Using chemicals responsibly

Introduction

If you use agricultural or veterinary chemical products on any property in the Northern Territory (NT), you must use them in a way that is safe for humans, animals and the environment.

The use of chemicals is controlled by both Australian and NT law and regulations. They apply to everyone who uses chemicals from the householder to the farmer or pest control operator.

Chemicals are usually safe when used by responsible operators who follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Laws about the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals

Read the laws and regulations you must follow if you manufacture or use agricultural and veterinary (agvet) products in the NT.

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 is an Australian law which governs the registration and regulation of agvet chemical products up to the point where they are sold to the public.

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004 is an NT law which controls how agvet products are used after they have been sold.

All of the following Northern Territory laws also impact on the use of agvet chemicals:

Read the Code of practice for handling pesticides.

Licenses and authorisations

You must get a licence if you are a business, or work for one, that charges for applying agricultural chemicals such as an aerial spray or pest control operator.

Some chemicals are classified as dangerous poisons or restricted chemical products, and you must get special authorisation to purchase, possess or use them.

Contact

For more information about using chemicals responsibly, call Chemical Services on 08 8999 2344 or email chemicals@nt.gov.au.


How to use chemical products safely

Chemicals are usually safe when used by responsible operators who follow the manufacturer's instructions.

You can only use products that are:

  • registered for use in the Northern Territory (NT) by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) or
  • under a permit issued by the authority.

The labels, which contain the instructions for safe use of the product, are also approved by the authority.

To see registered labels and for more information about chemical products, their uses and safe use, go to the APVMA website.

Read the code of practice for handling pesticides.

Follow the directions on the label

Pesticides that are not restricted can be used by anyone, but you must use them according to the directions on the product container's registered label.

Using chemical products incorrectly can be harmful to people, animals, crops and the environment.

Incorrect use can lead to immediate health impacts ranging from relatively minor issues to potentially life-threatening conditions.

Using chemicals below-strength

Unless the label directs you otherwise, you can use an unrestricted chemical at strengths below what is stated on the label and in other ways not stated on the label including all of the following:

  • at a lower application rate
  • less often
  • to control a different pest
  • mixed with another substance
  • applying it in a different way.

If a product is registered in the NT, you can use it for any purpose stated on the label, even if a use is meant to be for somewhere else in Australia.

However, if you use a product in a way that is not stated on the label, it is at your own risk. The manufacturer will not accept liability for any undesirable result you may get.

Get training

If you regularly use agricultural chemicals, consider getting trained in their use and handling.

Get the advisory note on approved training courses.

Contact

Chemical Services

chemicals@nt.gov.au

Phone 08 8999 2344


Avoiding spray drift

Spray drift is when airborne droplets or vapour of a chemical spray move away from their intended target crop, weed or location to a neighbouring area.

It can cause damage or injury to plants, animals, the environment or property and can also adversely affect human health.

To minimise spray drift you must maintain constant vigilance while you are spraying, and follow the chemical manufacturer's directions about how to apply it.

If you are not a professional spray operator and are intending to spray agricultural chemicals, consider doing the ChemCertSMARTtrain, Train Safe NT or equivalent national chemical national accreditation course to AQF level three.

Planning to avoid spray drift

Preventing spray drift begins when you first start planning to plant your crop, and it should take into account the need to spray.

Map the possible areas of spray drift and establish an awareness zone around the property that identifies all sensitive areas. This can include:

  • crops and livestock
  • neighbouring properties
  • houses
  • schools
  • waterways
  • areas of native vegetation
  • parks and reserves.

If possible, establish a buffer zone between the area to be sprayed and areas where spray drift could cause damage.

If you employ a professional spray operator, make sure they know about the sensitive areas and buffer zone.

Talk to your neighbours

Early communication with your neighbours reduces the chance of conflict.

Before the start of the spray season, contact them to discuss your planned spraying program and agree on a way of communicating during the season.

Give them as much information as possible including chemicals to be used, when and where you plan to spray and how often.

Equipment

Use the right applicators and nozzles and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.  Make sure it is properly calibrated to produce the right size droplet and deliver the right amount of spray, and the boom is at the correct height. Smaller droplets are more likely to drift .

