.

• Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002)
• Fertiliser, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies & Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947)
• Occupational Health & Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993)
• National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)
• NEM: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004)
• NEM: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008)
• Water Act (No. 3 of 1998)

• Any natural resource such as soil, water and air;
• Cannot be stopped from spreading within an hour;
• Causes death or disease;
• Damage to property and/or infrastructure;
• Causes significant disruption to the life of a community.

• DEA – Department of Environmental Affairs
• DAFF – Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
• DOL – Department of Labour
• SAPS – South African Police Services
• Fire Department
• Relevant catchment area or municipality
• Affected people

• Adequate quantity of bio-remediation agent;
• Squeegee & poly fibre broom;
• Flat scoop such as a dustpan with stiff poly fibre brush;
• Heavy duty plastic bin liners;
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to the label / MSDS including chemical resistant gum boots and PVC gloves;
• Demarcation tape.

Clean-up Procedures – on solid surface:

• Contain the spill by use of covering with absorbent material (or sausages);
• Work in and gather with the squeegee;
• Scoop into bin liners with dustpan;
• Gather fine sweepings with broom and scoop into bin liner;
• Tie bin liner closed and placed in waste bin;
• Wash floor with standard detergent.

Clean-up Procedures – on solid surface:

• Use bio-remediation agent as per instructions;
• Generally this will entail spreading the agent over the spill, working it into the soil, then left to remediate naturally. Some products require the addition of water.

Disposal of spillage residue material:

• An option is to deliver the filled bin liners to a Hazardous Waste collection point if available;
• Alternatively, a bunded area on an impervious surface may be used for bioremediation. The spillage residue material is spread in the bunded area and treated with a bioremediation agent according to the product instructions;
• Once remediated, the material can be safely disposed of.

Ideally a separate building or completely sealed off. Constructed elements of non-combustible materials, impervious to pesticide(s) and providing adequate protection against lightning. Designed and constructed to ensure that pesticides fumes are effectively ventilated in all parts of the store (naturally/mechanically), with all electrical equipment and fittings installed by a qualified electrician.

Easily accessible for a qualified first aider, deliveries, dispatch, fire fighting and adequately supervised.

Only purchase and store the minimum quantity of pesticides required for a single spray season, to be kept in the secure storeroom at all times when not in use.

The storeroom is to be managed by an appropriately trained, appointed and literate individual. Only the appointed person responsible for the store shall have access to the keys and be allowed access.

Record keeping (including copies of the SDS file and storeroom stock sheets) must be current and accurate.

Copies of the SDS files must be readily available.

At each entrance to the pesticide store (inside/outside) and on the fenceline surround it warning signs that meet minimum requirements set out SANS 10206-2010 Ed.2.2 are required.

• Signs must be clearly visible, not subject to misinterpretation or damaged.
• Staff undergo training to understand ALL signage.
• Warning notice should be in red writing on white background, letters 75mm height, in English and one language indigenous to the region.

IMPORTANT: Pesticide storerooms should only contain PESTICIDES in their original packaging and if relevant, equipment used for the application of pesticides. NO FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. SDS SHEETS must be up to date and the storeroom kept tidy at all times.

One or more contractor/farm worker, properly trained in handling pesticides, shall be trained and made responsible for managing the store when the forester cannot do it themselves.

Racks, shelves and pallets that are impervious and chemically resistant. Large bags, boxes and drums can be stored on pallets but not stacked against the wall to ensure they are not damaged.

A separate bunded facility shall be used for preparation, dilution and mixing operations.

All workers shall undergo training in the meaning of the signs, warning notices, and the meaning of the symbols and interpretation of the written instruction on the labels.

Recommended that at least one of the farm workers/contractors be trained in basic first aid. Sufficient information on the relevant first-aid procedures for the pesticide in the store shall be available in a prominent place.

The responsible forester/contractor/farm worker shall keep a written or electronic record for each product received, dispatched and used.

LINK:  Hazardous Substances Act (No. 15 of 1973)

Hazardous Substances Act is probably the most important chemical regulation in South Africa. It controls the production, import, use, handling and disposal of hazardous substances. Under the Act, hazardous substances are defined as substances that are toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly sensitizing, flammable and pressure generating under certain circumstances and may injure, cause ill-health or even death in humans.

Hazardous substances are classified into 4 groups )see below). Anyone who intends to sell or distribute group 1 hazardous substances must apply for a license from health authority first.:

• Group I: industrial chemicals (IA) and pesticides (IB)
• Group II: nine classes of wastes excluding Class 1: explosives and Class 7: radioactive substances
• Group III: electronic products and group
• Group IV: radioactive substances

South African National Standard SANS 10206 – 2020 Ed.3.00: The handling, storage and disposal of pesticides

South African National Standards 10206-2020 Ed 3.00: The handling, storage and disposal of pesticides

Although strict safety measures apply in factories where pesticides are manufactured and formulated, members of the public, in general, should be made aware of the measures to be taken to ensure that their actions, whether out of ignorance or out of inconsiderateness, do not result in harm to themselves, others, or the environment. The various risks associated with the handling of pesticides have been the subject of many discussions and publications. Pollution of the environment has recently become a very sensitive issue, publicity of which often incites the public against the use of all pesticides.

