Countryco Blog

Effect of pH on Pesticide Breakdown

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:11:09 GMT

Provided to Countryco Ag Services Pty Ltd by Steve Martin - Mulgowie Farming Company

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Building Expertise: CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course for Industry Professionals

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 09:32:05 GMT

In industries where chemicals play a vital role, ensuring operations' safety and compliance is paramount. Professionals working in agricultural and environmental care fields must possess the necessary expertise to handle chemicals safely and responsibly. To meet this demand, CountryCo offers a comprehensive Chemical Accreditation Course designed specifically for industry professionals. This blog post will explore the key features and benefits of CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course and how it helps individuals build their expertise in chemical safety , storage, and handling.

Understanding the Importance of Chemical Safety Training:

Chemical safety training is crucial for professionals who deal with hazardous substances in their work environments. CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to ensure safe practices. The course covers important topics such as risk assessment, hazard identification, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response procedures, and safe handling techniques. By gaining this knowledge, professionals can mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and create a safer work environment.

Comprehensive Chemical Training Course:

CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course provides a comprehensive curriculum covering all chemical management aspects. Participants learn about the different types of chemicals, their properties, and their potential hazards. The course also delves into the proper storage and handling procedures, including labelling requirements, containment, and transportation regulations. Another valuable aspect of the course is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) session, where participants learn about long-term and cost-effective strategies for managing all kinds of pests and diseases. By completing this course, professionals deeply understand chemical management best practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Mastering Chemical Storage Training:

Proper storage of chemicals is crucial to prevent accidents, contamination, and environmental damage. CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course includes dedicated training on chemical storage practices. Participants learn about appropriate storage facilities, segregation principles, temperature control, ventilation requirements, and emergency response protocols. By mastering chemical storage techniques , professionals can minimise risks, prevent incidents, and maintain the integrity of chemical substances.

Attaining a Chemical Spraying Certificate:

Achieving a chemical spraying certificate is essential for professionals involved in agricultural or pest control activities. CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course offers specialised training in chemical spraying techniques. Participants learn about calibration, nozzle selection, application rates, drift management, and the safe handling of spraying equipment. By obtaining a chemical spraying certificate through this course, professionals demonstrate competency and adherence to industry standards, enhancing their credibility and employability.

Advantages of Chemical Accreditation:

Completing CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course offers numerous advantages for industry professionals. Firstly, it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet legal requirements and regulations related to chemical management. This not only ensures compliance but also helps avoid potential penalties and liabilities. Secondly, chemical accreditation enhances professional credibility and opens up new career opportunities. Employers recognise and value individuals with accredited training, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety, responsibility, and ongoing professional development.

Conclusion

CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course provides industry professionals with a valuable opportunity to build chemical safety, storage, and handling expertise. By completing this comprehensive training, individuals can ensure a safer work environment, comply with industry regulations, and enhance their professional credibility. Whether you're involved in agriculture, environmental management, or any other field that requires chemical management, enrolling in CountryCo's Chemical Accreditation Course is a step towards building your expertise and advancing your career responsibly and safely.

Countryco Ag Services Provides Chemical Safety Training in QLD & NSW

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 03:29:19 GMT

Chemicals are an integral part of our daily life in one way or the other. Take your hand sanitiser as an example! It is a chemical that includes alcohol and other compounds that help clean your hands. Of course, we all know that it is not for consumption. However, there are many chemicals out there about which we don’t know much.

Many chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides are used in the agricultural field. Since these chemicals can be dangerous, the people who work with them must be adequately trained to handle them. This is where Countryco Ag Services Toowoomba safety training comes in!

Who are Countryco Ag Services?

Countryco Ag Services, located in Toowoomba, Queensland, provides agricultural chemical safety training courses.

The Toowoomba safety training company has more than 28 years of experience and has trained countless people to work in various business fields that require the storage and handling of chemicals in the workplace.

The core specialty of Countryco Ag Services lies in the face-to-face chemical safety training courses they provide to various businesses in regional and rural areas across NSW & QLD. However, it takes work. There are a lot of regulations that Countryco Ag Services has to follow, and this is one of our core USPs.

Why Choose Countryco Ag Services?

Countryco Ag Services has a lot of innovative aspects that place us ahead of all other competitors in providing chemical safety training courses. Here are some of the best ones!

Professional Trainers

The trainers of Toowoomba safety training are highly experienced and are continually updating their knowledge of the chemicals used in agriculture. They have worked with these chemicals for a long time and understand their effects on humans and the environment.

Legitimate Accreditation

Countryco Ag Services provides two courses, namely,

AHCCHM304 Transport and Store Chemicals
AHCCHM 307 Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, weeds, and diseases.

Nationally accredited organisation SpraySMART Pty Ltd designs both of these courses. Hence, you can rest assured that you are in the right hands.

Latest and Updated Courses

No matter your course, you will surely get all the latest additions. All the courses Countryco Ag Services offers are designed per the latest rules and regulations set by the Australian government.

Relevance

When you choose to undergo your chemical safety and management courses with Countryco Ag Services, you receive training relevant to yourself and your industry. For example, when you take chemical safety training courses with Countryco Ag Services, you will receive knowledgeable expertise about the chemicals used by spray contractors, local government, parks and gardens, swimming pools, and more.

Do only Farmers require Chemical Accreditation?

No, chemical accreditation is not just required by farmers. Anyone who owns a business and stores and handles chemicals must acquire a chemical handling certification. As these chemicals, like herbicides, can be bad for human health, it is critical to ensure that you know how to use them and handle them well.

If the chemicals are used in the following ways, organisations, and scenarios, obtaining an ACDC license is necessary.

Spray contractors
Sewage works
Weed control
Parks and gardens
Mining and gas
State parks, Wildlife, National Parks, and Zoos.

Even if the chemicals are used for other commercial use, you are required to have a license.

Valuable Tips for Better Chemical Safety

Here are some tips to ensure that you stay safe while using the chemicals on your company premises.

Maintain an organised facility.

One of the key things to do while you are using and handling chemicals in your organisation is to have an organised facility. For example, if you have different areas in your workplace, keep them organised.

Keep the work area clean and uncluttered.
Make safety your priority while testing chemicals in the lab or during chemical reactions.
Keep chemicals in an isolated area where only authorised personnel are allowed.
Keep any sharp objects, like needles, razors, etc., away from the area where chemicals are stored.

Follow basic safety procedures.

Other than the facility, there are some basic safety procedures that one needs to remember while handling chemicals.

Make sure you do not smell chemicals to identify them.
Keep the electrical panels visible.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the area where the chemicals are stored.
If your facility has people with loose hair, make it mandatory to tie them.

Have contingency plans for mishaps.

No matter how much care you have for chemicals, there are always possibilities of mishaps. Hence, it is best to be prepared for the worst.

Always work as a team when handling or using chemicals. Don’t work alone at any cost.
If you are not experienced enough, don’t try to clean any spills. Let an experienced person take care of it.
Keep all the emergency equipment ready nearby. Where possible, keep a spare set of PPE available nearby if a bystander needs to step in and render first aid.
Install emergency override buttons. It can help you provide maximum air ventilation if the chemical has impacted the air inside the storage room.

Why is chemical safety necessary?

Chemical safety has always been a debatable topic. Whenever any mishap happens due to chemicals, everyone starts talking about the need for better chemical safety. However, it is essential to understand that chemicals are everywhere and used regularly.

Hence, we need to learn how to deal with them carefully. Here are some reasons why chemical safety is necessary.

Accidents happen when people don’t follow safety procedures.
If you want your employees to be safe while handling or using chemicals, you must provide them with the required training.
It is not just the responsibility of the government to regulate the use of chemicals; even businesses have a role to play in this.

Conclusion

Countryco Ag Services is one of the most reliable and trusted companies providing chemical safety and management courses. The one-day course, consisting of the modules AHCCHM304 Transport and Store Chemicals and AHCCHM 307 Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, weeds, and disease, provides you with your fully accredited Chemical Certification card.

So, if you are looking for a reliable company to take up Toowoomba safety training, Countryco Ag Services is the right choice!

Book your chemical handling training course with us today!

How To Use And Maintain Chemical Spraying Equipment

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers prove effective in various areas. You don't want a murder of crows to ruin your fresh maise crop or an army of lizards crawling up campus walls. However, most of these chemicals can also prove harmful to humans, especially after prolonged exposure.

Even if no fatalities occur, they can create health complications that can last for multiple generations. Parents exposed to sulphur-based compounds report increased cases of developmental disorders and physical disabilities. Therefore, learning how to use and maintain chemical spraying equipment properly should be necessary for every employee.

Still, that can be a tall order depending on your organisation's location, type, and size. Throughout this article, you'll learn how to categorise each piece of equipment, how to use it appropriately, and why a chemical spraying certificate can help make that job easier.

Types of Chemical Spraying Equipment in Use

From agriculture in the far open fields to municipal duties in a city, several types of chemical spraying equipment are used in Australia today. While the exact specifications vary widely, all of that machinery can be classified into four basic categories:

1. Manual Handheld Sprayers

Spraying equipment portable enough to be used by a single person comes in this category. It has a low storage capacity, usually within the range of 50-100 litres. Many backpack versions allow manual operation, although some handheld sprayers have built-in pumps and motors.

2. Powered Light Equipment

This equipment requires an external power source to operate. Typically, personnel use a small vehicle (like a car or ATV) to tow the equipment to cover as much area as possible. Equipment like green trolley sprayers and 12-Volt spot sprayers come in this category. Such machinery has a capacity ranging from 100 to 300 litres. Due to their lighter weight, they are readily deployable when attached to a crop duster.

3. Powered Heavy Equipment

Building upon the light equipment, powered heavy sprayers require a large platform such as a tractor to remain operational. They also have more capacity and higher power requirements. Spray trailers and full-size booms come under this category. They have capacities ranging from 500 to 1000 litres. Many even have a separate power source, like a Honda generator, to power the necessary functions.

4. Self-Propelled Spraying Equipment

This type of equipment is used for large-scale spraying yet has its mobile platform in-built. Drones and motorised crop cruisers come under this category. Such equipment can cover multiple acres of land with a single pass. Yet, the operations are pretty complex, and one should only operate such equipment when completing the farm chemical users course.

How to Correctly Set Up the Equipment

Different types of chemical spraying equipment require specific calibration , maintenance, and usage strategies. But, they all work on the same basic principle and, thus, contain comparable basic systems: tank, pump, flow-control assembly, agitation system, and distribution system.

Let's dive in and analyse how to set up each component correctly.

Tank

The tank stores the entirety of the required solution. After every use, it should be drained and cleaned thoroughly to allow the next refill of chemicals to remain pure. If possible, the tank should be disconnected from the primary system after use, as volatile chemicals can catch fire and damage the rest of the machine. It is a common occurrence in the unforgiving Australian heat.

Every tank has a specific capacity described on it or in the training manual. Employees should ensure not to overfill the tank to save on refill runs.

