The Australian Cotton Industry’s Pesticide Application Management Plan (PAMP) 2012/13 Farm Name: Grower Name: Date PAMP Developed: Copies Supplied to: Note: This document should only be used as a guide as each farming operation may have specific or individual requirements or considerations. Storing, handling and applying pesticides correctly greatly reduce any potential negative impacts to users, neighbours and the environment. This PAMP is designed to assist in satisfying identified legal requirements and industry best management practices that relate to pesticide management Key Areas Covered (these key areas are aligned with myBMP modules and practices) 1. Record Keeping 1. Check List 2. Farm Maps 3. Work place 4. Weather 2. Communications 1. Staff 2. Consultants 3. Neighbours 4. Aerial Operators 5. Ground Rig and Owner Operators 3. Equipment Selection 4. Decontamination and container management 5. Spray Buffers 6. Roles and Responsibilities 7. Complaint Handling 8. Appendix 1 – Acceptable spraying conditions 9. Appendix 2 – Bee hazard information 10. Appendix 3 – Neighbour contact information 1.1 RECORD KEEPING – CHECKLIST Refer to key areas: Workplace Record Keeping and In-Season Application in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP It is important that all products are only used for the purposes that their registration allows and/or subject to an APVMA special off-label permit allowing use in a prescribed situation and all necessary records relating to pesticide storage and use are kept up to date. There are both federal and state requirements for record keeping. Some labels now include record keeping requirements which are in addition to any state based requirements. Additionally it is important to note that there may be specific requirements for restricted used chemicals used in cotton production. Use the following checklist as a starting point however it is the responsibility of the user and grower to ensure that they comply with the entire specific requirements for storage, use, disposal and record keeping of the product. Address of the property, identification of the area treated and order of fields treated Clear responsibility for creating the records should be established, and where the records are kept should also be noted. Date and time of the applications (including start and finish) & location of field Description of the crop or situation Description of the Equipment used (this must include details of the exact nozzle type and pressure used according to the label) Wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity must be measured at the site of application during application (NOT ESTIMATED) Full Product Name and trade name Meetings with neighbours, consultants, applicators and employees and any agreed notification arrangements and responsibilities. These should be signed and dated by all parties. Name, address and contact details of the applicator and of the employer or owner if an employee or contactor is the applicator Neighbours are informed in writing of changes to intended cropping areas, maps, contacts or spray regime Notifications made (neighbours and farm workers) – who, when and how? Other weather conditions specified on label as being relevant (eg Temperature, rainfall, relative humidity) Rate of application and quantity applied Record of who been given a copy of the PAMP Specific Application orders Training and accreditation verification of applicators Who monitored the application Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 2 of 24 1.2 RECORD KEEPING – FARM MAPS Refer to key areas: Farm Maps in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP It is important that a comprehensive farm map covering relevant spray issues has been created and maintained so that this information can be communicated to staff, neighbours and contractors? An accurate up to date & detailed farm map/s is available? (use the checklist below to help you answer this) A farm map or series of maps should contain the following and these must be kept where employees can see or refer to for information Map details including, date, map supplier, north arrow, scale and legend Farm and neighbouring properties: include property boundaries, houses, sheds, farm buildings and contact details for each (can be maintained on a separate list) Roads, stock routes, rail lines, bus routes & times Powerlines, chemical and fuel storage areas Field names and areas Intended / actual cropped area clearly marked each season Aircraft Hazards (e.g. towers, powerlines, irrigation equipment, trees etc) Location of weather station(s) and/or windsock Land contours and slopes On-farm and neighbouring environmentally sensitive area such as water courses, riparian areas, wetlands, bodies of water, drainage lines, floodway’s, areas of remnant or native vegetation and cropping/grazing areas Mandatory No-Spray Zone (which include areas occupied by people, terrestrial vegetation, aquatic areas and pastures according to the label definitions) and other buffer zone distances should be included on the map Location of bee hives/ neighbouring Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) “Bee Sites” if applicable (see Appendix 2) If known bee activity in the area, a “bee awareness zone” of approximately 8km from the edge of your fields should be marked on farm maps and consulted when planning a spray application, to check for the presence of commercial apiary activity or visit the Bee Alert website, www.cottoncrc.org.au/industry/Tools/Bee_Alert, Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 3 of 24 1.3 RECORD KEEPING – WORKPLACE Refer to key areas: Workplace Record Keeping and In-Season Application in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP All necessary records relating to pesticide management including storage, handling and disposal are kept up to date Current SDSs (no more than 5 years old) are available for all dangerous substances used, referring to the actual product label used (if using different manufactures a SDS for each formulation must be included) Where are these SDS’s kept: (MSDS’s are now called SDS’s) Records are kept of all staff accreditations, induction & training provided relating to the handling, mixing and use of pesticides (a copy of a training register is available in myBMP) Details: Copies of Licences, Work Compensation insurance certificate of currency, personal accident insurance and PI insurance status for contractors are held Details: A risk assessment has been conducted and safe work method statement developed and communicated for transportation, storage and handling and use of different dangerous substances e.g. poisons, irritants, flammables and oxidising agents Emergency procedures relating to pesticide use are developed and recorded and communicated to all relevant personnel. (see Farm Induction plan & Emergency Procedures Plan in myBMP) Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 4 of 24 1.4 RECORD KEEPING – WEATHER MONITORING Refer to key areas: In-Season Application in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Note: There may be federal requirements incorporated into the labels of some products for particular records to be maintained. It is important that all labels are read prior to application and where appropriate information is recorded. For NSW growers, please be aware of compulsory requirements under the NSW Pesticides Act for Record Keeping for ALL products used (see the NSW record keeping template in myBMP) Weather monitoring Weather forecasts are used to help determine the most appropriate application window The following are used to monitor weather at the site of application (this must be within line of site of the spraying operation, generally not more than 2km maximum from where the spraying takes place): a) Wind socks b) Hand held monitoring instruments c) Weather Station The following spray parameters should be recorded for each application: Time, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Temperature, Relative Humidity Where will this information be recorded? How often will it be recorded? Acceptable spray parameters should be determined as a guide for spraying. List below the optimum spray conditions that your enterprise aims to adopt: PARAMETER RANGE / OPTIMAL CONDITION NIGHT TIME DAYTIME Wind speed Temperature Max temp: Max temp: Humidity (or Delta Limits) COMMENTS Daytime minimum of 3 km/h once the sun is up and at night this must remain above 11 km/h for the entire period between sunset & sunrise. Name products that have a maximum temperature requirement on their label. Delta T for coarse droplets or larger should be assessed at the target as well as in the air The information above has been provided to all people who will be spraying on your farm Acceptable wind directions/conditions for spraying for each area of the farm to be treated should be determined and recorded see Appendix 1. Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 5 of 24 2.1 COMMUNICATIONS - STAFF Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Operating arrangements around spray application & notification for the season should be discussed and documented. Use this form and keep as a record. ALL STAFF members are to be made aware of the information they require for safe use of pesticides All staff are made aware of the intended spray regime for the upcoming season All workers are aware of crop re-entry periods What measures do you have in place to ensure workers adhere to crop re-entry periods? (For example white boards in staff room, staff meeting or induction plan) ALL staff required to handle (mix or apply) pesticides are Chemcert qualified or equivalent Are copy(s) of their certificates and expiry dates on file? Yes No Alternatively, list here… Name: Name: Cert No: Cert No: Expiry: Expiry: Current SDS’s for all products used or stored on farm are site accessible to all workers All PPE prescribed on the labels for all chemicals used and stored, are available to those using chemicals Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 6 of 24 2.2 COMMUNICATIONS - CONSULTANTS Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Operating arrangements for the season should be discussed and documented. Use this form and keep as a record. Note: Ensure date and signatures are included Name of your consultant: Consultant’s Phone, Fax and UHF: A pre-season meeting has been held with your consultant to determine this season’s strategies and operating arrangements Date of meeting: An updated copy of your contact details and farm map have been provided to your consultant You have provided your consultant with a list of neighbour requirements/sensitive areas/hazards Sensitive areas / hazards are considered when selecting chemicals for application List any environmental restrictions on product selection or application method the enterprise may have: These been conveyed to your consultant If identified, consultant are notified of neighbouring properties intended uses of high risk chemicals? Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 7 of 24 Actions in-season that should be clearly defined and documented pre-season: Who makes the final decision on whether the application is to be made and of what product? Name: Who orders the application? Name: Written insect scout reports and spray recommendations will be provided Spray recommendations comply with industry resistance management strategies What is the procedure if a spray application is delayed? How will your consultant be notified on completion of a spray job? How will crop re-entry requirements be managed? If beehives are located on your or neighbouring properties, including stock routes or reserves, has your consultant been informed? Signed (grower) Yes NA Signed (consultant) Both you and your consultant have a completed & signed copy of this form Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 8 of 24 2.3 COMMUNICATIONS – NEIGHBOURS Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Operating