Pesticides, whether used in public health, in agriculture or animal husbandry, are used to the benefit of man. The public should be reassured that, if pesticides are used following the instructions on the label and if the warnings on the label are heeded, contamination of the environment and the possibility of poisoning can be avoided. The prevention of poisoning is easier than its treatment. This standard aims to supply general guidelines to all users of pesticides on how to minimize the risks involved when pesticides are handled. All users of pesticides should nevertheless be knowledgeable about basic first-aid measures in case of suspected poisoning.

This standard specifies the procedures and requirements for the handling, storage and disposal of pesticides by farmers, pest control operators, distributors, manufacturers, formulators and packers to ensure the least risk to health and safety, and to property and the environment. First-aid actions to be taken in the case of an incident, and firefighting procedures, are also covered.

South African National Standard SANS 10234:
The Globally Harmonised System (GHS)

The use of chemical products to enhance and improve life is a widespread practice worldwide. But alongside the benefits of these products, there is also potential for adverse effects to people or the environment. Given the reality of the extensive global trade in chemicals, it was internationally recognized that a globally harmonized approach to the classification, labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals was imperative.

This standard covers the harmonized criteria for the classification of hazardous substances and mixtures for the safe use at the workplace and in the home, including during transportation and disposal. This is in accordance to their health, environmental and physical hazards, for example, acute toxicity and flammability. It also gives the harmonized communication elements for labelling and safety data sheets.

The GHS covers all hazardous chemicals. The mode of application of the hazard communication ingredients, for example labels and safety data sheets, may vary by product category or stage in the life cycle. Target audiences for the GHS include consumers, employers and workers using and handling chemicals in the workplace, workers in the transport sector and emergency responders.

This standard covers the harmonized criteria for the classification of hazardous substances and mixtures for the safe use at the workplace and in the home, including during transportation and disposal. This is in accordance to their health, environmental and physical hazards, for example, acute toxicity and flammability. It also gives the harmonized communication elements for labelling and safety data sheets.

The GHS covers all hazardous chemicals. The mode of application of the hazard communication ingredients, for example labels and safety data sheets, may vary by product category or stage in the life cycle. Target audiences for the GHS include consumers, employers and workers using and handling chemicals in the workplace, workers in the transport sector and emergency responders.

South African National Standard SANS 1186/1 – 2015 Ed.3.07:
Symbolic Safety Signs Part One –
Standard Signs and General Requirements

South African National Standards 1186/1 – 2015 Ed 3.07: Symbolic Safety Signs Part One: Standard Signs and General Requirements.

SANS 1186 specifies requirements for standard ordinary (non-reflective) symbolic safety signs, including signs on vinyl sheets (decals). This part of SANS 1186 also specifies general requirements applicable to self-luminous (radioluminescent), internally illuminated, retro-reflective and photoluminescent symbolic safety signs (complete with their backing sheets, where applicable). This standard does not cover road signs.

South African National Standards 10118-2011 Ed.3.10: The aerial application of pesticides

This standard covers the aerial application of pesticides and the requirements for:

1. The training of agricultural pilots
2. Aircraft to be used for the application
3. Landing places
4. Protection of pilots and ground personnel
5. Health precautions for pilots and ground personnel
6. The registration holder of the pesticide,
7. The chemical distributor, the sponsor, and aerial application companies
8. First-aid treatment in cases of suspected poisoning.

South African National Standard SANS
10231-2019 Ed 4.02: Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road

South African National Standard SANS 10231-2019 Ed 4.02: Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road

This standard establishes rules and procedures for the safe operation and handling of all road vehicles that are used for the transport of dangerous goods in accordance with the load constraints. The procedures include requirements for the consignor, the consignee, the operator, the driver and the qualified person as well as en-route procedures, cargo handling and vehicle inspection requirements.

The standard covers the following operations for the transport of dangerous goods by road:

• Loading of the dangerous goods, which is the responsibility of the consignor;
• Driving of the vehicle that transports the dangerous goods to its destination, which is the responsibility of the operator and the driver; and
• Off-loading of the dangerous goods, which is the responsibility of the consignee

.
NOTE: Supervision of the loading, transportation and offloading of dangerous goods should be in accordance with the relevant national legislation (see foreword). A record of all appointees or assignees in terms of the above should be recorded and acceptance confirmed. The requirements in the relevant national legislation on explosives and in the relevant national legislation on radioactive material (see foreword), take precedence over the requirements of this standard.

LINK: Conservation of Agriculatural Resources Act (CARA) No.43 of 1983

LINK: FSC Pesticides Policy

LINK: FSC Pesticides Policy

The mission of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is to ‘promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests’.

To this end the body has published a global strategy with five goals:

• Advance globally responsible forest management
• Ensure equitable access to the benefits of FSC systems
• Ensure integrity, credibility and transparency of the FSC system
• Create business value for products from FSC certified forests
• Strengthen the global network to deliver on the above goals

These goals are being promoted by activities, which are managed and developed, through six programme areas: forests, chain of custody, social policy, monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance and ecosystem services.

