Commercial Operator Licence
A Commercial Operator Licence (COL) is required by people who operate a business that provides ground-based agricultural chemical application services (i.e. all application methods excluding aerial) for a fee or reward in Victoria (except for specific types of pest controllers licensed by the Department of Health). Commercial Operator Licences issued by other State and Territory governments are not valid in Victoria.
There are three types of COL endorsements issued by DPI, each with different training requirements. A licence can have any or all of the endorsements provided the appropriate training has been completed.
In addition, a Copper Chrome Arsenate COL is required by timber treatment plants applying copper chrome arsenate chemicals for fee or reward. Please see Licensing Copper Chrome Arsenate Use for further details.
COL - Agricultural chemicals (other than vermin destroyers/avicides and fumigants) endorsement
Required by people in the business of applying agricultural chemicals for agricultural or horticultural purposes, including forestry, post-harvest treatment and the control of weeds, insects and diseases.
Training requirement: A recognised course in AgVet Chemical Use (or equivalent) that contains the units AHCCHM303A – Prepare and apply chemicals, and AHCCHM304A - Transport, handle and store chemicals (formerly RTC3704A and RTC3705A) (e.g. AusChem Victoria or DPI AgTrain Agvet Chemical Training Course).
COL - Vermin destroyers/avicides endorsement
Required by people in the business of vermin control in rural areas (e.g. fox, rabbit or bird control).
Training requirement: A course in vermin control or pest animal management that contains the units AHCVPT306A , AHCFAU201A , AHCPMG402A and AHCVPT302A (formerly RTD2101A, RTD2126A, RTD4403A and RTE3406A). Any person using products containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) under a COL must have successfully completed the 21835 VIC Course Minimising the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products for Vertebrate Pest Control. Visit DPI 1080 for more information.
COL - Fumigants endorsement
Required by people in the business of produce or soil fumigation.
Training requirement: A course in fumigation with methyl bromide or the unit 'Conduct Fumigation' from the Asset Maintenance training package (e.g. North Melbourne Institute of TAFE Fumigation Course)
To find out which organisations offer these training courses and where they are run, contact TAFE institutes, DPI AgTrain, AusChem Victoria, VCAH colleges, private providers or industry organisations.
Domestic and commercial premises pest control: People in the business of pest control (domestic and commercial premises) require a 'Licence to Use Pesticides (LTUP)', which is issued by the Department of Health. For information, contact the Department of Health Pest Control Program on 1300 887 090.
Commercial operators are required by the regulations to keep specified records of all chemical applications and to keep these records for a minimum of two years.
To qualify for a COL an applicant must:
- Have successfully completed the appropriate training course, and
- Provide information on any previous convictions under any of the following Acts:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992
- Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
- Dangerous Goods Act 1985
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- Environment Protection Act 1970
- Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
The COL application fee as at 1 July 2011 is $464.35 and the licence is valid for three years - Commercial Operator Licence application form - Form # 76