arrangements for the season should be discussed and documented. Keep as a record. Note: Ensure date and signatures are included . (Copy as many forms as you need) Name of Neighbour’s Property: Owner(s): Owner’s Phone, Fax & UHF: Manager/Farm Hand’s Name: Manager/Farm Hand’s Phone, Fax & UHF: Pre-season Meeting Issues for Discussion: Date of meeting: What are your neighbour’s sensitive areas to be aware of when spraying? (eg a farm map clearly identifying houses/buildings, grazing areas) What distance is your neighbour’s boundary from your closest cotton field? Are there any un-resolved issues coming out of last seasons’ arrangements / operations? If so, what have you done to now resolve issues? Do you intend to use any products that might pose a risk/are of concern to your neighbour? Yes No Yes No If yes, list product & application method (aerial/ground). How will you manage against any adverse impacts ddkimpdddimpacddddddd Does your neighbour require notification for spraying? If yes, for what products? Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 9 of 24 If yes, how do they want to be notified? What is the procedure if the neighbour is not home or can’t be contacted and they have requested notification? Procedures you will be adopting to minimise risk (eg wind direction, chemical selection, buffers, low drift nozzles, etc) Does your neighbour intend to use any products that might pose a risk to your enterprise? (eg. 2,4-D). Do you require notification for spraying? Yes No Yes No If yes, for what products? If yes, how are you to be notified? What is the procedure if you are not home or can’t be contacted and you have requested notification? Parameters your neighbour will be adopting to minimise risk (eg wind direction, chemical selection, buffers, low drift nozzles, etc) What is the agreed procedure if your neighbour has a complaint during an application? Does your neighbour intend to have any bee hives located on their property? Yes No If yes, are agreed protocols for notification & risk minimization in place? Yes No Signed (grower) Signed (neighbour) Both you and your neighbour have a completed & signed copy of this form Note: Appendix 3 contains a table that can be used to summarise all neighbour contact details and notification. Requirements in an easy to reference format for in-season. Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 10 of 24 2.4 COMMUNICATIONS – AERIAL APPLICATORS Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Operating arrangements for the season should be discussed and documented. Keep as a record. Name of your aerial applicator: Aerial applicator’s Phone / Fax / UHF: Are they AAAA accredited? Yes No AAAA accreditation number A pre-season meeting has been held with your aerial applicator to determine this season’s strategy, operating requirements and agreement to comply with all product label requirements, including record keeping Date of meeting: Aerial applicators agree to comply with all label requirements including record keeping A detailed farm map, including hazards on and outside the farm boundary has been provided Your applicator is aware of neighbour requirements / sensitive areas / hazards Are spray buffers (either regulatory or environmental) necessary for any paddock? Yes No If yes, has this information been provided to your applicator? Yes NA Yes NA You have established and discussed appropriate weather parameters for each area to be treated with your applicator If beehives are known to be located on yours or neighbouring properties, has your applicator been informed? Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 11 of 24 Actions in-season that need to be clearly defined and documented pre-season: Will spray orders be faxed to the applicator? Yes No Who will order sprays? (grower, consultant, etc) Name: Will someone from the farm be on-site and contactable for all applications? Yes No Who makes the final decision to stop an application? Name: Who will be responsible for monitoring and recording weather conditions during the application? Name: How will written completion of spray jobs be communicated (i.e. fax, email etc)? Signed (grower) Signed (aerial applicator) Both you and your aerial applicator have a completed & signed copy of this form Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 12 of 24 2.5 COMMUNICATIONS – GROUND RIG CONTRACTORS AND OWNERS Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Operating arrangements for the season should be discussed and documented. Keep as a record. Do you intend to use contract groundrig services this season? Yes No If no, go to section 2.5b 2.5A COMMUNICATIONS – GROUND RIG CONTRACTORS Name of your contract groundrig applicator: Applicator’s Phone / Fax / UHF: Do they have their current chemical accreditation/training/license? Yes No Yes No Accreditation number(s) or Commercial Operator’s License Number: Do they have off-target drift insurance? If yes, Insurance Company and Policy No: A pre-season meeting has been held with your contract ground rig applicator to determine this season’s strategy, operating requirements and agreement to comply with all product label requirements, including record keeping Yes Date of meeting: A detailed farm map, including hazards & sensitive areas on & outside the farm boundary’s has been provided Your applicator is aware of neighbour requirements / sensitive areas / hazards Are spray buffers (either regulatory or environmental) necessary for any paddock? Yes No If yes, has this information been provided to your groundrig applicator? Yes NA Guidelines for acceptable spraying conditions & appropriate weather parameters have been discussed & agreed with the applicator for each area to be treated If beehives are known to be located on yours or neighbouring properties, has your applicator Yes been informed? Signed (grower) NA Signed (groundrig applicator) Both you and your groundrig applicator have a completed & signed copy of this form Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 13 of 24 Do you intend to use your own staff to operate a groundrig this season? Yes No If no, go to section 3.0 2.5B COMMUNICATIONS – GROUND RIG OWNERS Farm staff who will be undertaking groundrig spraying: Name(s): Farm staff applicator(s) have current chemical accreditation / training / license? Accreditation number(s) or Commercial Operator’s License number(s): A detailed farm map, including hazards on and outside the farm boundary been provided Your applicator is aware of neighbour requirements / sensitive areas / hazards Are spray buffers (either regulatory or environmental) necessary for any paddock? Yes No If yes, have you informed your groundrig applicator? Yes NA Yes NA Guidelines for acceptable spraying conditions & appropriate weather parameters have been discussed & agreed with the applicator for each area to be treated If beehives are known to be located on yours or neighbouring properties, has your applicator(s) been informed? Written spray orders are supplied to the applicator Who will order the sprays? Name: Who will be responsible for monitoring and recording weather conditions during the application? Name: Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 14 of 24 How will written completion of spray jobs be communicated (i.e. fax, email etc)? Who makes the final decision to stop an application? Name: Who is responsible for the triple rinsing & disposal of pesticide drums? Name: Signed (grower) Signed (groundrig applicator) Both you and your groundrig applicator have a completed & signed copy of this form Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 15 of 24 3.0 EQUIPMENT SELECTION & MAINTENANCE Refer to key areas: In-Season Application in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Discussed equipment selection options with your consultants and applicators pre-season Where a specific spray quality is a label requirement, nozzles are selected and operated at pressures for both ground rig or aerial applications to satisfy this requirement The coarsest spray quality that will achieve spray efficacy or low drift nozzles are used whenever possible Speed is selected to ensure boom stability is maintained Spray equipment is regularly checked for: Nozzle wear and performance Nozzle output, including calibration of ground speed prior to seasonal spraying activities (winter & summer) Filters checked and cleaned Pressure gauges are checked for accuracy & spray lines are checked for even pressure Automatic rate controller (if fitted) are checked & adjusted according to requirements Flow meters & speed sensors (where fitted) are calibrated annually Where banded applications are made, boom/nozzle height is adjusted to match band width Plumbing and nozzle spacing are set to match row spacing and planting configurations Shielded sprayers are used where appropriate & practical General wear, tear and damage, particularly checking for any leaks Where is the above information recorded? Spray equipment is cleaned between applications Spray and mixing equipment is decontaminated according to manufacturer’s recommendation or industry standards before changing product types or after each job Spray equipment is operated according to manufacturer’s specifications Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 16 of 24 4.0 DECONTAMINATION & CONTAINER MANAGEMENT Refer to key areas: In-Season Decontamination & Disposal in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Spray & mixing equipment is decontaminated according to manufacturer’s advice or industry standards before changing product types or after each job Out of date, unidentified and no longer registered products are disposed of using the Chemclear® program Products supplied in recyclable or returnable containers are chosen where available All containers are triple rinsed or pressure washed during mixing, with contents added to the spray tank Empty containers are stored in a secure place prior to disposal Eligible containers are disposed of through the drumMUSTER® program 5.0 SPRAY BUFFER AREAS Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP Please note some chemical labels outline specific buffer requirements. It is your legal responsibility to read the label before application. Will you be using any products that require the use of a spray buffer area? Yes No If yes, complete the questions below You have discussed with your neighbours, consultants and applicators the use of spray buffer areas You have established suitable downwind buffer distances for each area to be sprayed What buffers are required / exist and where? (tree or bee buffer) Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 17 of 24 6.0 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Refer to key areas: Pre-Season and In-Season Communication in the Pesticide Management module of myBMP and/or Appendix 1 at the end of this document for an example list Use this page to summarise the key responsibilities of each party with respect to spray applications. Detach this sheet to use as a quick reference guide. Provide a copy to both your consultant & applicator(s). Grower Familiarity with techniques & technology available to reduce pesticide use Identification of environmental, human health and aircraft hazards on and off-farm Development of pesticide policies and pesticide application management plan after discussions with neighbours, consultant and applicator Arranging pre-season meetings with all parties Adhering to agreed responsibilities and communication arrangements with: - Applicators (contractors and staff) - Consultant - Staff - Chippers - Neighbours - Maintains regular contact with neighbours during the season Making application orders in writing, including a copy of the farm map showing sensitive areas and the area to be treated Consultant Sound knowledge of techniques & technology available to reduce pesticide use Clear working knowledge of the clients pesticide management policies & pesticide application management