CODE OF PRACTICE
FOR
Farm Chemical Spray
Application

This is the second edition of the Code of Good Practice of Farm Chemical Spray Application. The code has been
reviewed to incorporate changes to Victorian legislation and regulations governing the use of farm chemicals and to incorporate detailed guidance on spraydrift reduction. The purpose of this code is to provide a standard for the safe and effective application of farm chemicals for farmers, horticulturalists and their employees. This code deals only with the user’s obligations and does not cover aerial or ground-based contractors’, obligations. It will highlight the user’s
responsibility to ensure that spray application and farm chemicals do not move beyond the target area. The Code of Practice for Farm Chemical Spray Application has been written with assistance from the Victorian Farmers Federation, Avcare and Victorian Agricultural Chemical Advisory Committee. This code is based on information available at the time of publication and may change in the future.

Definitions
FARM CHEMICAL OR PESTICIDE
Any herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, bait, miticide or other agricultural chemicals used to control pests as a
part of standard farming practice.
PEST
Any unwanted organism (weeds, insects, diseases, nematodes, mites, etc.)
TARGET AREA
In relation to agricultural spraying, ‘target area’ means the area within which pests are intended to be controlled by the spray application.
DRIFT
The airborne movement of agricultural chemicals outside the target area as droplets or vapour.
SENSITIVE AREAS
Schools, residences, public areas, domestic water supply storage and intake, waterways, wetlands, sensitive crops, livestock, conservation areas, public roads and walk-ways, organic farms, areas where bees forage and any area where people congregate.
µm
The micron(µm) is the standard measurement for droplet size. (1000 µm = 1 mm and 25,400 µm = 1 inch)
VMD
Volume Median Diameter is a measure used to
describe droplet size. It is the diameter of the droplet where 50% of the spray volume is smaller and 50% of the volume is larger.
BRITISH CROP PROTECTION NOZZLE RATINGS
The British Crop Protection nozzle rating system categorises nozzles on droplet size compared to standard nozzle settings. The ratings are recognised internationally.

• Very fine Flat Fan 11001 at 4.5 bar (VMD less than 95 µm)
• Fine Flat Fan 11002 at 3.5 bar (VMD approx. 135 µm)
• Medium Flat Fan 11004 at 2.5 bar (VMD approx. 210 µm)
• Coarse Flat Fan 11008 at 2.0 bar (VMD approx. 310 µm)

DNRE
Department of Natural Resources and Environment (includes what was previously the Department of Agriculture)

2. BEFORE SPRAYING

Before spraying is started first establish if a pest has caused the problem. Poor nutrition, waterlogging, etc. may produce similar symptoms. The problem could be caused by a combination of factors. Identify the weed, insect, fungus, parasite or other pest, then determine if it is present at a level which is likely to cause 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 chemical must be registered for use. Choose the farm chemical that is most appropriate for the job, while being the least toxic to the operator, to beneficial insects and to the environment. The farm chemical must not be prohibited for use with that crop, pest, or application method.

OFF-LABEL USE is the application of a registered farm chemical in a way not exactly specified on the label. Generally an off-label use within certain limits (see below for details) is not illegal in Victoria and is intended to enable the use of agricultural chemicals in situations where extending label uses may be uneconomical, such as minor crops. However, off label use is not recommended by DNRE and does not have manufacturers’ warranty. In Victoria, a group of
restricted farm chemicals must not be used off-label, but a permit may be obtained allowing such use - this permit is different to an ACUP (Agricultural Chemical User’s Permit); these chemicals and the controls 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 specific statement (i.e. Do not use by aerial application)
• at a higher rate than the maximum rate for that use on the label
• more frequently than stated on the label
• if the use would breach a State prohibition (see Prohibited 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 responsibility for any problems caused by chemicals that are used off-label.

2.1 Chemicals
To minimise the impact of any off-target movement of chemicals it is preferable to use chemicals that are:

• specific to target pest rather than broad spectrum
• short life rather than residual
• of minimal risk to humans
• of minimal risk to non-target plants, fish, animals and insects.