Pump

The pump is responsible for transporting the solution from the tank to the distribution system. As a rule of thumb, a pump should have a 25% greater capacity than the maximum limit of the nozzle. It helps balance the hindrance from the agitation system and ensures enough pressure for distribution. For agricultural equipment, a pump can be of any of four types:

Centrifugal pump
Piston pump
Diaphragm pump
Roller or rotary pump

When the equipment is not in use, a pump should ideally exert no pressure on the distribution system. It should only activate when the agitation system comes into play. Personnel can help ensure that the pump is calibrated for the application by checking the pressure gauge and using water as a testing fluid.

Agitation System

The agitation system helps keep the chemicals mixed in the tank. It helps maintain consistency when the chemicals make their way to the distribution system. For keeping the agitator functional, it is necessary to ensure that the valves connected to it are sealed. In some scenarios where the agitator is removable, it is a good idea to clean it manually from time to time.

Flow-Control Assembly

The pipes and valves that supply the chemicals to the distribution system constitute the flow-control assembly. Each part should be carefully inspected for any leaks or signs of rust. Using a pressure gauge, the operator can ensure whether certain valves deliver on the rated pressure that fits the sprayer's applications.

Distribution System

It is the business end of the sprayer. The distribution system is where the chemicals leave the sprayer and disperse over the intended area. The operator should clean the nozzles to remove any blockages for smooth functioning. Insecticides, fungicides, and weedicides all require a separate dispersion form. Therefore, before use, it is an excellent idea to ensure that the adjustments are working fine by testing the system with water.

Other systems, such as navigation and electricals, should also remain calibrated depending on the equipment used. You should ensure that all wires stay intact and there are no blown fuses within the circuit. Sometimes, you may need a multimeter to properly calibrate the voltage and current throughout the system.

Possible Damage and Risks with Chemical Spraying Equipment

As most chemical spraying equipment works with complex systems, getting careless with use or maintenance can result in damages and injuries ranging from minor irritation to hospital admissions. Some of the most commonly occurring instances are described below:

Over-pressurised tanks and valves can explode, resulting in high-impact physical damage to any bystanders and massive chemical spills. Operators should keep an eye on clogged-up hoses and nozzles as well.
Loose wiring in the machinery can electrocute the operators upon contact. Depending on the equipment in use, you can receive a shock of up to 3000 volts.
Leaks in the tank and fluid-control systems can spill the chemicals in undesired locations, increasing the risk for other employees and farm animals.
The Queensland government is quite severe regarding chemical spills. If your employees are found responsible or working without a chemical spraying certificate, you can be liable for a hefty fine of up to AUD 5,000. If the chemicals cause an injury, the court can even sentence you to serve jail time.

Training and Supervision of Employees

Now that you know how hard it is to look after each component, things should undoubtedly get you nervous when you put such equipment in someone else's hands. No matter which chemical you use, your employees should have the relevant training so that the equipment runs adequately and they remain safe from hazards.

Putting the right people to work should always be a priority. It is where the farm chemical users course becomes vital. Most people don't grow up around highly volatile chemicals, and there is only so much that you can teach an assistant within a reasonable time. But, you can streamline the process by introducing a chemical safety course as part of your induction program.

The farm chemical users course teaches the candidate how to store, transport, select, purchase, and use agricultural and veterinary chemicals responsibly.

Those who have had their chemical spraying certificate for a while can apply for a supervisor's position. They can become fully licensed to train recruits and show them the ropes attached to the operation of spraying equipment.

Safety Precautions for Chemical Spraying Equipment

As fungicides and pesticides are scientifically proven harmful to humans, you and your employees should exercise extreme caution around them. It doesn't matter how experienced you are; a moment's slip-up is enough to attract a heap of trouble.

For any agricultural operation, you should follow the below-mentioned safety protocols in addition to maintaining the chemical dispersal equipment:

Limiting access to volatile chemicals: You should only allow personnel with a chemical spraying certificate anywhere near toxic solutions.
Wearing adequate safety gear: When spraying chemicals, you should minimise the chance of them spilling on your person. Goggles, PPE kits, and face masks can assist with that.
Not dining or using cosmetics in the workplace: Refrain from eating food items or applying cosmetics in areas susceptible to constant chemical spraying.
Isolating the storage area: The site used to store the requisite chemicals should be far away from any residences, stables, or the main entrance to the property.
Working in groups: Accidents can happen without warning, and you may need an extra pair of hands to get out of them. Therefore, it is always advisable to work in groups when spraying chemicals over an area.

Benefits of Countryco. Chemical Spraying Certificate

Of course, recruitment and training of reliable employees is a tall order when you have an entire farm to manage. Nevertheless, you can outsource the service to trained professionals who have been in the industry for decades. When choosing Countryco., you get the relevant chemical safety training , updated with the latest DEPI and EPA guidelines. We can conduct in-person classes throughout Queensland and New South Wales.

To secure a chemical spraying certificate for each employee, you can examine our training schedule to book a slot. Once registered on our official website, your employees can access the Student Portal and commence the course. If required, we can offer flexibility with the timeline so that the system doesn't impede your business plan.

Book your training session with us at Countryco Ag Services. Call us today!

Treatment of Needlestick Injuries

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:27:20 GMT

When and how to treat needlestick injuries

Needlestick injuries can occur easily and at the time appear relatively insignificant. It is vital to be aware of what kind of vaccine you are working with. In particular, mineral oil-based vaccines can result in tissue loss or worse if not identified and treated in a timely manner. Early debridement and irrigation of the injected area with decompression is likely to give the best outcome. Frequent review is necessary after the first procedure because repeat operations may be required. While medical staff are becoming more aware of the seriousness of this, there are still cases where needlestick injuries are mistaken for spider bites and not treated correctly. Below is a list of Australian surgeons experienced with these injuries and willing to be your advocate if required and links for further information.

The following surgeons have had surgical experience with Category 3 and/or 4 Needle Stick Injuries involving Gudair

1. Mr. Stephen Clifforth, Glenelg Surgical Clinic Hamilton Vic (03) 5572 5233

2. Dr Gary Kode: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Launceston (03) 6334 9313

3. Dr Stephen Salerno, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Essendon, Victoria. T: (03) 9337 0032 (office) or (03) 9076 2000 (The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne)

Farmer Needlestick Injuries – Risk & Recommended Treatment | National Centre for Farmer Health

The effects of injection of bovine vaccine into a human digit: a case report - PubMed (nih.gov)

Chemical storage training and importance of record-keeping

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 23:00:00 GMT

When dealing with dangerous chemicals, appropriate storage is paramount. Most industries don’t purchase and use all the chemicals in one go. Abundant stocks close to the area of operation present several logistical advantages.

Nevertheless, it is the workers on the ground level that take up the majority of that task. It presents plenty of risk for them, their surroundings, and the entire organisation. One fell swoop, and you’re looking at massive logistical, environmental, financial, and healthcare losses, sometimes within a few minutes.

Throughout this piece, you’ll understand why chemical storage training is necessary for such employees, how they can apply for a chemical handling certificate, and why keeping records in such an industry is essential.

Which Industries Involve Storage and Transportation of Chemicals?

You require a chemical handling certificate if your business deals with any of the following:

Manufacturing and distribution of volatile chemicals
Spraying pesticides over public areas such as parks, schools, and government buildings
Distribution of fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, and weedicides for personal or commercial agriculture
Production and transport of fuels such as natural gas and LPG
Waste disposal and transportation
Water treatment facilities
Research labs and institutions that work with volatile materials
Manufacturing that involves edibles, fabrics, and plastics as critical ingredients
Mining and ore processing

Hazards Due to Inappropriate Storage of Chemicals

If your business involves storing potent chemicals, there are some inherent risks with it that you should accept. Common hazards due to improper storage of chemicals include the following:

Damage to the Environment

One of the most significant threats from chemicals not ideally stored is to the environment around them. A storage tank filled with sodium fluoroacetate can be highly harmful to its surroundings if it spills over. It can degrade the fertility of the soil and erode many sensitive crops. Not to mention the threat to the fauna that roams around the farm.

Increased Health Risks for Humans

Numerous chemicals pose significant health risks when they come in direct contact with humans. Symptoms like skin irritation, eye damage, and chemical burns are commonplace for many reagents containing a toxic warning on the container. When ingested or breathed in, many stable chemicals can cause internal harm to vital organs.

High Probability of Fire

Most chemicals that require secure storage are flammable. While most people usually think of petrol or diesel, many such substances don’t need an open flame to catch fire. The hot Australian sun is enough for liquids like acetone and methanol to reach their respective flash points and catch fire.

Furthermore, some chemicals can produce a combustion reaction when mixed with others.

A typical example is potassium chlorate which, when combined with sugar, creates a purple flame that can reach temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Celsius.

Legal Repercussions

Safe Work is the statutory body that determines the safety regulations for chemicals in a workplace. Other agencies like the EPA and ACDC regularly collaborate to enforce any valid laws. These are strictly enforced throughout Australian jurisdictions, especially in a large coastal state like Queensland.

Failure to comply with the current chemical storage safety regulations can attract a fine of up to AUD 6,000 for an individual and AUD 30,000 for a business. However, that can increase to a maximum of AUD 600,000 and five years in prison if any incident involves severe injury or death.

What are the 5 Golden Rules for Storing Chemicals?

A simple way you can convey the safety procedures to the initiates is by simplifying the various safety protocols into five golden rules. These are universal for chemical storage safety and apply to all industries.

Golden Rule #1: Understand the Chemicals You’re Working With

You can make a 3000-page manual, yet no one would be interested in reading it if they don’t understand the risks involved with the storage of chemicals. Most novice personnel think there is no risk as the substances are sealed shut when they should be more careful.

Therefore, you should tell your staff about the chemicals involved in the process. It would be best to highlight the properties and the possible hazards so they know exactly what they are dealing with.

Golden Rule #2: Label All Sensitive Areas and Equipment Adequately

As per any competent chemical storage training course, documentation is the first line of defence. All storage equipment and the surrounding area should display the necessary hazard signs and warnings.

Furthermore, it would help not to use hard-to-understand chemical formulas but words that are more familiar to the general public. For example, instead of the label reading C6H6, it should read “Benzene.”

Golden Rule #3: Always Have Safety Measures at the Ready

You must go with the “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” plan with chemical storage. Your facility should have ample safety measures should things turn for the worse.

These include having extra PPE kits and hazmat suits, multiple emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency alarm systems. If the chemical storage is in a small enough area, it should have hydraulic lock doors to limit the spill.

Golden Rule #4: Ensure Appropriate Training for All Personnel

It need not only be the floor workers that receive chemical storage training. You should ensure that other personnel, such as shift managers and security personnel, obtain the exact instructions.

It assists with having more people remain cautious of the hazards on-site and report immediately should they spot any irregularities.

