Horses, Land And Water

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Application and disposal of veterinary products and chemicals
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Introduction

It is important to use and dispose of chemicals correctly to avoid any harmful effects on yourself, other people, your horses, your property and the wider environment.
 
Agricultural and veterinary products include many veterinary products, fertilisers, pesticides and fuel which may be used on horse properties.
 
Property managers need to be aware of, and comply with regulations that apply to the use (application) and disposal of chemicals and veterinary products (see links). Acts with environmental provisions place a duty of care on anyone who uses or disposes of agricultural and certain veterinary chemical products and fertilisers. Any person using or disposing of these products needs to take appropriate measures such as observing label instructions, giving consideration to prevailing weather conditions and maintaining equipment used for applying them.
 
Each State of Australia will have its own Act and Regulations pertaining to agricultural and veterinary products. In South Australia, some chemical products are classified as 'Restricted' (under the Agricultural and Veterinary Products Act 2002). Only persons who are authorised and have specific qualifications and training (e.g. your veterinarian) are allowed to obtain and use these products, according to what is stated on the product label.
 
The correct methods for using and disposing of these products are written on the product labels, on relevant guidelines (e.g. EPA draft 'Lifestyle Landholder Guideline for Pesticide Use' 2005) and on the Material Safety Data sheets (MSDs) that apply to any particular product.
 
In some areas, there may also be codes of practices or guidelines available that specify what products can or cannot be used in particular areas such as watercourses.
 
In South Australia, there are a range of services available for the disposal of used chemical and veterinary product containers, such as 'Drum MUSTER', hazardous household waste disposal days in various Council areas, and the hazardous household waste depot at Dry Creek SA (EPA) (see links). Unwanted chemicals can be disposed of through the ChemClear program run by Agsafe (see link).
 
Steps to achieve best practice

A suggested checklist for action is:-
  • Read the labels of any veterinary or chemical products you currently use, or intend to use, so that you understand the correct methods for using and disposing of them.
  • If you are not sure of some aspects, or need more information about any product, speak to the supplier of the product or contact your veterinarian, Primary Industries and Resources SA, Environment Protection Agency or local Natural Resources Management Board.
  • Check with your local Natural Resources Management Board to find out if there are any guidelines that apply to using particular chemical products in your area.
  • Before using any 'Restricted' chemical products, make sure you have or obtain the necessary licence e.g. Chemcert or equivalent.
  • Make sure you clean and dispose of used chemical and veterinary product containers according to label instructions. Find out about and use any services available in your area to dispose of used chemical containers, such as 'Drum MUSTER', 'Zerowaste', or the hazardous household waste depot at Dry Creek SA (EPA) (see links).
  • Use a service such as ChemClear to dispose of unused chemicals (see link).
  • Work out an emergency response plan for chemical spills, poisonings or leakage on your property. This should ensure that any spillage does not harm the environment e.g. not contaminate runoff water/stormwater, groundwater or other water resources.
  • Make sure you have a suitable safe area to use for preparing and cleaning up chemical products e.g. chemical storage shed with concrete floor and sump.
  • Make sure you have the right sort of equipment (including safety clothing etc) for applying the products, and that it is properly calibrated and kept in good working order.
  • Always apply chemical products according to the label instructions. Consider weather conditions etc. when applying herbicides, for example to avoid spray drift problems.
   
Best Practice
 
Veterinary products and chemicals (pesticides, fertilisers etc) are applied and disposed of according to labels, relevant legislation and recommended guidelines.

 
 
The correct methods for using and disposing of agricultural and veterinary chemicals are written on the product labels.

 
 
Make sure you have the right equipment (including safety clothing) for applying products.

Links
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