AS 3743 pdf download – Potting mixes

AS 3743 pdf download – Potting mixes
Potting mix shall not contain materials such as glass,or any sharp objects that could injurethe hands of a user. It may, however, be composed of any other materials,provided that therequirements of Table 2.l，as appropriate,are met. The mix should also be free of plantpathogens，other pests，harmful chemical substances and any parts of plants generallyconsidered to be weeds.
2.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL REQUIREMENTS
Potting mixes shall comply with the applicable physical and chemical requirements for thetype and grade of mix, as given in Table 2.1 at the specified time of testing.
2.3STORAGE BEFORE TESTING
When the test method requires that testing be undertaken at a certain time after themanufacture of the potting mix, then storage conditions shall be at a temperature of 15-25 C and in the shade.
2.4 PACKAGING2.4.1 Volume
Potting mix shall be packaged in multiples of a litre，but otherwise there is no specificrequirement on the volume or size of pack contents. When measured in accordance withAppendix A, the actual volume of the packaged mix shall not be less than the volume statedon the bag.
NOTE:As well as the requirements in this Clause, attention is drawn to any relevant federal andstate legislation related to size, packing volume, weight or labelling.
2.4.2 Protection
Potting mix should be packaged so that,under normal conditions of handling, storage andtransport,the contents are protected from contamination by extraneous matter and thecontents are not released unintentionally.
NOTE:Packaging should contain small perforations to allow for pressure equalization and ease ofhandling.
2.5MARKING
NOTE: As well as the requirements in this Clause, attention is drawn to any relevant federal andstate laws which may require additional marking or documentation.
2.5.1 Required marking
The primary package of each potting mix shall be permanently and legibly marked with thefollowing:
(a) Name，or registered trade mark,and full address of the manufacturer，packer or
distributor.
(b)Volume of contents,in litres (to the nearest litre) printed in letters a minimum of
4.8 mm high. Packages shall not be marked with codes such as ‘No.1 pack’, orsimilar，as a substitute for stating the actual number of litres of contents in thepackage.
The volume determined by the procedure in Appendix A shall be the only volumemarked on the bag.
NOTE:This information should be located in a prominent position on the package.
(c)
Instructions on the correct application of fertilizer after potting,including the type offertilizer and application details, for example:
(i)For a regular mix: ‘A balanced fertilizer should be used from the time of
potting.’
(ii)For a premium mix: ‘The soluble nitrogen content of this mix is higher and its
ability to consume soluble nitrogen is lower than that of regular mixes. Abalanced fertilizer was added at the time of manufacture, but additionalfertilizer may be required, depending on plant needs.’
NOTE: The intention of this wording is to ensure that sufficient fertilizer exists for theplant at the time of sale. A manufacturer may choose to use a date stamp or ‘use-bydate’ as an alternative.
(d)lf the mix is intended for other than general use,the type of plants for which it is
designed.
(e)A statement complying with items (i) or (ii) below, as appropriate:
(i)For potting mixes complying with the requirements for regular potting mixes
‘This mix complies with the requirements of AS 3743 for a regular gradepotting mix.’
(ii)For potting mix complying with the requirements for premium potting mixes
‘This mix complies with the requirements of AS 3743 for a premium gradepotting mix.’
The word‘premium’shall not be marked anywhere on the package unless thecontents comply with the relevant requirements given in Table 2.1.
(f) A health warning label* and hazardous information label for customers on thehandling of potting mix.
NOTE:As well as the requirements in this Clause, attention is drawn to any relevant federaland state laws which may require either additional or different marking or documentation.The following requirements apply:
(i)Appearance The warning specified in Clause 2.5.1(f)(ii) shall be printed in a
contrasting colour to other non-warning printing， have a border in bold andshall appear in accordance with ltems (A) or (B) as appropriate:
(A)On 15 L or larger packages,in 16 point Arial bold or another similar
distinctive font.
(B)On packages of less than 15 L, in a 12 point Arial bold or another similar
distinctive font.
(i)Health warning label The following warning* shall be printed in a prominent
position on the front of the package as follows: