About this course

Build your skills in safe chemical application

Gain the skills and confidence to handle chemicals safely and responsibly. If you work with pesticides, herbicides, or other hazardous substances, proper preparation and application are essential for protecting people, property, and the environment. In this practical two-day course with Tocal College, you will learn how to safely store, transport, prepare, and apply hazardous chemicals to effectively control pests, weeds, and diseases.

You’ll learn how to:

  • understand the legal requirements for the safe use of chemicals
  • read and interpret chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • safely transport, handle and store chemicals
  • prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases
  • identify sensitive areas and understand how off-target chemical movement can affect people, animals, crops and the environment.

Whether you work on a farm or in another role involving chemical application, this course will help you build the knowledge and confidence to use chemicals safely, responsibly and in line with relevant requirements.

Is this course right for me?

Before registering, consider whether this course suits your work and experience. It is designed for people whose roles involve transporting, storing, handling or applying chemicals. You should be comfortable reading and interpreting chemical labels, following safety instructions and applying safe work practices. If you want to build your chemical application skills and work safely with agricultural chemicals, click on the register now button.

At a glance:

Location: Statewide
Course duration: 2 days
Start date: Multiple intakes
Number of units: 2
Indicative fees: $515 GST-free
Accredited Course: Yes

Details

  • Integrated pest and resistance management
  • Legislation in the workplace, including recordkeeping requirements
  • Using chemicals according to the label and SDS
  • WHS and the workplace
  • Application equipment and calibration
  • Chemical application, including spray plans, drift management and residues
  • Transport, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals

This course will increase participants' understanding of the safe transport, storage and use of hazardous chemicals, and meet the training requirements of:

  • the NSW Pesticides Regulation 2017 (or equivalent legislation as relevant to each state/territory)
  • the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (or equivalent legislation as relevant to each state/territory)
  • the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) AgVet Code
  • industry quality assurance programs such as Freshcare.

After the NSW Government subsidy, the course cost is $515 GST-free. This Includes SMARTtrain® card issue.

  • Participants will receive the following resources:
    • a reference manual
    • an assessment guide
    • a NSW State legislation supplement
    • a Calibration and Records supplement.
  • This course is delivered face-to-face.

Participants must:

  • Strictly comply with chemical safety protocols, Work Health and Safety (WHS) directives, and environmental protection guidelines during all practical exercises.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Capability Requirements

To complete this course successfully, participants will need:

  • Reading: Interpreting complex chemical product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), spray calibration charts, weather condition meters, and relevant state chemical control legislation.
  • Writing: Completing chemical application logs, spray record sheets, chemical inventory registers, risk assessments, and emergency spill procedure documentation.
  • Numeracy: Calculating chemical dilution rates, tank mix ratios, water application volumes per hectare, boom spray application speeds, and calibration calculations.
  • Oral Communication & Hearing: Communicating effectively regarding chemical safety hazards, conducting pre-application site risk briefings, and following instructor safety directions.
  • Digital Literacy: Basic computer or smartphone skills

This course is mapped to the following national units of competency:

Note: In some states and territories, it is a legislative requirement for people using chemicals unsupervised to be accredited. Check with your state/territory authority for advice.



Additional Information

  • For information on students rights and responsibilities see our Policies.
  • State or territory licensing applies in some jurisdictions.
  • Your SMARTtrain® accreditation is valid for five (5) years.


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