Fa rm C h e m ical S p r a y A p p l ica t i o n - Shire of Yarra Ranges

C O D E O F P R A C T I C EF O RF a rm ChemicalSprayA p p l i c a t i o nChemical Standards Branch

CONTENTS1 INTRODUCTION 51.1 Definitions 62 BEFORE SPRAYING 82.1 Chemicals 102.2 Training and instruction 102.3 The farm chemical label 113 WEATHER CONDITIONS 124 STORAGE, MIXING, AND DISPOSALOF FARM CHEMICALS 144.1 Storage 144.2 Mixing 144.3 Disposal 15ISBN 0 7306 41783Department of Natural Resources and Environment475 - 485 Mickleham RoadAttwoodVIC 3049Australia5 SPRAY EQUIPMENT AND PRACTICE 175.1 Maintenance 175.2 Droplet size 185.3 Calibration 195.4 Equipment to reduce spray drift 195.5 Cleaning of sprayer after use 20

2BEFORESPRAYINGBefore spraying is started first establish if a pest hascaused the problem. Poor nutrition, waterlogging,etc. may produce similar symptoms. The problemcould be caused by a combination of factors. Identifythe weed, insect, fungus, parasite or other pest, thendetermine if it is present at a level which is likely tocause economic damage.Consider all possible control methods:• mechanical – ploughing, hoeing, etc.• cultural – hygiene strategies, crop rotations, etc.• chemical – herbicide, fungicide, etc.• biological – predator release, Bt, etc.If chemical control is to be used, the farm chemicalmust be registered for use. Choose the farmchemical that is most appropriate for the job, whilebeing the least toxic to the operator, to beneficialinsects and to the environment. The farm chemicalmust not be prohibited for use with that crop, pest, orapplication method.OFF-LABEL USE is the application of a registered farmchemical in a way not exactly specified on the label.Generally an off-label use within certain limits (seebelow for details) is not illegal in Victoria and isintended to enable the use of agricultural chemicalsin situations where extending label uses may beuneconomical, such as minor crops. However, offlabeluse is not recommended by DNRE and does nothave manufacturers’ warranty. In Victoria, a group ofrestricted farm chemicals must not be used off-label,but a permit may be obtained allowing such use –this permit is different to an ACUP (AgriculturalChemical User’s Permit); these chemicals and thecontrols over them are described in section 9.2.It is illegal to use a chemical off-label:• if the chemical is a specified agricultural chemical(see section 9)• in a manner which is prohibited on the label by a specificstatement (i.e. Do not use by aerial application)• at a higher rate than the maximum rate for thatuse on the label• more frequently than stated on the label• if the use would breach a State prohibition (seeProhibited Uses of Agricultural Chemical Products,page 45)If off-label use is undertaken the user is liable for:• any unacceptable residues in the produce• any undesirable occupational health and safety,environmental or efficacy effects.NOTE: Chemical companies do not accept reponsibilityfor any problems caused by chemicals that areused off-label.8 9

3WEATHERCONDITIONS• anemometers• wind speed chart• weather station• smoke generator.Section 5.4 discusses equipment that reduces driftand Section 6.1 other contributing hazards.It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the chemicalstays in the target area. The user has a legal obligationto avoid spray-drift damage.Weather conditions can influence the effectivenessof spray, by for example, moving spray off-target, orstressing the plant.Avoid spraying in the weather conditions listedbelow:• winds greater than 15 km/h (8 knots) for groundbasedapplication• sea breezes and other winds caused by heating andcooling of the land throughout the day• visible dust movement• inversion layer at an altitude of less than 100 m• still and frosty conditions• low relative humidity (dry)• high temperatures• rain forecast.The following tools can be used to estimate or measurewind speed and direction:12 13