Golden Rule #5: Record All Changes, No Matter How Small

Documentation should not remain limited to labels. Your staff should record every facility event, including stock usage, shift changes, and supply runs. The records should also detail the chemicals to educate trainees or visitors about possible hazards.

It helps the supervisors keep a check on any missing or misplaced chemicals. Moreover, the records help with a quick and definitive investigation should any disaster strike in the near future.

Chemical Storage Training for Employees

It is perhaps the best measure to take against hazardous chemical spills. Not only are your employees the closest to volatile reagents, but they are also usually the ones who least understand the risk. Therefore, getting a chemical handling certificate should be on your priority list.

Before understanding the perks of a chemical storage training program, let us first look over the common mistakes by the trainees that can lead to a significant disaster.

Common Mistakes Made by Trainees

If you let untrained hands into the work area with unstable chemicals, you invite substantial trouble. Some common mistakes untrained recruits make:

Inaccurate labels: Novice workers have little information regarding the chemicals they work with. Thus, it is highly likely that they would label many of the chemical storage containers inaccurately. It not only increases the hazards for the following user but also decreases the efficiency of locating safer chemicals such as ethyl alcohol and water.

Missing Inventory: The lack of record-keeping means that you can’t keep track of the chemicals and occasionally run out of stock. Also, there can be missing inventory for valuable chemicals that can substantially affect your bottom line.

Lack of Cleanliness: Busy schedules and lack of enforcement can lead to your employees neglecting cleanliness in the workplace. In many cases, this increases the fire or chemical spill hazard.

Unsecured Seals: Unless they have a chemical handling certificate, employees can’t firmly secure the complex mechanisms that many modern chemical storage equipment use. That can lead to leaks and evaporation of chemicals into the atmosphere, making the working area unsafe for anyone around.

Decreased Workplace Morale: All the above factors create a less motivated workforce to invest their true potential. Employees might often create a discourse regarding new safety protocols without genuinely understanding the risks. They might even discourage those with proper chemical storage training from reporting on any vulnerabilities.

Main Features of Chemical Storage Training

A chemical storage training course covers various measures. If you plan for a team within your organisation, you can expect the following features.

Explain to them the properties of various chemicals and their storage requirements.
Educate them on the latest chemical storage and transport equipment. They’ll learn how to operate it and prevent instances of overloading or leakage safely.
Train them in emergency scenarios for various chemicals and create a multi-faceted action plan.
Demonstrate the use of emergency equipment and explain the same to your trainees.
Help them understand why labelling is important and teach them how to do it.
Allow them to set margins for recreational spaces such as smoking areas and lunch rooms.

How Countryco. Can Help Your Employees Get a Chemical Handling Certificate

In summary, conducting a chemical storage training course is a necessary burden you should take upon your shoulders. But that might not bode well with a busy schedule of running a business involving said chemicals. Therefore, you can do it more efficiently by outsourcing the course to a specialist.

With Countryco, we can guarantee all your employees a short yet thorough chemical safety training course . Our team has more than two decades of experience. We cover various small and large-scale industries and can even help create a custom industry training course that caters specifically to your firm.

Interested in making your workplace safer? Book your course with Countryco. Ag Services today!

Chemical Handling Management to Avoid Food Contamination!

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 01:14:18 GMT

Nothing can be compromised when it comes to people's health. Keeping your product healthy should be your top priority if you are a food business.

As per stats, the size of the global agricultural market is expected to reach a massive $18,814.21 billion in 2026. This proves that there is and will be a lot of competition in the market.

As agriculture businesses keep elevating the competition, they try to serve people faster. As a result, pesticides and insecticides have increased a lot in agricultural products. Yes, the use of chemicals is necessary, but Chemical handling management is equally important.

The chemicals used in farms for stimulating the growth of food items are not just bad for humans but also for the environment. So what to do in such a scenario?

Chemicals cannot be stopped entirely as they save crops from pests, but some practices can be implemented to ensure their safe and appropriate use.

What are the various chemical contaminants?

One of the key concerns of industrialists is the source of chemicals. It is worth noting that food contaminants are not just bound to the agricultural field. It is not necessary that the chemicals only come from the field. There can be other sources, too, including the supply chain.

Here are some of the potential sources of food contaminants!

Industrial chemicals: It is pretty obvious that to ensure cleanliness in the production area, sanitisers, detergents, and many other products are used. If you are not using them mindfully, they may affect the quality and integrity of the food items, whether the whole packaging or just assembling.

Make sure that any of your industrial chemicals are not used in the food production, assembly or packaging area.

Preservatives: Apart from industrial chemicals, there are chemicals that are not accidentally but are intentionally added to various food items. These chemicals are either added to improve the food's taste or enhance the products' shelf life.

Although these chemicals are useful for the food item they are used in, the cooking of the food item may unlock the contaminant effect of the ingredient. Therefore, they can affect the integrity of the food item. To prevent food contamination from preservatives, carefully follow the cooking instructions. Moreover, source the food from a verified supplier.

Naturally occurring contaminants: Naturally occurring contaminants are the ones that you can only avoid if you stop consuming that food item. These contaminants are found by default in the food item that is not harmful to the food item but it is undoubtedly harmful to humans.

Some examples of naturally occurring toxins in food are

Aflatoxins in peanuts.
Poisonous neurotoxins in mushrooms.
Sscrombotoxins in fish

Primarily, these contaminants are found in seafood like shellfish. An example of an illness caused by a naturally occurring toxin is Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.

Toxic metals: The utensils in which food is cooked play a key role in contaminating it. For example, when a product with acidic content is stored or cooked in a metal container, it will react abruptly with the food item, leading to contamination.

To ensure this does not happen, ensure that the utensils used for cooking the food are made of food-grade materials. On top of that, store the food items in safe containers like food-grade plastic.

Agricultural contaminants: As discussed earlier, agricultural contaminants are one of the primary sources of food contamination. The use of harmful chemicals in farms is not just polluting the environment but also contaminating food items.

To ensure you do not consume contaminated food, buy organic products from a verified supplier. Moreover, always wash the fruits and vegetables before consuming them as it will remove any pesticide or insecticide residue from them.

How to undertake chemical handling management to prevent food contamination?

As there are a lot of chemicals and toxins that can affect the quality of the food, there are ways that you can use to handle these chemicals properly . Makes sure you follow these methods carefully!

Use a designated place for chemicals

Being a responsible food producer and storage client, it is crucial to ensure that you are storing chemicals in a designated area of the production facility. If your facility does not have a designated area for storing chemicals, find an area that can act as one.

Storing some of the food items where they are required may seem convenient, but time and again, you may find issues with your products. Hence, it is ideal for keeping all the chemicals like iodine, ammonia, and chlorine away from food, food equipment, and food contact surfaces.

Make use of labelled or colour-coded containers for storing the chemicals

Some food items and chemicals may look similar. If you incorrectly use any of them, it may jeopardise the food quality or lead to food waste.

To ensure that anything like this does not happen, use colour-coded containers, labelled containers, or both. Including such containers for storing the products will promote identification and proper use.

Keep a record of the chemical inventory

Whether you are a farmer who grows the food or a factory owner, and you definitely need to keep track of all the chemicals you use.

When the chemicals arrive at your plant, you can record their batch numbers to keep track of them. Recording the batch numbers will also help you analyse them during the audit. You can easily find out if any of the chemicals have expired, whether their labels are valid or not, and more.

This will further help you know when to restock any of the chemicals. On top of that, checking the inventory will also enable you to know where the chemicals are used.

Moreover, suppose there is any chance that the food items get contaminated. In that case, you can always check the records to know which chemical was used recently and take necessary action accordingly.

Keep up with the pest control officer

Chemical handling management can become easy if you are supported by a PCO. It is obvious that the food will attract pests, so you need to have pest control chemicals to take care of them.

However, one may not know which pest control chemical can be used around food or if it can be brought near to the food. In such a scenario, you must keep up with a pest control officer (PCO). They can guide you well while taking care of the food and using pest control chemicals.

Provide proper training to the staff

The power of a food business is its staff which means that the business has to train its staff in the best way. To ensure that the final food yield of your company or business is good, keep a close check on the chemical safety training of the employees.

If you have a chemical handling course, ensure that each employee takes it and gets a chemical handling certificate. If you are hiring new staff, ensure that the hired person has some kind of licence for handling chemicals.

Employee Training for Chemical Handling Management

So far, we know what chemical handling management is, its causes, and that you have to provide training to the employees.

But, what the training includes, what issues the trainees face, etc., are still uncovered. Let’s read ahead and find out the answers to this!

What mistakes do trainees make, and how they can be corrected?

There are certain mistakes that trainees make while working on the floor.

Inventory missing: Inventory may be missing from your company’s storage facility, and it can be due to a lack of record-keeping.

Cleanliness: Cleanliness of the place where food or chemicals are kept is of utmost importance. Due to the inclusion of more people or due to a busy schedule, trainees may fail to maintain it.

Critical Aspects of Chemical Handling Management Program!

Here are some key aspects you need to teach the trainees in a Chemical handling course!

Educate them about the storage of chemicals in a dedicated area to prevent cross-contamination.
Tell them about the harmful chemicals and combinations, like chlorine and ammonia. The mixture of both can produce poisonous gas.
Allow them to learn about the proper dilution of chemicals by studying their labels.
Use chemical dispensers and tell your trainees how to use them.
Help them understand why labelling is important and teach them how to do it.
Train them to properly and carefully wash fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

Managing chemicals can be critical for your business in the long run as they directly impact product quality. To ensure this does not happen, provide the best training to your staff with CountryCo.

With our chemical handling course, you can instil the best skills in your employees. Our training courses are updated with the latest DEPI and EPA guidelines.

To get a Chemical handling certificate for your employees, you can analyse our training schedule to book a session today! You can learn more about us in this guide !

Your Go-To Guide For Safely Applying Farm Chemicals

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:06:19 GMT

Agriculture has played a crucial role in the development of human civilisation. The advancement of our technology and expansion of our frontiers took place because most of the population had ample food to eat. Today, food production is as extensive as it is diverse. In 2021, 61 million tonnes of cereal and broadacre crops were produced in Australia alone.

None of that would have been possible without the use of appropriate chemicals. Fertilisers and pesticides, in tandem with hybrid crops, have helped farmers maximise their growing capabilities. However, several of these chemicals pose a massive threat to the crops or those working the fields without proper care and handling.

In light of that, this guide will tell you everything about the types of chemicals used on a farm, how to safely use them, and the benefits you can reap from a chemical safety training certificate.

Types of Chemicals Present on a Regular Farm

Several chemicals help farmers ensure healthy crop growth and protect the farm from pests. These include the following:

Fertilisers

Fertilisers help supply the necessary nutrients to the soil, enabling swift growth and high crop yield. These are primarily used before the sowing season, although some crops require fertiliser dispersal in periodic batches.

