Under Vine Tractor Spray Herbicide Application – Safe Work Method Statement

The person using chemicals must possess the required certificate/s. A Chemical User’s Permit (VIC) is required for purchase of some chemicals and must be trained to operate the tractor and spray outfit.

Process Steps / Potential Hazards / Control Methods
1. Task Identification and
Preparation / Spray drift, water contamination and off- target damage / Identify target species.
Consider alternatives to chemicals.
Check the weather conditions.
Consider the application method.
Consider the environmental impact.
2. Chemical selection / Long term health effects
Disposal of excess chemical
Disposal of empty containers / Consider ground sterilent, knock down and growth retardant.
Obtain MSDS for chemical choices
If classified as Hazardous substance see requirements in this topic
Choose the LEAST TOXIC chemical for the target species.
Calculate the application rate - use the lowest rate to achieve the desired results.
Can one chemical be used for several different target species?
Select returnable/recyclable drums
3. Method of Chemical
Application / Chemical exposure
Machinery/plant hazards / Consider the alternatives:
Open tractor - see tractor assessment
Cab tractor with charcoal filters mounted unit
Some spray applicators are shrouded by curtains which contain the spray within the target area
4. Personal Protective
Equipment required / Chemical exposure during transport, storage, mixing, use and disposal / Consult MSDS. PPE may include:
Waterproof Nitrile gloves
Protective clothing (whole of body),Chemical suit
Goggles, (chemical goggles fitted with moisture traps for eye protection) Face shield, Respirator CAUTION: Beards prevent the correct and close fitting of respirators.
PVC/ rubber boots
Washable hat - all as per Australian Standard 2507 4.6 - "The Storage and Handling of Pesticides”
5. Check Spray
Equipment / Chemical exposure from leaking equipment / Check the pump and motor. If the pump is PTO-driven ensure PTO covers are correctly fitted - see Plant topic
Check the tank, hoses, connections, filters and nozzles for leaks.
If any faults are detected do not proceed until they have been repaired.
Process Steps / Potential Hazards / Control Methods
6. Collect Chemical / Concentrate chemical exposure
Manual handling of drums / Always read the material safety data sheets and manufacturer’s instructions before handling any chemicals
If either MSDS or label is missing - do not use.
Check withholding periods and re-entry periods, the Emergency response/ First Aid requirements including spill containment and cleanup and the personal protective equipment that is required and ensure their availability.
Use trolleys for moving drums over 20 litres
If having to transport chemicals secure in back of utility not in boot of car or station wagon
7. Mix Chemical / Chemical exposure to self and others including eye and skin exposure, ingestion and inhalation
Spills and site contamination / Check the application rate from the label.
Ensure no unprotected bystanders are present
Decant/Mix in the open or in well ventilated area with spill containment (this may be concrete slab)
Use chemical pump or decanting cradle.
Fill the tank to 60-70% of quantity required with water, and then add the chemical using an approved filling device(eg chemical pump or closed chemical transfer systems.
Use an, agitator or pump recirculation for mixing.
Top up the quantity required with water.
Fix appropriate signage to the vehicle identifying contents of the spray vat
Lifting Drums / Use trolleys and chemical pumps
8. Spraying Chemical / Chemical exposure to self and others including eye and skin exposure, and inhalation
Spray Drift
Heat exposure
Open channels (visibility at end of rows) Other traffic / Ensure no one is present or likely to enter while spraying. ( Erect signs)
If open cab select fit and maintain PPE according to MSDS
Avoid application in hot weather
Carry water on sprayer/ tractor identified for cleaning hands and washing nozzles
If cabin tractor fit charcoal filter carry PPE for cleaning nozzles and on job maintenance
Check the wind – if it is too strong don't spray. Where possible spray down wind.
Avoid walking through the sprayed area. Erect signs to warn others nominating no entry period.
Ensure the correct coverage is sprayed on the target.
Do not smoke or eat while spraying.
Avoid over-spraying.
Try and calculate spray requirements to avoid unused chemical in tank
Process Steps / Potential Hazards / Control Methods
9. Clean up and Decontamination / Chemical exposure
Site contamination / Fit PPE
Rinse the spray tank and hoses twice with clean water or cleaning agent (see MSDS for mixing and wash down requirements)
Do not get into spray tank
Collect the chemical wash down so that it does not contaminate the environment
Return unused chemical to chemical store
Triple rinse and return to recycler or dispose of any empty containers direct to an approved site or return to the chemical store for disposal in accordance with (Australian Standard 2507 - "The Storage and Handling of Pesticides".)
Remove charcoal filter from cab, inspect for colour change and damage to seals. If OK seal in plastic bag and return to storage away from chemicals
Wash gloves, respirator and face shield after each use.
Hat and protective clothing must be washed on a regular basis separate from normal clothing.
10. Personal Hygiene / Exposure to chemical and chemical residues / Always have available 20 litres of fresh clean water, soap and clean towelling with the spray unit.
Wash hands immediately after using chemicals and before eating, smoking or drinking
11. Record Keeping / Record details of the chemical use: Operator, chemical used, application rate, application method, time (mixing + application + clean up), temperature, location, wind speed and direction. If using chemical classified as hazardous substance, complete risk assessment included in this topic