Rural Women -"What you need to know about Chemicals"

The ‘Compliance & Reporting' page has been created to assist in establishing a chemical compliance and reporting system. Issues to consider, emergency contacts, good practice tips and incident reporting help is provided. Also included are links to self assessment checklists which may be useful.

GUIDE TO CREATING A CHEMICAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING SYSTEM
Anyone setting up a chemical compliance and reporting system needs to observe the mandatory requirements summarised below. A useful site with comprehensive information on pesticide management can be found at Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC).

ACCREDITATION
It is a compulsory requirement that users of chemicals on-farm are accredited. There are many training providers.

RECORD KEEPING
Keeping accurate records is a mandatory component of agricultural chemical management due to legislative requirements, and may differ from state to state. A simple and effective system logged by hand or on computer is needed to record the data. Although recording information in a pocket notebook is sufficient while in the paddock, this information needs to be transferred to a more permanent system promptly. Some of the records will be best kept at the chemical storage area while others should be kept in the farm office. As an added benefit, some of the records will be useful as on-farm management tools.

Specific industry guidance fact sheets on pesticide record keeping, a sample chemical application form and record keeping specification list can be found at DECC NSW. It is also necessary to contact your relevant industry body or those you supply to for their specific requirements.

To see a sample of Codes of Practice and Guidelines for Chemical Management click here.

SHEDS AND SIGNAGE
There are specific legal requirements for storage and signage of chemicals.

For more detailed information on the construction of a chemical store refer to Australian Standards AS2507-1998.
An example of a chemical storage shed can be found here.
Information on shed site selection, structure/construction and signage is available here.
Handy information sheets are available here.

SAFETY - PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Loading, mixing or applying chemical concentrates are the most dangerous times when handling chemicals. Some of these risks can be reduced when wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Always read the chemical labeling to find out the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the type of chemical being used.

‘UTE IT, DON'T BOOT IT’ – TRANSPORTING CHEMICALS
Pesticides and veterinary medicines should be transported according to the relevant transport codes and State/Territory laws. It is safer to carry farm chemicals in utes, trailers and trucks than in car boots or passenger compartments of vehicles. Remember: 'Ute it - Don't boot it'. For tips on transporting farm chemicals safely click here.

GOOD PRACTICE TIPS
The following Good Practice Tips are offered by ChemCert NSW:

Make sure ready access is available to clean water and first aid supplies at all times.
Before using pesticides and veterinary medicines, tell a responsible person what products you are using, when you expect to complete the job and where information can be found in case of an accident.
Use pesticides and veterinary medicines only when necessary and as part of an integrated pest management program.
Be familiar with the laws relating to pesticides and veterinary medicines use.
Always read the label. Use the correct dosage and time of application.
Do not allow children to play near application equipment or the mixing, storage and disposal areas.
Secure pesticides and veterinary medicines, in their original labeled containers, inside a properly marked cabinet or storeroom, away from food and feedstuffs.
Work in pairs when applying the more hazardous pesticides and veterinary medicines.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Never eat, drink or smoke when handling pesticides and veterinary medicines.
Avoid drift to non-target areas. Dusts drift more than sprays and air blast sprayers usually create more drift than boom sprayers.
Avoid spills on skin or clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. If poisoning is suspected, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Take the chemical label with you to the hospital or doctor.
Observe re-entry periods specified on the label.
Dispose of empty containers according to the label.
Wash or shower after handling pesticides and veterinary medicines or contaminated equipment. Wash clothing after application, keeping in mind that, until laundered, clothing must be handled with the same caution as the chemicals themselves. Keep chemical contaminated clothing separate from the family wash.

SELF ASSESSMENT
To assist you in achieving Best Management Practice in chemical management, download The Green Book Best Management Practice Guide for Chemicals.

A Self Assessment Checklist is available from ChemCert NSW - The checklist can be used at any time to check that you are ‘on track’ with your chemical use practices. If you are arranging for a formal workplace assessment with a ChemCert assessor you should ensure you use this as a pre-assessment checklist and only arrange for an on-site assessment when you can answer ‘Yes’ to all the questions.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION SERVICES
The Poisons Information Centre provides free emergency information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The contact number is 13 11 26.

REPORTING AN INCIDENT
If there is an incident involving a chemical spill, a chemical pollution event or a possible misuse of a chemical or pesticide, contact the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW Environment Line on 13 15 55 to report the incident. Alternatively, the DECC NSW website lists telephone numbers for your local branch.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
WorkCover Assistance Service can be contacted on 13 10 50.