Pest Management
A guide to what a Pest Management Technician
needs to know
July 2017
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A guide to what a Pest Management Technician in Queensland needs to know
Published by the State of Queensland (Queensland Health), July 2017
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2017
You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the
State of Queensland (Queensland Health).
This version replaces version 1 dated February 2012.
For more information contact:
Environmental Hazards Team, Health Protection Branch, Queensland Health
GPO Box 48
Brisbane QLD 4001
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (07) 3328 9310.
An electronic version of this document is available at
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/public-health/industry-environment/pest-
management/pest-mgt-technician-know.pdf
Disclaimer:
The content presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only.
The State of Queensland makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or
reliability of any information contained in this publication. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and all
liability (including without limitation for liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might
incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason reliance was placed
on such information.
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Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................... 4
Licensing ............................................................................................................ 4
General information ............................................................................................. 4
Recognition of other pest management licences .................................................. 5
Suitability of a person to hold a licence ................................................................ 5
Licencing process ................................................................................................ 5
Applying for a licence .................................................................................. 5
Renewing a licence..................................................................................... 6
Varying a licence ........................................................................................ 6
Replacing a licence..................................................................................... 6
Licence fees ............................................................................................... 6
Notifying department of changes ......................................................................... 7
Pest management competencies ......................................................................... 7
Vehicles .............................................................................................................. 8
Storage & securing of chemicals .......................................................................... 8
Signage ............................................................................................................... 8
Chemical storage, containers and labelling ........................................................ 9
Storage area (other than in a motor vehicle) ........................................................ 9
Access to the storage area .................................................................................. 9
Containers ........................................................................................................... 9
Labelling of containers ......................................................................................... 9
Waste disposal and spills management ........................................................... 10
Disposal of waste ............................................................................................... 10
Disposal of containers ....................................................................................... 10
Spills management ............................................................................................ 11
Pest control advice ........................................................................................... 11
Giving the advice to occupiers or others ............................................................ 11
Occupied premises ................................................................................... 11
Unoccupied properties .............................................................................. 12
Fumigation activities ......................................................................................... 12
Before undertaking the activity ........................................................................... 12
During the fumigation activity ............................................................................. 13
At the end of the fumigation activity ................................................................... 13
Provision of a clearance certificate .................................................................... 13
Record-keeping ................................................................................................ 13
Details to be recorded ........................................................................................ 14
Records of termite treatments ............................................................................ 14
Notifiable incidents ........................................................................................... 14
Other requirements .......................................................................................... 15
Advertising or holding out .................................................................................. 15
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Permitting or requiring another person to carry out pest management
activities ............................................................................................................. 15
Supervising trainees .......................................................................................... 15
Respiratory protection ........................................................................................ 16
Compliance & enforcement .............................................................................. 16
Inspectors .......................................................................................................... 16
General powers of inspectors ................................................................... 16
Enforcement action options ............................................................................... 17
Offences ........................................................................................................... 17
Other legislative requirements .......................................................................... 17
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority .................................. 18
Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 .................................................... 18
Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988 ........................ 18
Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2003 ............... 18
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ...................................................................... 19
Appendix 1: Key Contacts ............................................................................... 20
Appendix 2: Dictionary .................................................................................... 21
Appendix 3: Pest management activities guide ............................................... 23
Appendix 4: Units of Competency ................................................................... 25
Appendix 5: Offences ...................................................................................... 26
Pest Management Act 2001 ............................................................................... 26
Pest Management Regulation 2003 ................................................................... 27
Appendix 6: Relevant Legislation, Standards and Resources ......................... 28
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Introduction
This guide aims to provide an overview of the requirements for pest management and
Pest Management Technicians (PMTs) under the Pest Management Act 2001 (Act)
and the Pest Management Regulation 2003 (Regulation). This guide is not an extract
from the Act and the Regulation. The legislation should be referred to if legal
interpretation is required.
Most pesticides and fumigants are inherently hazardous and the risk to human health
and the environment depends on how safely they are handled and used. The main
objectives of the Act are to protect the public from health risks associated with pest
control and fumigation activities, and from adverse results due to the ineffective control
of pests. To achieve these objectives, the Act provides for a licensing regime to
regulate those activities as well as to ensure that the activities are carried out by PMTs
in a safe and competent way. The Act also provides for the means by which
compliance with the Act is to be monitored and enforced.
