Chemicals

Chemicals (both agricultural and veterinary) are a part of everyday farming on dairy farms. However, incorrect use of chemicals can cause major damage to environmental and human health.

Incorrect use of chemicals may result in accidental poisoning, pollution, chemical residues, damage to native flora, fauna or beneficial insects, and possibly chemical resistance in the pest or disease.

Incorrect use of chemicals gains public attention, due to the high risk to public health and the environment. The requirements for chemical use are quite detailed and it is essential that farmers be aware of them. This section does not provide you with all of the legal requirements for chemicals; it is simply a snapshot.

Organic farming and its principles are one alternative to artificial chemical use. However, it should be remembered that some products used in organic farming can be harmful if carelessly handled and should also be stored carefully.

What you gain and what it costs

At work on the farm

OH&S from a different direction

Having a secure space in the dairy shed and remembering to lock chemicals away has now taken on a new meaning in South Australia.

At one family dairy farm they had been buying teat spray in 200-litre drums. On one occasion when a new drum had arrived it was not placed in the usual spot. The following morning it was noticed that chemical had been spilt on the floor and a 20-litre container was missing.

The local police recognised what had been going on. Some chemicals used in the dairy can be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs. In this case the dairy is near the road and out of view from the house. Thinking back, the farm family had been using a lot of chemical for their 200-cow herd size.

As a result, three things have happened. They now buy ready-mixed teat spray, and make sure chemicals are always safely locked away. Thirdly a group of local farmers have arranged to have a Chemcert program designed specifically for the dairy farmers in their district and run via DairySAT.

Do any of these look familiar?

What you need to know

1. Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 administered by WorkCover. This Act is designed to provide a safe working environment for workers, as well as those who visit the premises. The presence of chemicals on-farm clearly presents a risk in this respect. To find out more, contact WorkCover.

   Note: you must make available to your employees Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each of the agricultural chemical  products you use on-farm. An MSDS for each product can be obtained from the manufacturer or your chemical supplier.

2. Your dairy company may have some requirements for chemical use, handling and storage. Please check your quality assurance requirements and check with the dairy company.
3. The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA ) is a Commonwealth body that deals with registration, supply, labelling, licensing of suppliers and the like. At the state level, the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals is controlled by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

4. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992. Failure to observe the following points is a breach of the Act.

   • You must not: use an unregistered chemical; use contrary to the specific label restrictions; use at a higher rate than the maximum rate specified; use a chemical that causes off-target damage; apply with defective spraying equipment; or fail to observe  withholding periods. There are many more legal requirements for different chemical use. Please see the selfassessment work pages and follow up the additional information.

5. Environment Protection Act 1970 - administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

   • Land must not be affected by chemicals so as to adversely affect soil, air or water.
   • Chemical applications should only be in accordance with best practice (where best practice does not conflict with the product label), including that set out in Codes of Practice or guidelines approved by the EPA, the DPI or the APVMA.
   • Storage of chemicals must be managed in a manner that ensures there is no risk to people or the environment.

6. Some chemicals are classified as Dangerous Goods and/or Hazardous Substances. These chemicals have different procedures for use, transport and storage. The classification of a chemical should be on the chemicals Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The legislation for these classifications come under the:

   1. Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulation 2000; and
   2. Occupational Health & Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulation 2000.

Disclaimer: The following is only a guide to the law affecting farmers in the environmental field. The general area is quite complex and affected by numerous Acts and Regulations, some of which are very detailed. In addition, changes are made on a regular basis to the legislation. The precise effect in a given situation will require expert advice and this should be sought from an appropriate professional or the relevant government agency.

Additional information