Agsafe conduct assessments for distribution centres (primarily transport or logistics premises storing products on behalf of the chemical manufacturers) using the standard Premises Assessment tools.
This has always included some assessment questions which were irrelevant to a distribution centre – for example, assessment questions referring to the retail aspects of Agsafe’s primary members, rural retailers of agvet chemical products.
As the distribution sector within the Agsafe membership is growing and becoming even more important, we have developed specific iAuditor checklists for each state and territory to suit distribution centres.
Many of the questions in the new checklists are identical to the assessment for retail premises. The decision on when to use the new checklist is based on any level of retail activity conducted at the premises. It is only when there is no retail activity at the location that the newly released distribution centre checklist applies.
The key area of more substantial change relates to Wholesale Poisons Licenses.
In most jurisdictions (even when retail licenses are not required) there is a requirement for a location which is possessing Schedule 7 poisons or restricted products to hold a copy of a license which nominates their location. Usually, this license is held by the customer, such as the manufacturer of the product, but will nominate the address of the distribution centre as a storage location. There are variations between jurisdictions, in some jurisdictions the manufacturer will hold one license that has multiple locations whereas in other cases there needs to be a separate license for each location.
New ADG Code
Edition 7.8 is the latest edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code). It can be used from 1 April 2023 and is mandatory from 1 April 2024. Changes identified as impacting Agsafe members include:
- Allowing for the use of certified load restraint curtain systems (in place of gates)
- Requires that gates be rated
- The new Code has approved the Australian Emergency Response Guidebook (AERG2018) for use as emergency information satisfying the requirements
- The last version of the HB 76 was released in 2010, and very outdated and misaligned to current emergency procedures and is no longer supported.
Agsafe seeks facilitators
Agsafe members are located across every Australian state and territory, and include retailers and manufacturers of agvet chemicals, as well as transport and logistics locations.
Expressions of interest are being sought for three candidates for the delivery of facilitator services for South Australia, Western Australia and Southern Queensland for Agsafe member premises.
Agsafe facilitators provide premises assessments on a programmed basis for the purpose of reviewing the locations’ compliance with the Agsafe Industry Standard for the Safe Transport, Storage and Handling of AgVet Chemicals.
This role requires travel and is the equivalent of working approximately 15 weeks per annum. Facilitators liaise directly with Agsafe members to plan their visits, providing a high degree of flexibility. The role would suit an existing contractor looking to add regular and secure income to an existing business or would equally suit an experienced person looking for a part time activity to complement their lifestyle choices.
Key competencies
This is a specialist and complex role and the training, programs and procedures you will need to complete your tasks will be provided. Ongoing support including industry-based training, mentoring and access to a cohort of industry experts comes with joining the Agsafe family.
It is expected (but not mandatory) that a facilitator will have a relevant tertiary qualification relating to agriculture or science, will have extensive industry experience within the agvet chemical industry, either with a manufacturing company of agvet chemicals or a retail premises whose business focuses on the sale of agvet chemical products.
It would be expected that such experience would span 10–15 years depending on tertiary qualifications and direct relevance of the experience to the Agsafe Industry Standard concepts.
A complete description of the role is available by contacting Agsafe Member Services National Manager, Angela Harrison on (02) 6206-6888 or via email at angela.harrison@agsafe.org.au
