Protecting the public when using pesticides

Best practice pesticide control measures to ensure public safety

These best practice control measures apply to all pest management technicians applying pesticides.

• Only use chemical products that are registered for use in Australia as pesticides and permitted for use on the target host. Refer to the APVMA (external site) for more information.
• Always apply chemical products in accordance with the label instructions. Exceptions include, if you have a permit to use the product contrary to the label or are applying at a lower rate, concentration or frequency.
• Select the product that will do the job most effectively.
• Where practicable select the products that are least toxic to people and the environment.
• Store products in their original containers in a dry, well ventilated area that is not accessible to children or animals.  Storage requirements must comply with AS 2507-1998 The storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals 1998.
• Buy the correct amount of product; avoid hoarding product.
• Avoid spraying into waterbodies or water-logged areas unless the product is approved for such use.
• When conducting a treatment do not allow the product to move off target.
• Always display appropriate signage that alerts people to the treatment in progress.
• Always maintain equipment in good working order.
• Take appropriate precaution when preparing and applying pesticides.
• Keep accurate treatment records.
• If weather conditions are not suitable, the treatment should be delayed until weather conditions become suitable.
• Always transport pesticides safely.
• Always dispose of unwanted pesticides and their empty containers properly.

What actions can put public safety at risk?

• Not reading the label.
• Not following the information on the label exactly.
• Using the wrong pesticide to do a treatment.
• Carrying out a treatment in windy conditions so that the spray drifts away to other areas.
• Treating areas which do not need to be treated.
• Not keeping people and animals away from the treatment area.
• Treating an area with plants, shrubs, trees or bushes that are bearing fruit or near mature fruit.
• Not notifying people located in adjoining properties or people located near to the treatment area that a treatment is going to occur.
• Not ensuring pesticide containers are appropriately labelled at all times.
• Not storing pesticides safely.
• Leaving pesticide baits in places where children and pets can get them.
• Putting a pesticide in a food or drink container, such as a drink bottle.
• Not using appropriate protective clothing or equipment when mixing or spraying a pesticide.
• Contaminating uncovered food and drink or cooking/eating utensils while carrying out a pesticide treatment.
• Not disposing of unwanted chemicals appropriately as stated on the label.
• Transporting pesticides in an unsafe manner.
• Not always applying chemical products in accordance with the label instructions. Exceptions include, if you have a permit to use the product contrary to the label or are applying at a lower rate, concentration or frequency.
• Not selecting the product that will do the job most effectively.
• Not using, where practicable, the products that are least toxic to people and the environment.

This guidance is intended to assist with avoiding a public health incident. A public health incident is an event that results in the safety of an individual or any member of the public being put at risk because of inappropriate use of pesticides. Public health incidents reported to the Department of Health are investigated and where an investigation concludes that an incident is substantiated, enforcement action may be initiated.

More information

Chemical Hazards
Phone:9222 2000
Email: DOH.ChemicalHazards@health.wa.gov.au