Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to managing risks associated with agrochemicals, weed control and related horticultural activities, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple aspects of Agrochemicals and Weed Control, covering planning, preparation, application, storage and disposal activities in one easy-to-use package.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection, safe handling and manual application of fertilisers in gardens, lawns and landscaped areas
• Safe use, mixing and decanting of herbicides and other agrochemicals in accordance with label and SDS requirements
• Identification, handling and control of poisonous or harmful plants, including skin-contact and inhalation risks
• Procedures to cope safely with harmful plants such as poison ivy and similar irritant vegetation
• Treatment and control of weeds in gardens, parks, verges and agricultural settings using chemical and non-chemical methods
• Operation of propane flaming equipment for thermal weed control, including fire prevention and hot work controls
• Manual weeding of gardens, beds and borders using hand tools and mechanical aids while minimising musculoskeletal strain
• Management of chemical storage, labelling, segregation and security for fertilisers and herbicides
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemical handling, spraying and weed treatment tasks
• Environmental protection measures to prevent overspray, drift, run-off and contamination of waterways and sensitive areas
• Decontamination, hygiene and first aid procedures for exposure to agrochemicals or poisonous plants
• Safe transport of agrochemicals and propane cylinders to, from and around the worksite
• Waste management, including disposal of empty containers, surplus product and contaminated materials in line with regulations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for landscapers, grounds maintenance crews, horticulture and gardening contractors, agricultural workers, councils, and site supervisors responsible for agrochemical use and weed control activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling risks from hazardous chemicals such as fertilisers and herbicides.
• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice: Requirements for correct labelling of chemical containers used in weed control operations.
• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice: Reference for understanding and using SDS information when handling agrochemicals.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Code of Practice: Requirements for washing facilities, emergency showers/eyewash and amenities where chemicals are used.
• First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid arrangements for chemical exposure and contact with poisonous plants.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Code of Practice: Framework for risk management applied to agrochemical and weed control tasks.
• Safe Work Australia – National Guide for Managing Risks from Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines in the Workplace: Industry guidance for safe use of pesticides and herbicides.
• AS 2507 – The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals: Requirements for safe storage and handling of agrochemicals on site.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017