Chemical user training

Education promotes responsible chemical use. Rural Chemicals Operations encourages all chemical users to participate in appropriate training activities in order to develop competency. Anyone who buys or uses pesticides that are classified as Schedule 7 poisons (labelled as Dangerous Poisons) must possess a prescribed qualification.

Download an indicative list of Schedule 7 products (PDF 44.9 KB).

Qualifications prescribed under the Agricultural and Veterinary Products (Control of Use) Regulations are:

• ChemCert SA accreditation. Contact ChemCert SA for further information. Phone 1800 444 228;  www.chemcert.com.au/SAHome.html
• SMARTtrain accreditation in chemical use. Not currently delivered in SA.
• Spray Solutions accreditation. Phone Regional Skills Training Pty Ltd on 8835 1362 for further information.
• ChemCert Vic accreditation, provided the holder has completed the SA legislation assessment. Contact AusChem Training (Victoria) for further information. Phone 03 5622 2055; www.auschemvic.org.au
• TAFE SA Chemical Training Card. Contact TAFE SA for further information. Phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@sa.gov.au
• Smith & Georg Chemical Accreditation. Contact Smith & Georg Pty Ltd for further information. Phone 08 8389 1856; www.smithandgeorg.com.au

These qualifications must be current, i.e. less than five years old. Currency can be maintained through reaccreditation. Contact the Training Providers for further information.

Local chemical liaison committees

Local chemical liaison committees can promote community awareness and understanding of the need to achieve responsible agricultural chemical use. Some of their objectives are:

• To assist in reducing misuse of agricultural chemicals
• To maximise the economic benefits and minimise unintended cost associated with use of agricultural chemicals
• To encourage the community to take ownership of its responsibility to use agricultural chemicals safely
• To take a pro-active and positive role in the community through education and the distribution of information to promote the safe and responsible use of agricultural chemicals

Local chemical liaison committees have operated with good effect in regional South Australia, particularly Limestone Coast, Mid North and Eastern Fleurieu.