[Name of Organization] 

The Safe Use and Storage of Chemicals (Including Pesticides and Herbicides) in Agriculture 

  1. Introduction 

Pesticides and herbicides along with other chemicals are used in the agricultural sites to allow a noticeable increase in crop yields and food production. Pesticides are substances or organisms used to incapacitate, kill, inhibit the growth of, or repel pests, while an herbicide is a chemical substance, which will kill or inhibit the growth of plants. When used appropriately, pesticides can control environmental pests efficiently, and herbicides control the growth and spread of weeds. However, they are not used in a proper manner, they can put human health trade, and environment at risk.  

  1. Purpose/ Objective 

The following outlines [YOUR COMPANY NAME]’s policy and procedures on the safe use, as well as storage of all types of chemicals along with herbicides, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals in order to protect the health and safety of workers. It also assists users to achieve a safe system of work, and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001. In meeting the obligations, this code has attempted to make sure that there is no conflict with the obligations like environmental legislation.  

  1. Application 

It is applicable to employers, self-employed persons, as well as employees involved in the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals along with pesticides and herbicides in agricultural workplaces. Examples of chemicals used in agriculture covered by this code include detergents, LP Gas, degreasers, cleaning agents, fuels, solvents, dyes, fertilisers, antiseptics, and registered agricultural chemicals like pesticides.  

  1. Identifying the hazards  

Information about the hazards of an agricultural chemical can be found on the container label and the MSDS. This information is used to assess risks and establish control measures. Additional advice can be found in other publications manufactured by the pesticide maker, supplier or importer, which can give advice on the proposed method of use of the chemical and suitable application equipment.  

  1. Assessing risk 

A risk assessment is based on information provided on the label and/or MSDS, as well as involves an inspection of the actual work location and work practices. In some of the situations, it would be necessary to obtain advice from a specialist. This code helps to examine the work practices related to storage, handling, and use and then estimates the risk to employees and other persons involved in it, and property and environment. Review risk assessments when: 

  1. Work practices change 

  1. a new chemical is introduced 

  1. when an updated MSDS is produced by the supplier  

  1. the requirement is indicated by adverse results of health surveillance or monitoring  

  1. five years have gone since the last assessment  

  1. Controls  

Controls are methods used to eliminate or reduce the risk of chemical accidents or exposures. Controls along with the maintenance must be part of any plan to introduce a chemical into the workplace. The continuing use and effectiveness of controls should be checked.  

  1. Records and the register of the chemicals  

Maintaining records is a crucial part of risk assessment and risk management. The starting point is forming the register that includes a listing of all hazardous substances, as well as dangerous goods, in a workplace. The minimum information, which should be included in a register, is a list of all hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods produced or used in the workplace and the relevant MSDS.  

  1. Information, Education, and Training 

The employer should provide appropriate induction and on-going training to employees. The training should be commensurate with any risk to health and safety and provided in an appropriate manner. Records of training should be kept in a proper way. Moreover, under the Pesticides Act 1999, employers may be liable for any violation of that Act, where the breach resulted from the activity of employees. Along with the job training, other training programs may be required for the ones, who are likely to be exposed to hazardous substances or who handle or store dangerous goods, under the particular substances and equipment used in your workplace, as outlined below. 

Training by employers 

This type of training can be formal or on-the-job. It must take into account literacy levels, work experience, as well as the specific skills required for the job. The following must have appropriate training: 

  • workers who need to use or store a chemical  

  • workers who are supervising others working with a chemical  

  • those who need to work in close proximity  to where chemicals are stored as well as used 

  • everyone likely to be involved in a fire or emergency action  

  • casual or seasonal workers who may use or come into account with a chemical or residue  

Training about the requirement of legislation 

A training program should cover all of the following: 

  • duties under the OHS Act and OHS Regulation 

  • applying this code of practice  

  • advice regarding specific hazardous substances or dangerous goods, which can be stored or used in the workplace  

  • the legal significance of a label and any restrictions resulting from it  

  • any other relevant legislation or guidance material relating to the use, transport, storage and disposal of chemicals  

Personal safety  

Where relevant, training should also cover: 

  • the routes of entry into the body of chemicals 

  • the risks posed by chemicals commonly used in the particular industry 

  • precautions need to be taken for a particular task, along with the use of machinery  

  • the risk assessment process 

  • control measures and maintenance  

  • the correct selection, use, fit, and maintenance of protective equipment and clothing  

  • exposure controls when working in a tractor or truck cabin 

  • air monitoring 

  • health surveillance 

  • first aid and incident reporting procedures 

  • confined spaces, where applicable, like cleaning inside a vat or silo 

Emergency procedure  

Training should also cover: 

  • protection of human life 

  • protection for environmental damage  

  • decontamination 

  • initial measures to establish control 

  • first aid or incident reporting procedures where illness or injury to other persons has occurred  

  1. Responsibilities  

Responsibilities of the Employer  

Under the OHS Act, employers should ensure that health, safety, the welfare of their employees along with other persons at their workplace. It includes preventing health risks created by the use and storage of chemicals. The employer has specific obligations to carry out the following: 

  1. make sure that information is available so that chemicals can be used safely and securely 

  1. provide employees with instructions, supervision, and training 

  1. offer safe systems at work, along with the use of plant and equipment  

The employer also has the responsibility to protect the health and safety of other persons who are not their employees, including contractors and their employees, or members of the public. It includes arising from the application of pesticides, spray drift, and any residues left after application. These functions can also be delegated to the manager.  

Responsibilities of the Employee  

  1. An employee working with or near agricultural chemicals has the responsibility to maintain safe work practices  

  1. He is also responsible for protecting their own health, and safety, and that of others at the workplace  

  1. An employee should report promptly to their employer anything which in the view of the employee can affect compliance with any relevant legislation. 

 

  1. Implementation and Review 

The successful implementation and establishment of this policy is the responsibility of all employees of [YOUR COMPANY NAME]. The company will monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Policy and Procedures in a certain interval. 

Date: