Product Overview

Summary: This Termite Inspection Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, consistent method for carrying out termite inspections safely and in full alignment with Australian WHS and industry requirements. It protects workers, clients and properties by standardising how inspections are planned, conducted, documented and followed up, whether in residential, commercial or construction environments.

Termite inspections often occur in confined, unfamiliar and sometimes structurally compromised areas such as roof voids, subfloors and crawl spaces. Inspectors are exposed not only to biological and environmental hazards, but also to WHS risks including slips, trips and falls, electrical contact, heat stress, and exposure to dusts, moulds and animal or insect pests. This Termite Inspection Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible approach to planning and conducting inspections that prioritises worker safety while maintaining a high technical standard of inspection quality.

Developed for the Australian pest management and property sectors, this SOP outlines how to perform pre‑inspection risk assessments, communicate with clients, select and use inspection tools safely, access and work in high‑risk areas, and document findings in a way that supports regulatory compliance and professional reporting standards. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce variability between technicians, demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, and deliver consistent, high‑quality termite inspection services that protect both people and property over the long term.

Key Benefits

• Ensure termite inspections are conducted in a safe, methodical and legally defensible manner across all job sites.
• Reduce the risk of worker injury when accessing roof voids, subfloors, ladders and other restricted or elevated spaces.
• Standardise inspection techniques, documentation and client communication to improve service quality and reduce disputes.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS obligations and relevant pest management and building standards.
• Support efficient onboarding and training of new termite inspectors with a clear, step‑by‑step procedure.

Who is this for?

• Pest Control Technicians
• Termite Inspectors
• WHS Managers
• Service Managers (Pest Management Companies)
• Facilities Managers
• Property Managers and Strata Managers
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Building and Pest Inspectors
• Franchise Owners (Pest Control)
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls in roof voids, subfloors and around building perimeters
• Falls from ladders or through fragile roofing materials
• Contact with live electrical wiring, junction boxes or unprotected electrical installations
• Exposure to dusts, mould, fungal spores and other airborne contaminants
• Heat stress and dehydration when inspecting in hot roof spaces or outdoors in high temperatures
• Confined space–like conditions in tight subfloor or crawl areas
• Bites and stings from spiders, wasps, rodents and other animals encountered during inspections
• Manual handling injuries from moving access panels, manhole covers, tools and equipment
• Cuts, abrasions and puncture wounds from nails, sharp edges, splinters and debris
• Psychosocial risks such as working alone, after hours or in remote locations

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 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 6.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 7.0 Pre‑Inspection Planning and Client Communication
• 8.0 Site Arrival, Induction and Risk Assessment
• 9.0 Safe Access to Roof Voids, Subfloors and Confined Areas
• 10.0 Ladder Use and Working at Heights Controls
• 11.0 Electrical Safety Precautions During Inspections
• 12.0 Environmental and Biological Hazard Controls (Dust, Mould, Pests)
• 13.0 Step‑by‑Step Termite Inspection Procedure (Internal, External, Subfloor, Roof Void, Ancillary Structures)
• 14.0 Use of Detection Tools and Technology (Moisture Meters, Thermal Imaging, Probing Tools)
• 15.0 Documentation, Photographic Evidence and Recordkeeping
• 16.0 Reporting of Findings and Communication with Clients
• 17.0 Incident, Near‑Miss and Property Damage Reporting
• 18.0 Decontamination, Waste Management and Housekeeping
• 19.0 Emergency Procedures and First Aid Considerations
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and state and territory equivalents
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 4349.3: Inspection of buildings – Timber pest inspections
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (where applicable to temporary power)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 2161 series: Occupational protective gloves