Enquiries on information contained in this document may be directed to any
Queensland Health Hospital and Health Service Public Health Unit (HHSPHU). A list
of HHSPHUs is available on the Queensland Health website:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/contact-us/contact/public-health-
units/default.asp
Other key contacts are included in Appendix 1: Key Contacts.
Terms in bold italics are included in the dictionary in Appendix 2: Dictionary.
Licensing
General information
Any person undertaking a pest management (PM) activity in Queensland must
possess a PM licence, unless exempt. Activities permitted to be undertaken without a
PM licence are specified in the Act and the Regulation. (Refer to Appendix 3 for
guidance on the types of activities that do or do not require a PM licence.)
Licences are issued for the following activities:
• Pest control activity excluding timber pests – this enables the holder to
undertake pest control activities for pests other than timber pests such as termites.
Common pests include cockroaches, silverfish, fleas, ants, spiders, lawn grubs and
rodents.
• Pest control activity including timber pests – this licence enables the holder to
undertake pest control activities for pests and timber pests such as termites.
• Fumigation – this licence enables the holder to undertake fumigation activities for
the site environments listed on their licence.
A person must be at least 17 years of age and hold relevant competencies in order to
apply for a PM licence. (See Appendix 4: Units of Competency for further information
on the required competencies.)
Licences are only issued to individuals. PM businesses and trainee PMTs in
Queensland are not required to be licensed. A licence may not be transferred to
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another person.
Queensland Health has the ability to impose conditions on a licence where it is deemed
necessary.
Heavy penalties up to 1000 penalty units may apply to unlicensed pest management
activity. A similar penalty applies to persons advertising or holding out as a PMT if they
are unlicensed.
Recognition of other pest management licences
Holders of a PM licence issued by another Australian State/Territory or New Zealand
can be issued a PM licence in Queensland under mutual recognition principles. This
allows for a streamlined approach to working across boundaries. The mutual
recognition arrangement enables PMTs to work as a PMT after an application has
been made and while the decision is pending.
There are some limitations to recognition of licences for fumigation activities. All
applications for fumigation activities must be accompanied by either:
• a Declaration of Assessment for particular site environments, or
• information from the PMT’s Queensland employer as well as documentation from
recent fumigation activities.
Suitability of a person to hold a licence
To determine if the person is suitable to hold a licence under the Act, the following may
be considered:
• the person’s skills and competence
• the person’s physical ability and mental capacity (in cases where the person’s
physical ability or mental capacity is in doubt, the chief executive may require the
person to undergo a health assessment by a doctor before deciding if the person is
suitable to hold a licence)
• any contraventions of licence conditions (e.g. undertaking an activity not listed on
the licence)
• whether a pest management licence has been suspended or cancelled in the past
• any disciplinary action
• any conviction under a relevant law, or
• any indictable offences
Licencing process
Pest management application forms and further information about applying for licences
can be obtained and downloaded from the Queensland Health pest management web
page:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/industry-environment/pest-
management/default.asp
The same licence application form is used for a new licence, a new licence under
mutual recognition principles, a variation of an existing licence and a replacement
licence.
Applying for a licence
When applying for a PM licence, the following must be provided to Queensland Health:
• a completed approved application form,
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• certified copies of all relevant supporting documentation e.g. evidence of
completion of required competencies, and
• the prescribed application fee.
A licence may be issued for a term ranging from one to five years.
Supporting documentation may be certified by:
• a Justice of the Peace,
• a Commissioner for Declarations, or
• an Environmental Health Officer of a Public Health Unit
Failure to provide the required application information may delay the application
approval process.
Renewing a licence
All PM license holders must renew their licence before the licence expires. If the
licence expires, a new application with all supporting documentation will need to be
submitted.
Licence application forms are sent to licensed PMTs by Queensland Health, at least 60
days before the licence expiry date, to the last address notified to Queensland Health.
It is therefore very important that PMTs ensure that they notify Queensland Health if
their postal address and licence details change. (See the Notifying department of
changes section below.)
The application to renew a PM licence must be made on the approved form and
include the correct fee. It is the PMT’s responsibility to ensure that their licence renewal
application is returned to and received by Queensland Health before their licence
expires. The Act prevents Queensland Health from renewing a licence after the licence
expires.
Varying a licence
A PMT may apply to vary their licence in relation to:
• the type of pest management activity that can be carried out;
• a condition of the licence; or
• fumigation site environments.
