Product Overview

Summary: This Fertiliser Spreader Calibration SOP provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely calibrating fertiliser spreaders to achieve accurate application rates. It helps Australian farming and grounds maintenance operations protect workers, the environment and crop performance while demonstrating compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Incorrect fertiliser spreader calibration can lead to serious safety, environmental and commercial consequences. Over-application increases the risk of nutrient run-off, groundwater contamination and chemical exposure to workers, while under-application compromises yield, turf quality and client expectations. This Fertiliser Spreader Calibration Safe Operating Procedure sets out a repeatable, documented process for safely setting up, testing and verifying application rates across a range of spreader types used in Australian agricultural, horticultural and grounds maintenance operations.

The SOP guides workers through pre-use inspections, safe handling of fertiliser products, controlled test runs, calculation of application rates and adjustment of spreader settings. It embeds WHS risk controls around dust, chemical exposure, manual handling and machinery operation, while also supporting compliance with label directions and environmental stewardship requirements. By implementing this procedure, businesses gain consistency across operators, defensible records for audits and a practical tool for training new staff in safe, efficient fertiliser application.

Key Benefits

• Ensure fertiliser is applied at label-compliant rates, improving crop and turf performance while minimising waste.
• Reduce worker exposure to fertiliser dusts and granules through structured controls and PPE requirements.
• Demonstrate due diligence with documented calibration records that support WHS and environmental compliance.
• Standardise calibration practices across operators and sites, reducing variability and costly application errors.
• Support efficient training and competency assessment for new and seasonal machinery operators.

Who is this for?

• Farm Managers
• Cropping Managers
• Agronomists
• Grounds and Turf Managers
• Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Machinery Operators
• Farm Hands and Station Hands
• WHS Officers in Agricultural Businesses
• Local Council Parks Supervisors
• Contract Fertiliser Applicators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to fertiliser dusts and fine particles causing respiratory irritation or sensitisation
• Skin and eye contact with corrosive or irritant fertiliser products
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and carrying fertiliser bags and spreader components
• Entanglement or crush injuries from moving parts on tractor-mounted or trailed spreaders
• Slips, trips and falls around vehicles, field plots and storage areas during calibration activities
• Noise exposure from tractors and powered spreaders during test runs
• Chemical contamination of nearby workers, bystanders or public areas due to incorrect spread pattern or rate
• Environmental contamination from over-application, run-off or drift into waterways and sensitive areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Calibration, Application Rate, Swath Width, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Manufacturer Instructions
• 5.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Pre-Calibration Safety Checks and Site Preparation
• 7.0 Product Information Review (Label Directions, SDS and Application Targets)
• 8.0 Spreader Inspection, Maintenance and Set-Up
• 9.0 Calibration Methods for Different Spreader Types (Drop, Rotary, Tractor-Mounted, Tow-Behind)
• 10.0 Test Run Procedures and Collection of Calibration Data
• 11.0 Calculating Application Rates and Adjusting Settings
• 12.0 Verification Checks, Tolerance Limits and Re-Calibration Triggers
• 13.0 Environmental Protection Controls (Run-Off, Drift and Sensitive Areas)
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures Specific to Calibration Tasks
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures (Exposure, Spills and Equipment Failure)
• 16.0 Housekeeping, Decontamination and Waste Management
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment Requirements
• 18.0 Recordkeeping, Calibration Logs and Audit Documentation
• 19.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and SOP Revision History

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• AS 2507: The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
• APVMA requirements and product label directions for fertiliser and soil amendment products
• Environment protection legislation and guidelines relevant to nutrient management in each state and territory