4STORAGE,MIXING, ANDDISPOSAL OFFARMCHEMICALS4.1 StorageA list of all chemicals held in storage should be kept.Storage and transport of agricultural chemicals thatare also dangerous goods must comply with theDangerous Goods Act 1985 and the Dangerous Goods(Storage and Handling) Regulations.Follow storage instructions on the chemical label.Minimum storage standards are:• Lock chemicals away from children and animals.• Keep chemicals separate from seeds, fertilisers,protective clothing and stock-feed.• Always keep chemicals in the original container.• Check stored containers regularly for deterioration (seeSection 8.1 on how to deal with leaking containers).• Buy as needed, do not stockpile chemicals.• Store in cool conditions, away from direct sunlight.4.2 MixingMixing should be carried out in a well-ventilatedarea with adequate lighting. The area should be tidyso that it does not provide any hazards that mayresult in slipping or tripping.The mixing area must not drain to a waterway orsewer.There should be a convenient personal washdownfacility on the mixing site and a ready supplyof clean water for personal washing available duringspraying.Use appropriate safety equipment and protectiveclothing as specified on the label.Farm chemicals should be decanted in a way thatminimises the risk of operator contact with chemicals.Steps should be taken to minimise the risk ofchemical spillage.E n s u re that a non-re t u rn valve is fitted to any hoseor pipe which is used to fill the spray tank with water,p a rticularly where the hose is submerged while filling.This is very important and will prevent siphoning backf rom the tank into the water source if supply is interrup t e d .Agitation should be sufficient to keep farm chemicalsthoroughly mixed and suspended.Triple rinse empty containers and drain rinse waterinto the spray tank.4.3 DisposalFollow label instructions for disposal of chemical andcontainer.Small quantities of unused dilute chemical whichremain at the end of a spray job can be disposed of byfurther dilution (at least 10-fold) and then by applyingthe further diluted mixture to part of the targetarea. This application, however, should be done so as14 15

not to wash off the already applied chemical and withthe equipment operating as per the original application.Contaminated water should not be allowed todrain into ground water, storm drains, sewers orwater supplies.Concentrated chemicals should never be disposedof on-farm. Disposal of chemicals must be carried outby a licensed waste disposal company or as specifiedby EPA guidelines.All containers should be emptied and triple rinsedbefore disposal. Rinse water should be emptied intothe spray tank.To minimise container waste always try to (inorder of preference):• P u rchase chemicals in containers that do notrequire disposal, e.g. water soluble sachets.• Purchase chemicals in refillable containers that canbe returned to reseller.• Dispose of container through Avcare, BHP smelteror other commercial disposal program.• Puncture or crush triple rinsed container, then disposeof it at an approved municipal land fill tip.5SPRAYEQUIPMENTANDPRACTICE5.1 MaintenanceSpray equipment should be maintained to the manufacturer’sspecifications, and the standards listedbelow.• Nozzles should be replaced whenever worn ordamaged. Nozzles should be replaced when thereis a 10% increase over the rated output of the nozzle,or every season if the rate is not checked.• Spray equipment should be maintained in goodorder:– hoses free of kinks, twists, cracks or splits– filters clean and functional andchecked on everyuse.• The sprayer’s pressure gauge should be checkedannually against a new or calibrated pressuregauge.• Nozzle position and angle should be visuallychecked before every spray operation.• Stabilisers on boom sprayers should be checked forproper operation at the beginning of every season.16 17

