Complying with legislation regarding pesticide storage in South Africa, whether commercial or end user (i.e. farmer), is essential for safeguarding human health, environmental integrity, and worker safety. The Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947); National Building Regulations and Buildings Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977); the Hazardous Substance Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973); the Occupational Health and Safety Act; 1993 ( Act No. 85 of 1993 - in particular the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents), the National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) and the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998 – in particular the EIA regulations), sets out crucial guidelines for safe storage, ensuring that these chemicals do not pose risks to soil, water, air quality, human health and do not get into the possession of criminals where highly hazardous products are used for nefarious deeds.

The South African National Standard (SANS 10206) for the handling, storage and disposal of pesticides plays a critical role in this context by providing specific technical requirements in an easy to read format for environmental authorisation (where applicable), local authority approval, design, Section 4 license to trade/sell supply Group 1 (Category A & B) hazardous substances, construction (includes flammable store), storage technology, security, receipt & dispatch, separation & segregation (includes Group 1 hazardous substances) warning notices, symbolic safety signs, product labels, owner/manager responsibilities (i.e., record keeping), fire protection & emergency planning (based on risk assessment), hygiene & personal safety, as well as maintenance of pesticide storage facilities. The standard ensures that storage conditions meet safety standards as required by all applicable pieces of legislation, reducing the likelihood of accidents and environmental contamination.
A copy can be purchased online: www.sabs.co.za.

The onus remains on CropLife SA members (as applicable) to comply with all relevant legislation, including SANS 10206 and EIA guidelines, to promote responsible pesticide management and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability in South Africa.

Stewardship Specialist: hiresh@croplife.co.za
Compliance Specialist: quade@croplife.co.za