Approval for fumigation
This page provides information for persons seeking to submit an application for fumigation site approval in accordance with Section 63 of the Health (Pesticide) Regulations 2011.
Information is provided on:
- the design and approval requirements of a fumigation site/area
- the development of site-specific fumigation plans and risk assessments for undertaking fumigations.
The primary focus of the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011 (Pesticide Regulations) is minimising potential exposure to fumigants. While there is some overlap, the requirements for ensuring the effectiveness of a fumigation is not covered by these regulations and it is the responsibility of the business to ensure these requirements are met.
Public Health Requirements
The Pesticide Regulations require the following to be completed and implemented:
- risk assessment
- fumigation plan
- emergency management plan.
The Pesticide Regulations require compliance with Sections 2.2 Fumigation Plan and 2.3 Risk Assessment of AS 2476-2008 General Fumigation. Since AS 2476-2008 General Fumigation has been withdrawn by Standards Australia, the Department of Health have produced this guidance (PDF 700KB) to assist licensed pest management technicians in developing and implementing a risk assessment and fumigation plan that is compliant with the Pesticide Regulations. The risk assessment (PDF 300KB) must be completed first and should inform the development of the fumigation plan.
The risk assessment and fumigation plan will need to be completed, available and ready for implementation when approval is granted by the Chief Health Officer. An Authorised Officer can request to see these documents at any time.
Approval is required to use any fumigants with the following active ingredients:
- chloropicrin
- 1,3 dichloropropene
- enthanedinitrile
- ethyl formate
- ethylene dibromide
- ethylene oxide
- methyl bromide
- phosphine
- sulfuryl fluoride.
Occupational Safety and Health Requirements
Fumigations are also required to meet the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the relevant sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996. These regulations cover risk assessment and workplace controls for use of hazardous substances (Part 5), as well as requirements for health surveillance.
Further information is available from WorkSafe Division, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (external link)
Last reviewed: 20-08-2019
Produced by
Public & Aboriginal Health Division