Fertilisers can be either organic (formed from recycled waste components of old crops) or inorganic (artificially synthesised). Organic fertilisers can be much safer to use if sourced correctly and don’t harm the environment. On the other hand, inorganic fertilisers get absorbed by the soil quickly and don’t require high quantities. Some common examples are ammonium nitrate, potassium sulphate, and calcium nitrate.

Weedicides/Herbicides

Not all plants on agricultural land are desirable. Some weeds can absorb water and nutrients intended for the crops, letting your hard work go to waste. DEPI estimates that unchecked weed growth contributes to AUD 2.5 billion in food losses for Australia alone.

You can eliminate such plants by using a suitable herbicide that inhibits weed growth without harming the crops. Chemicals such as glyphosate and atrazine can target specific weeds by inhibiting photosynthesis and cell growth. Other chemicals, such as triclopyr, also help control weed growth without hurting the water table by halting root growth.

Insecticides

Swarms of locusts are a recurring nightmare for many Australian farmers who shed their sweat for their latest crop batch. Insects can not only consume the nutritious part of the crops but also damage the stalk to ruin any chance of renewing the growth.

You can use insecticides such as Dursban and fipronil to keep those pesky buggers away from your crops. These chemicals disrupt the bodily functions of insects, particularly those related to respiration and reproduction.

Fungicides

Sometimes, you must protect your crops from microorganisms that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. They only notice when many crop samples have spores that disperse the fungus to other pieces.

Using fungicides to counter such threats would be best without causing substantial damage to the crop itself. Benzene-based compounds such as hexachlorobenzene are often used to protect crops against fungal infections. Alternatively, many farmers go for more organic compounds, like benomyl and metalaxyl, that are much safer to use.

Soil Fumigants

Keeping track of multiple dispersal agents can become tedious. You can’t spread all the chemicals over the crops at once. It takes some time for the soil to recover from the side effects. Instead, you can use soil fumigants to ease some of the pressure.

Unlike other chemicals that need absorption, soil fumigants can disperse quickly as gases, getting rid of most pests in the process. This function makes them perfect for high-value crops sensitive to chemical damage.

Fuels

If you have a large farm, you probably have some powered equipment that runs on diesel or gasoline. You can't drive it all the way to a servo every time you need to refill. Your fuel tanks should be kept in a safe, easy to access area.

Veterinary Medicines

You don't want to leave the animals on your farm deprived of necessary medications. Accidents can happen out of nowhere, and you may need to bandage a working dog’s leg after pulling all the sheep into the pen. In addition to bandages, you should keep a stock of antibiotics and anti-flea sprays close by.

Although, you should be careful with that stash of meds. In careless hands, they can prove harmful when ingested or spilt onto the skin. Veterinary antiseptics are usually more corrosive than regular variants due to more potent disinfectants.

Potential Hazards from Volatile Agricultural Chemicals

With all the scenarios described above, chemical safety becomes a vital issue for a farm of any size. If you’ve ever completed a farm chemical users course, you can understand the various risks you’re taking up by not being careful around agricultural chemicals.

Some of the most potential hazards include:

Danger to the Crops and the Environment

Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides is a recipe for environmental disaster. If you don't weigh the requirements accurately, you can damage the crops in addition to the organisms harming them. Also, many pests tend to develop immunity against specific chemicals. So, you risk degrading the soil without the desired effects if you don't choose the right pesticide.

Fire hazards are also a significant problem to consider. Most pesticides are flammable, which means a single spark can make the whole farm go up in flames within hours. It is also why you should keep your fuel storage secure.

Harmful to Humans

Several of the chemicals used on a farm can cause severe medical issues in humans. Young children or pregnant women around the estate are especially vulnerable. Some of the most widespread symptoms include:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Muscle twitching
Skin rashes/irritation
Dizziness
Temporary blindness
Chemical burns

Long-term exposure to pesticides can cause even more detrimental effects on people. They have been clinically diagnosed with nervous system disorders, liver and kidney diseases, congenital disabilities, and an increased risk for cancer.

Legal Repercussions

The government of Queensland is strict with applying the required laws regarding agricultural chemicals. A chemical handling certificate is a must for every hand managing a volatile agent on a farm. Moreover, those distributing chemicals, even on a small scale, require a valid licence.

Failure to do any of the above warrants a hefty charge from EPA and DEPI representatives in your area. The Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control (ACDC) Act punishes any violators with ten penalty points. Currently, that attracts a fine of up to AUD 5,000 and might include some jail time.

How to Safely Store and Apply Farm Chemicals

You can take numerous steps to ensure the safe storage, transport, and use of farm chemicals. They can help you reduce the risk of an accident and earn you a few brownie points with the authorities. You can find the tried and tested ones mentioned below:

Personnel Training

The people who handle the chemicals are always the first line of defence against a hazard. You must ensure they have a chemical safety training certificate before letting them anywhere near a herbicide.

An added measure you can take is the documentation of each chemical resource at your disposal. From fuel reserves to the time of spraying, each record helps to plan ahead with other agricultural tasks such as irrigation and mulching.

Storage

You should note that Australian law prohibits storing volatile chemical agents without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and label. It should have the necessary information clearly labelled, such as the registered application of the chemical and components involved. It would help to store them away from residences yet still close enough to obtain them conveniently when required.

Avoid small bottles in favour of large, seal-tight containers when storing the chemicals. Make sure no two chemicals are stored side-by-side, which might trigger an undesirable reaction. Furthermore, you should keep the chemicals as far away from a heat source as possible.

Transport

Those with a chemical handling certificate know the risks of transporting volatile agents. Not securing the load can lead to spillages that can prove more dangerous on public roads. Stow the chemicals away from food, water, animal feeds, and fertilisers. When taking stock from a distributor, have a concise and accurate record of all the chemicals you're transporting.

Don't ditch your protective gear once you've loaded the chemicals because you might have to adjust the cargo en route. Even if you have plenty of vacant passenger space, always store the chemicals in the cargo compartment.

Application

No matter how menial the task may seem, you must not allow someone without a valid chemical safety training certificate to spray the chemicals on the field. They should know how to properly wear all the protective gear and calibrate the requisite equipment before commencing the task at hand.

Manufacturers have a designated protocol for the application of all their chemicals. It is determined via thorough testing, so it is vital to follow the instructions. You can utilise decanting kits to reduce spilling or splashing during dispersal. It assists with avoiding non-targeted flora and fauna for the chemicals in use.

Summing Up

The challenge of applying farm chemicals with adequate safety is massive, especially when you might have other chores to attend to. With the appropriate training and certification, you can rest easy knowing that your staff can carry out the assigned jobs with minimal risks.

That is why it is essential to provide each of them with a valid chemical safety training certificate. You need not do it yourself, either. A reputed firm with decades of experience in the field can do it for you.

At Countryco., we can deliver an inclusive and cost-effective training course for all your employees at a schedule convenient for you. Contact us at Countryco. to learn more about chemical safety !

Chemical storage training courses in QLD with Countryco Ag

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 01:00:57 GMT

Large-scale farms using Agvets must have accreditation. So do those involved in the commercial distribution of farm chemicals. Talk to Countryco Ag to know the legal framework for using farm chemicals, accreditation requirements, and what you must do to comply.

You need a face-to-face training session if you aren't sure how to handle or store chemicals for agriculture and animals on the farm. You'll learn how to keep, move, and use the chemicals correctly.

Your goal should be to cut chemical hazards' effects on your health and the health of those around you. The benefit of this chemical storage training is that it significantly reduces farming costs of injuries.

Anyone who uses herbicides, insecticides, or other farm chemicals will find this post helpful. Spray controllers and those who use chemicals to get rid of weeds fall under this category. Organisations that protect wildlife will find the units on animal chemical handling helpful.

Notably, domestic users in subsistence farming should also consider this training.

This post curates guidelines on chemical transportation and safety. It also informs you why it is essential for you and other farmworkers to take the chemical safety course. Most importantly, you get a sneak peek at all the units you should expect to cover after enrolling.

How should people in the farming industry transport chemicals to their facilities?

People in the farming industry must adhere to QLD and New South Wales guidelines on chemical transportation and safety. One of the most important requirements is to have a Material Safety Data Sheet describing the chemicals you carry, which should be attached to an invoice.

The team handling the transfer should wear protective equipment during the process. Workers should know the chemicals they are handling and be familiar with transferring equipment.

Let's see some chemical transportation and safety guidelines.

During the Agvets transfer, drive steadily on the highway and secure the chemical vats with a safety chain and a safety clip on the hitch pin.
In addition, secure the tins or drums holding the chemicals so that they don't spill or move about during the transfer.
Most chemical-related mishaps occur during the transfer process. Enlist a licensed driver who is well-versed in handling emergencies, one who has been trained on chemical transportation and safety.
Accompany large chemical farm consignments with proper road signage and proper protective equipment.
Do not move farm chemicals from one location to another in an enclosed cabin with passengers and the driver.
Keep food, water, seeds, and animal feeds away from chemicals during transportation.
Ensure you have a written record of all chemicals you're transporting and keep a log of what is in and out of stock.
If you can find substitutes for dangerous farm chemicals, use the less hazardous chemical alternatives.

Why is it essential to learn chemical safety?

Chemical safety training encompasses proper storage and repercussions of chemical misuse. It minimises health risks associated with Agvet chemicals handling, transportation, and storage. To a large extent, it promotes a safer work environment for farm workers and the community.

Chemical exposure can cause various short-term and long-term health effects like headaches, poisoning, respiratory illnesses, and cancers-especially skin cancer. Other effects are burns and a series of congenital disabilities.

You should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals. PPEs include a long-sleeved heavy-duty shirt with long arms. Others are protective eyewear, rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and respirators.

One hazardous Agvet is anhydrous ammonia, an ingredient in certain agricultural chemicals. Since anhydrous ammonia doesn't contain any water, it quickly reacts with any moisture it comes into contact with.

Crops and plants benefit significantly from this, as it immediately combines with the moisture in the soil to stimulate growth. In contrast, getting into our eyes, skin, or mucous membranes can cause severe burns and dehydration.

Also, anhydrous ammonia boils at -28 degrees Fahrenheit. So, to keep it in a liquid state, you need to store it carefully. Handle it under high pressure with well-built and well-maintained machinery.

You learn how to keep a record of all chemicals in your store and to have them labelled. Keep chemicals in safe lockable spaces. All your MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) should be easily accessible, and you should be checking them regularly to ensure they are up to date.

The training is a statutory requirement for those who come into contact with chemicals in one way or another. It helps keep the environment safe and uncontaminated. Experts will tell you chemicals must have labels and proper spraying etiquette.

Initial labelling must remain as it is. A trained farm worker knows not to spray when there is a strong wind. That's because the possibility of the spray floating over a dam or the farmhouse is high.

Also, the water used to clean spray gear shouldn't run into water bodies human beings or livestock use. Neither should you leave empty chemical containers all over. Further, it would be best if you annually inspected all equipment for safety.

In addition, you learn guidelines on transportation and the safety of hazardous chemicals.

