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The EPA regulates hazardous substances as part of its role to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.
People living on farms or lifestyle blocks are advised to check all buildings and other structures on their property to make sure any hazardous substances are stored safely and securely.
Commonly used chemicals that are kept out in the open so that they can be easily accessed when needed could be a toxic trap for curious children.
They need to be locked away if children are visiting.
The advice is part of a push by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to ensure people visiting farms and homes are safe this summer.
The EPA regulates hazardous substances as part of its role to protect the health and safety of people and the environment. Everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe from hazardous substances in and around their homes, says the EPA's hazardous substances compliance manager, Ray McMillan.
"The small amount of thought and preparation needed to safety-proof a home could prevent a catastrophe from occurring," he says.
About 90 children aged under five end up in hospital each year after swallowing or being exposed to chemicals.
McMillan says small children exploring an unfamiliar property are at the greatest risk of being harmed.
The EPA has some simple advice to help people keep their visitors safe these holidays.
· Know which chemicals you have on your property.
· Read the label and do what it says.
· Lock up chemicals or store them up high and out of sight.
· Put chemicals away.
· Keep the number for the Poisons Centre close: 0800 764 766 (0800 Poison). The Poisons Centre has a 24-hour phone line for advice about poisonings. Have this number on your fridge and programme it into your mobile phone. You can call any time you need advice about poisons, not just in an emergency.
Even substances marketed as natural, organic or environmentally friendly can be hazardous substances.
"Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, but when people are poisoned or exposed to harmful chemicals, it could become a tragedy," says McMillan.
Researchers are celebrating an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) ruling that removes restrictions on the use of null segregants- descendants from genetically modified organisms but do not contain genetic modifications themselves.
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The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says it aims to highlight innovation and empower people to act now in the interests of the planet with its Sharing Shed exhibit at this year’s National Fieldays.
NZW is assisting Horticulture New Zealand with an ACC funded project looking at ways to improve health and safety across horticulture and viticulture.
A Kaikoura employer who didn’t provide appropriate eye protection has been sentenced for failings that cost a young worker his vision in one eye.
Animal rights organization, SAFE says the government needs to maintain the ban on live exports.
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
New data released by LIC and DairyNZ shows New Zealand dairy farmers have achieved the highest six week in-calf rate and lowest notin- calf rate on record.
Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (CAPA) have signed an agreement which will open more of Canterbury Agricultural Park for public use while helping to provide long-term certainty for the A&P Show.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
ASB head of rural banking Aidan Gent is encouraging farmers to speak to their banks when they are struggling.
