GROWSAFE Registered Chemical Applicator
If you specialise in the application of agrichemicals - horticulture, agriculture, forestry or any other industry - then you should consider becoming an Registered Chemical Applicator (RCA). It is the highest standard/qualification that a ground applicator can hold.
Who should do this course?
This course is for ground sprayers who spray for hire or reward. Aerial sprayers need the GROWSAFE Pilots' Chemical Rating certificate.
Benefits of the course
On successful completion of the RCA course, you will be able to:
- implement and monitor spray plans
- provide direction to staff applying agrichemicals
- make day-to-day decisions in relation to agrichemical application
- apply agrichemicals in a safe, responsible and effective way with minimal adverse impact on human, environmental and animal health
- ensure you meet your obligations under the Hazardous Substance and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO), the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 (ACVM Act); including the requirements of your local regional plan.
Many regional plans specify that contractors hold a GROWSAFE RCA certificate or equivalent training. In many cases, contracts for spraying will specify that the on-site supervisor is a Registered Chemical Applicator.
COURSE CONTENT
To achieve RCA certification you need:
- National Certificate in Agrichemical Application
- Approved Handler Test Certificate
- Evidence of 200 hours of practical spraying experience
- GROWSAFE Introductory certificate.
Prerequisites
The GROWSAFE Introductory course is a prerequisite for this certificate.
Expiry of certificate and Renewal
A GROWSAFE RCA Certificate is valid for 5 years, at which time it can be renewed. This is because laws, technology and best practice are constantly changing. While you can read and hear about these changes yourself, your customers and the regulators require evidence that you are up-to-date.
Renewal of your certificate must be done within 6 months of expiry of your certificate (currently extended to 12 months until June 2012). This can be done by contacting one of the GROWSAFE trainer accredited for RCA renewal:
- Murray Beare of Educhem (09 294 7300)
- Wayne King of Otago Polytech (0800 765 9276).
Book on a course
To get started on your RCA, you need to begin study towards your NC in Agrichemical Application. This study will take 12-18 months.
There are currently two providers of the NC in Agrichemical Application
- Infratrain (0800 486 626)
- Educhem (09 294 7330).
You should ring the provider(s) to discuss course cost and how the course is delivered.
Applying for your RCA Certificate
When you have completed your NC in Agrichemical Application, you can apply to GROWSAFE for your RCA certificate by completing an application form and providing evidence of your qualifications and spraying experience. Full details of the process available.
Once your certificate is issued, your name will be added to the GROWSAFE register and made publicly available on our website.