5.2 Droplet sizeSelect the nozzle or sprayer settings that produce thelargest size droplet (coarsest spray) suitable to performthe spray application.Droplet size is affected by the atomiser type andsprayer settings. The production of very fine droplets(less than 50 µm) should be avoided due to thei n c reased likelihood of drift and evaporation.Atomisers with higher flow rates generally producecoarser droplets. Many chemical mixes give similardroplet size to water but ultra low volume (ULV) formulations,additives and some other formulationtypes can alter droplet size.The type of nozzle or atomiser and the way it isoperated influence the size of the droplets sprayed.Listed below are nozzles and the droplet size theyproduce.HYDRAULIC NOZZLES (British Crop Protection nozzlerating)• nozzle type – full cone (coarse droplets)– flood (coarse droplets)– flat fan (medium droplets)– hollow cone (fine droplets)• decreasing nozzle size – decreases droplet size• i n c reasing operating pre s s u re – decreases droplet size• increasing spray angle (i.e. 110° flat fan nozzle isfiner than 80° for same flow rate) – decreasesdroplet size.CONTROLLED DROPLET APPLICATOR (CDA) (FINEDROPLETS)• increasing rotation speed of spinning disk, drum orcage – decreases droplet size• decreasing flow rate – decreases droplet size.AIR SHEAR (FINE)• increasing speed of air passing the chemical outlet– decreases droplet size• decreasing flow rate – decreases droplet size.5.3 CalibrationThe sprayer should be calibrated regularly to ensurethe correct application rate. The calibration shouldensure that the correct amount of chemical is appliedfor the type and arrangement of equipment andtravel speed. Marking should be carried out to avoidmissed strips and over-spraying.Calibration of the spray unit should be conducted:• every season• whenever application or chemical rate is changed• whenever nozzles are changed• at 50% of anticipated life of nozzles.Travel speed should be checked for the gear andrevs used for calibration, preferably on the sameslope and surface that spraying will occur.5.4 Equipment to reduce spray driftLO W D R I F T N O Z Z L E S a re very similar to a normal flat fannozzle. There is a plate with a small hole in the nozzlethat reduces the energy of the spray and thus makes itc o a r s e r, and slower leaving the nozzle. This reduces thenumber of fine droplets that are likely to drift.DIRECT SOIL INJECTION SYSTEMS have sprays attachedto tines which spray into the soil as the tine breaksand lifts the soil. No spray drift is possible due tospray confinement beneath the soil. Vapour drift isstill possible.18 19

AIR-ASSISTED SPRAYERS provide directed air whichblows the spray onto the target and into a cropcanopy. The air can assist the spray moving againstthe wind.ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYERS charge droplets electrostaticallyso that they are attracted to anything that hasthe opposite charge or is grounded.TWIN FLUID SYSTEMS inject compressed air into thespray at the nozzle. Droplet size can be maintained ata lower volume rate because air pressure, not liquidpressure, is used to atomise the liquid.SHIELDED BOOM SPRAYERS control drift as a physicalbarrier that contains the spray cloud, or as an aerodynamicguide which controls the flow of air aroundthe nozzle. The controlled flow of air is less turbulentand minimises the volume of droplets carried awayfrom the target. Also, the air flow can force dropletsdown onto the target. Some shields are a combinationof both concepts.STANDARD EQUIPMENT can be modified to reducespray drift by selecting a coarser nozzle; reducingspray pressure; or angling the nozzles forward so theboom can be lowered.• Flush clean water through equipment (at least 10 Lper nozzle), with nozzles removed so dirt is rinsedout of lines.• Remove nozzles and filters, wash and replace.• Never leave spray material in spray unit (seeSection 4.3 for disposal of unused spray material).5.5 Cleaning of sprayer after useFollow label instructions. If in doubt contact thereseller or chemical company.Decontamination procedures should be followed asrecommended on the label. Where no other directionsare given it is desirable to:• Clean exterior of spray equipment and tractor.20 21