People who use chemicals at home, including farm chemicals, face the same risks. They often don't know what will happen if they make a mistake or use too much.

So, knowing what to do and what not to do when working with chemicals is essential.

Getting accreditation is not a legal requirement if you use chemicals at home. You don't need to have an ACDC License. Still, chemical safety training is critical.

What will the chemical handling training cover?

Countryco Ag chemical accreditation course is quite comprehensive. It will inform you on how to store and transfer chemicals safely.

The units include pest control and integrated pest management. You will learn resistance to farm chemicals and formulations of farm chemicals.

They get into the details of labelling and Safety Data Sheets of farm chemicals, not forgetting the side effects of chemicals on health and first aid. CPR and first aid concerning agricultural and veterinary chemicals are also part of the course.

You'll also learn the use of personal protective equipment in the farm scenario for different chemicals and how to wear them well.

Other points you’ll learn refer to:

Farm residue and breakdown of farm chemicals.
Risk management of farm chemicals.
Bookkeeping.
Minimising drift and reducing contamination in the environment.
How to calibrate farm equipment.
Applying animal chemicals and crop spraying techniques.
How to calibrate animal chemical application equipment.

Most importantly, you cover statutory requirements that you must adhere to when handling, storing and moving farm chemicals from one location to another.

Conclusion

Chemical storage training and how to safely transfer farm chemicals from one place to another will help you get accreditation and licensing.

When adequately informed on handling, transferring and storing chemicals, you protect yourself and others from life-threatening health risks. You also minimise injuries and protect the environment.

Need chemical storage training to help you learn how to store and transport chemicals safely?

Call us today to book your training session .

All About AQF3 Chemical Safety Accreditation in QLD (and How to Apply)

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:51:31 GMT

As per the Work Health and Safety Act (QLD), chemical safety accreditation in QLD is necessary for handling toxic substances. So, if you are working with AgVet chemicals or dangerous poison, this Act requires you to hold a valid accreditation to keep yourself and everybody around you safe.

Are you in charge of land maintenance at your work and need to be trained to deal with the equipment? Do you work at a park and are required to learn how to handle herbicides? Are you a farmer looking to get your Commercial Operator License?

In this article, we’ll tell you about chemical safety accreditation in QLD with Countryco Ag and how to apply for yours. So, keep reading, and we’ve got you covered.

Need chemical storage training to help you learn how to store and transport chemicals safely?

Book a session with Countryco Ag Services, Toowoomba.

What is ChemCert accreditation?

ChemCert accreditation is the training, up-skilling, and industry accreditation for people working with AgVet chemicals.

ChemCert works with various industry sectors across the country. With over 100 locations, it is the top accreditation body in Australia.

This non-profit training organisation provides people with delivery and assessment services and recognition for prior learning.

ChemCert is working towards making education accessible to everybody so that we can find the best way to protect and improve the land. It allows people to receive training through different modes; face-to-face, offsite, or flexible.

Not sure that this bit works?? It’s kind of just advertising Chemcert?

Why is chemical accreditation required in QLD?

The government requires chemical safety accreditation in QLD as per the Work Health and Safety Act (QLD). You need adequate training, understanding, and knowledge about the chemical substances you are working with to protect yourself and everybody around you.

After completing your chemical safety training, you can apply for your Commercial Operator's License or ACDC license. In QLD, this license is required for anybody who uses chemicals on land not owned or occupied by themselves.

Acquiring this license assures your community and government. It shows that you possess enough skills and understanding to follow strict regulations that are needed to use AgVet chemicals.

Several companies like Countryco Ag offer these training courses .

How Countryco Ag can help you get trained

Countryco Ag provides a face-to-face chemical accreditation course for people and businesses that have to apply and store chemicals in the workplace. It ensures that you are skilled in these processes and in line with the strict rules that come with them.

This chemical safety training course is available to you and your business in QLD and NSW. The program runs on many dates throughout the year , so join when’s best for you and get accredited.

1. Is Countryco Ag reliable?

Yes. Countryco Ag has over 28 years of experience in chemical safety training. This allows them to develop and deliver excellent customised programs to people depending on their needs.

2. What regulations does Countryco Ag obey to plan the training and courses?

As per the government regulations, Countryco Ag is required to follow:

Queensland Chemical Usage Control Regulations 2017
Queensland Reef Protection
NSW Pesticides Act 1999 No.80
WorkSafe Regulations

3. What are custom training courses?

Countryco Ag provides custom training and courses designed to help you with your particular industry. These are related to using products, scenarios, techniques, and equipment relevant to your specific industry.

4. What are the benefits of Countryco Ag training courses?

There are many benefits of these courses, which include:

Improved employability of people
Development of skills needed to apply chemicals safely
Ensured safety in the workplace
Hazard control and risk management
Improved environmental awareness of people
Education on different kinds of chemicals

5. What are the contents of these courses?

These chemical accreditation courses cover various essential topics, from integrated pest management to crop spraying techniques.

During these courses, you will go over the legislative requirements for handling, storing, and transporting farm chemicals.

These also include training on toxicity, health, and first aid concerning farm chemicals and how to use personal protective equipment needed to handle farm chemicals.

Here is the complete content list for the chemical safety training course .

6. Do you only need this course for commercial use of AgVet chemicals and Dangerous Poison?

Absolutely not. Anybody using AgVet chemicals and dangerous poisons must be trained to handle these substances.

Many people use these on private properties. For example, some people might need pest control for their private lawns or gardens. If proper training isn’t completed, they could face potential health hazards due to avoidable exposure to chemical substances.

How to apply to Countryco Ag’s training courses?

Fill out this registration form to express your interest in the course.

Once you’ve submitted your interest, Countryco Ag will get back to you with more information and schedules as soon as possible.

Still, got a question? Read through the Frequently Asked Questions and learn everything you need to know about Countryco Ag courses.

Alternatively, you can call 1800 626 681 or email admin@countryco.com.au to get further information about the course.

What’s Countryco Ag’s cancellation policy?

If you can’t make it to the course on your booked date, Countryco Ag can move your registration to another day. Or they can transfer you to another class, provided it's available.

In some exceptional cases, they offer refunds, but they are not available for just a change of mind.

Conclusion

If you’re working or planning to work in the agriculture and veterinary sectors, you need chemical safety training.

You must be well informed about the safe handling and usage of chemicals and herbicides. You need to protect everybody around you and yourself when working with these hazardous substances.

So, what are you waiting for? Register your interest in these super helpful and credible training courses with Countryco Ag and start your journey towards a safe and healthy work environment.

Need A Chemical Safety Training Course? Book With Countryco.

Fri, 27 May 2022 00:28:40 GMT

Are your staff working around volatile substances? A thorough chemical safety training course will ensure that they and their family remain healthy. Whether you run a rural or urban business, you need a chemical safety certification to operate according to EPA norms. If you wish to remove that task from your checklist, you've come to the right place.

Throughout this piece, you'll learn about the various direct and indirect safety hazards that make workers vulnerable daily.

Chemical Hazards in Various Industries

Contrary to popular belief, chemical hazards are prevalent in most large-scale industries, from manufacturing to agriculture. Sometimes, the staff becomes exposed to toxic compounds without knowing how dangerous they can be. DuPont's backlash and lawsuits after catastrophic safety violations in the USA are an excellent example.

Regarding chemical hazards, the following industries have the highest exposure for workers:

Agriculture

To improve crop yield and shorten harvest times, nitrogen-based fertilisers and pesticides are a must. Yet, if not handled carefully, these compounds can cause severe lung and eye diseases in the machinery personnel. According to recent statistics, 21% of all worker deaths in Australia were from those who worked in agriculture.

The hazards don't just stop at the farm. Sorting facilities often pose a threat to untrained workers who get exposed to compounds such as ammonia. In the case of sugar processing, the levels of nitrates, sulphates, and carbon compounds emitted prove toxic for the personnel involved and the environment alike.

Hospitals and Specialised Medical Facilities

Potent drugs, radiation, and acids have become routine in the medical field. Like those dedicated to chemotherapy and bone repair, some specialised centres often contain potent chemicals that can prove harmful to human cells.

Further, certain medicines can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin if not handled with care. Several cases of fire hazards have also occurred due to improper handling of flammable materials in a medical facility.

Mining and Oil Refinement

Probably the most hostile working condition in the world, mining has the highest rate of per capita injuries than any other industry. Even if you make working with drills and explosives as safe as possible, the unpredictable release of chemicals proves quite a challenge to overcome. These vary with the type of mineral in question. Bauxite mines can have lethal quantities of sulphur, whereas extraction of iron ores can release carbon oxides that can prove fatal without the workers even sensing it.

The risks are high for oil extraction and processing as well. Crude oil undergoes fractional distillation that extracts the valuable compounds from within it. But, the process also releases flammable gases like butane and propane that can easily catch fire if not disposed of correctly.

Additionally, dealing with other resources from the process, such as paraffin wax and asphalt, can cause long-term health issues without appropriate measures.

Waste Processing and Disposal

Both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste produce countless chemicals that pose a hazard to employees in waste management. When biological matter decomposes, it releases toxic gases that can kill an adult within minutes, especially in a confined area like a sewer.

The increased production of e-waste means more toxic compounds that release volatile elements like mercury and palladium when dissolved in water. Rusted circuit boards can cause severe skin and blood infections among the waste disposal teams, often with a critically short treatment window.

Maintenance of Public Places

Public recreational places such as swimming pools, national parks, and zoos require specific chemicals as part of their maintenance cycles.

Swimming pool water must have ample chlorine and alkalinity adjusters, while national parks need fertilisers and herbicides to keep the vegetation healthy.

In doing so, the maintenance staff can get exposed to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. For example, DEET (N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) is a common insecticide that can cause problems for the nervous system. It is also known to have detrimental effects on children and pregnant women.

Need for an Effective Chemical Safety Training Course

Now that you're aware of the widespread use of harmful chemicals, you can understand the value of training your staff, especially the organisation's youth. Inexperienced employees are often casual with their approach to chemical safety measures. Thus, you must leave a margin of error that maintains an acceptable standard with a few faults.

As the industrial world develops rapidly, there are upgrades with pieces of equipment and methodologies around volatile compounds. While some personnel in your organisation may be well aware, updating the training procedures and re-educating the staff is crucial for ensuring their safety. Even organic products, like organochlorines, can develop health complications over time.

A practical chemical safety training course is a must-have from a legal standpoint. Specific licences and federal applications require safety training before approving your firm's application. It might not directly involve representatives from your company visiting an office. Many government agencies could often conduct independent surveys from multiple employees.

How to Make An Effective Chemical Safety Training Campaign

Disasters don't wait till the implementation of proper methods, and neither should you. To ensure the adequate safety of your workers, you can't simply create the perfect course and expect the entire staff to follow through. It would help to have an effective safety campaign that gets the information to all the relevant personnel in as little time as possible.

Here are some practical ways that experts from most industries approve.