Weather conditions

Choosing the right weather conditions is key to minimising spray drift. Only spray in favourable conditions.

Check and monitor the weather conditions before and during spraying.  If weather conditions change during the operation, stop and assess the task again to make sure it is okay to continue.

Use the wind

The ideal wind speeds are 3-15 kmh. Choose a time where there is a steady breeze in a predictable direction and away from your identified sensitive areas.  Light and variable or gusty winds make it difficult to predict where spray will go.

Do not spray in calm conditions as chemical droplets can remain suspended in the air and not reach the target.

Temperature is important

Avoid spraying when the temperature is near or above 30°C and when humidity is low as this can reduce the size of spray droplets and increase the risk of spray drift.

Do not spray if there is a temperature inversion over your property. An inversion is indicated by a lack of wind, the presence of fog, dew or frost and smoke or dust hanging in the air or forming distinct layers.

Checklist

Before you start spraying, check you have taken all of the following steps:

  • notified the neighbours
  • chosen the right chemical for the job
  • you have the right equipment for the job
  • the weather conditions are right
  • you have identified sensitive areas and know how to avoid them
  • you have protected your own safety.

Making a complaint about spray drift

A farmer or spray operator can be fined if spray drift damages agricultural land or produce.

To make a complaint about spray drift call the Pollution Response freecall number 1800 064 567.

If you have experienced damage to agricultural produce, animals or agricultural land from spray drift, put your complaint in writing.

Contact

Chemical Services
Phone: 08 8999 2344

chemicals@nt.gov.au


Keeping records of chemical use

If you use agricultural or veterinary chemicals on your farm or for business in the Northern Territory, you must:

  • keep detailed records
  • retain the records for 2 years, after the final usage.

When records must be kept

You must keep records if you use a chemical product in any of the following ways:

  • in the course of a business
  • to carry out pest control operations on behalf of a public authority
  • to carry out vertebrate pest control - for example using 1080 for baiting
  • to treat turf on a sporting ground
  • to treat a horticultural crop after harvest if you are going to sell it
  • to treat a horticultural crop if you are going to sell it
  • to treat a crop, pasture or trees in a plantation using powered spray equipment
  • to treat stored grain or stock food
  • for any purpose using powered spray equipment.

What records to keep

Information that must be kept includes all of the following:

  • name and address of person who used the product
  • name of the product and APVMA identifying number and its expiry date
  • if the product was used in a ground or aerial spraying business, the names and addresses of:
    • the business
    • the licensee
    • the client on whose behalf the product was used
  • the rate and amount or product used
  • how it was applied and equipment used
  • if applied by aerial spraying then record the name and address of the pilot who flew the aircraft and the type of aircraft and its registration number
  • the date and time the product was used including start and finish times
  • the address or location of the land where it was used, down to the paddock location and size of area
  • the type of crop, pasture or other plants in the area
  • the temperature, wind speed and direction at the time of spraying
  • the target pest or disease
  • withholding periods
  • details of the permit or authorisation allowing use, if applicable and any additional recorded information required under that permit or authorisation.

Pesticide spray operators should use the agricultural chemical spray record template which meets the requirements of the Control of Use Regulations.

Recordkeeping

If you spray on behalf of a ground or aerial business, you must supply the control records to the licensee.

Do this as soon as possible after spraying.

The licensee must keep records and present them when requested by chemical adviser.

Recording the use of veterinary chemical products

If you are not a vet you must keep a record when you use a veterinary chemical to treat cattle, sheep or other animal used for food.

If you are a vet you must keep a record if you prescribe, recommend or use a veterinary chemical product on a food-producing animal in all of the following situations:

  • if you use it in a way that is contrary to in the instructions on the label
  • the product is a Schedule 4 product - prescription-only medicines requiring professional veterinary diagnosis or management.

Contact

Chemical Services
Phone: 08 8999 2344

chemicals@nt.gov.au


Managing chemical residues

Agricultural and veterinary chemical products break down over time after they have been applied, but some residues do remain on crops or in animals.