6PREVENTINGDAMAGEFROMSPRAYOPERATIONS6.1 Spray driftCheck conditions during spraying, and stop sprayingif adverse conditions arise (Note Section 3 ‘Weatherconditions’). Table 1 gives an indication of when therisk of drift is high or low. Most applications will havemany factors in a middle range or low range. If multiplefactors represent a high hazard of drift then theapplication should be delayed until one or more ofthe factors has changed, which has resulted in therebeing less chance of off-target drift.6.2 Buffer zones and vegetative barriersA buffer zone is an area around a sensitive area inwhich agricultural chemicals should not be applied.The presence of a buffer zone enables spray drift tosettle out of the air stream as it travels across thebuffer zone before reaching the sensitive area. It isdifficult to define a safe buffer distance.Vegetative barriers between sensitive areas andfarm chemical application areas can be effective inreducing spray-drift movement by filtering spraydroplets out of the air. A vegetative buffer is a row oftrees, tall grass or bushes which reduces spray driftby filtering spray droplets through their foliage.A good vegetative buffer should be:• taller than the target plants or the spray unit usedfor chemical application• trees or other plants with foliage thin enough foryou to see through (50% porosity)• plants with long, thin, rough foliage, are moresuitable as a vegetative barrier.Examples of suitable plants:• casuarina or sheoak (Allocasuarina spp.)• hybrid willows (evergreen only)• rye corn• sorghum• bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)• tea tree (Leptospermum spp.).Vegetative buffers are desirable:• on crop or property boundaries• next to sensitive areas such as susceptible crops,residential areas, etc.• along sprinkler rows, bordering waterways• between blocks or paddocks.What NOT to do• Do not attempt to use banks, buildings or densetrees such as cypress trees as a buffer.• Do not attempt to use vegetative buffers as a substitutefor good spray management practice.NOTE: A vegetative buffer will not reduce vapourdrift or odour associated with spray drift.22 23

Table1 Risk of driftFactorPotential drift hazard scaleCommentFactorPotential drift hazard scaleCommentHighLowWind speedWind directionHighStill air or greaterthan 15 km/hrUnpredictable ortowards sensitiveareasLowSteady wind(1-10 km/hr)Predictable andaway fromsensitive areasTargeting ofsprayDrop sizeDirected abovetargetDirected attargetVMD 200 µmTravel speed >20 km/h 30°C)Close (1.5 m abovetargetRelative humidity>80%No inversionlayerLow (1 km)Distance >100 mLive shelter, > 2xrelease height,p e rmeability 50%Chemicals withLD 50 dose>5000 mg/kgLow (vapourpressure

• Use the right water rate for the soil type.• Do not spray when rain is likely.• Avoid over- i rrigating after application of chemicals.6.4 Provision of information6.4.1 RequestsIf any person has made a reasonable request for notificationof spraying operations it should be provided.Examples of reasonable requests are:• apiarists who need to move bees• a q u a c u l t u re operator (ponds may need to becovered)• principal of adjoining school• the responsible person at adjoining public gatheringplace.6.4.2 ContractorsInformation should be given to a contractor aboutany sensitive areas including occupied areas, waterways,sensitive crops, fauna and flora within 100 mof the spraying operations. A contractor should neverbe requested to spray in conditions with a high riskof spray drift.Contractors must make and retain for two (2)years records of chemical applications as detailed inSection 9.1, ‘Record keeping re q u i rements’. Anemployer can request a copy of that informationfrom the contractor.7 SAFETYSafety standards must be maintained in compliancewith the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 andrelated regulations. This act is administered by theVictorian WorkCover Authority.7.1 Protective clothingProtective clothing should always be worn as recommendedon the product label when working withfarm chemicals. It is the employer’s responsibility tosupply protective clothing and ensure that it is usedand maintained.When use of a respirator is specified its use andm a n u f a c t u re should comply with AustralianStandards 1715-1994 and 1716-1994 (noted on respiratorpacket).Whenever handling chemicals the minimum protectiveclothing that should be worn is:• washable or disposable overalls• washable hat• rubber or PVC gloves• rubber boots.26 27

