I'm a contract agrichemical sprayer. What training do I need?

If you are spraying for hire or reward, there are requirements under both the Environmental Protection Authority and WorkSafe for training and/or certification - these are listed below. These are generally higher than the requirements for non-contractors to reflect the higher level of risks such as spraying in public places, spraying as a full-time role and spraying in different locations each day. The rules are quite complicated but our decision tree for contractors will help you identify the appropriate Growsafe course for you and your staff.

General WorkSafe requirements

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, all workers must have the training and supervision they need to operate safely with and around hazardous substances ie to be a competent agrichemical user. If workers don’t have the knowledge and experience they need, they must be supervised by someone who does. 
Your training and instruction should cover:

  • information on the hazards of the products you are using (eg labels, SDSs and HazNotes)
  • training on how to manage the risks associated with the products you are using (eg a Growsafe course)
  • specific training in your workplace procedures (eg your emergency plan or operating procedures for PPE maintenance)
  • practice in safely using any equipment, machinery and PPE, and a period of practical experience under supervision.
If you change jobs, you will need to receive site-specific induction and supervision in the new workplace. Training is not a one-off obligation. Your PCBU needs to ensure your knowledge and skills are still current and up-to-date. More information can be found in WorkSafe’s Quick Guide to Information, training and instruction for workers handling hazardous substances.

Certified Handler (previously Approved Handler)

Certified handler is a HSW Act control specific to some classes of products.  A certified handler is someone qualified to handle very toxic substances.  A certified handler may also provide guidance and assistance to other people handling the substances. You need to be a certified handler if you want to purchase or use highly toxic products such as Paraquat or Counter 20G that have the following hazard classifications:
  • Acutely toxic category 1 (HSNO class 6.1A)
  • Acutely toxic category 2 (HSNO class 6.1B)
For more information on certified handler, see our webpage or get started with our online preparation course.

Note: under the other requirements on this page, it is very likely you will need the appropriate Growsafe certificate in addition to Certified Handler certificate, unless you are not responsible for applying the product.

Competent person (previously Approved Handler)

Competent person is an EPA requirement for the use of other products with high human health risk that don't require certified handler.  A Growsafe Standard  certificate (or higher) will provide evidence of competency. You must be a competent person if you wish to purchase products with the following hazard classifications, and they may only be used in the workplace, not at home:
  • Acutely toxic category 3 (HSNO class 6.1C)
  • Carcinogenicity category 1 (HSNO class 6.7A)
  • Skin corrosion category 1A (HSNO class 8.2A)

Qualified contractor (previously Approved Handler)

If you are using the following classes of ecotoxic products, then in many circumstances the product will need to be under the control of a qualified contractor:
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment category 1 (HSNO class 9.1A)
  • Very toxic to the soil environment (HSNO class 9.2A)
  • Very toxic to terrestrial vertebrates (HSNO class 9.3A)
  • Very toxic to terrestrial invertebrates (HSNO class 9.4A)
  • Other products specifically named by EPA.

The qualifications required vary depending on the risk which is based largely on the type of equipment being used. If you are a contractor, it is likely you will need Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator  certificate (or equivalent), except for knapsack spraying for which you need a minimum of Growsafe Standard  (or equivalent).

Method of use Qualification needed to be a Qualified Contractor
Ground based application using non-handheld motorised equipment eg boom or airblast sprayers Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator (or equivalent)
Ground based application using handheld motorised equipment
  • with a tank capacity of 30 litres or more; or
  • 30m or less from water or a sensitive habitat
eg gun spraying, riverbank spraying with motorised knapsack		 Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator with relevant strand (or equivalent) or
Growsafe Standard (or equivalent) plus unit standard(s) specific to application type
Spraying in/onto water
eg aquatic weed management		 Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator with Aquatic strand (or equivalent)
All other ground based spraying
eg hydraulic knapsack, motorised knapsack away from sensitive areas		 Growsafe Standard (or equivalent)

Full definitions of qualified person and alternative qualifications are in the EPA’s Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice
These requirements for qualifications replace the previous requirements for Approved Handler certificates when ecotoxic products are used in a wide dispersive manner. Under the transition arrangements, Approved Handler certificates are acceptable qualifications until they expire.

Regional plan requirements

In addition to the national requirements sent out above, there are often additional training and certification requirements set out in regional plans. These may require a Growsafe RCA or Standard certificate or equivalent for some or all types of agrichemicals when applied with motorised equipment or in public places. Where the requirements differ, the higher requirement applies.

In some plans, people spraying in public areas require the same training and certification as contractors. This reflects the fact that an agrichemical applicator, whether employed by a council directly or through a contracting company, faces the same risks.

Contractor staff working under supervision

The recommended training and certification for contractor staff is:

  • Where applicators are under direct supervision, they should have undertaken basic training such the Growsafe Basic course.  Direct supervision is when the RCA can see the applicator, provides detailed instructions, is aware of the worker's actions and can intervene or correct actions in a timely manner.
  • Where applicators are under indirect supervision, they should hold a Growsafe Standard certificate; or hold a Growsafe Basic certificate and be working under the direct supervision of someone with a Growsafe Standard certificate. Indirect supervision is when the supervisor is not on-site but provides task-specific guidance and oversight. The supervisor should be contactable and able to assist if required.