Farm Chemicals

Dairy farms store and use a range of chemicals — dairy detergents and sanitisers, acids and alkalis, teat preparations, agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals, fuels and fertilisers. Each must be stored, handled and disposed of safely to protect people, animals and the environment. 

Common chemical hazards 

Risks come from skin and eye contact, inhalation, ingestion, mixing incompatible products, and spills. Corrosive detergents, acids and alkalis can cause burns and eye damage; agvet chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and animal treatments) and fuels carry their own toxic, fire and environmental risks. 

Manage the risk 

  • Keep a safety data sheet (SDS) for every hazardous chemical, plus a chemical register — SDS are required under work health and safety law and must be current and accessible. 
  • Read and follow the label — it carries the legally binding safe-use, storage and first-aid directions; use the product only as directed. See the APVMA's guide to understanding pesticide labels.
  • Store chemicals securely — in original labelled containers, separated by type, in a ventilated, bunded area away from feed, water and ignition sources. 
  • Provide PPE and training — the personal protective equipment named on the label or SDS, and accredited chemical-handling training for anyone who uses agvet or hazardous chemicals. 
  • Plan for spills and disposal — keep spill controls and first-aid measures on hand, and dispose of chemicals and containers per the label and local requirements (for example, drumMUSTER).  
Your legal duty

The business must manage chemical risks so far as is reasonably practicable. The states and territories regulate chemical use. See Safe Work Australia and the relevant WHS regulator.

The Farm Safety Manual – Farm Chemicals chapter and step-by-step guide support this page. Safe operating procedures for chemical tasks belong in Standard Operating Procedures, and chemical handling should be covered at Induction. 

Common questions

What farm chemicals need a safety data sheet?

Every hazardous chemical kept or used on the farm. Safety data sheets are required under work health and safety law and should be current and easy to find. 

How should farm chemicals be stored?

Securely, in their original labelled containers, separated by type, in a ventilated bunded area away from feed, water and ignition sources, and as the label directs. 

Where can safe-use directions be found?

On the product label, which is legally binding, and in the safety data sheet. The APVMA explains how to read pesticide and agvet labels. 

Do people handling farm chemicals need training?

Yes. Anyone handling agvet or hazardous chemicals should be trained, and hold the relevant accreditation where it is required.