If concentrated chemical is handled also wear:• PVC apron• face shield.Clothing and equipment should be checked andcleaned after every day’s use.• Damaged safety equipment should be replacedimmediately.• Washing of protective clothing should be carriedout separately from household washing.• When any clothing is heavily contaminated byconcentrate it must be disposed of safely.7.2 PrecautionsNEVER eat, drink or smoke when using farmchemicalsNEVER touch a contaminated item to face or mouthand never rub eyes while wearing contaminated gloves.NEVER blow through hoses or nozzles to clear themand never suck on a hose to start siphoning.It is ILLEGAL and dangerous to store farm chemicalsin unlabelled containers or transfer to anynon-original containers such as soft drink bottles.NEVER use the product if it is unlabelled or if thereis any doubt as to the identity of the chemical.ALWAYS immediately wash hands or other skinexposed to chemicals . Clean water, soap and a towelshould be carried whenever handling chemicals.Use equipment that minimises contact with chemicals,such as metering pumps, self-cleaning filtersand electronic spray controllers.Spraying should be avoided when a person isshowing symptoms of heat stress, headaches, colds,bronchitis or gastric upsets. These may mask theearly signs of poisoning. Heat stress can increase riskof poisoning.If symptoms of poisoning occur, spraying shouldcease immediately and medical advice be sought.For the safe use of tractor cabs:• Contaminated clothing or equipment should notbe taken into the cabin.• Only use approved pesticide filters.• Filters should be changed regularly.• Tractor cabs with no appropriate pesticide filters donot provide protection from chemical vapour; personalprotective equipment should be worn asadvised by the label.Spray should be kept downwind of the operator. If itis not possible a respirator and hood should be wornin addition to normal protective clothing.7.3 Preventing accidents to childrenALWAYS keep farm chemicals in locked storage andout of reach of children.NEVER allow children to be present when sprayingor mixing chemicals.NEVER keep chemicals in containers similar to foodor drink containers.EDUCATE children about the hazards involved withchemicals.28 29

8EMERGENCYSITUATIONS8.1 Leakages and spillsSTANDARD PRECAUTIONS• An emergency plan should be prepared to dealwith a spill.• Emergency equipment should be available including:– protective clothing and equipment– soil, sand or vermiculite– equipment and material recommended on thelabel.• Obtain advice from the Country Fire Authority(CFA).IMMEDIATE ACTIONS• For major spills call the CFA for help.• Keep bystanders away from the spill.• Do not hose down as this will spread the contamination.If as a result of a chemical spill a person is injured andre q u i res medical treatment, or someone in theimmediate vicinity of the spill is exposed to a healthor safety risk, then the spill must be reported to theVictorian WorkCover Authority.CLEAN UP OPERATION• Wear full protective clothing recommended onchemical label.• Where possible alter position of the leaking containerto minimise leakage or decant to anothercontainer then label properly; return uncontaminatedsolid chemical to its container.• Use sand or soil to prevent the spread of chemical;use vermiculite or sand to soak up the chemicalfrom small spills; never use sawdust.• Follow label cleaning instructions to clean area.• Absorb excess liquid with sand or soil; dispose ofall contaminated materials following EPA guidelines.8.2 FireSTANDARD PRECAUTIONS• An emergency plan should be prepared.• Practise a fire drill.• Ensure appropriate warning signs and placardingare in place on chemical stores.• Store chemicals separately from fuel.• Keep a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher at thechemical store.• Obtain advice from the CFA.WHEN A CHEMICAL FIRE STARTS• Raise the alarm.• Obtain expert help; call the CFA.• Move all people upwind (evacuate from downwind).• When fire is out treat as a spill.30 31

