Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, compliant framework for the safe selection, handling and application of biological control agents in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations minimise biosecurity, health and environmental risks while leveraging biological controls as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.

The use of biological control agents—such as beneficial insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses—is increasingly common across agriculture, horticulture, research laboratories and controlled environments as organisations seek to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. While these agents can offer significant environmental and health advantages, they also introduce specific biosafety, allergen, and biosecurity risks that must be carefully managed under Australian WHS and environmental legislation. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a robust, step‑by‑step framework to ensure biological control agents are sourced, stored, handled, applied and disposed of safely and responsibly.

The document translates regulatory and technical requirements into practical, field-ready instructions that staff can follow with confidence. It addresses the full lifecycle of biological control agents—from risk assessment, import and quarantine considerations, and containment measures through to application techniques, monitoring efficacy, incident response and decommissioning of trial or treatment sites. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, protect workers and the community, prevent unintended spread of organisms, and maintain the integrity of their integrated pest management (IPM) or research programs in line with Australian best practice.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe handling, application and disposal of biological control agents in line with Australian WHS and biosecurity expectations.
• Reduce the risk of worker exposure to allergens, infectious agents and sensitising materials associated with biological controls.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance to regulators, clients and certification bodies through a documented, repeatable process.
• Standardise biocontrol practices across sites and teams, improving consistency, efficacy and recordkeeping.
• Support a safer transition away from hazardous chemical pesticides while maintaining robust pest and disease control.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Laboratory Managers
• Facility Managers
• Research Scientists
• Agronomists
• Horticulture and Nursery Managers
• Pest Management Supervisors
• Biocontrol Program Coordinators
• Biosafety Officers
• Quality and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to potentially infectious microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa)
• Allergic reactions and respiratory sensitisation from spores, insect fragments or biological formulations
• Unintentional release or spread of biological control agents beyond target areas
• Cross-contamination between experimental, production and public areas
• Inadequate containment or storage leading to proliferation of organisms
• Improper disposal resulting in environmental contamination or biosecurity breaches
• Manual handling and ergonomic risks associated with application equipment and culture containers
• Chemical hazards from carriers, preservatives or adjuvants used with biological agents

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Biological Control Agents
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Regulatory, Biosecurity and Ethical Considerations
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Classification of Biological Agents
• 6.0 Selection, Procurement and Supplier Requirements
• 7.0 Transport, Receipt and Quarantine Procedures
• 8.0 Storage, Labelling and Inventory Control
• 9.0 Required PPE and Hygiene Practices
• 10.0 Engineering and Administrative Controls (Containment, Ventilation, Access Control)
• 11.0 Preparation, Dilution and Culture Handling Procedures
• 12.0 Application Methods for Field, Glasshouse and Laboratory Settings
• 13.0 Environmental and Off‑Target Impact Controls
• 14.0 Spill, Exposure and Incident Response Procedures
• 15.0 Waste Management, Decontamination and Disposal
• 16.0 Health Monitoring, Vaccination and Medical Consultation (where applicable)
• 17.0 Cleaning, Disinfection and Equipment Maintenance
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Traceability and Reporting Requirements
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [superseded but used as guidance]
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.3: Safety in laboratories – Microbiological safety and containment
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2243.8: Safety in laboratories – Fume cupboards (where applicable to aerosolised agents or carriers)
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2161: Occupational protective gloves – Selection, use and maintenance
• Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) and associated biosecurity regulations and permits
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and OGTR guidance on biosafety and handling of biological materials (where genetically modified organisms may be involved)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace Code of Practice (for carriers and formulations)