Training for non-applicators

I'm a rural retailer. What training do I need?

There are requirements under WorkSafe for training and/or certification - these are listed below. But more importantly, you have a responsibility to know the rules about who can purchase hazardous substances and what evidence of competency they may need to provide. The rules are quite complicated but our decision tree for retailers will help you know what to check.

 

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

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 are responsible for the storage, handling or sale of 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).

Targeted Growsafe training

The Growsafe Supplier certificate is a tailored course for rural retail staff. It not only covers the required content for Certified Handler with a specific focus on agrichemicals and other products found in a rural retail store, but provides information that will help you ensure your customers/agrichemical users are getting the right information.

Using spray contractors

You may choose to use a spray contractor to undertake spraying on your property. However, the property owner or manager remains responsible for their workplace. You need to ensure risks to food safety, environment and people on your property are minimised. We recommend that you (or your manager) do some training, so you are aware of your responsibilities.  A Growsafe Theory certificate may be appropriate if you are not doing spraying yourself.

• Clarify with the contractor in writing who is responsible for notification of neighbours or other affected parties. Different regional plans have different requirements but often it is the land owner or manager who is responsible.
• Be sure to get a copy of the spray record before the contractor leaves your property. This is so you know what was sprayed where and whether there is a withholding period.
• Communicate your spray plan to the contractor. Ensure the contractor is aware of sensitive areas on your property and has considered how to manage them. Ensure mixing and disposal sites have been considered.
• Check your contractor has the required training and certification – remember EPA requirements and council rules are often different for contractors. Most contractors will need to have a higher level qualification such as Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator (RCA) or be operating under the supervision of someone with an RCA.
• Ensure the contractor is familiar with the emergency plan for your property.