Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for preventing spray drift and off‑target movement of agricultural and horticultural chemicals. It helps Australian businesses protect workers, neighbours, sensitive environments and crops while demonstrating robust compliance with WHS and chemical use obligations.

Spray drift and off‑target movement of pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals can create serious safety, environmental and commercial risks. Uncontrolled drift can expose workers and bystanders, contaminate neighbouring properties and waterways, damage sensitive crops and native vegetation, and trigger costly investigations by regulators. This Drift and Off‑Target Movement Prevention Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, defensible approach to planning and conducting chemical applications in line with Australian WHS, environmental and chemical control requirements.

The SOP guides users through each stage of the process, from pre‑spray risk assessment and weather monitoring through to nozzle selection, equipment calibration, application techniques and post‑spray verification. It defines clear responsibilities, control measures and documentation requirements so your team understands exactly what is expected before any spray work commences. By implementing this procedure, organisations can minimise health risks, reduce the likelihood of complaints and enforcement action, and protect their reputation with regulators, neighbours and supply chain partners.

This document is designed for real‑world Australian conditions, addressing common issues such as inversion conditions, sensitive area mapping, buffer zones, spray records and contractor management. It supports both ground and aerial applications and can be readily integrated into existing farm safety systems, environmental management plans and quality assurance programs.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure to workers, bystanders and neighbouring properties through structured planning and controls.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS, environmental protection and agricultural chemical use requirements.
• Protect sensitive crops, waterways and native vegetation from off‑target chemical damage.
• Standardise decision‑making around weather conditions, equipment setup and spray techniques across all operators and sites.
• Demonstrate due diligence and maintain defensible records in the event of regulator enquiries, complaints or insurance claims.

Who is this for?

• Farm Managers
• Vineyard Managers
• Orchard Managers
• Broadacre Growers
• Ground and Aerial Spray Contractors
• Agronomists and Crop Advisors
• Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Greenkeepers and Turf Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers in Agricultural Enterprises

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of airborne pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals
• Dermal exposure to chemical droplets and vapour by workers and bystanders
• Chemical contamination of neighbouring properties, sensitive crops and livestock
• Pollution of waterways, dams, drains and environmentally sensitive areas
• Damage to non‑target plants, native vegetation and beneficial insects
• Adverse health effects from working in temperature inversions and poor ventilation conditions
• Equipment failure or incorrect calibration leading to excessive or uneven application
• Community complaints and regulatory action arising from visible drift or odour

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Drift, Off‑Target Movement, Sensitive Areas, Inversion Conditions)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Managers, Supervisors, Operators, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Label Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Spray Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Identification of Sensitive Areas and Neighbouring Land Uses
• 7.0 Weather Assessment and Monitoring (Wind, Temperature, Humidity, Inversions)
• 8.0 Equipment Selection, Calibration and Maintenance (Nozzles, Pressure, Boom Height, Aircraft Setup)
• 9.0 Chemical Selection, Mixing and Handling Controls
• 10.0 Drift Reduction Techniques and Control Measures
• 11.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Ground Application
• 12.0 Safe Operating Procedure – Aerial Application (where applicable)
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
• 14.0 Communication with Workers, Neighbours and Other Stakeholders
• 15.0 Monitoring During Application and Stop‑Work Criteria
• 16.0 Post‑Spray Verification, Clean‑down and Waste Management
• 17.0 Incident, Complaint and Near‑Miss Reporting and Response
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation of Operators
• 19.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• APVMA – Operating Principles in Relation to Spray Drift Risk
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (ISO 45001)
• Relevant State and Territory Work Health and Safety Acts and Regulations
• Relevant State and Territory Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals legislation and environment protection laws