Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine the need for chemical use
- Nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease is identified.
- Need for control is assessed.
- The requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy is assessed.
- Hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options is undertaken.
- Requirement for chemical application is identified and confirmed.
- Prepare application/spray plan
- Mixing rates for chemical is defined and calculated.
- Application equipment type and set up requirements are determined for intended application.
- The quantity of mix required is determined.
- Meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application are accessed.
- An application/spray plan is completed.
- Notify neighbours as required in accordance with industry practice or regulatory requirements
- Prepare chemical mixes
- Requirements from chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are interpreted and applied.
- Appropriate first aid supplies are at hand.
- Appropriate personal protective and mixing equipment is selected and used in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.
- A suitable location for mixing and loading is selected.
- Chemicals are prepared in accordance with registered use.
- MSDSs are followed in the event of a spill.
- Calibrate application equipment
- Pre-operational checks of application equipment are carried out.
- Equipment is calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specifications and application/spray plan.
- Calibration is checked for conformity to the requirements of the application/spray plan.
- Chemical is loaded wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controlling risks to human health and the environment.
- Apply chemicals
- Appropriate personnel protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.
- Chemical is applied in accordance with the application/spray plan and/or instructions and legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
- Risks to others, product integrity and the environment are assessed and minimised.
- Clean up equipment and complete records
- Excess chemical is disposed of in accordance with label and MSDSs requirements.
- Application equipment is cleaned and decontaminated.
- Requirements for the disposal of unused chemical, containers spilled materials are determined and implemented
- PPE and mixing equipment is cleaned and stored.
- Incidents are reported as required in accordance with legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
- All records, e.g. calibration, application, DG/hazard substances, risk assessments, are completed in accordance with legislative, industry and enterprise requirements.