2.1.1 ADDITIVES
Most additives such as wetters and stickers increase chemical efficacy by improving deposit and uptake. The same physical properties can reduce droplet size and cause an increase in drift. There are additives which can reduce drift. At this time no additive has been proven to perform both functions.
2.1.2 FORMULATIONS
Volatile chemical formulations (e.g. 2,4-D Ester formulation) are more prone to drift as vapour, either during or after application, and should be avoided whenever possible.
2.2 Training and instruction
It is desirable that anyone who uses farm chemicals complete the Farm Chemical Users Course or other recognised chemical application course appropriate to the established industry standards. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the operator has an adequate understanding of:

• the pest
• the chemical
• the equipment
• the application method
• all safety information on the label.

2.3 The farm chemical label
Read the whole label before using a chemical, including:

• safety directions and first aid instructions
• withholding periods
• crops on which the chemical may be used
• pests which the chemical is registered to control
• application rate
• storage and disposal instructions
• method of application
• warnings or prohibitions.

Further information can be obtained from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical. These are available from the manufacturer or the reseller. Where an employee is applying chemicals a copy of the MSDS must be made available by the employer on request.

3. WEATHER CONDITIONS

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the chemical stays in the target area. The user has a legal obligation to avoid spray-drift damage. Weather conditions can influence the effectiveness of spray, by for example, moving spray off-target, or stressing the plant. Avoid spraying in the weather conditions listed below:

• winds greater than 15 km/h (8 knots) for ground based application
• sea breezes and other winds caused by heating and cooling 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 measure wind speed and direction:

• anemometers
• wind speed chart
• weather station
• smoke generator.

Section 5.4 discusses equipment that reduces drift and Section 6.1 other contributing hazards.

4. STORAGE, MIXING, AND DISPOSAL OF FARM CHEMICALS

4.1 Storage
A list of all chemicals held in storage should be kept. Storage and transport of agricultural chemicals that are also dangerous goods must comply with the Dangerous 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 (see Section 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 Mixing
Mixing should be carried out in a well-ventilated area with adequate lighting. The area should be tidy so that it does not provide any hazards that may result in slipping or tripping. The mixing area must not drain to a waterway or sewer. There should be a convenient personal wash down facility on the mixing site and a ready supply of clean water for personal washing available during spraying. Use appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing as specified on the label.
Farm chemicals should be decanted in a way that minimises the risk of operator contact with chemicals. Steps should be taken to minimise the risk of chemical spillage. Ensure that a non-return valve is fitted to any hose or pipe which is used to fill the spray tank with water, particularly where the hose is submerged while filling. This is very important and will prevent siphoning back from the tank into the water source if supply is interrupted. Agitation should be sufficient to keep farm chemicals thoroughly mixed and suspended. Triple rinse empty containers and drain rinse water into the spray tank.
4.3 Disposal
Follow label instructions for disposal of chemical and container. Small quantities of unused dilute chemical which remain at the end of a spray job can be disposed of by further dilution (at least 10-fold) and then by applying the further diluted mixture to part of the target area. This application, however, should be done so as not to wash off the already applied chemical and with the equipment operating as per the original application. Contaminated water should not be allowed to
drain into ground water, storm drains, sewers or water supplies. Concentrated chemicals should never be disposed of on-farm. Disposal of chemicals must be carried out by a licensed waste disposal company or as specified by EPA guidelines. All containers should be emptied and triple rinsed before disposal. Rinse water should be emptied into the spray tank. To minimise container waste always try to (in order of preference):

• Purchase chemicals in containers that do not require disposal, e.g. water soluble sachets.
• Purchase chemicals in refillable containers that can be returned to reseller.
• Dispose of container through Avcare, BHP smelter or other commercial disposal program.
• Puncture or crush triple rinsed container, then dispose of it at an approved municipal land fill tip.

5. SPRAY EQUIPMENT AND PRACTICE

5.1 Maintenance
Spray equipment should be maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications, and the standards listed below.

