Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical biosecurity measures for pest control operations, helping Australian businesses prevent the spread of pests, diseases and contaminants between sites. It provides a structured, WHS-aligned approach to decontamination, handling of infested materials and movement of people, vehicles and equipment, protecting workers, clients, livestock, crops and the wider environment.

Biosecurity is now a frontline issue for Australian pest control providers, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, warehousing, healthcare and hospitality. Routine pest management activities can unintentionally move insects, rodents, pathogens and plant or animal diseases between properties if biosecurity risks are not systematically controlled. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a robust, step-by-step framework for implementing biosecurity measures before, during and after pest control work, ensuring technicians know exactly how to prepare, contain, treat, decontaminate and dispose of materials in a safe and compliant way.

The procedure is designed to help businesses meet their WHS obligations while also aligning with national and state biosecurity requirements. It addresses real-world challenges such as cleaning and disinfection of tools and vehicles between jobs, managing entry and exit to high-risk sites, preventing cross‑contamination via clothing and PPE, handling infested or contaminated waste, and communicating biosecurity requirements to clients and contractors. By embedding this SOP into day-to-day operations, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of pest and disease spread, and protect their workforce, customers and the broader community from avoidable biosecurity incidents.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of spreading pests, diseases and contaminants between client sites during pest control activities.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS duties and biosecurity obligations through a documented, defensible procedure.
• Standardise technician practices for decontamination, waste handling and site access across all jobs and locations.
• Protect workers, clients, livestock, crops and sensitive environments from preventable biosecurity exposures.
• Strengthen client confidence and contract tender responses by demonstrating robust biosecurity risk management.

Who is this for?

• Pest Control Technicians
• Pest Management Business Owners
• WHS Managers
• Biosecurity Officers
• Facilities Managers
• Agricultural and Horticultural Managers
• Food Safety and Quality Managers
• Local Government Environmental Health Officers
• Site Supervisors (Warehousing and Logistics)
• Property and Strata Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Transmission of pests and vectors between sites via equipment, vehicles, footwear and clothing
• Spread of zoonotic diseases and pathogens through pest control activities and contaminated materials
• Exposure of workers and clients to biological contaminants, allergens and infectious agents
• Cross-contamination of food, feed, crops and stored products in commercial and agricultural settings
• Environmental contamination from improper handling or disposal of infested or contaminated waste
• Inadequate hygiene and decontamination practices leading to outbreaks or regulatory non-compliance

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Biosecurity Risk Categories
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Regulatory and Standards Framework
• 5.0 Biosecurity Risk Assessment and Planning
• 6.0 Site Access, Zoning and Movement Controls
• 7.0 Personal Hygiene, Clothing and PPE Requirements
• 8.0 Equipment and Vehicle Cleaning and Decontamination
• 9.0 Handling, Containment and Transport of Infested or Contaminated Materials
• 10.0 Waste Management and Disposal Procedures
• 11.0 Procedures for High-Risk and Sensitive Sites (Agricultural, Food, Healthcare, Quarantine Areas)
• 12.0 Spill, Exposure and Biosecurity Breach Response
• 13.0 Record Keeping, Traceability and Reporting
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 15.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents
• Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth)
• National Biosecurity Committee – National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) (contextual guidance)
• 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 ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS 2243.3: Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment (as guidance for biological risk controls)
• Food Standards Code – Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices and General Requirements (for food premises context)