8.3 PoisoningFollow first aid instructions on the chemical label andcall the Poison Information Centre or a doctor.Remember to do the following:• Remove the cause of contamination from the casualtyby washing and removal of contaminated clothing.• If affected by chemical vapour, move the casualtyto well-ventilated area.• Those helping the casualty should avoid contamination.The Poison Information Centre is a 24-hour, 7 daysa-weekservice.POISON INFORMATION CENTRE Ph. 131 126OR ph 000 in some rural exchange areasTo help the Poison Information Centre assess the situation,establish:• name of the chemical or product; if possible take alabelled container to the phone• age of patient• type of contact (swallowed, inhaled, skin)• quantity and strength of contact substance• time since first contact• patient’s current condition• treatment already given.Keep a fully stocked First Aid Kit available at alltimes. Include any items that the chemical label recommendsin the case of accidents, such as an eyewash or Ipecac syrup (consult the label and yourlocal pharmacist). Keep a supply of fresh water availableto wash contaminated skin or eyes.If medical treatment was required the VictorianWorkCover Authority must be notified.9 LEGISLATIONThis section outlines the re q u i rements withrespect to the Agricultural and Ve t e r i n a ry Chemicals( C o n t rol of Use) Act 1992 and related re g u l a t i o n s ,that must be complied with when using agriculturalchemicals. These controls are administered bythe Department of Natural Resources and Enviro n -ment in Victoria.The users of agricultural chemicals should also beaware of the requirements of the Occupational Healthand Safety Act, the Environment Protection Act, theDangerous Goods Act and their respective regulations.Details of the requirements of chemical users withrespect to these Acts is beyond the scope of this document.However, a list of relevant Acts and the associatedregulations is provided for further reference inSection 11.9.1 Record keeping requirements foragricultural chemical usersA person who uses agricultural chemical productswhich contain a substance listed below must make32 33

and keep (for a period of 2 years) accurate writtenrecords of their use.NOTE: This control only applies to agricultural chemicalproducts, not animal health products.People using these chemicals must hold anAgricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) or beunder the direct supervision of an ACUP holder. Theuse of these specific chemicals is restricted to labeluses unless a specific off-label permit is obtainedfrom DNRE.The chemicals included in these requirement are:• Any Schedule 7 poison which is an agriculturalchemical. Some examples of the active constituentsin some S7 products are: aldicarb,dichlorvos, endosulfan, fenamiphos, methomyl,mevinphos, paraquat, parathion, etc. (This doesnot include animal health products, or veterinarypreparations.)and• Atrazine, metham sodium and Ester form u l a t i o n sof MCPA; or 2,4-D; or t r i c l o p y r.These re c o rds must contain the information asdetailed below, and must be in a form that can beeasily retrieved, and is understandable to others.1 Name and address of chemical supplier2 Name and quantity of chemical product3 Batch number, and where applicable expiry dateof the chemical product4 Any specific written precautions received withthe chemical product in addition to the label5 Withholding period6 Address or location of treated area7 Type of vegetation in the treated area8 Name of pest or disease to be controlled or eradicated9 Weather conditions at time of application includingtemperature, wind direction, and speed10 Date and time of application11 Rate and method of application12 Name and address of person applying the chemical,or if applicable the person supervising theapplication of the chemical13 Details of any permit issued by either DNRE orthe National Registration Authority.9.2 Licensing and permit requirements foragricultural chemical usersLicences are required by people involved in the businessof agricultural spraying, using aircraft or groundbased equipment. The following licences can beobtained upon application to DNRE:• C o m m e rcial Operator Licence – required by personsoperating a business that provides groundbasedagricultural spraying services or are offeringsuch a service for fee or reward.• Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence – requiredby persons operating an aerial spraying business.Pilots must operate under the licence of aAgricultural Aircraft Operator, and must themselveshold a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence.P e rmits issued by the National RegistrationAuthority are required to apply agricultural chemicalsthat are:34 35