• Nozzles should be replaced whenever worn or damaged. Nozzles should be replaced when there is 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 good order:
  - hoses free of kinks, twists, cracks or splits
  - filters clean and functional and checked on every use.
• The sprayer’s pressure gauge should be checked annually against a new or calibrated pressure gauge.
• Nozzle position and angle should be visually checked before every spray operation.
• Stabilisers on boom sprayers should be checked for proper operation at the beginning of every season.

5.2 Droplet size
Select the nozzle or sprayer settings that produce the largest size droplet (coarsest spray) suitable to perform the spray application. Droplet size is affected by the atomiser type and sprayer settings. The production of very fine droplets
(less than 50 µm) should be avoided due to the increased likelihood of drift and evaporation. Atomisers with higher flow rates generally produce coarser droplets. Many chemical mixes give similar droplet size to water but ultra low volume (ULV) formulations, additives and some other formulation types can alter droplet size. The type of nozzle or atomiser and the way it is operated influence the size of the droplets sprayed. Listed below are nozzles and the droplet size they
produce.
HYDRAULIC NOZZLES (British Crop Protection nozzle rating)

• nozzle type
  - full cone (coarse droplets)
  - flood (coarse droplets)
  - flat fan (medium droplets)
  - hollow cone (fine droplets)
• decreasing nozzle size - decreases droplet size
• increasing operating pre s s u re - decreases droplet size
• increasing spray angle (i.e. 110° flat fan nozzle is finer than 80° for same flow rate) - decreases droplet size.

CONTROLLED DROPLET APPLICATOR (CDA) (FINE DROPLETS)

• increasing rotation speed of spinning disk, drum or cage – 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 Calibration
The sprayer should be calibrated regularly to ensure the correct application rate. The calibration should ensure that the correct amount of chemical is applied for the type and arrangement of equipment and travel speed. Marking should be carried out to avoid missed 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 and revs used for calibration, preferably on the same slope and surface that spraying will occur.
5.4 Equipment to reduce spray drift

• LOW DRIFT NOZZLES a re very similar to a normal flat fan nozzle. There is a plate with a small hole in the nozzle that reduces the energy of the spray and thus makes it coarser, and slower leaving the nozzle. This reduces the number of fine droplets that are likely to drift.
• DIRECT SOIL INJECTION SYSTEMS have sprays attached to tines which spray into the soil as the tine breaks and lifts the soil. No spray drift is possible due to spray confinement beneath the soil. Vapour drift is still possible.
• AIR-ASSISTED SPRAYERS provide directed air which blows the spray onto the target and into a crop
  canopy. The air can assist the spray moving against the wind.
• ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYERS charge droplets electrostatically so that they are attracted to anything that has the opposite charge or is grounded.
• TWIN FLUID SYSTEMS inject compressed air into the spray at the nozzle. Droplet size can be maintained at
  a lower volume rate because air pressure, not liquid pressure, is used to atomise the liquid.
• SHIELDED BOOM SPRAYERS control drift as a physical barrier that contains the spray cloud, or as an aerodynamic guide which controls the flow of air around the nozzle. The controlled flow of air is less turbulent
  and minimises the volume of droplets carried away from the target. Also, the air flow can force droplets
  down onto the target. Some shields are a combination of both concepts.
• STANDARD EQUIPMENT can be modified to reduce spray drift by selecting a coarser nozzle; reducing
  spray pressure; or angling the nozzles forward so the boom can be lowered.

5.5 Cleaning of sprayer after use
Follow label instructions. If in doubt contact the reseller or chemical company. Decontamination procedures should be followed as recommended on the label. Where no other directions are given it is desirable to:

• Clean exterior of spray equipment and tractor.
• • Flush clean water through equipment (at least 10 L per nozzle), with nozzles removed so dirt is rinsed out of lines.
• Remove nozzles and filters, wash and replace.
• Never leave spray material in spray unit (see Section 4.3 for disposal of unused spray material).

