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The ACUP System in Victoria

Note Number: AG1254
Published: June 2006
Updated: September 2008

 

Introduction

The ACUP system was introduced in August 1996 to restrict the use of high-risk chemicals to people who were appropriately trained in safe chemical use.
An ACUP is a 10-year permit that authorises the holder to purchase ‘restricted supply’ chemicals and use ‘restricted use’ chemicals for private use.

'Restricted use' chemicals

In Victoria, an ACUP is required to use agricultural chemical products that:

  • are ‘restricted use’ chemicals agricultural chemical products that are Schedule 7 Poisons (Dangerous Poisons) or contain atrazine, metham sodium or ester formulations of MCPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB or triclopyr
  • requires chemicals to be used in accordance with label directions and is independently audited at regular intervals of less than two years.
  • ‘Restricted use’ chemicals must be used in strict accordance with the label. Off-label use of these chemicals is illegal in Victoria unless the user holds a valid Section 25A Permit issued by DPI, authorising the use.contain 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)
  • contain gaseous methyl bromide, chloropicrin or phosphine for fumigation
  • contain pindone concentrate (greater than 2.5%) for the preparation of poison baits.

Individuals using ‘restricted use’ chemicals must hold a valid ACUP or be working under the direct supervision of an ACUP holder. Responsibility for the use of a ‘restricted use’ chemical under supervision rests with the ACUP holder.

Specified records must be made within 48 hours of using an agricultural chemical product, and kept for a period of two years. This applies to all agricultural chemicals used, including poison baits used for pest animal control. This requirement came into effect on 24 July 2007 and excludes the use of household or home garden products.

Different arrangements apply to DPI licensed spray contractors and chemical users operating within a recognised Quality Assurance (QA) program that requires chemicals to be used in accordance with label directions and is independently audited at regular intervals of less than two years.

‘Restricted use’ chemicals must be used in strict accordance with the label. Off-label use of these chemicals is illegal in Victoria unless the user holds a valid Section 25A Permit issued by DPI, authorising the use.

'Restricted supply' chemicals

An ACUP is also required to obtain agricultural chemical products classified as ‘restricted supply’ chemicals by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which include 1080 pest animal baits, endosulfan and mevinphos.

Types of ACUPs available

There are four ACUP endorsements available to adult applicants:

Standard – authorises the use of agricultural chemical products that are Schedule 7 poisons (DANGEROUS POISONS), or contain atrazine, metham sodium and the ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA and triclopyr.

1080 (Sodium Fluoroacetate) – authorises the supply and use of agricultural chemical products that contain 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) pest animal bait products.

Fumigants – authorises the use of agricultural chemical products that contain gaseous methyl bromide, chloropicrin or phosphine for fumigation.

Pindone Concentrate – authorises the supply and use of agricultural chemical products that contain pindone concentrate for the preparation of poison baits (>2.5% pindone).

Different combinations of the abovementioned endorsements are available.

There are conditional ACUPs available for applicants aged under 18 years that authorise the use of agricultural chemical products that contain atrazine, metham sodium and the ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA and triclopyr, and also pindone concentrate for the preparation of poison baits. It is illegal for a person under 18 to possess or use a Schedule 7 poison (DANGEROUS POISON).

As at 1 July 2009, the cost of an ACUP is $44.40, which will change annually on June 30.

Applying for an ACUP

To apply for an ACUP, a person must first complete an approved training course:

‘Restricted Use’ Chemicals: A recognised training course such as a Farm Chemical Users Course (FCUC) or recognised equivalent (e.g. ChemCert, Agvet Chemical Training Course).

1080 (Sodium Fluoroacetate): The 21835VIC Course Minimizing the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria and a FCUC or recognised equivalent.

Fumigants: An appropriate training course in fumigation.

Pindone Concentrate: An appropriate training course in pest animal management or vermin control.

To find out which organisations offer these training courses and course information, contact TAFE colleges, ChemCert providers, Agsafe, private providers, industry organisations or DPI Chemical Standards Officers.

Once you have completed the appropriate training course, send a completed ‘Application for an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)’ form and payment to DPI. The application form is available from the DPI Chemical Standards website at:
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards or DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Re-applying for an ACUP

DPI will send existing ACUP holders, whose permit is due to expire in two months time, a renewal letter that explains the re-application process and an ‘Application for an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)’ form.

To re-apply for an ACUP, a person must complete and send the application form and fee to the ACUP Registrar (details on the application form).

If you do not received a renewal letter within this timeframe, you can either contact the ACUP Registrar on 1800 678 779 or download an application from the DPI Chemical Standards website.

Current ACUP holders who wish to re-apply for an ACUP are not required to complete a chemical user refresher course.

Have you moved?

To notify DPI of your new address, download and send a completed ‘Change of address notification for a licence or permit’ form, available from the DPI Chemical Standards website, to the ACUPS Registrar.

Further References

  • DPI Chemical Standards website - www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards
  • APVMA website - www.apvma.gov.au
  • ACUP Registrar - (03) 5430 4444
  • DPI Chemical Standards Officers

    • North West
    Alan Roberts (03) 5430 4416
    Dave Rumbold (03) 5430 4806
    North East
    Steven Field (03) 5824 5532
    Jane Rhodes (03) 5833 5234
    South West & Port Phillip West
    Jo Robinson (03) 5355 0522
    Neil Harrison (03) 5336 6616
    Gippsland & Port Phillip East
    Stuart Arms (03) 9624 2333

Acknowledgements

This Agnote was developed by Alan Roberts, June 2006.
It was reviewed by:
Alan Roberts, September 2007.
Alan Roberts, Farm Services Victoria, September 2008.

 

ISSN 1329-8062

Published and Authorised by:
Department of Primary Industries
1 Spring Street
Melbourne, Victoria

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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication

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Page last updated 23-Sep-2009.