New record-keeping and training requirements for chemical use
The requirement to make and keep records of chemical use and new minimum training requirements has been extended to all users of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals under amendments to the Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Regulation 2017.
The amendments, which came into effect on June 19, reflect a nationally harmonised approach regarding record keeping and training for all agvet chemical users.
The regulation now stipulates what information must be recorded; who must make and keep records; who must be provided with a copy of the record; timeframes within which a record must be made; and the length of time for which the record must be kept. Certain non-agricultural use of some chemicals (e.g. pool chlorine, domestic insecticides, and home garden chemicals) is excluded from these requirements.
Nationally harmonised minimum training and licensing requirements are now in place for occupational (fee-for-service) users of agvet chemicals and all users of restricted chemical products (RCPs) and Schedule 7 chemicals (i.e. poisons).
New training requirements for use of RCPs commenced on 19 July 2020, while the new requirements for use of Schedule 7 chemicals will commence on 19 July 2021.
Nationally harmonised minimum requirements provide confidence to trade partners, protect Queensland’s reputation as a ‘clean and green’ supplier of high-quality produce, and allow users of agvet chemicals to conduct their business in any Australian jurisdiction with greater ease.
More information is available on keeping records of agricultural chemical applications or by calling Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
Also…learn how to manage the risks of flammable liquids in your workplace.
Safe Work Australia has also published a new guide on the storage of flammable liquids for small to medium sized businesses. The guide describes the risks of flammable liquids and how to manage those risks, including working out how flammable the chemicals are, which other chemicals they’re safe to be around, how to ensure proper ventilation, and the correct fire-fighting equipment.