Agrochemicals and Weed Control SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers agrochemical and weed-control work, including planning, storage, mixing, application, spill response, decontamination and records. It supports planning and risk management for chemical exposure, spray drift, LPG, manual handling, environmental contamination and site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and inspect the site
• Receive, transport and store chemicals and LPG
• Inspect application equipment and personal protective equipment
• Mix herbicides and fertilisers
• Apply herbicides by spraying
• Apply fertilisers manually
• Hand weed and treat plants
• Use propane flaming equipment
• Manage spills and exposure events
• Decontaminate equipment and PPE, remove waste and complete records

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out agrochemical and weed-control activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, as guidance only; confirm the version adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Use and Storage of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code of Practice, as guidance for agricultural chemical risk assessment, PPE selection, SDS use, storage and handling.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks, as guidance for lifting, carrying, repetitive work and awkward postures.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace, as guidance for inspection, maintenance and operation of plant.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities, as guidance for heat, UV, access, amenities and emergency washing facilities.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 1336 Eye and face protection selection guidance; AS/NZS 2161.1 Occupational protective gloves; AS/NZS 4501.1 Occupational protective clothing.
• AS/NZS 1596 The storage and handling of LP Gas; AS 4332 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders; AS 1940 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, as applicable.
• Follow the approved product label, current SDS and any applicable agricultural and veterinary chemical controls; these remain the primary product-specific directions for use, PPE, first aid, storage and disposal.

---

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections