Tasmania
Our courses
AQF Level 3 Chemical Training: Initial Accreditation
Face to face chemical training for first-timers. Gain practical skills, ensure compliance, and start your safe chemical journey.
AQF Level 3 Chemical Training: Update Re-Accreditation
Face to face chemical training. Refresh your chemical application knowledge in a half-day workshop. Stay compliant with updated…
AQF Level 3 Chemical Training: Update Re-Accreditation – Online
Complete your chemical safety training update entirely online, at your own pace. Ideal for remote learners and busy…
In-House Training
Tailored, on-site chemical safety training at your workplace. Ensure compliance, reduce risks, and empower your team with best…
AQF Level 3 Chemical Training: Initial Accreditation – Online
Combine online study with live Zoom sessions for hands-on chemical training. Interact in real-time and complete practical assessments…
AQF Level 4 Chemical Risk Management
To enable those who supervise chemical users to plan for and manage the risks associated with using and…
AQF Level 2 Chemical Training: Apply Chemicals Under Supervision
Practical based course for supervised chemical application. Gain foundational knowledge, hands-on practice, and ensure compliance.
Control Weeds – Online
Online based course to identify and control weeds effectively. Learn safe chemical application methods and meet potential licensing…
have questions?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHY Do I have to be trained to apply chemicals in Tasmania.
In Tasmania, you must be trained if you provide a service that involves the application of agricultural or veterinary chemical products.
A person who applies chemical products for a licensed Commercial Operator must have a Certificate of Competency that is relevant to the type of work they perform.
WHICH Legislation covers training in Tasmania?
The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995 is the State legislation controlling the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. It is supported by a range of subordinate legislation all of which is administered by the Product Integrity Branch (Agvet Chemicals Program) within Biosecurity Tasmania and can be found on the Tasmanian Legislation website: www.legislation.tas.gov.au
WHEN Do I have to complete the required training in Tasmania?
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
- it is recommended to maintain your competency by: renewing your training every 5 years by completing a short refresher course
WHAT Training do I have to complete in Tasmania?
Ground Spraying
To qualify for a Category 2 or Category 3 Certificate of Competency you must complete a recognised course in AgVet chemical use that includes the units:
- AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases; and
- AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals
These units are from the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management training package and the Statement of Attainment must be provided by a Registered Training Organisation.
If you apply agricultural chemical products for a commercial spraying business, you must hold a Certificate of Competency that is relevant to the type of work you do.
Certificates of Competency may be issued to operators who have completed recognised accredited training in the use of agricultural chemicals.
A certificate will specify the types of spraying work you may do. For instance, weed control in forestry and non-cropping situations, or insect pest, disease and weed control in cropping situations.
Exemptions from the Certificate of Competency
You should always still compete the chemical safety training but you may not be required to hold a Certificate of Competency if you only apply chemicals on your employer’s property. This would apply to employees like farm hands or council workers who only apply agricultural chemicals on their employer’s land.
Supervision of new or casual employees
A new or casual employee of a Commercial Operator may be able to spray agricultural chemicals for the business for up to 4 weeks before obtaining a Certificate of Competency.
During this time the employee must be under the direct supervision of an operator who has a Certificate of Competency. A number of other conditions also apply in this situation which are detailed in the policy – Policy No. 4/99 Non-Certificated New and Casual Employees of Commercial Operators.
The types of certificates that may be issued are:
| Category | Application Method |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Hand held equipment, small volumes (<2L or 2kg) per year of herbicide concentrate registered for home garden use |
| Category 2 | Hand held equipment, larger volumes of herbicides, insecticides etc. Application of vertebrate pest poisons |
| Category 3 | Motorised application equipment eg. boom spray, airblast. |
| Pest Management Technician |
Pest control in and around buildings – rodents, ants, wasps etc. |
| Methyl Bromide/ Phosphine User |
Application of fumigants – glasshouses, quarantine etc |
DO I have to have a license to apply chemicals in Tasmania?
If you operate a business that provides a commercial spraying service you must hold a Commercial Operator Licence.
This includes businesses that provide:
- broadacre agricultural spraying
- forestry spray contracting
- roadside weed spraying
- insect, disease or weed control in lawns and gardens
- insect and rodent control in and around homes and buildings
The licence applies to any business that uses agricultural chemical products to control pests and which receives payment, fee or reward for this service.
The Commercial Operator License acts as a business licence and is issued to the individual who owns/operates the business.
HOW Do I apply for a License?
For information on how to obtain a licence contact the AgVet Chemicals Program.
RECORDS Do I have to make and keep records of my chemical applications?
Yes, Record Keeping is Compulsory.
AGVET CHEMICALS CODE OF PRACTICE
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment
BIOSECURITY TASMANIA
Code of Practice for ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 2001 Ground Spraying
You must maintain a record of spraying operations. Your records must at least include the date, location and name and rates of any chemical products applied.
If you spray in cropping situations in which the produce is intended for consumption by people or stock, your records must include a spray report for each spraying operation which includes the location, date, time, type and area of crop sprayed, amount and name of chemical applied, application rates and equipment used. You should also record the windspeed, wind direction and air temperature, or at least an estimate of these conditions during spraying operations.
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.