Updating the Induction Program

As with most safety training courses, it starts from the bottom. Any fresh recruits in your company should complete a valid chemical certification course about the risks they are willing to undertake. It reduces the chance of any mishap and builds trust within them regarding your firm's conduct.

Routine Safety Inspections

Of course, you can't just expect each individual to follow all safety procedures perfectly. There can still be some vulnerabilities that you can only detect with routine inspection checks. Your chemical safety campaign should include safety inspection modules that cater to your machinery. If there is any direct contact with hazardous materials, your safety course should include instruction regarding appropriate safety equipment and safety signs should be installed within a visible range.

Creating Co-Worker Training Incentives

Incentivising volunteers is a proven method to maximise the reach of your chemical safety training course. If you promise your employees a couple of perks, they can take time from their schedule to impart the necessary safety training to others. It might take some time, but you can save on time and resources that would otherwise halt the entire facility.

What Change can Countryco Bring About?

The scope of training and time required for any chemical certification course is substantial. Therefore, the best approach is to outsource the course to a professional firm that has seen the industries evolve for decades. With Countryco, you get chemical safety courses crafted and delivered by experts in various fields. We can develop a safety course after thoroughly analysing your organisation's workings regardless of which industry you're part of.

As a licenced company based in Queensland, we understand what it takes to make each training campaign worthwhile. We can work within a reasonable timeframe to train hundreds of employees at once, giving them accurate information regarding the safety risks they face daily. In addition, you can consult with us regarding the use of chemicals and the respective safety measures, should you desire.

Final Thoughts

A safe employee is a productive employee. They can help your company reach the desired goals if they know that you care for their well-being. An exemplary chemical safety training course can also help your firm shine in the eyes of regulatory agencies, investors, and the general public. It is never the wrong time to re-assess the safety measures in your business and see if you might be lacking somewhere to get your chemical certification card.

Book Your Training Course With Countryco. Ag Services Today!

Applying For A Commercial Operator’s Licence (ACDC) In QLD? Countryco. Is Here To Help!

Fri, 20 May 2022 00:16:38 GMT

Whether you are spraying insecticides in a public place or distributing chemicals to assist in agriculture on land that is not your own or your employers, you need a commercial operator’s licence to continue doing business in QLD. With the recent climate summits and stricter environmental protection laws, the government is cracking down on unlicensed distributors with hefty fines and serious lawsuits.

To ensure the profitability of your business, you don't want to be a part of that list. Throughout this guide, you'll learn how to apply for a commercial operator's licence (ACDC) in Queensland, what qualifications you require, and how specialists can help you make the process as smooth as possible.

Who Needs a Commercial Operator’s Licence?

Any entity applying chemicals with powered machinery allowed under the ACDC Act of 1966 should have a valid commercial operator’s licence. These include (but are limited to) the locations described below:

Parks and gardens
Local government buildings
Sewage works
Agricultural land that you work on as an employee or a contractor
State parks, zoos, and national parks
Swimming pools
Hospitals and nursing homes
Weed or pest hotspots
Mining and gas operations
Sports club maintenance and land care
Schools and other educational institutions

The EPA is quite strict with the application of the ACDC Act. It is illegal to disperse a chemical agent on someone else’s land without the proper licence, even if they permit you to do the same. This violation can incur a fine of up to AUD 5,000. Thus, if you wish to work in this sector, you should probably get your commercial operator’s licence.

What Does Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Entail?

Since the early 1960s, the Australian government has been concerned with the massive amounts of fertilisers and pesticides that farmers would spray over their land. Some farms, especially in Queensland, were so enormous that crop dusting using aeroplanes became common. While it was suitable for the crops, its overuse posed a significant threat to the native flora and fauna.

In 1966, the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Act came into effect. It appointed a board that created a list of hazardous substances used in agriculture practices. Over time, it included other industries, too. The law prohibits anyone from spraying potentially toxic chemicals without a valid licence. You can issue it for 1 or 3 years. You can even get an unrestricted variant if you keep a clean record.

The ACDC board periodically makes adjustments to the Act. These can include relieving the licence requirements for specific regions, amending the substance list, or modifying the chemical safety training courses to suit the evolving scenario.

How To Apply for an ACDC Licence

Before you get into that, it is crucial to understand that the commercial operator’s licence applies to individuals and companies in the same capacity.

Factors that Affect Your Licence Requirements

The government does not issue the same commercial licence to everyone. Your licence requirements may depend upon the following factors:

The machinery and distribution equipment in use
Whether the area where the chemicals disperse have been declared hazardous
The quantities of chemicals dispersed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
If the area is regulated or non-regulated under state laws
Whether the applicant has not had their previous licence suspended in QLD or any other state as part of a disciplinary action

Your licence requirements may also differ for certain chemicals not part of the ACDC approved chemical list. Also, the licence approval is subject to tenure. It might be easier to get a 1-year licence, but a 3-year licence saves you about 50% in application fees.

Chemical Safety Training Course

Before commencing the application process, it is imperative to clear the chemical safety training course pertaining to the licence type. The Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control certification requires that you complete the following subjects as part of the curriculum:

AHCCHM304 (Transport and store chemicals)
AHCCHM307 (Preparing and applying chemicals to control weeds, pests, and diseases)

The safety course includes theoretical and practical components for the basic knowledge of equipment and the chemical handling involved in the field. It is edited annually by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to reflect the country's changing environmental conditions and legal ramifications.

The duration of the course may vary according to the individual. Although, in most cases, it should not take more than a couple of days. You can submit the final test online, and the agency delivers the certification over email almost instantaneously.

Application Process

Depending on your preference, you can choose to apply for an ACDC licence either at your local QGAP centre or online through the official Queensland government website. The application process is straightforward, yet you should always keep your chemical safety certification handy. You can apply for any of the four options available for the commercial operator's licence:

Commercial operator's licence for the ground distribution of herbicides
Pilot chemical rating licence for the aerial distribution of agricultural chemicals
Ground distribution contractor licence
Aerial distribution contractor licence

Each licence has the exact specifications and allowances mentioned during the application process.

To apply for the licence online,

Visit the official Queensland Government website https://forms.business.gov.au/aba/landing.htm?formCode=DAF-ACA
Click on the Open New Form option.
A blank form shall be displayed on the screen. You can choose to apply as an individual or a corporation. Both have separate steps and prerequisites.
Follow the on-screen instructions and submit all the relevant details.
Digitally accept the final declaration and confirm your details for the application.
Make the required payment online and save the receipt on your computer/smartphone.

To apply for the licence offline, you can go to your nearest Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office. The agent there can provide you with the application form and guide you through the process. While such centres have a printer you can use to submit a hard copy of the required documents, it is best to carry two sets before visiting the QGAP centre.

Receiving Your Commercial Operator’s Licence

You should receive your commercial operator's licence either through the mail (if you applied offline) or on your email account (if you used the web). If you clear all the criteria, it should take no more than three weeks. Still, there can be times when a discrepancy arises, and your application gets rejected.

It helps to stay calm in that instant. Go over all the required paperwork again and examine whether there was something you missed. If required, you may need to retake the chemical safety certification course. Ensure a gap of at least a month before applying for the licence again.

Renewing Your Commercial Operator’s Licence

When your commercial operator's licence expires, you will receive a notification on your registered email ID 60 days before the expiry date. You can use your chemical licence number to renew your licence online from the same Queensland government website.

If you don't have your registered licence number, you can search for it via the chemical application licence register . It only takes a short while to renew your licence for another 12 months or three years, as per your preference. If your licence expires, you have no choice but to apply for a fresh one.

Why You Should Have an ACDC Licence

Whether you are an employee or working as a contractor, you are subject to prosecution by the ACDC Act. With a commercial operator's licence, you enjoy the benefits mentioned below:

Improve your chances of employability
Improved your perception of environmental care
Develop skills to maintain workplace safety
Gain the requisite knowledge to apply herbicides and pesticides correctly
Education on identifying weeds along with safely preparing and applying chemicals
Using integrated pest management methods to determine the best control method
Hazard and risk management around sensitive industries, such as mining, volatile material transportation, and pesticide distribution

Multiple licences within your organisation enable you to expand your enterprise. You can recruit more people for entry-level jobs or diversify into other industries that require your capabilities.

Licencing for Landowners Working on Neighbouring Properties

While farmers and primary producers do not need a licence to perform ground distribution on lands they own, the same does not apply to ground distribution on a neighbour's property. You may also require a ground distribution contractor's licence , depending on the circumstances. Even if you use someone else's property with their consent to store hazardous chemicals under the ACDC list, you must possess a commercial operator's licence.

What Benefits Can Countryco Chemical Safety Training Deliver?

Not all industries have similar requirements, and many deal differently with the chemicals in question. It can be a problem of approval as many ACDC regulations restrict issuing licences favouring environmental and agricultural stability. With Countryco., you get the best training experience to quickly get your commercial operator's licence and a course tailor-made to your industry's specifications.

We can create interactive sessions and drills anywhere within QLD and NSW. You can consult our team, who can guide you in designing the perfect chemical safety course for your firm. We hold sessions in-person or via video conferences, whichever you find more convenient. With over 28 years of experience in the field, we can maximise your chance of approval for the commercial operator's licence. Contact us today.

Safety In the Handling on Chemicals Is of Paramount Importance

Thu, 05 May 2022 09:10:25 GMT

Chemicals comprise several benefits to us however they require harm to the pest we are targeting in order to achieve our purpose. As a result they hold the potential to cause harm to the user. Chemical handling courses are crucial to ensure that we are adequately equipped with the knowledge to derive the maximum efficiency out of every chemical procedure and avoid losses. Hazardous chemical safety training qualitatively looks at how all living organisms are made from chemicals and how we depend on chemistry for our very existence—including the ground we walk on to the air we breathe that are made from chemicals and chemical compounds.

Is chemical accreditation training suitable?

Those who use agricultural and veterinary chemicals in a workplace are mandated to learn how to meet their obligations in the safe transport, storage handling, and application of chemicals. It includes farmers, large and small landholders, producers, contract sprayers, grounds and maintenance staff, Landcare and NRM staff, greenkeepers, vegetable growers, rural pest management staff, poultry farmers, and orchardists. Therefore, some prior experience in the environments mentioned above is helpful.

Every office, workplace, factory, warehouse or plant uses chemicals in some capacity. These chemicals range from mild cleaning agents to highly corrosive, flammable, and poisonous substances that are used for various processes and applications.

What does this course cover?

