Willowcliff Chemical Hazards

Click Here to access Safety Data Sheets for storage, first aid, spill and other information for each chemical.

  • Avoid chemicals unless your task requires them.

  • Refer to best practice: Emergency Response Plan - Spills

  • Dairy Shed Chemicals can cause chemical burns - including internally and especially in the eyes causing blindness, as well as poisoning if ingested or inhaled. Some are also carcinogenic if sprayed.

    • Chemicals are stored in their original containers with warning labels showing. Minimal quantities are kept on farm.

    • Gloves, apron and mask are provided and staff are to wear long cotton overalls and gumboots when handling chemicals.

    • Never allow acids and alkali to mix.

    • Clean water is always on hand.

    • Empty containers are to be triple rinsed for collection by the supplier.


  • Herbicides can cause toxicity by absorption through the skin into the blood stream, ingestion, inhalation (of spray or powder etc), or by contact such as to the eyes causing blindness.

    • Use provided gloves and mask. Always wear long sleeved cotton overalls rather than synthetic clothing as cotton absorbs a lot of chemical before it gets to the skin.

    • Keep in original containers with the warning stickers.

    • Triple rinse empty containers for collection by AgRecovery.

    • Clean water is always on hand.

    • Only trained farm staff to use chemicals.

    • Only contractors to use specialty chemicals.


  • Pesticides can cause toxicity by absorption through the skin into the blood stream, ingestion, inhalation (of spray or powder etc), or by contact such as to the eyes causing blindness.

    • Only contractors are to use pesicides.

    • Kept in original container with warning labels and health advice.

    • Stored in shed with impermeable floor and only for short periods immediately prior to use. Minimal quantity stored.


  • Animal Health Remedies including anthelmintics, vaccines, minerals, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can cause toxicity when absorbed through the skin, ingested, inhaled or injected - particularly live vaccines. Can also cause blindness if contact is made with eyes. Animals may cause injury when being treated.

    • Stored in lockable cupboard at cups off.

    • Stored in original containers with warning labels.

    • Containers are triple rinsed for collection where relevant (anthelmintics), and needles disposed of by sharps collection.

    • Only trained senior staff to administer animal health remedies.

    • Gloves provided for anthelmintics, gumboots and long sleeved cotton overalls to be worn.

    • Treatments carried out at suitable facilities to reduce risk of injury from stock when administering treatment.


  • Fuel - petrol, diesel and oil are carcinogenic, toxic when ingested, and highly flammable risking burns or injury from explosive vapour.

    • Minimise contact with skin.

    • Do not smoke or use any other ignition source within 6 metres of fuel tanks.

    • Fuel tanks are fitted with locks.

    • Use only certified and labelled fuel containers with child safe lids to transport fuel.

    • Fuel tanks are situated away from buildings and trees.

    • Turn off your engine when refuelling.

    • Be aware of static ignition - touch the vehicle before opening the tank and rest the bowser on the lip of the lid before filling.


  • Refer also to

    • H1a First Aid

    • H4a Chemical Substance Use Policy (you may need to request access).

    • E6a substance storage policy

    • E6b waste management

    • E6c spills - emergency response plan

    • Safety Data Sheets - particularly for individualised first aid for each chemical.

    • Substance register folder.

    • M5b weed and pest control

    • M2, M3 and M4 stock policies