6. PREVENTING DAMAGE FROM SPRAY OPERATIONS

6.1 Spray drift
Check conditions during spraying, and stop spraying if adverse conditions arise (Note Section 3 ‘Weather conditions’). Table 1 gives an indication of when the risk of drift is high or low. Most applications will have many factors in a middle range or low range. If multiple factors represent a high hazard of drift then the application should be delayed until one or more of the factors has changed, which has resulted in there being less chance of off-target drift.
6.2 Buffer zones and vegetative barriers
A buffer zone is an area around a sensitive area in which agricultural chemicals should not be applied. The presence of a buffer zone enables spray drift to settle out of the air stream as it travels across the buffer zone before reaching the sensitive area. It is difficult to define a safe buffer distance. Vegetative barriers between sensitive areas and farm chemical application areas can be effective in reducing spray-drift movement by filtering spray droplets out of the air. A vegetative buffer is a row of trees, tall grass or bushes which reduces spray drift by filtering spray droplets through their foliage.
A good vegetative buffer should be:

• taller than the target plants or the spray unit used for chemical application
• trees or other plants with foliage thin enough for you to see through (50% porosity)
• plants with long, thin, rough foliage, are more suitable 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 dense trees such as cypress trees as a buffer.
• Do not attempt to use vegetative buffers as a substitute for good spray management practice.
• NOTE: A vegetative buffer will not reduce vapour drift or odour associated with spray drift.

Note: A single high risk category should not necessarily prevent a chemical application particularly when offset by low risk factors (except if the high risk situation is an inversion layer). When several high risk conditions apply, application should be delayed or an alternative sought.

6.3 Run off
Run off can be caused by the following factors. Direct contamination
To avoid this:

• Locate mixing and wash-down sites away from streams, drains and bores.
• Pour and store carefully to prevent spillage.
• Avoid back-syphoning from tank when filling.
• Dispose of chemicals as discussed in Section 4.3.

Over spray
To avoid this:

• Provide contractors with a farm plan.
• Clearly mark locations of waterways on the plan.
• Spray away from any water when treating weeds on a bank.
• Avoid drift onto waterways.
• Avoid pesticide run off and leaching.
• Establish vegetative buffers between crops and waterways.
• Cultivate across slopes.
• Use the right water rate for the soil type.
• Do not spray when rain is likely.
• Avoid over irrigating after application of chemicals.

6.4 Provision of information

6.4.1 Requests
If any person has made a reasonable request for notification of spraying operations it should be provided.
Examples of reasonable requests are:

• apiarists who need to move bees
• aquaculture operator (ponds may need to be covered)
• principal of adjoining school
• the responsible person at adjoining public gathering place.

6.4.2 Contractors
Information should be given to a contractor about any sensitive areas including occupied areas, waterways, sensitive crops, fauna and flora within 100 m of the spraying operations. A contractor should never be requested to spray in conditions with a high risk of spray drift. Contractors must make and retain for two (2) years records of chemical applications as detailed in Section 9.1, ‘Record keeping requirements’. An employer can request a copy of that information from the contractor.

7. SAFETY

Safety standards must be maintained in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 and related regulations. This act is administered by the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
7.1 Protective clothing
Protective clothing should always be worn as recommended on the product label when working with farm chemicals. It is the employer’s responsibility to supply protective clothing and ensure that it is used and maintained. When use of a respirator is specified its use and manufacture should comply with Australian Standards 1715-1994 and 1716-1994 (noted on respirator packet).
Whenever handling chemicals the minimum protective clothing that should be worn is:

• washable or disposable overalls
• washable hat
• rubber or PVC gloves
• rubber boots.

If concentrated chemical is handled also wear:

• PVC apron
• face shield.

Clothing and equipment should be checked and cleaned after every day’s use.

• Damaged safety equipment should be replaced immediately.
• Washing of protective clothing should be carried out separately from household washing.
• When any clothing is heavily contaminated by concentrate it must be disposed of safely.

