Course Overview

In Queensland an Agricultural Distribution Control / Commercial Operators Licence is required for those who ground spray herbicides with a powered machine as part of a job on land they don’t own or occupy. This training course includes the theoretical and practical components of the competencies chosen by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to obtain the skills and knowledge required to apply and hold an ACDC Licence.

Regulating the use of herbicides and other agricultural chemicals is important, as misuse can result in potential harm to agriculture or livestock, the environment, trade, or human health. Operator licensing, based on the operator undertaking a training qualification, provides the community and others with confidence that commercial operators are applying herbicides responsibly – particularly by ensuring product label instructions are followed to eliminate or minimise herbicide misuse.

Whether you are spraying insecticides in a public place or distributing chemicals to assist in agriculture on land that is not your own or your employers, you need a commercial operator’s licence to continue doing business in QLD. With the recent climate summits and stricter environmental protection laws, the government is cracking down on unlicensed distributors with hefty fines and serious lawsuits.

To ensure the profitability of your business, you don’t want to be a part of that list. On this page, you’ll learn how to apply for a commercial operator’s licence (ACDC) in Queensland, what qualifications you require, and how specialists can help you make the process as smooth as possible.

Who needs a Commercial Operators License?

Any entity applying chemicals with powered machinery allowed under the ACDC Act of 1966 should have a valid commercial operator’s licence. These include (but are limited to) the locations described below:

• Parks and gardens
• Local government buildings
• Sewage works
• Agricultural land that you work on as an employee or a contractor
• State parks, zoos, and national parks
• Swimming pools
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Weed or pest hotspots
• Mining and gas operations
• Sports club maintenance and land care
• Schools and other educational institutions

Course Outline:

ACDC – Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control includes the theoretical and practical components of two (2) units of competency chosen by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to meet the skills and knowledge required to be able to apply to hold an ACDC unrestricted Licence (separate cost).

This course consists of two (2) units of competency that make up the skill group that includes:

• The skills and knowledge to identify weeds, pests and diseases
• Hazard and risk management
• Prepare, apply and safely use chemicals.
• Calibration
• SDS use
• Chemical records
• Spray plans
• Transportation
• Chemical management
• Storage
• Personal Protective Equipment

Course Inclusions:

• Training will be conducted by one of our experienced trainer / assessors who have industry currency and supported by a strong knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and industry standards.
• Practical and theoretical activities drive the training experience to ensure that the training is engaging, interesting and relevant.
• 8-hours of training. Up to 12 trainees per course. A typical course runs from 07:30-15:30

Participants must

Be at least 16 years of age

Equipment requirements

We supply all equipment necessary for you to undertake training.

For our public courses at our purpose-built training facility trainees must provide:

Transport

Lunch

Appropriate clothing, closed-in footwear.

Certification:

Students who are assessed as competent will receive a Statement of Attainment recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This certification is nationally recognised. The Statement is issued by Australian Operator Training (RTO 41351).

National unit of competency

    AHCCHM304 (Transport and store chemicals)

    AHCCHM307 (Preparing and applying chemicals to control weeds, pests, and diseases)

Course Duration

8 hours

Price

$490.00 pp for public courses.

For group bookings outside our public course schedule or at your location, please contact our office on 07 49822541