The application must be made on the approved form and include the correct fee.
Replacing a licence
A PMT may apply for a replacement licence if their licence has been damaged,
destroyed, lost or stolen. A fee will be charged to cover the cost of a replacement
photographic licence.
The application must be made on the approved form and include the correct fee. A
statutory declaration stating why a replacement licence is needed must also be
included with the application form.
Licence fees
Licence fees are listed on the application form and are correct at the time of
publication. There are periodic adjustments to fees annually (around September /
October) to reflect CPI changes.
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Notifying department of changes
PMTs are responsible for notifying Queensland Health of any changes to their details
and licence conditions. The Act requires PMTs to notify the Queensland Health within
21 days of any of following:
• loss of licence
• change of contact details including residential address, postal address, phone,
email
• change of employer or employer’s details
• change of storage location of pesticides/fumigants
• change in physical or mental health capacity that may adversely affect the PMT’s
ability to competently and safely carry out pest management activities
• convicted of an indictable offence
• convicted of an offence, other than a spent conviction, under any of the following
legislation:
o Pest Management Act 2001 and/or Pest Management Regulation 2003,
o Work Health and Safety Act 2011,
o Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991,
o Domestic Buildings Contract Act 2000,
o Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 and
o similar laws applying or applied in the Commonwealth, another Australian
state or territory or a foreign country
• PM licence is suspended or cancelled under Pest Management Act 2001 or
corresponding law
To notify Queensland Health of any of the above changes or matters, the form, Notice
to Chief Executive – Change in Circumstances, must be completed and submitted.
The form and application guide can be found at the Queensland Health pest
management web page. There are no fees applicable for lodging this form.
Penalties apply if Queensland Health has not been notified of any of these matters.
Pest management competencies
The required units of competency, as prescribed under the Regulation for each pest
management licence class, are listed in Appendix 3.
These units are taken from the current Certificate III in Urban Pest Management
qualification or superseded equivalent qualifications.
Training is not provided by Queensland Health. A full list of
Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and courses can be obtained from the
National Training Information Service website www.training.gov.au
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Vehicles
Storage & securing of chemicals
PMTs must ensure that all vehicles used for the purpose of pest control, including the
storage, transport or preparation of a pesticide or fumigant meet the following minimum
standards:
• all liquid and solid pesticides / fumigants must be adequately stored and secured to:
o prevent container damage,
o contain any spillage during transport, and
o prevent unauthorised access, e.g. by locking back of truck when unattended,
keeping chemicals in lockable container
• all floors and walls where the chemical is stored must be impervious to the
pesticide or fumigant to enable ease of cleaning and prohibit the build-up of
chemical residue
• chemicals and contaminated equipment must be stored separate to the passenger
compartment of any vehicle
• fumigation gas cylinders must be stored:
o in an upright position and secured to prevent them tipping or falling over,
o either in a part of the vehicle open to the air, with unrestricted ventilation, or
enclosed in a vapour tight cabinet that is vented to the outside of the vehicle,
o to prevent unauthorised access to the gas cylinder, the main cylinder control
and regulator, e.g. by storing the cylinder in a suitably designed lockable and
well ventilated cage where access to the cylinder, fixtures and fittings is
prohibited.
It is advisable that a spill kit, appropriate for the type and volume of chemicals
transported in the vehicle or used, is carried.
Signage
All PM vehicles must be clearly identified as a PM vehicle with appropriately sized
signage which includes:
• the technician’s name or business name, or
• the name or business name of the technician’s employer, and
• a contact phone number.
If the name on the vehicle does not clearly indicate that the vehicle is used for pest
management activities, the words ‘Pest Management vehicle’ or similar must be
included on the vehicle signage.
Suitable wording would be ‘Robo’s Pest Control - telephone (07) 9999 7777’.
As well as promoting the PM business, the signage will alert people and emergency
responders to take the appropriate measures to manage the risks if an accident occurs.
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Chemical storage, containers and labelling
Storage area (other than in a motor vehicle)
PMTs who have control, custody or possession of a pesticide or fumigant must ensure
the storage area:
• if it is in part of a person’s residence, is not be used for residential purposes
• has a floor that is impervious to the pesticide or fumigant
• is built in a way so that leakage or escape of a pesticide or fumigant is not likely to
cause harm or nuisance to a person or the environment, and
• is secured at all times unless a pesticide or fumigant is being put into, taken from,
or prepared in the storage area.