Chemicals that may be detected as residues include:

  • antibiotics used to control bacterial diseases in animals
  • anthelmintics used to control internal parasites in animals
  • fungicides used to control fungal diseases in plants and plant products
  • insecticides used to control insect pests in crops, protect stored grain and control external parasites on animals
  • herbicides used to control weeds in crops
  • fumigants used to protect grain and sterilise soil, sheds and bee hives
  • hormonal growth promotants used as veterinary medicines or to improve growth in livestock.

Avoiding unwanted residues

Misusing chemical products can cause high levels of residues in meat and other food, and could cause harm to humans.

To avoid residues you must follow all of the following practices:

  • only use a chemical for the crop listed on the label or permit
  • only use it at the concentration and rate recommended on the label or permit
  • do not use it more often than stated on the label or permit
  • only harvest produce after the stated withholding period has passed.

Monitoring residue levels

Chemical residues in horticultural produce are monitored, including when it is transported interstate.

The National Residue Survey oversees national monitoring programs to encourage good agricultural practices, help to identify potential problems and indicate where follow-up action is needed. For more information visit the National Residue Survey website.

Growers can initiate their own testing of their produce through the FreshTest Australia program of the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries. For more information visit the FreshTest website.

NT laws about chemical residues

The following Northern Territory laws regulate chemical residues in food.


Fertilisers

Under NT law you can be prosecuted if you manufacture or distribute fertilisers that contain excessive levels of cadmium, lead and mercury.

A national working party is developing new national standards for a wide range of contaminants. When these standards are available the NT Government will work with industry to adopt these into Territory legislation.


Poisons and restricted chemical products

There are restrictions on the use of certain poisons and chemicals which can cause harm at low levels of exposure.

You must apply for a permit to obtain restricted chemicals, and you will only get permission if you can demonstrate you have the necessary skills and training to use them safely.

Schedule 7 chemicals

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classifies medicines and poisons into schedules that control how they are made available to the public.

The different schedules are based on how much control is needed on a substance to protect public health and safety.

Schedule 7 chemicals are considered dangerous poisons which need special precautions for manufacture, handling and use.

You must be authorised to possess and use Schedule 7 products. To get authorised, you must prove the product is essential for the proposed use, and that you are competent.

Approval will not be granted if the use is an unacceptable risk to health, the environment or trade.

See below for how to get authorisation.

Restricted chemical products

A product may be declared a restricted chemical product (RCP) by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

Pre-construction termite treatments containing chlorpyrifos or bifenthrin, and vertebrate pest control products such as sodium fluroacetate -1080- are examples of restricted products.

You must get a permit to possess and use such products.

For more information about RCPs, go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website.

Guidelines for use

Read the requirements for people authorised to possess and use Schedule 7 (s7) or RCP pesticides:

You should also read the Code of Practice for handling pesticides.

Applying for a permit to use restricted chemical products

To apply for a permit, you must fill in the application below:

Application to possess and use s7 pesticides or RCPs  PDF (173.8 KB)

Application to possess and use s7 pesticides or RCPs  DOCX (68.9 KB).

You must also provide all of the following information:

  • your name, address and contact details and whether you are over 18
  • previous authorisations for s7 use in the NT
  • whether you have ever been convicted of an offence under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act in the NT or elsewhere
  • whether you have any relevant accreditation or qualifications in the use of chemicals
  • addresses of the places you intend to store the chemicals and owner details if you don't own the premises
  • details of the storage place within the building and how the chemicals will be kept secure
  • names of the pesticide sought
  • name of pest to be treated
  • crop or animal species to be treated
  • if it is related to primary production, and the name and nature of the business involved.

Where to send your application

Send your completed application to:

Chemical Services
Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Berrimah Farm
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
chemicals@nt.gov.au

Fax: 08 8999 2111


Code of practice for handling pesticides

Standard precautionary measures must be adopted and followed during all phases of pesticide operations.

Do this during:

  • preparation
  • application and at
  • completion of task or disposal.

General safety

Read the label before handling the chemical, ensuring all details are known and you are familiar with the general requirements for usage.

