HSC Primary Industries (VET) key terms

The set of laws, duties and practices that protect workers, visitors and others from injury or illness at a workplace. It covers identifying hazards, controlling risks and consulting workers.

Any situation, substance, activity or condition with the potential to cause harm to people, property or the environment. A hazard is the source of possible harm, not the harm itself.

The chance that a hazard will actually cause harm, combined with how serious that harm could be. Risk is often described as low, medium or high after assessment.

A structured process of identifying hazards, judging how likely and how severe the harm is, and deciding which controls are needed. It is reviewed when conditions or work tasks change.

A ranked order of risk treatments, from most to least reliable: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, isolate it, use engineering controls, then administrative controls, with PPE last.

Any action taken to remove a hazard or reduce the risk it creates to an acceptable level. Controls must be monitored and reviewed to confirm they still work.

Clothing and gear worn to reduce exposure to hazards, such as boots, gloves, hats, eye protection and hearing protection. It is the last line of defence and relies on correct fitting and use.

A standard document supplied with a hazardous chemical that sets out its hazards, safe handling, first aid, storage and emergency procedures. Workers must be able to access it readily.

A chemical or material that can harm health, for example through being toxic, corrosive, flammable or irritating. Its risks are managed using labels, safety data sheets and controls.

A written document that lists high-risk work tasks, the hazards involved, the controls to be used and how the controls will be monitored. Workers follow it on site.

A planned set of actions for responding to events such as fire, injury, chemical spill or machinery entrapment. It includes alarms, evacuation routes, first aid and who to contact.

A written record of an accident, near miss, injury or property damage that describes what happened and the response. Reports are used to investigate causes and prevent repeats.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives. In primary industries it includes controlling bleeding, treating stings and managing shock.

Using the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or move loads. Correct technique and mechanical aids reduce strain injuries to the back and limbs.

Powered equipment used in farming and related industries, such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers and augers. Safe use depends on guarding, training and pre-start checks.

A driven shaft on a tractor that transfers engine power to attached implements. It is a major entanglement hazard, so guards and safe shutdown procedures are essential.

Physical barriers or devices that prevent people from reaching dangerous moving parts of machinery. Guards must be fitted, secure and never removed while the machine is operating.

A procedure for isolating energy sources and attaching locks and tags before maintenance or repair, so equipment cannot start unexpectedly. Only the person who applied the lock removes it.

An inspection carried out before using machinery or equipment to confirm it is safe and serviceable. It covers fluids, tyres, guards, controls, lights and warning devices.

A plan setting out when servicing, inspections and repairs are due for equipment and infrastructure. Following it prevents breakdowns and keeps machinery safe and reliable.

Systematically writing down and storing information such as treatments, chemical use, maintenance, stock movements and incidents. Good records support compliance, traceability and planning decisions.

Documentation of each chemical application or storage event, including product, rate, date, location, operator and weather. It supports legal compliance, residue management and future planning.

The minimum time that must pass between applying a chemical and harvesting, grazing or selling the treated produce. It protects consumers by limiting chemical residues.

A substance used to kill or control pests such as insects, weeds, fungi or rodents. Correct selection, rate and timing reduce harm to crops, people and the environment.

A pesticide designed to control or kill unwanted plants. Products vary in how they act, so correct identification of the weed and careful application are essential.

A combined approach to pest control that uses monitoring, cultural practices, biological agents and chemicals only when needed. It aims to reduce reliance on chemicals and limit resistance.

A plant growing where it is not wanted, often competing with crops or pasture for light, water and nutrients. Weeds may also be toxic to stock or a declared pest species.

Measures that prevent the introduction and spread of pests, weeds and diseases on a property or across a region. It includes hygiene, signage, movement controls and reporting of suspect problems.

Temporary isolation of people, animals, plants or equipment to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It may apply to new stock, imported materials or a suspect outbreak on farm.

The duty to meet an animal's needs for food, water, shelter, health and appropriate behaviour, and to handle it humanely. Standards are set by law and industry codes.

The condition of an animal's body and its ability to function normally, monitored through observation, condition scoring and veterinary advice. Early detection of illness improves treatment outcomes.

Moving and working with farm animals using low-stress techniques, suitable yards and equipment. Calm handling improves safety for people and animals and reduces bruising.

Regularly observing and recording conditions such as crop growth, pest numbers, animal health, weather or soil moisture. The information supports timely decisions and early problem detection.

Sampling and analysing soil to measure properties such as pH, nutrients and texture. Results guide fertiliser decisions, crop choice and long-term soil health management.

A material applied to supply nutrients that plants need for growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Correct rate and timing improve yields and reduce runoff losses.

The loss of topsoil through wind or water action, often worsened by bare ground or poor groundcover. It reduces productivity and can damage waterways.

Movement of fertiliser or soil nutrients into waterways during rain or irrigation. It can harm water quality and aquatic life, so buffer zones and careful application are used.

Managing a farm or enterprise so that production meets present needs without reducing resources for the future. It considers soil, water, biodiversity, economics and community wellbeing.

The ability to track produce, stock or inputs through each stage of production and supply. It relies on accurate identification, records and movement documentation.