In response to concerns about the diminishing quality of training for chemical applicators expressed at a recent meeting of the National Turf Education Working Group, the ASTMA Training Division commenced rolling out training in the AQF3 Chemical Skillset last week at the stunning Royal Adelaide Golf Course, with the support of Turf Management South Australia.

Eighteen students undertook training and completed assessment tasks. The full qualification, consisting of the units AHCCHM304 Transport and Store Chemicals and AHCCHM307 Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pest, Weeds and Diseases, is conducted over two days, with those requiring reaccreditation training attending on day two. 

"Having carefully appraised the qualification and knowing the background on how the chemical licence became mandatory for anyone using chemicals as part of their work, I strongly agreed with the sentiment of the NTEWG and believe that  delivery of anything shorter than two days for the full qualification didn't provide our chemical applicators with the sufficient skills and the knowledge they require to apply chemicals safely and responsibly as required under legislation to meet the standards expected of our industry,” Sherry said.

Topics delivered include:
•           Why chemical training is important for sports turf managers
•           Prepare to handle, transport and store chemicals
•           Integrated Pest Management and applications for sports turf management
•           Determine the need for chemical use and prepare an application plan 
•          New legislation
•          Labels and Safety Data Sheets
•          Emergency preparedness
•          Calibration of a Knapsack Applicator and Boomspray
•          Cleaning and disposing of chemical waste
•          Recordkeeping obligations

Participants feedback proved overwhelming support for the format and were pleased with the detail we provided over the two days.

If you would like to register interest for upcoming chemical training or want to know more about the accredited training programs in the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (AHC31324) or Diploma of Sports Turf Management (AHC51024) or other ASTMA training programs, please see our website: www.astma.com.au or contact national training manager Albert Sherry via email at albert@astma.com.au or mobile 0473 064 726. If unanswered, please leave a short message and contact number for me to return your call ASAP.
 

Images courtesy of Albert Sherry