plan Recommendations on pesticide use that: - Are in writing - Accord with label directions - Support industry strategies - Are consistent with client’s pesticide application - management plan - Include alternatives if required Adhering to agreed responsibilities and communication arrangements made with the grower and applicator Ensuring the grower is aware of all application recommendations Checking all applicators are properly trained Ensuring appropriate weather conditions for applications are established and clear to the applicator Applicator License or certification to demonstrate training and competence Equipment that is well set-up, maintained and calibrated appropriately Clear working knowledge of client’s identified sensitive areas and their pesticide management policies and pesticide application management plan Adhering to agreed responsibilities and communication arrangements made with the grower and consultant Giving written confirmation of the application order, notification of delays and confirmation of job completion Ultimate power, responsibility to decide on appropriateness of weather conditions UNLESS asked to pull out by grower Monitoring weather conditions during application Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 18 of 24 7.0 COMPLAINT HANDLING You may find the following information useful in handling application complaints. Cotton Australia can also help in these situations. If a complaint is received during an application: Suspend operation and discuss reason for concern Resume operation if agreed between the grower, complainant and applicator. All parties must be confident that the operation is occurring within agreed parameters for application Cancel operation if no agreement can be reached Where agreement cannot be reach, an independent party should be contacted to mediate and assist in resolving issues/conflict If a complaint is received after an application has occurred: Discuss reason for concern with complainant. If required, refer to weather monitoring records and procedures (eg. someone on site monitoring conditions) in an attempt to determine whether an adverse impact may have occurred Attempt to identify any actions that can be taken in the future to alleviate the complainant’s issue(s) if warranted and practical Grower to discuss matter with operator If a complaint is received by the operator, the grower of concern should be notified Complaints received by the pesticide regulators will be referred to the grower and operator for resolution Appropriate authorities to be notified immediately of unresolved complaints are: Cotton Australia, Cotton Growers Association, and your local pesticide control of use authority Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 19 of 24 APPENDIX 1: ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS FOR SPRAYING Table 1 Acceptable conditions for spraying Area to be treated Acceptable wind directions / conditions Example: Field 4 no spraying when wind is from N or NE due to neighbour’s grazing country This information has been provided to all people who will be spraying on your farm Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 20 of 24 APPENDIX 2: BEE HAZARD INFORMATION Pesticides can have an adverse effect on commercial apiarist activities if adequate precautions are not observed. Adverse effects can arise from two main areas. These are: (i) Pesticides being applied directly to a crop or nectar source in which bees are foraging. (ii) Off target movement of pesticide during application which may affect a non-target crop or nectar source where bees are foraging or a direct overspray of the bee hives. Registered Pesticide labels carry specific bee warnings if the product is toxic to bees along with appropriate precautions and requirements. Growers should note these warnings when reading the label and when planning a spray application. A bee awareness zone of approx 8 km from crop edge should be marked on farm maps and consulted when planning a spray application, to check for the presence of commercial apiary activity. Prior to the growing season, cotton growers should conduct the following checks: NEIGHBOURS Do any neighbours have or are likely to have bee hives located on their property during the spray season? Yes No Has contact been made with this person to establish agreed protocols to protect the bees prior to the spray season? Yes No Is there a process for the neighbours to advise you if bee hives arrive during the season? Yes No If so where are they to be located and when will they be there? Contact details of the owner/ person in charge of the bees: Name: Contact Details: Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 21 of 24 RURAL LANDS PROTECTION BOARD (RLPB) STOCK ROUTES & TSR’s Does your property adjoin a RLPB stock route or travelling stock reserve which may have dedicated “Bee Sites”? Yes No If yes, advise the RLPB of the fact that you may be using pesticides which may be toxic to bees, and request that they advise you if any of the bee sites are occupied or become occupied during the spray season Obtain contact details of the owner of the hives from the RLPB and contact as soon as possible to established protocols to protect the bees. Owner: Contact Details: NOTE: Commercial apiarists may operate over large areas and may not be able to initiate protective action over their bees at short notice. Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 Page 22 of 24 APPENDIX 3: PROPERTY NEIGHBOUR CONTACT SUMMARY SHEET NEIGHBOUR Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 CONTACT DETAILS ALTERNATIVE CONTACT AND DETAILS ( EG. FARM MANAGER ) Page 23 of 24 This table can be used to summarise notification requirements of neighbours NEIGHBOUR TO BE NOTIFIED AREAS/FIELDS THAT TRIGGER NOTIFICATION FOR THIS NEIGHBOUR Pesticide Application Management Plan 2011/12 PRODUCTS NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR METHOD OF NOTIFICATION REQUIRED (PHONE , FAX, TEXT , ETC) COMMENTS Page 24 of 24