7.2 Precautions
NEVER eat, drink or smoke when using farm chemicals
NEVER touch a contaminated item to face or mouth and never rub eyes while wearing contaminated gloves.
NEVER blow through hoses or nozzles to clear them and never suck on a hose to start siphoning.
It is ILLEGAL and dangerous to store farm chemicals in unlabelled containers or transfer to any non-original containers such as soft drink bottles.
NEVER use the product if it is unlabelled or if there is any doubt as to the identity of the chemical.
ALWAYS immediately wash hands or other skin exposed to chemicals . Clean water, soap and a towel should be carried whenever handling chemicals. Use equipment that minimises contact with chemicals, such as metering pumps, self-cleaning filters and electronic spray controllers.

Spraying should be avoided when a person is showing symptoms of heat stress, headaches, colds, bronchitis or gastric upsets. These may mask the early signs of poisoning. Heat stress can increase risk of poisoning. If symptoms of poisoning occur, spraying should cease immediately and medical advice be sought.
For the safe use of tractor cabs:

• Contaminated clothing or equipment should not be taken into the cabin.
• Only use approved pesticide filters.
• Filters should be changed regularly.
• Tractor cabs with no appropriate pesticide filters do not provide protection from chemical vapour; personal
  protective equipment should be worn as advised by the label.

Spray should be kept downwind of the operator. If it is not possible a respirator and hood should be worn in addition to normal protective clothing.

7.3 Preventing accidents to children
ALWAYS keep farm chemicals in locked storage and out of reach of children.
NEVER allow children to be present when spraying or mixing chemicals.
NEVER keep chemicals in containers similar to food or drink containers.
EDUCATE children about the hazards involved with chemicals.

8. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

8.1 Leakages and spills
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

• An emergency plan should be prepared to deal with a spill.
• Emergency equipment should be available including:
  - protective clothing and equipment
  - soil, sand or vermiculite
  - equipment and material recommended on the label.
• 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 and requires medical treatment, or someone in the immediate vicinity of the spill is exposed to a health

CLEAN UP OPERATION

• Wear full protective clothing recommended on chemical label.
• Where possible alter position of the leaking container to minimise leakage or decant to another container then label properly; return uncontaminated solid chemical to its container.
• Use sand or soil to prevent the spread of chemical; use vermiculite or sand to soak up the chemical from small spills; never use sawdust.
• Follow label cleaning instructions to clean area.
• Absorb excess liquid with sand or soil; dispose of all contaminated materials following EPA guidelines.

8.2 Fire
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

• An emergency plan should be prepared.
• Practice a fire drill.
• Ensure appropriate warning signs and placarding are in place on chemical stores.
• Store chemicals separately from fuel.
• Keep a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher at the chemical 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 down wind).
• When fire is out treat as a spill.

8.3 Poisoning
Follow first aid instructions on the chemical label and call the Poison Information Centre or a doctor.
Remember to do the following:

• Remove the cause of contamination from the casualty by washing and removal of contaminated clothing.
• If affected by chemical vapour, move the casualty to well-ventilated area.
• Those helping the casualty should avoid contamination.

The Poison Information Centre is a 24-hour, 7 days a week service.
POISON INFORMATION CENTRE Ph. 131 126
OR ph 000 in some rural exchange areas

To help the Poison Information Centre assess the situation, establish:

• name of the chemical or product; if possible take a labeled 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 all times. Include any items that the chemical label recommends in the case of accidents, such as an eye wash or Ipecac syrup (consult the label and your local pharmacist). Keep a supply of fresh water available to wash contaminated skin or eyes. If medical treatment was required the Victorian WorkCover Authority must be notified.

