Farm Chemicals - Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I report a suspected case of spray drift to?

Suspected cases of spray drift can be reported to the Pollution Hotline on (freecall) 1800 064 657.

Why is possession and use of Schedule 7 chemical products strictly regulated?

Schedule 7 chemicals are substances with a high potential for causing harm to people at low exposure and which require special precautions during manufacture, handling, storage and use. These poisons should only be available to specialised or authorised users who have the skills necessary to handle them safely.

How do I contact the Chemical Services Section of the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources?

The Chemicals Coordinator or Chemicals Adviser can be contacted on telephone +61 8 8999 2344 or facsimile +61 8 8999 2111.

As an Agricultural chemical user, what sort of records do I have to keep?

The following records must be retained:

• name and address of person who used the product
• name of the product and APVMA identifying number 
• if the product was used in a ground spraying business or aerial spraying business, the names and addresses of:
  • the business,
  • the licensee of the business and
  • the client on whose behalf the product was used
• the rate and amount of product applied
• method of application. If the method was aerial spraying:
  • the name and address of the pilot who flew the aircraft
  • the type of aircraft and registration
• how the product was applied and equipment used to apply it
• expiry date of product
• the date and time the product was used
• the address or location of the land on which the product was used, down to the paddock location and size of area
• the type of crop, pasture or other plants in the area
• temperature, wind speed and direction at the time of spraying
• name of target pest or disease
• withholding periods
• details of the permit or authorisation allowing use (if applicable)
• any additional recorded information required under that permit or authorisation