Agricultural Chemical Users Course and Permit
Introduction
This section provides a broad picture for the use of agricultural chemicals and the reasons for the development of a training course and the permit requirements. It is provided as a guide only. For more detailed information (including where to do a training course) you should contact your local DPI officer or go to DPI - Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP).
Why do the Course?
The agricultural chemical user's course is designed for landholders or their employees, supervisors and operators, who use agricultural, horticultural and/or veterinary chemicals. The course has been developed to:
provide an overview of the operational, environmental and safety issues associated with the purchase, storage, handling, use and disposal of chemicals; and enable users to correctly interpret the information contained on chemical labels.
Many agricultural, horticultural and veterinary chemicals used by farmers are toxic and an environmental hazard with many of the most dangerous (S7) now requiring a permit (ACUP) to purchase or use. A product you freely purchased last year may now only be available to you if you have completed the course or hold a current permit. The list of chemicals requiring a permit is provided at the course, and is expanding constantly, so it is in your own best interest to get the course under your belt. A certificate is issued on successful completion of the course. This certificate is required to apply to DPI for an Australian Chemical Users Permit (ACUP) which is required when using restricted chemicals e.g. Grazon. Landholders who whish to use 1080 fox baits are required to do a 1080 update course.
Duty of Care
There is an unwritten understanding with the force of law that all users of farm chemicals will take reasonable care. Those shown to have caused damage because they did not take reasonable care may be liable under common law. The first step in demonstrating that you have taken reasonable care is to have completed the course.
Registered Chemicals
Chemical users are required to follow the label. In Victoria off label use (not exceeding the maximun rate on the label) is permitted except for restricted chemicals requiring an ACUP e.g Grazon. Off label permits can be applied for from the Department of Primary Industries or Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Off label use can be quite complex and it is recommended that enqiuries be made in the first instance with the DPI.
Decontamination of Equipment
Thorough decontamination of your equipment is essential. Farm chemical residue can seriously damage your equipment if left for even a day. Chemicals left in your equipment can contaminate subsequent chemicals used in that equipment and off target damage can be the result.