• unregistered, or• registered but are to be used:– at a rate higher than the maximum rate stated onthe label– more frequently than the use intervals specifiedon the label– in a manner or for a purpose the label specificallyprohibits.P e rmits issued by the DNRE (Chemical StandardsBranch), are for:• the use of a registered chemical the use of which isrestricted under State law (e.g. AgriculturalChemical User Permits)• the use of a specified chemical,(the off-label use ofwhich is prohibited under State law – see Section9.1)• the use of a restricted agricultural chemical in aChemical Control Area.Table 2 Chemicals TOTALLY prohibited for use within a CCA when appliedusing the specified methods of applicationChemical1 Any formulation of picloram2 Hexazinone applied as a liquid3 Sulfometuron methyl in any formor formulation4 Triclopyr ester5 Ester formulations of - MCPA; or2,4-D; or 2,4-DBProhibited methodTable 3 Chemicals Prohibited from use within a CCA by specified methodsof application unless a Permit has been obtained from DNREChemicalAerial spraying or misterapplicationAerial spraying or misterapplicationAerial spraying or misterapplicationAerial spraying or misterapplicationAll methods of applicationProhibited method9.3 Chemical Control Areas (CCA)There are eight (8) areas within Victoria that are designatedas Chemical Control Areas. The location ofthese areas is shown in Figure 10, page 47, Map ofVictoria showing Chemical Control Areas (CCA).Within these areas during certain times of the yearsome specific herbicides (see Table 2) are prohibitedfrom being applied, using specified types of equipment.Other specific herbicides (see Table 3) areallowed to be used within a CCA only if a permitallowing the use has been issued by DNRE.1 Any formulation of: chlorsulfuron;or clopyralid; or glyphosate; ormetsulfuron methyl2 An amine formulation of - MCPA;or MCPB; or 2,4-D; or 2,4-DB; ordicamba; or mecoprop; or triclopyrCCAS – TIMES OF YEAR WHEN OPERATIONALMallee and Mid-Murray CCA – 1 August until 30April the following yearGoulburn Valley CCA – 1 September until 30 Aprilthe following yearNorth Eastern CCA – 1 September until 30 April thefollowing yearRutherglen CCA – 1 September until 30 April thefollowing year36 37Aerial spraying or misterapplicationAerial spraying or misterapplication

Melbourne CCA – all yearLindenow CCA – all yearOrbost CCA.– all yearBoisdale CCA – all year10AERIALAPPLICATION9.4 Equipment regulationsPeople who use chemigation equipment should beaware of, and adhere to the specifications that arerequired for such equipment in the Agricultural andVeterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations1996.These guidelines are given only to advise farmers oftheir responsibilities when hiring an aerial spray contractorand are not intended as advice to aerial applicators.A map of the area where a chemical is to beapplied should be made. This map can be a sketch(not to scale) or a professionally published map. Onthe map important features and distinguishing landmarksshould be marked including: North; paddocksto be sprayed (numbered); fence lines; overheadw i res; roads; railways; buildings; trees; tall stru c t u re s;and the landing strip (if within map limits). Sensitiveareas should be also marked on the map including:crops; houses (distinguished from other buildingsand numbered); schools; kindergartens; dams; channels;rivers; creeks; other waterways; and crownland. The map should indicate whether the waterwaysare wet or dry.The applicator should be advised if the label warnsthat chemicals should be kept away from people,fish, bees, certain sensitive crops or other sensitive38 39

areas. Aircraft are legally required to keep a minimumheight and distance of 100 m away from ahouse whether spraying or not, unless they havebeen given permission by the occupant. If permissionto fly closer has been obtained from the occupant itshould be marked on the map.11FURTHERINFORMATIONDepartment of Natural Resources and EnvironmentBrochures: (Contact Chemical Information Service(CIS), see below)• Wind Speed Char t• Protecting Waterways• Pesticide Risks to the User and the Environment (posterseries)• Use Agricultural Chemicals Responsibly in VictoriaQueensland Department Primary Industry:• Pesticide Drift – Description, Causes and RemediesSources of general information:• the chemical label• chemical manufacturers or suppliers/resellers• Department of Natural Resources and Environment,Regional Chemical Standards Off i c e r s(RCSOs)– Jim Stranger, Gippsland & Port Phillip EastPh. (03) 5172 2111 m. 0408 962 19140 41