Access to the storage area
PMTs who have custody, control or possession of a pesticide or fumigant must ensure
that the storage area is secured against unauthorised access. The technician must
ensure that, as far as practicable, a person has access to the storage place only with
the technician’s knowledge and authority, and that the person is a PMT, a trainee or
another person who is at least 18 years.
Containers
A pesticide or a fumigant should be kept and stored in its original container. A
container used to contain a pesticide or a fumigant should:
• be suitable for the purpose
• be impervious
• be sufficiently durable to prevent it from breaking or its contents from leaking or
otherwise escaping during ordinary handling, transport or storage
• have sufficient excess capacity
• be capable of being securely closed
• be securely closed at all times unless a pesticide or a fumigant is being put into, or
taken from, the container
• not react chemically with the pesticide or fumigant it contains
• not physically interact with the pesticide or fumigant it contains in a way that may
result in deterioration of the performance of the container; and
• not be a container that is a food or drink container, or a container that is similar in
colour, shape or appearance to a food or drink container. For more information,
read the fact sheet available at:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/443791/fs-
pmregsfoodcont.pdf
Labelling of containers
PMTs must ensure all containers including those containing prepared pesticide are
labelled correctly. A PMT’s responsibility extends to when a business has multiple
vehicles on which pesticides are stored for future use, and the vehicles are used by a
number of PMT’s. Any PMT using the vehicle at a particular time is responsible for
ensuring the containers of pesticide are labelled correctly. Possession includes having
custody or control of the container and storing the container in any place, including a
vehicle.
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If a PMT or a trainee puts a pesticide or fumigant into a container that does not have an
approved label attached to it, and then stores the container for future use, they must
ensure that the container is suitably labelled with a durable label that includes:
• the active constituent(s) of the pesticide or fumigant; and
• a statement of the mass or volume of the active constituent per stated mass or
volume of the preparation (dependent upon whether it is a liquid, solid, semi solid
or gas in a liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous preparation).
(See section 8 and 8A of the Regulation for further details.)
An approved label means a label approved under part 2 of the Agricultural and
Veterinary Chemicals (Queensland) Act 1994 (Agvet Code of Queensland). Future use
generally means, for example, when a tank of pesticide solution is mixed or dusting
powder is put in another container and stored in the container overnight or longer. In
this case, the container must be labelled in accordance with the Regulation and with
any other relevant legislation, e.g. WHS.
Waste disposal and spills management
Disposal of waste
The disposal of waste is generally controlled by environmental protection legislation i.e.
Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
The PM Regulation has requirements for disposing of unwanted or spilled pesticides or
fumigants (and in the case of a gaseous fumigant, dispersed) by a PMT so that it does
not:
• put at risk or endanger the life or safety of any person or animal;
• pollute a watercourse or water supply;
• contaminate land; or
• adversely affect air quality.
Chemical disposal advice is often provided on the product label or SDS, or by the
supplier. Where it is necessary to use a disposal contractor to dispose of the chemical,
the contractor must be suitably licenced and approved with the Department of
Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP).
Disposal of containers
PMTs must only dispose of containers used to contain a pesticide or fumigant by:
• emptying the container, rinsing it several times with clean water, crushing or
piercing it, then disposing of it without contravening any law, e.g. at an approved
waste facility; or
• returning fumigant gas cylinders or containers to the supplier; or
• another method provided for in other Queensland legislation, such as a method
stated in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Waste and Recycling Act
2011.
Note: The contaminated rinse water must be disposed of in such a way that it does
not pollute the environment.
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Spills management
All pesticide spills should be treated seriously and immediately. Concentrated spills are
more hazardous than pesticides diluted with water. As soon as a PMT becomes aware
of a spill or leakage of a fumigant or pesticide, they must take appropriate action to
contain, and if necessary, dispose of the substance and the materials used to manage
the spill. The pesticide/fumigant’s label and the SDS provide information on how to
deal with spills. It is advisable that a spill kit, appropriate to the type and amount of
chemicals stored, be available.
If a spill occurs that threatens the environment, the PMT must contact the DEHP or
local council. Where the spill or leakage adversely affects, or is likely to adversely
affect, a person’s health, the incident needs to be notified to the Chief Executive. (See
the Notifiable Incidents section below).
Pest control advice
PMTs must provide the pest control advice (‘the advice’) immediately before or
immediately after a pest control activity. This enables the occupier to take any
necessary precautions to manage exposure and avoid adverse health effects on any
people or animals in the premises.
The advice must contain the following information:
• if the PMT is self-employed, the PMT’s name and the name of their PM business
or, if the PMT is employed by a business, the name of the PMT’s employer and the
PM business name,
• the PMT’s licence number,
• the name of each pesticide used (market name) and its active constituent,
• details of where the pesticide was used in the premises (e.g. interior, ceiling/wall
void, exterior, outbuilding and/or surrounds),
• general cautions that should be taken prior to, during and after the pest control
activity,
• the PMT’s signature, and
• the date that the pest control was carried out.
Giving the advice to occupiers or others
The requirements for how and to whom the advice is provided at occupied or
unoccupied premises differ slightly.
Occupied premises
The advice must be personally provided to the person who resides at, or is an occupier
of the premises. If the residents / occupants cannot be located, the advice should be
left in a prior arranged place or in a conspicuous place such as in the mail box or on a
table.
Emailing advice does not meet the current legislative requirements. Relying on others
to provide the necessary advice is also not permitted.
Multiple occupancy residential dwellings
When treating common areas at multiple occupancy residential dwelling, advice has to
be provided to all occupiers. Attempts must be made to give advice to occupiers,
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including when the occupiers are residents / occupants in a unit complex, a mining
donga, rooming accommodation with shared kitchen/living facilities, an age care
facility, a caravan park etc. Where this is not possible, the advice should be clearly
displayed so all residents can be alerted to the pest control work being undertaken.
It is best practice to place a warning sign at all entry and exit points to the common
areas, and on the complex notice board before pesticide application occurs. This
signage should remain in place until the area is safe to use.
Generally, a site representative (e.g. body corporate manager, caretaker, property
manager etc.) will make arrangements for pest management activities to be carried out
on-site. However, the PMT is responsible for providing the advice for the activity
conducted in each area.
Extra practical and reasonable steps should be taken in providing pest control advice to
occupiers with impaired capacity or who have difficulty reading (e.g. language barrier)
to ensure the person is not unknowing adversely impacted by the pest control activity.
Unoccupied properties
When treating a vacant property, the PMT is required to provide pest control advice to
either the owner or the person who requested the activity, such as the property
manager. In these situations, the written advice must be handed directly or posted.
Emailing does not meet the requirements of the law.
Fumigation activities
Fumigants are toxic gases and vapours that can cause serious harm to persons or
animals exposed to them. A fumigation activity involves the use of the gas or vapour
and requires specific skills and work practices. PMTs must comply with the
requirements set out in the Regulation for any fumigation activity. The requirements
are summarised below. Please refer to Part 4 of the Regulation for full details.
Before undertaking the activity
The PMT must:
• give a fumigation notice in writing to the owner / occupier of the premises or the
person who requested the fumigation activity before carrying out the activity
• establish the extent of the risk area
• ensure only authorised persons are in the fumigation space or risk area
• ensure barricades are in place for the fumigation space and risk area to restrict
access
• ensure sufficient danger signs are in place on the barricades for the fumigation
space and risk area, and that the signs can be easily seen by a person
approaching the risk area or fumigation site.
• ensure that potential ignition sources in the fumigation space and risk area are
switched off or extinguished
• ensure that all food and liquids are removed from the area; and
• ensure that all cracks and crevices are sealed to prevent the escape of the
fumigant. Note: This does not apply if the fumigation space is a grain storage
facility and the activity is carried out using a method designed for use in a grain
storage facility that is not sealed.
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During the fumigation activity
Inspection and testing of the fumigation space and the equipment being used to
introduce the fumigant must be carried out during the introduction of the fumigant if
practicable and regularly during the retention period. If a leak or escape of fumigant
from the equipment or space is detected, it must be stopped and the source sealed.
The exception to this relates to fumigation in some types of grain storage facilities.
The PMT must also ensure that:
• barricades remain in place to restrict unauthorised access to the fumigation area
• danger signs remain in place for the entire exposure period
• at least one other person who is at least 18 years of age is present and close
enough to the PMT to see or communicate with the technician, and to assist in
preventing entry to the risk area if it cannot be secured by locking
• there is no smoking of tobacco or other substances
At the end of the fumigation activity
The PMT must:
• release the fumigant safely so as not to endanger a person
• vent the fumigation space, and anything in the space, so that it is free of fumigant
• determine if the fumigant space and risk area are safe to enter; and
• deny access to unauthorised persons until is satisfied that the space or risk area is
safe to enter
Provision of a clearance certificate
• When a PMT believes the fumigation space is safe to enter, the PMT must give the
person who requested the fumigation activity a clearance certificate.