If the label is damaged, not complete or missing and there is any doubt as to the container contents then do not proceed in using and seek further advice.

If a label requires replacement then contact your supplier or chemical services for assistance.

If you suffer from ill health, especially with respiratory or heart disease, you should not use pesticides.

You should also do the following:

  • observe product label instructions on area re-entry and produce handling
  • store the chemical in a secure location to prevent unintended access and under the conditions as defined on the label to maintain the product integrity and avoid deterioration or material becoming volatile
  • keep children and pets away from the work area when mixing and applying pesticides
  • conduct handling and preparation in a work space that provides the necessary work surface areas, containers and equipment, ventilation, access to emergency equipment, such as water for a safety shower, and spill kits
  • do not handle in confined spaces where there is inadequate ventilation
  • do not handle food, or place anything in your mouth including drinking or smoking, while mixing or applying the pesticide chemical
  • handle pesticide chemical cautiously so as to avoid splashing and spillage.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing and equipment must be worn when mixing and applying pesticides. This may include:

  • cotton overalls buttoned at the throat and wrists
    • impervious (PVC) gloves and a
    • washable plastic or hard hat
  • chemical-resistant boots worn beneath the overalls so that any spillage is not caught in the boots
  • face shield and/or half-face respirator with an appropriate cartridge, especially for dust formulations and volatile liquid concentrates
  • observe the label and product safety data sheet instructions for PPE.

How to remove PPE

When the task is completed  you must:

  • carefully remove PPE
  • dispose of PPE or put aside for decontamination
  • scrub hands and any exposed skin areas according to label and safety data sheet instructions.

Environment

You must give your neighbours adequate warning before you spray.

At least 12 hours of notice should be given either in person or by phone.

It is especially important if your neighbours suffer from asthma or other illness, as they may need to leave the area while you are spraying.

This will enable them to take precautions such as:

  • staying indoors
  • closing their windows
  • removing washing from the clothesline
  • protecting pet birds, fish and bees.

Spray drift

Avoid spray drift. Do not spray if atmospheric conditions are unsuitable and likely to cause spray drift.

Observe the product and equipment instructions to obtain the correct droplet size and spray pattern to assist with control of spray-drift.

Equipment

Application equipment must be in proper working order.

Applicators must be calibrated to minimise spray drift while giving effective coverage.

Product labels may specify equipment settings or spray patterns to be achieved and these must be observed.

Don't:

  • blow out clogged nozzles or hoses by mouth.
  • leave pesticides in application equipment

Clean equipment after use and return to the storage point.

Disposal

Return unused containers of pesticides to the supplier store.

Safely dispose of empty containers and remaining chemical according to label and safety data sheet instructions.

Immediately store any remnant pesticide chemical in the secure store.

Do not decant pesticides into other containers, especially food or beverage containers. They may be mistaken for a food substance or later used for food storage.

Record keeping

You must keep a record of each purchase of an S7 pesticide.

Other records to be maintained as in the product label instructions.

Spray records must be kept for two years after use and include:

  • name and address of person who used the product
  • name of the product
  • if the product was used in a ground spraying business or aerial spraying business supply:
    • names and addresses of business
    • licensee of the business and the
    • client on whose behalf the product was used
  • rate and amount of product applied
  • method of application. If the method was aerial spraying:
    • type of aircraft and registration
    • how the product was applied and equipment used to apply it
    • expiry date of product
  • date and time the product was used
  • address or location of the land on which the product was used, down to the paddock location and size of area
  • type of crop, pasture or other plants in the area
  • temperature, wind speed and direction at the time of spraying
  • name of target pest or disease
  • withholding periods
  • details of the permit or authorisation allowing use under the spray permit
    • and any additional recorded information required under that permit or authorisation.

Poisons information

If poisoning occurs, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

The centre operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Read more information on medicines and poisons safety.


Spray applicator licences

You must get a licence to operate as a professional spray applicator for use:

  • on land or
  • as an aerial spray pilot.

You will need skills in chemical handling and application. This must be relevant to what you are spraying.

