Product Overview

This Agricultural Spraying Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to managing the risks associated with chemical application in farming operations to support WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of agricultural spraying safety, from ground-based boom spraying to aerial crop dusting activities.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of aerial spraying of crops, including flight paths, exclusion zones, and communication with ground personnel
• Safe operation of boom spray equipment, including setup, calibration, and shutdown procedures
• Use of self-propelled sprayers, including stability management, speed control, and safe manoeuvring on uneven or sloping ground
• Operation of crop dusters, including loading, refuelling, and controls to minimise spray drift and off-target contamination
• Selection, handling, mixing, and decanting of agricultural chemicals in accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of spraying plant and equipment, including pumps, hoses, nozzles, tanks, and pressure systems
• Implementation of controls to manage chemical exposure risks to operators, bystanders, livestock, and the environment
• Weather and environmental monitoring to control overspray, drift, and contamination of waterways, sensitive crops, and neighbouring properties
• Traffic and pedestrian management around spraying operations, including warning signage and restricted access areas
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, fitting, use, cleaning, and storage for chemical spraying activities
• Emergency response procedures for spills, accidental exposure, first aid, and notification requirements
• Safe transport, storage, and disposal of chemicals, containers, and contaminated wash water
• Health monitoring considerations for workers regularly exposed to agricultural chemicals

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for broadacre and horticultural farmers, agricultural contractors, aerial spraying operators, crop dusting services, and site supervisors responsible for managing agricultural chemical application 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 used in spraying operations
• Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Requirements for accessing and using SDS information when handling agricultural chemicals
• Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice: Labelling requirements for decanted and stored chemicals on farms and worksites
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for noise exposure from self-propelled sprayers and associated plant
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for washing facilities, decontamination areas, and amenities for workers handling chemicals
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid provisions for chemical exposure and spraying-related incidents
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective devices for chemical spraying
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices used during mixing, loading, and application of agricultural chemicals
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves for handling and applying hazardous agricultural chemicals
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017