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 offtarget damage
2. Chemical selection
Long term health effects
Disposal of excess chemical
Disposal of empty containers
3. Method of Chemical
Application
Chemical exposure
Machinery/plant hazards
4. Personal Protective
Equipment required
Chemical exposure during transport,
storage, mixing, use and disposal
5. Check Spray
Equipment
Chemical exposure from leaking
equipment
Identify target species.
Consider alternatives to chemicals.
Check the weather conditions.
Consider the application method.
Consider the environmental impact.
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
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
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”
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
7. Mix Chemical
Chemical exposure to self and others
including eye and skin exposure,
ingestion and inhalation
Spills and site contamination
Lifting Drums
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
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
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
Use trolleys and chemical pumps
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
10. Personal Hygiene
Exposure to chemical and chemical
residues
11. Record Keeping
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.
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
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