Overall, the emphasis is on the continued safe usage of chemicals in meeting legal obligations and requirements and assisting work safety and working economically with chemicals. The detailed calibration of spray applicators is a vital part of the training. These two units of competency are combined through a single course, via a training guide, course, or one-day workshop:

AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases
Legislation and licensing

Scope of Learning

Globally harmonised system: dangerous goods
labels and safety data sheets
Pesticides and toxins hazards and toxicity: LD50/LC50
Integrated pest management courses
The handling, applying chemicals, mixing, and use of personal protective equipment
The chemical transport, disposal, storage, spills, record keeping, and risks
Equipment and calibration

Chemical accreditation safety courses are packed with the latest upgrades in the various safety regulations and procedures? Ordinarily, this customised course is intended to:

Help to continue to meet requirements for quality-assurance programs
Provide you with updated chemical accreditation knowledge
Teach according to up-to-date WHS obligations

Depending on where you live, it may require a license to carry out the ground distribution of chemicals on land not mainly owned by you or your family. Thus, each state has particular requirements. In Queensland, this is the recognised commercial operator license obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

There are three units in this course that are needed to apply for a commercial operators' license:

AHCCHM307 Prepare and use chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases;
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals;

At Country Co, we continue to train various industries to ensure safety in applying, storing, and recording chemicals in the workplace through nationally recognised courses. Our small team ensures chemical safety and correct procedures by building on the legacy of providing quality face-to-face chemical safety training to various regional and rural businesses throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Contact us today to learn more.

** As of September 2021 only AHCCHM307 and AHCCHM304 are required for ACDC licence. Control Weeds has been removed but is still required as part of the chemical accreditation for cattle and cane farmers in Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay-Whitsunday catchments as part of the reef guidelines.

Do Farmers in Queensland Need to Have an ACDC Licence for Herbicide Spraying?

Thu, 05 May 2022 07:54:14 GMT

As per the "Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966", in QLD, the farmers and associates dealing with chemical fertilisers and chemicals need to have the licence to spray the herbicides over the land not owned or occupied by themselves or their direct employer. The licence is called the Commercial Operator's Licence or the ACDC licence. Several organisations offer the training required to apply for this Government supplied licence. After completing thorough training, the procedure involves going online to apply for the licence with several choices as to the time period you wish to hold the licence before renewal will be required. Want to know more about the ACDC licence application in QLD ? You can rely on Google to get information on different course details and their criteria.

To get the licence for spraying the herbicides on land not owned by yourself, you should first complete the chemical accreditation course. Then you need to apply for a commercial operator's licence, ACDC, from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. So, to get the certificate, you should book the course now in preparation for your ACDC!

Prevention Is Always Better Than Fatal Accidents

The individual dealing with chemical availability and use of herbicides and pesticides should know the importance of having the certificate. Licensing commercial operators' main goal is to promote responsible chemical use. By fulfilling the details of licence qualification, the commercial herbicide operators should know about the equipment and herbicides they are using and their effects on weather, herbicide labelling, calibration, and other conditions on the chemical application.

Several cases show the fatal accidents caused due to the misuse of chemicals in Queensland. In 2015, a farmer died after accidentally spraying deadly herbicide into his mouth. In 2017, a young individual survived even after drinking a fatal mixture of herbicides when someone unknown left the chemicals in the Coke bottle.

Apart from these accidents, spray drift is another type of incident due to the absence of knowledge on chemical handling. Farming companies and farmers have lost several thousands of dollars when spray drift happens. Such negligible incidents occur when the herbicides are applied near the built-up areas where crops grow. The course will inform the individuals regarding the actions that they can take to reduce the spray drift.

What Happens If Anyone Does Not Acquire a Licence?

If someone does not fulfil the ACDC licence application in QLD, you might be open to the prosecution that comes under the ACDC act. Businesses are losing the contracts as no one holds the licence. Even when there is an incident like soil poisoning, environmental damage, or spray drift, the farmers fail in their duty to care for the employees in terms of workplace safety.

Major Benefits of Having the ACDC Licence

There are lots of benefits to having the ACDC licence. Once you get the licence, you can –

Improve the employability of more people
Know the skills and knowledge to apply the chemicals
Safety as a long term benefit
Hazard control and risk management
Improved environmental awareness and care
Proper education of chemical application
Skills to ensure workplace protections

Hence, it is clear that with the ACDC licence, one can use, handle and store the chemicals properly. Countryco Ag Services provides ACDC required courses and other related courses to gain experience in chemical applications. Contact us for further information.

Farm Safety And Agrichemicals 101: Why Do You Need Training?

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 10:55:49 GMT

Exposure to agricultural chemicals can mean a variety of immediate or long-term health consequences to not only the user but potentially to their future children such as poisoning, headache, respiratory illness, burns & congenital disabilities. Therefore, farmworkers must be supplied a Safety Data Sheet explaining how to handle chemicals safely on a farm.

Chemicals on the farm can be dangerous. Common agricultural chemicals (agrichemicals) may include certain solvents, fuels, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilisers & veterinary chemicals. Therefore, farmers should take care when storing, transporting, using & disposing of chemicals to ensure their safety, neighbours’ safety and the environment.

Agrichemicals must be treated with due care. Vapours or direct exposure to such chemicals can lead to various acute and chronic health effects, including headache, poisoning, burns, congenital disabilities, nervous system disorders and some forms of cancers.

Hazardous materials on farms are required by law to include a Safety Data Sheet and label. The SDS gives valuable information on handling chemicals safely. Before using any chemical, please read the label, learn the SDS and do a Chemical Accreditation Course in QLD . No matter what, always follow usage instructions first. To reduce the risks, replace hazardous chemicals with less toxic options.

Side Effects of Exposure to Chemicals

The consequences of chemical exposure depend on the type of chemical and its exposure. If they are swallowed, absorbed through the skin or inhaled, some of the immediate effects will follow, including:

Poisoning
Headache
Increased bronchial & lacrimal secretions
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Diarrhoea
Pinpoint pupils
Fine muscle twitching
Skin rashes and irritation
Chemical burns

After being exposed to agrichemicals, seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms. You must research chemicals before purchasing to make sure that you buy the most suitable & least hazardous chemicals.

Safe Storage of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for secure storage of chemicals are:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage
Keep chemicals in original containers and do not pour them into smaller bottles
Do not remove labels from containers
Store the filter from masks separately
Store chemicals in a locked, well-ventilated shed with floors
Never store liquid chemicals above solids
Separate different classes of chemicals to stop reactions
Store animal feeds, seeds & fertilisers separately from other chemicals
Keep ignition sources away from chemicals
Keep a record of agrichemicals you buy, store & use

Safe Transport of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for safe transportation of chemicals include Transporting chemicals separately from water, food, animal feeds, seeds and fertilisers.

Safe Use of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for safe use of agrichemicals include:

Ensure anyone using agrichemicals is qualified to use both the chemical and any equipment needed for the application. Use chemical decanting kits to lower the risk of spills and splashes while mixing chemicals.

Mix the number of chemicals needed for the task at hand. Make sure the decanting & mixing area is well ventilated. Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn.

Country Co offers extensive educational courses and training on ensuring farm safety and handling agrichemicals. Contact us today for further information.

Procedures To Undergo When Encountering Chemical Spillage

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:17:42 GMT

Chemicals are like a double-edged sword. Wielding them is pretty helpful, and they provide a wide range of utility and convenience. Also, proficiency in using them allows you to do various activities. However, the other edge of the sword is always pointed at you. So, improper handling being lax with safety will make these chemicals backfire on you, leading to critical injuries and even death.

Toowoomba safety training comprises various procedures and courses detailing the proper handling of different industrial chemicals and machine training. Of these procedures, there are various regulations regarding the appropriate handling of spillage and handling of hazardous substances.

Similar to fire, chemicals are beneficial for a wide variety of functions. However, many chemicals are inherently hazardous or even deadly when they are not used in a properly controlled manner.

How dangerous is a spill?

Hazard levels depend on various factors—the properties of the actual material itself, where the spill occurred and what surface received the spill. The degree of hazard may also depend on;

The amount of the chemical spill
Ventilation in the area
The temperature of the surface
The type of the chemical

Depending on these specific hazards involved, it may be required to evacuate the area or take further steps to prevent environmental damage.

The following four steps generalize the line of action to be taken during spills:

Communicate the hazard

The first step is to immediately notify others working in the area and any supervisory personnel of the hazard. It is an excellent idea to have someone intimately familiar with the incident and the layout of the worksite remain on the scene to assist the first responders, assuming, of course, that it is safe to do so.

Additionally, make sure that anyone injured or who has been contaminated is removed from the immediate area and taken to a safe place. Again, this underscores the importance of workers knowing the proper steps to take for each chemical they work with including the safety of those assisting, for example wearing PPE if required prior to offering assistance.

Control the spill

This step focuses on ensuring that the spill does not worsen. Assuming there is a way to stop the spill or minimize the chances of worsening, these actions should be taken, such as righting a container that has tipped over or closing a valve.

Contain the hazard

The immediate situation demands addressing while taking steps to keep the spill from spreading to other areas contaminating adjacent surfaces. Thus, these procedures usually involve confining the spilled material to a small area using some absorbent material or neutralizer, depending on the material and situation.

Clean up the spill and any damage

The material used to contain or neutralize the spill is disposed of in a specified manner. If the spill is small, it may be a plastic bag. Larger spills, however, may require plastic pails or drums. In some instances, you might also need to dispose of any equipment, such as brooms or dustpans, that you used to clean up the material.

At Country Co, we intend to build on the legacy of providing quality face-to-face chemical safety training to various regional and rural businesses throughout Queensland and New South Wales. In Toowoomba, our small skilled team focuses on chemical safety and correct procedures for the businesses and clients that we up-skill. Contact us to book our services.

Essential Steps to Follow in a Chemical Handling Course

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 11:29:35 GMT

Dangerous and Hazardous chemicals have the potential to destroy property, affect your health both in the present and long term, harm the environment, and cause severe injury. Hence, it is essential to provide proper training on chemical handling and application to those who work with them. If you are thinking of taking up a chemical application course in QLD for the whole team in your organisation, here are some of the crucial points you should consider.

Steps That Fall in The Chemical Handling Training

Use of Protective Equipment

It is best to educate the team to select the right PPE or personal protective equipment when handling different chemicals. The required PPE kit should involve footwear, facemasks, goggles, and gloves. PPE should be given to the team after identifying the hazards of a specific chemical used during the operation. For example, correct glove selection is imperative as a first point of protection. One of our most commonly supplied and recommended gloves lasts a maximum of 10 minutes before your chemical seeps through. Are you selecting the safest gloves for the job?

Understand the latest version of the GHS or Globally Harmonised System of Classifying and Labelling Chemicals

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals the (GHS) is an internationally agreed system for classifying and labelling hazardous chemicals. Since 1 January 2017, we have used the 3 ^rd revised edition of the GHS to classify and label hazardous chemicals across Australia. We are currently in a 2-year process of transitioning across to GHS 7 along with our key trading partners. This will ensure that all classifications, labels and SDS are using the most up to date hazard communication. By keeping Chemical Safety Training up to date for yourself and your team, you will better understand the GHS labels.

Storage Of Hazardous Goods

We all know that some chemicals have the potential to pose serious health hazards if they are incorrectly accessed or not stored properly. For instance, the oxygen and acetylene cylinders should be stored in separate glass bottle cages with a non-flammable shield to avoid further reactions. There are also some chemicals must be stored out of sunlight or below a certain temperature level. The chemical application course in QLD includes information on storing and handling hazardous chemicals.

