Agricultural and veterinary chemicals play an important role in primary production by protecting crops and livestock from unwanted pests, weeds and diseases.
Misuse of chemicals can result in risks to human health, animal health and the environment.
The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995 and its supporting legislation sets out the legal requirements for users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Tasmania.
There are a number of specific Codes of Practice setting out requirements, guidelines and recommendations for the use and application of agricultural chemical products. Many of these requirements and guidelines are specific to particular types of use, such as ground spraying activities, aerial spraying or spraying in public places.
Codes of Practice
A number of requirements are common to all users. Some of the most important include:
- Only using registered agricultural chemical products.
- Using products that are the least toxic to people and the environment that can do the job effectively.
- Ensuring agricultural chemical products are applied properly by following their label instructions (unless variations have been granted via permit).
- Ensuring products are stored in a dry, well-ventilated area not easily accessed by children or animals.
- Ensuring spray equipment is in good condition and appropriate protective/safety equipment is used.
- Ensuring that all spray equipment and associated machinery is rinsed and washed down after spraying activities.
These are legal requirements and there are penalties for non-compliance.
Commercial operators
In addition, businesses providing a pest, weed or disease control service must hold a Commercial Operator Licence. Employees applying agricultural chemical products must have a Certificate of Competency relevant to the type of work they perform. For details see Licences and Certificates.
Records of spraying operations must be kept, including the date, location and name and rates of any chemical products applied.
If spraying in cropping situations or where produce is intended for consumption, records need to include:
- location
- date
- type and area of crop sprayed
- amount and name of chemical applied
- application rates
- equipment used
Where possible, windspeed, direction and air temperature should also be included.
If you are a commercial grower or producer intending to spray, we encourage you to notify occupiers of properties and buildings within 100 metres of any area to be sprayed however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Notification should be given at least one, but preferably two days in advance. The information you provide should include details of the sprays to be used and the steps that will be taken to minimise drift.
'A person must not carry out or cause to be carried out agricultural spraying which adversely affects any person, plants, stock, agricultural produce, water bodies, groundwater or soil, on premises, or any premises, not owned or occupied by the person carrying out or causing to be carried out the agricultural spraying unless that person has obtained the permission of the owner or occupier of the premises.' (s.30. Damage by spray drift, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995)
NOTE – causing damage by spray drift is an offence carrying potential fines of up to $41,000.00. For full details of the requirements specific to your circumstances refer to the relevant Codes of Practice.
