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 transported, handled and stored? | Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, biologicals, nematacides, rodenticides, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants, molluscicides and avicides, or a range of veterinary chemicals used to treat animals for disease. |
What risks may need to be minimised during the transport and storage of a chemical? | May include serious potential affects on worker's health during transport due to spillage or accident, poisoning, affects on public health through possible cross-contamination of produce, damage to the environment and the general public in the event of spillage or leakage during transport, lack of appropriate insurance coverage, chemicals flowing into drains, water sources or produce growing areas. |
What hazards and risks may occur during the transport of a chemical? | Contact with chemicals through the skin, inhalation or ingestion may cause acute poisoning, or chronic or long-term health effects. These may occur through direct contact with a spilled chemical, or through contamination of food. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide health information. Other hazards and risks include fire and explosion. |
What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard? | May include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats. |
What hazards may be relevant to 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, environmental damage or residues in foods. |
What storage methods might be relevant to this standard? | Storage methods may include on site or off site, approved drums, bottles or containers. |
What equipment may be found in a storage area? | Equipment may include specific dispensing and preparation equipment, recording of processes and use, and associated safety equipment such as eyewash and emergency showers. |
What directions and standards might be relevant to this standard? | May include directions on a label, in an operator's manual, on a MSDS, in an industry standard, or from Codes of Practice, and advisory material outlining legislation relevant to chemical use. Regulations to be followed may include segregation, wash down areas and sumps. |
What safe working procedures are relevant to this standard? | Safe working procedures may include following manufacturers instructions, separating chemicals from passengers, observing loading instructions, ensuring liquids are top side up, ensuring chemicals are correctly labelled, ensuring no cross-contamination, safe driving and vehicle operation, ensuring load is not stacked too high, ensuring the chemicals are protected from the weather, and ensuring the load is secure. |
What legislation 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 Schedule or Protection of the Environment Acts. |
What procedures following a spill or accident might be relevant to this standard? | Procedures may include directions on labels, MSDS, OHS and environmental regulations or operator's manuals, and may cover cleaning the site, monitoring and protecting the environment where possible, securing the area and notifying authorities. |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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