Product Overview

Summary: This Biosecurity Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for preventing the introduction and spread of pests, diseases and contaminants across Australian workplaces. It supports compliance with national biosecurity obligations while protecting workers, animals, crops, supply chains and the wider community from costly outbreaks and disruptions.

Biosecurity is no longer just an agricultural issue – it is a core risk management and WHS concern for any Australian business that handles animals, plants, food products, biological materials or imported goods. A single lapse in hygiene, movement control or waste handling can result in disease outbreaks, product recalls, quarantine orders and serious harm to workers, animals and the environment. This Biosecurity Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out consistent, defensible processes for controlling biological risks at the workplace level, from entry screening and site hygiene through to decontamination, record-keeping and incident response.

Developed for Australian conditions, this SOP helps businesses align their on-the-ground practices with national biosecurity expectations and WHS duties. It translates complex regulatory requirements into step‑by‑step procedures that workers can actually follow, reducing reliance on informal practices or verbal instructions. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, protect market access, and significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of biosecurity incidents that can shut down operations, damage reputation and attract regulatory scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, documented biosecurity practices across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread through clear entry, hygiene and movement controls.
• Support compliance with Australian biosecurity and WHS obligations, reducing the likelihood of enforcement action.
• Protect workers, animals, crops and products from exposure to harmful biological agents.
• Strengthen incident preparedness and response through defined escalation, isolation and reporting procedures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Biosecurity Officers
• Farm Managers
• Production Managers (Food & Beverage)
• Laboratory Managers
• Livestock Operations Managers
• Facility Managers (Ports, Depots, Quarantine Areas)
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Logistics and Warehouse Supervisors
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure of workers to zoonotic diseases (e.g. Q fever, avian influenza, salmonellosis).
• Spread of plant pests and diseases via contaminated equipment, vehicles, footwear and clothing.
• Contamination of food, feed or animal products with biological agents.
• Cross‑contamination between quarantine, clean and production areas.
• Improper handling, storage or disposal of biological waste and contaminated materials.
• Introduction of invasive species through incoming goods, packaging and transport.
• Environmental contamination from inadequate disinfection and effluent management.

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Biosecurity Concepts
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Risk Assessment and Biosecurity Zoning of the Workplace
• 5.0 Site Access, Visitor Management and Induction Requirements
• 6.0 Personal Hygiene, Clothing and PPE Requirements
• 7.0 Vehicle, Equipment and Tool Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures
• 8.0 Movement Controls for People, Animals, Plants and Materials
• 9.0 Handling, Storage and Disposal of Biological Waste and Contaminated Materials
• 10.0 Cleaning, Sanitation and Environmental Controls
• 11.0 Management of Deliveries, Imports and Returned Goods
• 12.0 Monitoring, Inspections and Record-Keeping Requirements
• 13.0 Biosecurity Incident Response, Isolation and Escalation
• 14.0 Training, Communication and Contractor Management
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Biosecurity Measures

Legislation & References

• Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• AS/NZS 2243.3: Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment
• AS/NZS 2982: Laboratory design and construction
• ANZSDP / National livestock and plant biosecurity guidelines (as applicable to sector)