9. LEGISLATION

This section outlines the requirements with respect to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals ( Control of Use) Act 1992 and related regulations, that must be complied with when using agricultural chemicals. These controls are administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Victoria. The users of agricultural chemicals should also be aware of the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Environment Protection Act, the Dangerous Goods Act and their respective regulations. Details of the requirements of chemical users with respect to these Acts is beyond the scope of this document. However, a list of relevant Acts and the associated regulations is provided for further reference in Section 11.
9.1 Record keeping requirements for agricultural chemical users
A person who uses agricultural chemical products which contain a substance listed below must make and keep (for a period of 2 years) accurate written records of their use.
NOTE: This control only applies to agricultural chemical products, not animal health products.
People using these chemicals must hold an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) or be under the direct supervision of an ACUP holder. The use of these specific chemicals is restricted to label uses unless a specific off-label permit is obtained from DNRE.
The chemicals included in these requirement are:

• Any Schedule 7 poison which is an agricultural chemical. Some examples of the active constituents in some S7 products are: aldicarb, dichlorvos, endosulfan, fenamiphos, methomyl, mevinphos, paraquat, parathion, etc. (This does not include animal health products, or veterinary preparations.) and
• Atrazine, metham sodium and Ester formulations of MCPA; or 2,4-D; ortriclopyr. These records must contain the information as detailed below, and must be in a form that can be easily retrieved, and is understandable to others.

1. Name and address of chemical supplier
2. Name and quantity of chemical product
3. Batch number, and where applicable expiry date of the chemical product
4. Any specific written precautions received with the chemical product in addition to the label
5. Withholding period
6. Address or location of treated area
7. Type of vegetation in the treated area
8. Name of pest or disease to be controlled or eradicated
9. Weather conditions at time of application including temperature, wind direction, and speed
10. Date and time of application
11. Rate and method of application
12. Name and address of person applying the chemical, or if applicable the person supervising the application of the chemical
13. Details of any permit issued by either DNRE or the National Registration Authority.

9.2 Licensing and permit requirements for agricultural chemical users
Licences are required by people involved in the business of agricultural spraying, using aircraft or ground based equipment. The following licences can be obtained upon application to DNRE:

• Commercial Operator Licence - required by persons operating a business that provides ground based
  agricultural spraying services or are offering such a service for fee or reward.
• Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence - required by persons operating an aerial spraying business. Pilots must operate under the licence of a Agricultural Aircraft Operator, and must themselves hold a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence.

Permits issued by the National Registration Authority are required to apply agricultural chemicals
that are:

• unregistered, or
• registered but are to be used:
  - at a rate higher than the maximum rate stated on the label
  - more frequently than the use intervals specified on the label
  - in a manner or for a purpose the label specifically prohibits.

Permits issued by the DNRE (Chemical Standards Branch), are for:

• the use of a registered chemical the use of which is restricted under State law (e.g. Agricultural Chemical User Permits)
• the use of a specified chemical,(the off-label use of which is prohibited under State law – see Section 9.1)
• the use of a restricted agricultural chemical in a Chemical Control Area.

9.3 Chemical Control Areas (CCA)
There are eight (8) areas within Victoria that are designated as Chemical Control Areas. The location of these areas is shown in Figure 10, page 47, Map of Victoria showing Chemical Control Areas (CCA). Within these areas during certain times of the year some specific herbicides (see Table 2) are prohibited from being applied, using specified types of equipment. Other specific herbicides (see Table 3) are allowed to be used within a CCA only if a permit
allowing the use has been issued by DNRE.

Table 2 Chemicals TOTALLY prohibited for use within a CCA when applied using the specified methods of application

CCAS – TIMES OF YEAR WHEN OPERATIONAL
Mallee and Mid-Murray CCA – 1 August until 30 April the following year
Goulburn Valley CCA – 1 September until 30 April the following year
North Eastern CCA – 1 September until 30 April the following year
Rutherglen CCA – 1 September until 30 April the following year
Melbourne CCA – all year
Lindenow CCA – all year
Orbost CCA.– all year
Boisdale CCA – all year
9.4 Equipment regulations
People who use chemigation equipment should be aware of, and adhere to the specifications that are required for such equipment in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 1996.

