South Australia

What We Offer
AQF Level 4 Chemical Risk Management
To enable those who supervise chemical users to plan for and manage the risks associated with using and…
have questions?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHY Do I have to be trained to apply chemicals in South Australia.
The following is an extract from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website.
“Training is recommended for users of rural chemical to develop competency in their use.
SA Health also requires training in order to purchase agricultural chemicals that are Schedule 7 poisons.
Persons using Schedule 7 poisons (labelled as Dangerous Poison) are required to hold a valid Statement of Attainment issued by a training organisation registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority.”
WHICH Legislation covers training in South Australia?
Legislation applies to the purchase, sale, licensing, use, transport, storage, disposal, workplace safety and environmental impact of rural chemicals.
The Agricultural and Veterinary Products (Control of Use) Act 2002:
- provides a framework for chemical users
- sets out what is responsible use
- gives powers to control people.
Agricultural and Veterinary Products (Control of Use) Act 2002 overview ()
WHEN Do I have to complete the required training in South Australia?
If you use pesticides as part of your work or for reward, you must:
- complete initial accreditation training prior to using pesticides for the first time
- maintain your competency by: renewing your training every 5 years by completing a short refresher course
WHAT Training do I have to complete in South Australia?
Persons using Schedule 7 poisons (labelled as Dangerous Poison) are required to hold a valid Statement of Attainment issued by a training organisation registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority for the following Units of Competence:
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases
and
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals.
Users of Group 4 herbicides in prescribed businesses and in prescribed areas of SA are required to:
- Hold, as a minimum, a current statement of attainment for the competency unit AHCCHM307 ‘Prepare and apply chemicals’ to control pests, weeds and diseases’.
DO I have to have a license to apply chemicals in South Australia?
Anyone carrying out pest control work for a fee or reward must hold an appropriate licence.
Pest control licences are not needed if the activities being undertaken:
- involve (only) applying glyphosate using hand-held equipment of a capacity of 15 litres or less
- are only on your property
- have been formally exempted from the requirement to hold a licence.
HOW Do I apply for a License?
RECORDS Do I have to make and keep records of my chemical applications?
Yes, Record Keeping is Compulsory.
A move towards national harmonisation of record keeping requirements means that SA chemical users might have to keep records for all agricultural chemical applications in the near future. Prepare for this regime now!
Record each application of rural chemicals on your property within 24 hours and keep the records for two years.
Student Resources You May Find Helpful
Download the Learner Handbook for essential course information and policies, and access Learner Forms to streamline your registration and course adjustments.








