If you are looking for feedback on the direction of Agsafe member service programs including training and premises certification, look no further than Agsafe’s Industry Reference Group (IRG).

Agsafe’s manager for members services Angela Harrison said it all started as a way of consulting with industry stakeholders to understand members’ needs better – it is now helping Agsafe member companies, retailers and experts across the sector.

“Through IRG they are now sharing information and collaborating on ideas. They are finding credible and cost-effective methods of making the AgVet industry safer,” Ms Harrison said.

Meeting up to four times a year, the IRG hears directly on the day to day issues and via Agsafe looks for practical advice from experts, position papers and solutions.

Changes in key regulations such as transport of dangerous goods, workplace health and safety, environmental protection and other intersecting regulations are communicated to industry representatives involved in the transport, storage and handling of AgVet chemicals.

Changes in AgVet chemical regulations are explained by Agsafe’s expert team, often after discussion with relevant regulatory bodies.

“Relevant issues are raised and fixes found and it’s making the industry a lot safer,” she said.

Proposed changes are reviewed by Agsafe to determine their relevance, their fit within the scope of the program and any possible impact on members premises or the AgVet chemical industry.

The IRG also reviews the Agsafe training program to ensure it meets industry need and remains relevant.

If any extra relevant training courses are needed, Agsafe will organise.

Agsafe Lead Facilitator Wayne Sear said the industry standard is a collection of 39 fact sheets, identifying key regulatory requirements and common risks associated with the safe transport, storage and handling of chemicals to ensure a suitable, reasonable and practicable benchmark of compliance and safety is achieved. 

When there is a prescriptive requirement in the regulations, for example placards on buildings, a forklift checklist, or an emergency plan, the industry standard will specify the requirement.

If the requirements in the regulations are non-prescriptive, the standard will develop and specify a benchmark of controls that certified premises must implement.

“These benchmarks are based on the typical level of risk expected in a member’s premises,” Mr Sear said.

In line with Agsafe’s Stewardship goals, the benchmarks set by the standard represent a reasonable level of control and via members, does not impose excessive or unnecessary requirements upon premises.

The standard may also change in response to incidents which may have occurred or in response to reported regulator activities or expectations.

“Such changes to the industry standard will only be made after discussion with, and approval by, the IRG,” he said.

Members may propose amendments via the IRG if they believe the industry standard does not adequately reflect their needs.

Please direct Agsafe Member enquiries to info@agsafe.org.au or 02 9206 6888 or visit https://www.agsafe.org.au/