Handling of Chemicals

Different classes of chemicals require different levels of care when handling. It is in the best interest of yourself and any staff to be trained so as to be fully aware of necessary procedures. While handling chemicals, everyone should be familiar with the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in order to minimise the risk, properly dispose of hazardous chemicals, wear the right PPE, prepare for first aid treatment, and know about precautions for avoiding spoilage and leakage or spilling chemicals.

Transportation Of Hazardous Chemicals

Whether you are transporting chemicals within the same worksite or from one site to another, it becomes essential that the team knows the process and state regulations. Each Australian state has different regulations that include the no-transport zones where the chemicals are not transported. Be sure to contact the local transport regulator to know about the state rules.

The chemical safety training offered by CountryCo Ag Services provides necessary skills for identifying the risks and hazards associated with the proper handling of chemicals and pesticides. In addition, this course supplies you with your current Chemical Accreditation Card. View our training calendar to know more about the upcoming courses at CountryCo Ag Services.

Everything You Should Know About a Commercial Operator’s Licence

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 06:44:10 GMT

According to the Agriculture Chemicals Distribution Control Act (ACDC) 1966, if you use agricultural chemicals on land not owned by yourself of your employee, you may need a commercial operator’s licence in QLD. The use of the licence may include ground-based spraying dispersing of agricultural chemicals. It excludes aerial spreading.

Factors that determine if you need a permit include:

The type of ground equipment you are using
Whether you are performing the ground distribution in a declared hazardous area
A regulated or non-regulated area of the state

If the ground distribution is outside the regulated areas in QLD, you do not need an operator’s licence.

Applying for a licence

For you to use for a COL, you will need to:

Decide which type of licence you need (there are four types of licence available)
Complete the relevant training course
Complete and submit an application form

Preparing and applying chemicals to control pest

Preparing and applying agricultural chemicals to control diseases, weeds & pests gives you insight into whether chemicals need to be applied for pest control across a range of industries. By enrolling yourself in the course, you can develop the skills to get chemicals ready to use and apply them safely.

You will also learn the significance of complying with chemical label regulations, instructions & methods of application. Apart from that, you will also learn about the various types of equipment needed to spray chemicals on the land.

Why should you hold the licence?

Whether you are employed or working as a contractor, you are subject to prosecution by the ACDC act. However, when you have a commercial operator’s licence, you enjoy the following benefits:

Improve your chances of employability
Improved environmental care & awareness
Develop skills to maintain workplace safety & avoid accidents
You gather knowledge to apply herbicides properly.
Education on identifying weeds, safely preparing and applying chemicals, using integrated pest management methods to determine the best control method
Hazard & risk management

Licensing for landowners working on neighbouring properties

While farmers and primary producers do not need to hold a license to perform ground distribution on lands they own, the same does not apply to ground distribution on a neighbour’s property.

You need to hold a commercial operator’s licence if you use ground distribution on a neighbour’s property. You may also need to obtain a ground distribution contractor’s licence, depending on the circumstances.

At Country Co, we provide the necessary training to then apply online for the government supplied unrestricted commercial operator’s licence. Moreover, we provide training on non-agricultural chemical handling, storage and transportation. Please be sure to register if you are interested in our custom-tailored chemical user courses.

Ag Training in Toowoomba Ensures Safe Handling of Chemicals on The Farm

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 03:08:58 GMT

Chemicals are an integral part of agricultural operations, used to aid in the production of high-yielding crops, pasture, and livestock. Farmers use an extensive range of chemicals in their everyday work to increase productivity and grow quality produce. Unfortunately, many of these substances can be hazardous to people, animals, and the environment. Therefore, they must be handled, used and stored with care.

Since farming is regarded as one of the riskiest occupations, safety information and best practices are crucial in improving farm safety. This is where safety Ag training in Toowoomba comes into the picture. It gives farm workers the awareness and information they require to reduce safety hazards.

Risks and hazards in farms

As we have mentioned earlier, farmers have to deal with hazardous substances. That translates to a lot of risks and hazards in the workplace. This is why it is essential to check the label and SDS of all chemicals to learn:

If the substance is toxic and how toxic it is
The impact of the substance on the environment
How to protect themselves, and other workers
How to prevent them from impacting the environment
About first aid

Farm safety: a brief overview

Farm safety is a fundamental part of managing a farm. Working on a farm is a rewarding experience with many opportunities. However, it also comes with learning how to stay safe, identify and reduce danger.

Agriculture safety training gives farmers and contractors the information and knowledge required to reduce workplace hazards and avoid fatalities. For example, the Chemical safety training course provided by Country Co enables you to identify the risks and dangers of handling pesticides & chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

What is chemical accreditation?

When individuals or businesses work with chemicals to ensure their safe application, transport and storage, they need chemical accreditation training. For example, if you are a herbicide user, you must have your chemical accreditation and potentially your ACDC licence when you use chemicals in the following areas:

Local government
Parks & gardens
Mining and gas
Weeds control
Sewerage works
Hospitals, schools and nursing homes
National parks and Zoos

Why are training and certifications necessary?

Farmers must be aware of the chemicals they use on the farm and their risks. In addition, they must be trained to handle them. According to the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) Act, farmers and contractors must be certified to use chemicals on the farms.

Agricultural training helps you hone the skills and knowledge needed to be an approved chemical handler. Various training providers offer formal training to meet the standards set out by the laws.

Countryco offers various educational courses and training on ensuring farm safety and handling agricultural emergencies. Please be sure to refer to the information mentioned on the website. Register yourself in the right course and obtain a licence to become an approved professional working in the agriculture & veterinary domain.

Know the Importance of Chemical Training Courses in Queensland

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:51:25 GMT

Chemical safety training is necessary as per the Work Health and Safety Act (QLD). If you are handling an agvet chemical or dangerous poison the Act requires you to hold an accreditation. Outside of legislation, you should have enough training, understanding, and knowledge about the chemicals you are working with to protect you and everyone working with you.

Gaining the proper training from a reputable organisation ensures that all the individuals are given the tools to stay safe from the hazards and risks associated with chemical handling, supply and transport to other locations. For example, a chemical safety training course in QLD provides the needed skills to identify and minimise risks associated with handling pesticides and chemicals, fungicides and insecticides. In addition, the course offers the necessary training to obtain your chemical accreditation card and renew the same.

More Details About the Course

Once you complete the chemical safety training, you will receive the Statement of Attainment required to apply to the QLD Government for your Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control or ACDC license. This licence is a requirement in QLD for anyone who sprays, spreads or disperses herbicides (using any machine or apparatus other than an aircraft) on land not owned or occupied by yourself. Obtaining this license provides the community and others with confidence that you are skilled enough to follow the strict regulations associated with the process and therefore applying the herbicides responsibly. Various organisations like CountryCo provide the required training for individuals working in this field.

Who Needs This Accreditation?

There are many commercial users of herbicides outside of farmers. It does not mean they do not need to have a license for operations. Almost all users of chemicals and herbicides living in QLD should possess their Chemical Safety Certification and potentially their ACDC license when using chemicals, such as in the following occupations -

Parks and gardens
Spray contractors
Local governmental bodies
Swimming pools
Sewerage works
Weed controls
State parks and wildlife, zoos and the national parks
Hospitals and nursing homes
Sporting club maintenance and land care
Mining and gas operations

Anyone working in the above fields could be required to attend a chemical training course in QLD and gain the license to deal with herbicides in these areas.

Apart from commercial usage, Agvet chemicals and Dangerous Poisons are also used by people on their private property. For example, many farming industries have a regular need for chemical usage. If the proper training is not received, they could face potential health hazards due to unnecessary exposure to the chemicals. Hence, it becomes vitally important to learn the correct processes to use while handling and using chemicals and herbicides. Therefore, it is a legal requirement for regular chemical users to gain their Chemical Safety Certification after proper training.

What does the course include?

The chemical accreditation course contents include some knowledge of pest control, details on integrated pest management, proper use of personal protective equipment required for different chemicals, residue and breakdown of the farm chemicals, managing the environment and minimising the risk, record keeping, application of animal chemicals, calibration of spray equipment and so on.

If you want to be well informed and trained in the safe handling and usage of chemicals and herbicides, you can undergo the training course from CountryCo Ag Services. These courses are designed to make you well-prepared as professionals working in the agriculture and veterinary sectors.

Calibration of Equipment

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:01:05 GMT

Calibration of equipment is a necessary component of any successful spray application. The below techniques are common methods employed.

Reasons for Calibrating Chemical Application Equipment.

Save money, by not overdosing
Ensure the correct dose
Less resistance
Avoid wasting time and effort
Avoid risking markets, especially international markets
Avoid loss of product/income
Avoid damage to crops and livestock
Safer for the consumer
Safer for the environment

Boom Sprayers

Hints

2. Ensure pressure is stable.

Run the pump at the desired pressure that will be targeted in the application. Ensure that all the air has been purged from the system prior to commencing flow rate tests. This may take several minutes before stable rate is established.

3. Allowable Variation in nozzles flowrate.

Ensure the boom has nozzles that are within 10% variation, a quick way of checking is to see if all the flowrates recorded are within 110% (1.1 times) the lowest recorded flowrate.

For example lowest flowrate recorded was 1 Litre/min the maximum rate needs to be within 1.1 Litres/min. Any nozzles outside the range need to be changed.

When selecting which nozzles need changing if a high number of nozzles are beyond the 110% of the lowest this would indicate that the lowest flowrate nozzle needs to be replaced.

Step 1 Calculate Rate/Ha

Technique 1

Technique 2

Calibration of Water Application Rate for Spray Equipment

Output

Measure in Litres per minute the total volume of all nozzles over the boom.

For example, a 24metre boom with 47 nozzles will require all 47 nozzles to be measured.

As part of this process, it is important to make sure that all nozzles are within 10% variation this is 5% above the average and 5% below the average.

Distance = Speed in metres per minute. Can be calculated as option A or B

Option A Should you know your speed in Km/Hr

Km/Hr conversion to metres/minute = Km/Hr multiplied by 16.6666 = metres/ minute

For example, 18Km/Hr = 18 x 16.6666 = 299.9988 rounded to 300 metres / minute.

Option B Measured using 100 metres and timed in seconds

Formula is (60 divided by time taken) multiplied by 100

For example, tractor travelled 100 metres in 20 seconds

Calculation

(60 / 20) X 100 = 300

Swath Width = in metres measure the pattern at target.

This can be calculated by (number of nozzles +1) multiplied by spacing of nozzles (in metres).

For example on a boom with 47 nozzles set at 50cm the swath width is 24 metres, calculated as below

(47 + 1) x 0.5

Step 1

Add 47 + 1 = 48

Step 2

Multiply 48 by 0.5 = 24 metres (0.5 is 50cm in metres)