10. AERIAL APPLICATION

These guidelines are given only to advise farmers of their responsibilities when hiring an aerial spray contractor and are not intended as advice to aerial applicators. A map of the area where a chemical is to be applied should be made. This map can be a sketch (not to scale) or a professionally published map. On the map important features and distinguishing landmarks should be marked including: North; paddocks to be sprayed (numbered); fence lines; overhead wires; roads; railways; buildings; trees; tall structures; and the landing strip (if within map limits). Sensitive areas should be also marked on the map including: crops; houses (distinguished from other buildings and numbered); schools; kindergartens; dams; channels; rivers; creeks; other waterways; and crown land. The map should indicate whether the waterways are wet or dry. The applicator should be advised if the label warns that chemicals should be kept away from people, fish, bees, certain sensitive crops or other sensitive areas. Aircraft are legally required to keep a minimum height and distance of 100m away from a house whether spraying or not, unless they have been given permission by the occupant. If permission to fly closer has been obtained from the occupant it should be marked on the map.

11. FURTHER INFORMATION

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Brochures: (Contact Chemical Information Service (CIS), see below)

• Wind Speed Chart
• Protecting Waterways
• Pesticide Risks to the User and the Environment (poster series)
• Use Agricultural Chemicals Responsibly in Victoria

Queensland Department Primary Industry:

• Pesticide Drift - Description, Causes and Remedies

Sources of general information:

• the chemical label
• chemical manufacturers or suppliers/resellers
• Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Regional Chemical Standards Officers (RCSOs)
  - Jim Stranger, Gippsland & Port Phillip East Ph. (03) 5172 2111 mobile. 0408 962 191
  - Alan Roberts, North West Ph. (03) 5430 4416 mobile. (0419) 505 485
  - Les Toohey, South West & Port Phillip West Ph. (03) 5573 0715 mobile. (0419)324 439
  - David Stewart, North East Ph. (03) 5761 1532 mobile. (0419) 116 759
• DNRE, Chemical Information Service (CIS): Ph. (03) 9210 9379

Health information is available from:

• your local council Environmental Health Officer
• Department of Human Services Pest Control Unit Ph. (03) 9637 4156
• your local doctor.

Information on the Farm Chemical Users Course is available from:

• RCSOs as listed above
• TAFE Course Line 131 823.

Chemical storage information is available from:

• Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA)
  - Dangerous Goods Farms Brochure
  - Head office Ph. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.

Chemical disposal information can be obtained from:

• EPA Pollution Watchline - Ph. (03) 9695 2777
• your local council Environmental Health Officer.

For information on calibration of spraying equipment:

• the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions
• DNRE
• some chemical resellers
• the farm chemical users course.

For further information on chemical leakages, spills and fire contact:

• your local CFA
• EPA Pollution Watchline - Ph. (03) 9695 2777
• Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA)
  - Dangerous Goods Farms Brochure
  - Head office ph. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089.
• chemical label and appropriate chemical manufacturer.

POISON INFORMATION CENTRE
Ph. 131 126, or Ph. 000 in some rural exchange areas

To apply for permits that are issued by the NRA contact:
Alan Norden National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals PO BOX E240, Kingston ACT 2604. Ph. (02) 6272 5158 Fax (02) 6272 4735

Relevant State legislation
Acts and legislation can be purchased from Information Victoria Bookshop, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne, Ph. 1300 366 356. For further information the 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 of Use) Regulations 1996 administered by Department of Natural Resources and Environment
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995
• Occupational Health and Safety (Incident Notification) Regulations 1997
• Dangerous Goods Act 1985
• Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 1989
• All above legislation administered by Victorian WorkCover Authority
• Environmental Protection Act 1970 administered by EPA
• Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
• Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 1995
• Health Act 1958
• Health (Pest Control Operator) Regulations 1992

Above legislation is administered by the Department of Human Services.

The information in this publication is offered by the State of Victoria (the Department of Natural Resources and Environment) solely to provide information. While all due care has been taken in compiling the information, the State of Victoria and its officers and employees take no responsibility for any person relying on the information, and disclaims all
liability for any errors or omissions in the publication.

12. PROHIBITED USES OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

1 An agricultural chemical product that contains a constituent referred to in TABLE 1 is prohibited from being used for any purpose unless the use is a permitted purpose stated in TABLE 1 for the respective constituent.