Pesticide & Fertiliser Handling

Our Pesticide & Fertiliser Handling SOP (SOP-CHM-004) is critical for ensuring workplace safety when managing hazardous chemicals in landscaping. This document covers crucial risks such as pesticide poisoning, dust inhalation, and environmental liabilities, providing guidance on compliant handling practices. It's indispensable for landscaping professionals who need to protect their workforce, clients, and the environment while adhering to Australian safety regulations.

• Acute organophosphate, carbamate, or other pesticide poisoning from inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion → systemic illness or fatality
• Chronic exposure to pesticides linked to cancers, neurological, and reproductive harm
• Dust inhalation from fertiliser handling — respiratory irritation and chemical pneumonitis from ammonium nitrate or urea
• Spray drift onto non-target areas, residents, livestock, or waterways → environmental and legal liability
• Mixing of incompatible products generating toxic gas (e.g., chlorine + acid herbicide) → respiratory injury
• Heat stress when wearing impermeable PPE in summer fieldwork
• Chemical burns and dermatitis from concentrate skin contact
• Fire or explosion risk for ammonium-nitrate-based fertilisers (Class 5.1 oxidiser per ADG)

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Chapter 7 Hazardous Chemicals; Schedule 14 Health Monitoring
• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Cth) — administered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
• Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) — Schedules 5, 6, and 7
• State pesticide control legislation (e.g., NSW Pesticides Act 1999; Vic Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992; Qld Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988)
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.x) — for transport
• AS 2507 — The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
• AS/NZS 1715 — Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices
• drumMUSTER container collection programme (industry stewardship)
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• Pesticide Application Register (associated document)