| Range of VariablesThe Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available |
What chemicals may be considered for use? | Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, bio-agents, nematacides, rodenticides, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants or a range of veterinary chemicals used to treat animals for disease. |
What legislation and regulations may be relevant to this standard? | Legislation may include Pesticides Acts, Occupational Health and Safety Acts and associated Hazardous Substances Regulations/ Codes of Practice, Dangerous Goods Acts, Poisons Act or Protection of the Environment Acts. |
What OHS hazards and risks are relevant to this standard? | OHS hazards include exposure of the operators and others in the workplace to the absorption of chemicals through the skin and by inhalation and ingestion. Risks may include acute poisoning, chronic or long-term health effects, and lack of appropriate insurance coverage. |
What OHS risk control requirements are relevant to this standard? | OHS risk control measures may include safe application techniques, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, safe wash down procedures, safe procedures for container rinsing and management. |
What personal protective equipment might be relevant to this standard? | Personal equipment may include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats. |
What pre and post operational checks might be relevant to this standard? | Checks may be made to weather conditions (e.g., wind), nozzles, hoses, regulators/gauges, respirator cartridges, drench and protective clothing and equipment. |
What application equipment may be relevant to this standard? | Include knapsacks or hand held pneumatic sprayers, drench guns, spot on applicators, CDA and air assisted units, self-propelled sprayers, controllers or power operated equipment like boomsprays, pressure wands, jetting race, shower/plunge dips, hand jetting or air blast sprayer. |
What directions and standards may be relevant to this standard? | May include the instructions on the chemicals label, in an operator's manual, on a MSDS, in an industry standard, or from Codes of Practice and advisory material explaining legislation relevant to chemical use. |
What hazards may need to be addressed in this standard? | Hazards will be listed on labels and the MSDS for the chemical concerned and may include flammability, toxicity, health hazards, damage to non-target organisms, uneven surfaces, trip points, solar radiation, manual handling, faulty equipment, environmental damage or residues in foods. |
What risks may need to be assessed in this standard? | Risks that may be assessed include spillage, contact of chemical with skin or eyes, accidental ingestion, incorrect concentrations in mixtures, faulty or inappropriate storage containers, incorrectly calibrated equipment, spray drift, contamination of waterways, incorrect disposal of unused chemicals or faulty equipment |
What meteorological conditions might be assessed? | Rain, wind, temperature, relative humidity, inversion or stable air conditions. |
What tools and equipment may be used for cleaning up after chemical application or spill? | Include washing soda, chlorine, containers for disposal of chemicals, non-flammable absorbent materials and shovels, booms, sausages and sandbags. |
What organisational procedures may be in place for recording? | Written journal or computer record may be used for recording. |
Who may be the appropriate person to receive reports about accidents and spills? | Include relevant authorities, supervisor, manager, business owner or colleague. |
| For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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