Product Overview

This Biosecurity Procedures Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step controls needed to safely manage biosecurity hazards and quarantine activities on Australian worksites, helping you achieve and demonstrate WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of biosecurity risk management, from quarantine procedures through to exotic disease control and handling contaminated produce.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Adhering to quarantine restrictions when necessary, including movement controls and authorised access to restricted areas
• Planning and implementing exotic disease control measures in line with government and industry biosecurity protocols
• Implementing quarantine procedures for sites, vehicles, equipment, livestock, plants and produce
• Identifying, assessing and managing biosecurity risks associated with people, materials, equipment and vehicles entering or leaving the site
• Quarantining suspected contaminated produce, including segregation, labelling, containment and safe storage
• Decontamination of tools, machinery, footwear and PPE to prevent the spread of pests, weeds and diseases
• Safe handling, packaging and disposal of contaminated or suspect biological material, including plant and animal products
• Cleaning and disinfection procedures for work areas, wash-down bays and storage facilities
• Record keeping and traceability of movements, inspections and treatments for audit and regulatory purposes
• Communication and notification protocols with supervisors, biosecurity officers and relevant authorities in the event of a suspected outbreak
• Training, induction and supervision of workers in biosecurity awareness and site-specific quarantine rules
• Emergency response actions for biosecurity incidents, including containment, reporting and escalation procedures

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for agricultural and horticultural operations, food processing and distribution facilities, quarantine and inspection services, biosecurity contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing biosecurity and quarantine risks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth): Overarching federal framework for managing biosecurity risks to plant, animal and human health in Australia
• Biosecurity Regulation 2016 (Cth): Supporting regulatory requirements for implementation of biosecurity controls and quarantine measures
• Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Livestock at Slaughtering Establishments: Relevant where biosecurity procedures intersect with livestock handling and processing
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with equipment used in decontamination and quarantine processes
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for wash-down areas, hygiene facilities and decontamination zones
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling biosecurity-related WHS risks
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017