It claims that forests, managed to its standards, offer benefits to both local and wider communities and these are said to include cleaner air and water, and a contribution to mitigating the effects of climate change. Directly or indirectly, FSC addresses issues such as illegal logging, deforestation and global warming and some reports indicate positive effects on economic development, environmental conservation, poverty alleviation and social and political empowerment.

The display of the FSC logo signifies that the product comes from responsible sources — environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable. The FSC label is used on a wide range of timber and non-timber products, from paper, books and furniture, to medicine and jewellery, and aims to give consumers the option of supporting responsible forestry.

FSC® Pesticides Policy

A key element of the FSC Pesticides Policy is the identification and avoidance of highly hazardous pesticides in FSC certified forests. The listing of a pesticide as ‘highly hazardous’ does not mean that the pesticide cannot be used, but in order to reduce the risk of negative environmental or human health impacts, these pesticides must be avoided and only used in FSC certified forests if there is no viable

Under this definition, to achieve sustainability, forest management practices must result in outcomes that are economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just. These three pillars cannot be divided, compartmentalized, or addressed individually. They are a unified whole. Without all three, forests cannot be protected, family foresters cannot thrive, forest-dependent communities cannot exist, illegal logging will not be abated, and carbon emissions will not be mitigated. FSC policy in relation to the use of pesticides in FSC-certified forests and plantations aims to minimise the negative environmental and social impacts of pesticide use while promoting economically viable management.

Forest owners and managers wishing to use highly hazardous pesticides must justify such use through an IPM process which includes an environmental and social risk assessment (ESRA). FSC policy concerning the use of pesticides in FSC-certified forests and plantations aims to minimize the negative environmental and social impacts of pesticide use while promoting economically viable management.

Key Points for implementing these requirements:

• Identification and avoidance of ‘highly hazardous’ pesticides;
• Promotion of ‘non-chemical’ methods of pest management as an element of an integrated pest management strategy;
• Appropriate use of the pesticides that are used.

Sustainable African Forestry Assurance Scheme (SAFAS) and
Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

PEFC

LINK: https://www.pefc.org/

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification.

They work throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards.

Their mission: “We are committed to conserving forests and their invaluable biodiversity, and the communities and families that own, work and live in and around forests.”

PEFC bases its understanding of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) on the definition adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which defines SFM as: “The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfil, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems.”

Under this definition, to achieve sustainability, forest management practices must result in outcomes that are

economically viable
ecologically sound, and
socially just.
These three pillars cannot be divided, compartmentalized, or addressed individually. They are a unified whole. Without all three, forests cannot be protected, family foresters cannot thrive, forest-dependent communities cannot exist, illegal logging will not be abated, and carbon emissions will not be mitigated.

Forest certification provides a mechanism to address these and ensure that wood and wood-based products reaching the marketplace have been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

However, PEFC recognizes that the diversity of forests and of the communities that depend upon them for their livelihoods means that a “one-size-fits-all” standard is not the solution. Furthermore, unless all concerned stakeholders are involved in sustainable management policy formulation and implementation, sustainable forest management cannot be achieved.

PEFC therefore acts as an umbrella organisation, who work by endorsing national forest certification systems developed through multi-stakeholder processes and tailored to local priorities and conditions.

With 39 endorsed national certification systems and more than 300 million hectares of certified forests, PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification system. Each national forest certification system undergoes a rigorous third-party assessment against PEFC’s unique sustainability benchmarks to ensure consistency with international requirements.

SAFAS

LINK: www.safas.org.za

The Sustainable African Forestry Assurance Scheme (SAFAS) has developed and manages a National Certification System that has been endorsed by the PEFC. The SAFAS standard is based on the Government’s Principles, Criteria, Indicators and Standards (PCI&S) for sustainable forest management.

The objective of this system is to have a National Certification System that is appropriate to all scales of plantation forests. In South Africa, about 80 percent of the plantation area has been certified under the FSC system and most of this area is owned or managed by large organizations. As the demand for certified products increases, both abroad and locally, certification could become a trade barrier to smaller management units. The complexity and costs of managing plantations under the FSC system precludes many smaller operations from achieving certification, this could lead to a shortage of timber to meet market demand. It was felt that a National Standard that is more appropriate to plantation forestry in South Africa and sensitive to the needs of smaller-scale operations is required.

It is hoped, with both systems in place, certification will be accessible to all South African forestry owners and managers. This will help all industry players to meet the future demands for certified timber, as well as realise the social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits that certification brings.

Unlike the FSC, SAFAS currently has no specific pesticide policy but rather requires that as a minimum the legal requirements of the country are met and upheld. In addition to this, SAFAS requires an IPM programme to be in place ensuring pesticides are used responsibly and in conjunction with other management options.

LINK: https://www.iso.org/home.html

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 162 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. International Standards make things work. They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO has published 21571 international standards and related documents, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture and healthcare. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere. ISO International Standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade. Our standards are developed by the people that need them, through a consensus process. Experts from all over the world develop the standards that are required by their sector. This means they reflect a wealth of international experience and knowledge.

Two of the most popular standards are ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management. These are also two standards that are commonly used in the industry.