– Alan Roberts, North WestPh. (03) 5430 4416 m. (0419) 505 485– Les Toohey, South West & Port Phillip WestPh. (03) 5573 0715 m. (0419)324 439– David Stewart, North EastPh. (03) 5761 1532 m. (0419) 116 759• DNRE, Chemical Information Service (CIS):Ph. (03) 9210 9379Health information is available from:• your local council Environmental Health Officer• Department of Human Services Pest Control UnitPh. (03) 9637 4156• your local doctor.Information on the Farm Chemical Users Course isavailable from:• RCSOs as listed above• TAFE Course Line 131 823.Chemical storage information is available from:• Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA)– Dangerous Goods Farms Brochur e– Head office Ph. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.Chemical disposal information can be obtained from:• E PA Pollution Watchline – Ph. (03) 9695 2777• your local council Environmental Health Officer.For information on calibration of spraying equipment:• the manufacturer’s operation and maintenanceinstructions• DNRE• some chemical resellers• the farm chemical users course.For further information on chemical leakages, spillsand fire contact:• your local CFA• E PA Pollution Watchline – Ph. (03) 9695 2777• Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA)– Dangerous Goods Farms Brochur e– Head office ph. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.• chemical label and appropriate chemical manufacturer.POISON INFORMATION CENTREPh. 131 126, or Ph. 000 in some rural exchange are a sTo apply for permits that are issued by the NRA contact:Alan NordenNational Registration Authority for Agricultural andVeterinary ChemicalsPO BOX E240, Kingston ACT 2604Ph. (02) 6272 5158 Fax (02) 6272 4735Relevant State legislationActs and legislation can be purchased fro mInformation Victoria Bookshop, 356 Collins Street,Melbourne, Ph. 1300 366 356. For further informationthe administering department should be contacted.Relevant State legislation is listed below.• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use)Act 1992• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control ofUse) Regulations 1996 administered by Departmentof Natural Resources and Environment• Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985Occupational Health and Safety (Plant)Regulations 199540 41

• Occupational Health and Safety (IncidentNotification) Regulations 1997• Dangerous Goods Act 1985• Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling)Regulations 1989• All above legislation administered by VictorianWorkCover Authority• Environmental Protection Act 1970 administered byEPA• Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981• Drugs Poisons and Controlled SubstancesRegulations 1995• Health Act 1958• Health (Pest Control Operator) Regulations 1992Above legislation is administered by theDepartment of Human Services12PROHIBITEDUSES OFAGRICULTURALCHEMICALPRODUCTS1 An agricultural chemical product that contains aconstituent referred to in TABLE 1 is prohibited frombeing used for any purpose unless the use is a permittedpurpose stated in TABLE 1 for the respectiveconstituent.Table 1The information in this publication is offered by theState of Victoria (the Department of NaturalResources and Environment) solely to provide information.While all due care has been taken in compilingthe information, the State of Victoria and its officersand employees take no responsibility for anyperson relying on the information, and disclaims allliability for any errors or omissions in the publication.ConstituentChlorfluazuronSodium Fluoroacetate (1080)tributyl tinPermitted purposeAny purpose stated on the labelthat is approved by the NationalRegistration Authority forAgricultural and VeterinaryChemicalsA vermin destroyer for thecontrol of foxes, rabbits, wilddogs, feral pigsAs an industrial timbertreatment, or in antifoulingmarine paint for vessels greaterthan 25 metres in length2 An agricultural chemical product that contains aconstituent referred to in Table 2 is prohibited frombeing used for the purpose stated in Table 2 for therespective constituent.44 45

Table 2ConstituentAntibiotics, peroxide and perborateMetham SodiumMethiocarbParaquatMevinphos, parathion, parathionmethyl,methamidophos andchlorthiophosMevinphosProhibited purposeAs a dairy cleanerIn trickle irrigation systems. Infixed, portable or solid seti rrigation systems. In travellinggun, boom or side roll irr i g a t i o nsystems. In flood irrigation. Inany other irrigation system usingimpact sprinklers or in anyi rrigation systems operating athigh pre s s u re or those irr i g a t i o nsystems causing spray driftFor use on grapevines or as awettable powder in packsgreater than 15 grams forhome garden useWhen applied by back-mountedspraying equipmentWhen applied by back-mountedspraying equipmentAs a vermin destroyer for thecontrol of vertebrate pestsincluding rabbits, foxes andbirds46