Product Overview

This Pesticide Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls when working with pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, helping you maintain WHS compliance and protect workers and the environment. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of pesticide application and chemical handling across landscaping, gardening and grounds maintenance activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe application of pesticides in open areas, landscaped zones and hard-to-reach locations
• Handling of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals, including decanting, transferring and storage
• Pesticide mixing and usage, including dilution ratios, labelling and prevention of cross-contamination
• Use of chemicals for vegetation control along fences, paths, easements and infrastructure
• Use of pesticides and herbicides for targeted weed control while minimising off-target damage
• Use of pesticides in gardens, parks and public spaces with controls for bystanders and sensitive environments
• Working with pesticides for groundskeeping on sporting fields, campuses, road verges and commercial sites
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemical handling and spraying
• Safe operation of handheld, backpack and vehicle-mounted spray equipment
• Management of chemical storage areas, segregation, signage and security
• Spill response, emergency procedures and decontamination for pesticide incidents
• Safe transport of pesticides and chemicals to, from and within the worksite
• Environmental protection controls, including drift management and protection of waterways and wildlife
• Health monitoring considerations and first aid responses for pesticide exposure

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for landscapers, gardeners, groundskeepers, local councils, vegetation management contractors, facility managers and site supervisors overseeing pesticide and herbicide use on Australian worksites.

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 pesticides and herbicides
• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Requirements for accessing and using SDS information in the workplace
• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Controls for correct labelling of pesticide containers and decanted products
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for washing facilities, ventilation and amenities when working with chemicals
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework applied to pesticide use and handling
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid arrangements for chemical exposure and poisoning risks
• Safe Work Australia – Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Guidance Material: Best-practice guidance for safe use of agvet chemicals
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017