Introduction

It is important to store and transport chemicals correctly to avoid any harmful effects to 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 storage and transport 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.
 

The correct procedures for safe storage and transport of chemical and veterinary products are given on the container labels, or on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (available from retailers or manufacturers) for any product.
 

Steps to achieve best practice

Suggested steps are:-

• Read the labels of any veterinary or chemical products you currently have, or intend to obtain, so that you understand the correct/appropriate methods for storing and transporting them.
• If you are not sure of some aspects, or need more information about any product, speak to the supplier of the product and, if it is appropriate, contact your veterinarian, Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA, or the local Natural Resources Management Board.
• Check with your local Natural Resources Management Board (replacing Catchment Water Catchment Boards) if there are any guidelines that apply to using particular chemical products in your area.
• Make sure you have a suitable safe, secure area to store your veterinary and chemical products, including any that are hazardous e.g. chemical storage shed with concrete floor or lockable rodent-proof cupboard.
• Always transport chemical products according to the label instructions.
• Work out an emergency response plan for chemical spills or leakage on your property and have spill response equipment (e.g. absorbent material) located close to the storage area. This should ensure that any spillage does not harm the environment, for example, by preventing the contamination of runoff water/stormwater or groundwater or other water resources.

 

 

Links

• Chemical user legislation and regulations including fact sheets - PIRSA website: www.pir.sa.gov.au/sector1712.shtml
• Chemical Users Projject: Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board / Torrens Catchment Water Management Board Ph. 8271 9190.
• The answer's on the label - Information Sheet. Mt Lofty Ranges watershed chemical users projject: www.epa.sa.gov.au
• EPA: www.epa.sa.gov.au
• PIRSA: www.pir.sa.gov.au
• Natural Resource Management Boards (replacing Animal and Plant Control Boards and Catchment Water Management Boards)
• Mt Lofty Ranges Land Management Program: www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/services.html
• A Legal guide for South Australian primary producers - SA Law Society, available from PIRSA offices, Natural Resource Centres (but note some legislation referred to is now superseded)