Also needed are up-to-date certificates or statements of attainment. Read more about this in the forms below.

The licence is only valid if the following applies:

  • you are working under the authority of a business and
  • they have a ground spray business licence.

You must also get a licence to own a spray application business.

Professional ground spray licences

Use the following application forms to apply for ground spraying licences.

Business licence

Application for a ground spray business licence PDF (133.1 KB)
Application for a ground spray business licence DOCX (67.3 KB)

Individual applicator licence

Application for a ground spray applicator licence for an individual PDF (170.3 KB)
Application for a ground spray applicator licence for an individual DOCX (69.4 KB)

Professional aerial spray licences

Use the following application forms to apply for aerial spraying licences.

Application for a NT pilot chemical rating licence PDF (573.9 KB)
Application for a NT pilot chemical rating licence DOCX (69.3 KB)

Application for NT aerial spraying business licence PDF (162.7 KB)
Application for NT aerial spraying business licence DOCX (67.7 KB)

Contact

Chemical Services
Phone: 08 8999 2344
chemicals@nt.gov.au


Make a complaint about chemical impacts

You can make a complaint about how someone uses or misuses chemical products, fertilisers or stock foods which could result in harm to any of the following:

  • health and safety of the general public
  • health and safety of the user of a chemical product, fertiliser or stock food
  • the health of an animal
  • the environment
  • domestic or export trade in agricultural produce.

This includes spray drift and use of a product not according to label.

How to make a complaint

To report an incident involving chemical use, phone the pollution hotline on 1800 064 567.

Complaints about the use of agricultural chemicals, including those about spray drift, should be made in writing using the complaint report form:

Complaint report form PDF (170.3 KB)
Complaint report form DOCX (62.8 KB)

Send it to the following address:

The Chemical Adviser
Chemical Services - Berrimah Farm Science Precinct
29 Makagon Road
Berrimah NT 0828

PO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
Phone: 08 8999 2344
chemicals@nt.gov.au

Information you need to provide

You will need to provide all of the following information:

  • your name and contact details
  • incident you are complaining about - this includes date, time, place, name of product/chemical, produce or land affected
  • how the chemical was being applied - e.g. ground, air
  • weather conditions at the time
  • name of person or company you believe was applying the chemical
  • witness names and contact numbers
  • name of any other agency you contact - e.g. Department of Health, NT Worksafe.

Hearing back about your complaint

Your complaint will be investigated and you will get a written report back about the outcome of the investigation.

Penalties for offences

If the investigation verifies your complaint, action can be taken against the offending person or company.

The penalty imposed depends on the seriousness of the incident. Penalties range from a formal warning letter, to an infringement notice or a prosecution.


Disposing of chemicals and containers

There are two nation-wide programs in Australia to help farmers and other users of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals to dispose of unwanted chemicals and empty containers.

Both programs are operated by Agsafe on behalf of AgStewsardship Australia, a consortium of chemical manufacturers and primary producer organisations.

ChemClear

ChemClear aims to reduce the quantity of agvet chemicals stored on properties and business, and so reduce the potential for harm to people, the environment and the agricultural industry.

For more information and to get in touch with ChemClear about getting rid of chemicals visit the ChemClear website, register by calling 1800 008 182 or call on (02) 6230 6712.

drumMUSTER

drumMUSTER provides an easy, environmentally friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia.

There are seven collection points in the Northern Territory where you can take your empty, clean, eligible agvet chemical containers to be collected, processed and recycled.

To find the location of your nearest collection point, and find out what containers qualify, visit the drumMUSTER website or call (02) 6230 6172 .

Ineligible containers

If your container is eligible for recycling through drumMUSTER, it will be marked on the container.

If it doesn't have the marking, read the container label and follow the directions for disposal.


Chemical services advisory notes

If you use agricultural or veterinary chemical products in the Northern Territory (NT), you must use them safely.

Advisory notes are available to help you meet your requirements.

Some advisory notes contain written directions issued by the chemical coordinator. These directions are issued in line with the:

Read below to find out more about:

Contact

To find out more, call 08 8999 2199 or email chemicals@nt.gov.au.