Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides clear, practical guidance for the safe use, handling, mixing, application and storage of herbicides and pesticides in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control chemical exposure risks, protect workers and the environment, and demonstrate compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

The use of herbicides and pesticides is common across Australian agriculture, horticulture, local government, facilities management and landscaping operations. However, these chemicals can present significant health, safety and environmental risks if they are not handled correctly. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step approach to planning, mixing, applying, transporting, storing and disposing of herbicides and pesticides in line with Australian WHS and environmental requirements. It addresses the full lifecycle of chemical use, from reading labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) through to spill response and record‑keeping.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce the risk of chemical exposure, acute poisoning, long‑term health effects and off‑target environmental damage. The document supports a systematic approach to training workers, selecting and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), managing weather and drift conditions, and ensuring that equipment is fit for purpose and properly maintained. It also helps duty holders demonstrate due diligence during regulator inspections, audits and incident investigations, while giving workers confidence that their tasks are clearly defined, consistently managed and supported by best‑practice controls.

The procedure is tailored for Australian operations, recognising local regulatory requirements, label and permit conditions, and the realities of outdoor and seasonal work. It is suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small contractors through to councils, golf courses and large farming enterprises, and can be easily integrated into existing WHS management systems, site‑specific work instructions and contractor management frameworks.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliant handling, mixing, application and storage of herbicides and pesticides in line with Australian WHS and environmental expectations.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, poisoning, skin and eye injuries, and long‑term health impacts for workers and bystanders.
• Standardise how field teams plan and conduct spraying activities, improving consistency, quality and traceability across sites and seasons.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and auditors through documented procedures, training and application records.
• Minimise off‑target spray drift, environmental contamination and damage to non‑target plants, animals and waterways.

Who is this for?

• Grounds Maintenance Staff
• Parks and Gardens Teams
• Landscape Gardeners
• Farm and Station Workers
• Greenkeepers and Turf Managers
• Local Council Field Staff
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Agronomists and Crop Supervisors
• Contract Spraying Operators
• Vineyard and Orchard Managers
• Horticulture Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Acute poisoning from inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption of herbicides and pesticides
• Skin and eye irritation, chemical burns and allergic reactions
• Respiratory irritation and long‑term health effects from repeated low‑level exposure
• Spray drift impacting bystanders, neighbouring properties, crops and sensitive environments
• Environmental contamination of soil, groundwater and waterways
• Incorrect mixing or incompatible chemical combinations causing hazardous reactions
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and pouring chemical containers
• Spills and leaks during transport, decanting or application
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable or combustible formulations
• Exposure due to inadequate or incorrect use of PPE
• Equipment failure or malfunction of sprayers, hoses and nozzles leading to uncontrolled release

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Use Planning and Site Assessment
• 6.0 Chemical Selection, Label Checks and SDS Review
• 7.0 Required PPE and Personal Hygiene Controls
• 8.0 Equipment Selection, Inspection and Maintenance
• 9.0 Mixing, Decanting and Dilution Procedures
• 10.0 Application Procedures (Handheld, Backpack, Boom and Spot Spraying)
• 11.0 Weather, Spray Drift and Buffer Zone Management
• 12.0 Transport, Storage and Segregation of Herbicides and Pesticides
• 13.0 Spill Management, Decontamination and Waste Disposal
• 14.0 Health Monitoring, Incident Reporting and First Aid
• 15.0 Environmental Protection Measures and Sensitive Area Controls
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 17.0 Record‑Keeping, Chemical Registers and Application Logs
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 2210: Safety, protective and occupational footwear
• AS 2507: The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) legislation – relevant State/Territory Acts and Regulations
• Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations – relevant State/Territory jurisdictions
• Environment Protection legislation – relevant State/Territory Acts and Regulations relating to pollution and chemical use