Product Overview

Summary: This Site-Specific Pest Solutions SOP sets out a clear, repeatable process for identifying, treating and monitoring pest issues on Australian worksites without compromising worker safety, environmental obligations or regulatory compliance. It helps businesses integrate pest control into their WHS system, ensuring treatments are planned, communicated and delivered in a controlled, low‑risk and auditable manner.

Unmanaged pest activity on a worksite can quickly escalate into a serious WHS, food safety and reputational issue. From rodent-borne disease and wasp stings to chemical exposure from poorly planned treatments, the risk profile changes dramatically from site to site. This Site-Specific Pest Solutions Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured framework for assessing each location, selecting appropriate control methods, and implementing treatments in a way that protects workers, contractors, visitors and the surrounding environment.

Designed for Australian workplaces across sectors such as construction, facilities management, hospitality, healthcare and education, this SOP guides you through pre-treatment risk assessment, communication with affected stakeholders, safe chemical handling, and post-treatment verification. It helps you demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation and relevant environmental and public health laws by documenting how pest solutions are tailored to the unique layout, occupancy patterns, vulnerable persons and adjacent land uses of each site. By embedding this SOP into your WHS management system, you reduce the likelihood of incidents, avoid non-compliance during audits and inspections, and maintain a professional, hygienic and safe working environment.

Key Benefits

• Ensure pest management activities are planned and delivered in line with Australian WHS and public health requirements.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure, bites, stings and disease transmission to workers, contractors and visitors.
• Standardise how site-specific pest risks are assessed, controlled, documented and reviewed across multiple locations.
• Demonstrate due diligence and traceability during regulatory inspections, client audits and incident investigations.
• Integrate pest control activities with broader site safety, access control and environmental management procedures.

Who is this for?

• Pest Control Technicians
• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers
• Property Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facility Managers
• Food Safety and Quality Managers
• Hospitality and Accommodation Managers
• School and Childcare Centre Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals used in pest control (liquid concentrates, fumigants, baits and dusts)
• Inhalation of pesticide mists, aerosols or vapours in poorly ventilated spaces
• Skin and eye contact with pest control products during mixing, application and clean-up
• Bites and stings from insects, spiders and other pests during inspection and treatment
• Rodent-borne and insect-borne disease risks (e.g. leptospirosis, salmonella, vector-borne illnesses)
• Slips, trips and falls when accessing roof voids, ceiling spaces, ladders and confined areas for inspection
• Confined space and restricted access hazards during pest inspections and treatments
• Allergic reactions or respiratory irritation in sensitive occupants (e.g. children, aged care residents, asthma sufferers)
• Environmental contamination of soil, stormwater systems and waterways from pesticide spills or misapplication
• Food and surface contamination in kitchens, food preparation and storage areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Site-Specific Pest Risk Assessment Process
• 6.0 Site Survey, Inspection and Pest Identification
• 7.0 Selection of Control Methods (Chemical and Non-Chemical)
• 8.0 Chemical Handling, Mixing and Storage Requirements
• 9.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 10.0 Communication and Notification to Occupants and Stakeholders
• 11.0 Access Control, Signage and Exclusion Zones
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Treatment Procedure (Internal and External Areas)
• 13.0 Special Considerations for Sensitive Environments (Childcare, Healthcare, Aged Care, Food Areas)
• 14.0 Environmental Protection and Spill Management
• 15.0 Waste Management and Disposal of Chemicals, Containers and Carcasses
• 16.0 Post-Treatment Verification, Monitoring and Documentation
• 17.0 Incident Reporting, Adverse Reaction Management and Emergency Response
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Licensing Requirements
• 19.0 Review, Continuous Improvement and Audit Trail
• 20.0 Site-Specific Forms, Checklists and Treatment Records

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) – Food Standards Code (for food premises and food handling areas)
• Relevant state and territory Public Health and Pest Management legislation and guidelines
• Environment Protection legislation and guidelines applicable to chemical storage and disposal in each jurisdiction