• The clearance certificate is a certificate signed and dated by a PMT (not
necessarily the PMT who started the fumigation activity) and must state the
information contained in section 27(3) of the Regulation, including a statement that
the fumigation space is safe for entry.
• The PMT, or if the PMT is employed or otherwise engaged by a person who carries
on a business that provides the relevant fumigation activity, the person must keep a
copy of the clearance certificate for at least two years after the day the certificate
was given.
Record-keeping
Details of the PM activity are to be recorded not later than 24 hours after the activity is
undertaken. The records must be kept by the responsible person for a period of at
least two years. The responsible person must not include in the record or certificate
any information the person knows is false, misleading or incomplete. It is an offence to
knowingly make a false or misleading record.
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Details to be recorded
The responsible person must make the record of the following details about the PM
activity:
• the date the activity was carried out
• the address of the premises
• a description of the premises or place e.g. factory, office residence
• name and contact details of the owner, occupier or other person contracting the
activity
• name and licence number of the PMT who carried out the activity
• name and strength used of each pesticide, and the quality used
• the rate of application for the fumigant or for the pesticide if, in carrying out the
activity, it is used for timber pests
Note: Some PMTs may be providing clients with documentation that combines
elements of business administration, pest control advice and record keeping.
While there may be similarities, the responsible person must ensure that all of
the information requirements for both the pest control advice and record
keeping are met.
Records of termite treatments
The Australian Standard AS 3660 Termite Management requires a person who installs
termite barriers for new buildings and new extensions or undertakes termite treatments
for existing buildings to give the person who requested the work a certificate containing
specified details.
A PMT who performs a termite treatment and issues a Certificate of Installation in
accordance with AS 3660.1 or a Certificate of Termite Treatment in accordance with
AS 3660.2 is considered to have made a record of the pest management activity that
complies with the record keeping requirements.
Notifiable incidents
A PMT must notify Queensland Health of any notifiable incidents that occur while
carrying out or supervising a pest management activity.
A notifiable incident means an exposure, spillage or other release of a pesticide or
fumigant that adversely affects, or is likely to adversely affect, the health of a person.
Examples of notifiable incidents include:
• accidental exposure of a resident to a pesticide during its application
• accidental exposure of a person to a fumigant
Notifiable incidents must be:
• reported immediately, either orally or in writing.
• if reported orally – put into writing within seven (7) days from when the incident
occurred.
The notification must include the details about the incident including:
• the PMT’s name, licence number and business name (if applicable),
• the date, time and location of the incident,
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• the pesticide or fumigant involved in the incident including active constituents,
concentration and volume
• names of persons exposed, their symptoms and any first aid or medical treatment
required
• a brief description of what occurred, and
• actions taken to remedy the situation, e.g. how the spill was cleaned up
Verbal notifications can be made to the:
• Environmental Hazards Unit of the Health Protection Branch on (07) 3328 9310, or
• Environmental Health section of a HHSPHU.
Written notifications can be made via:
• a letter, or
• the form, “Notice to the Chief Executive – Notifiable Incident” – available on the
Queensland Health website at:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/public-
health/industry-environment/pest-management/notifiable-incident-notice.pdf
Written notifications must be forwarded to a HHSPHU or posted to:
• Chief Executive
c/o Environmental Hazards Unit
Queensland Health
PO Box 2368
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
The incident may be investigated by the HHSPHU.
Other requirements
Advertising or holding out
A person must not advertise or hold out that they carry out a pest management activity
when the person is not licensed to do so. However, a person may advertise or hold out
that they carry on a business of providing a pest management activity as long as they
employ a licensed PMT to perform the activity they are licensed for.
Permitting or requiring another person to carry out pest
management activities
A PMT, or a business that provides pest management activities, must not allow or
require a person to carry out a pest management activity unless the person is a:
• licensed PMT or
• trainee PMT who is properly supervised when carrying out the activity.
Supervising trainees
If a PMT or a person who carries on a pest management business employs a trainee,
they must ensure the trainee is properly supervised by a licensed PMT when carrying
out a pest management activity. The PMT who supervises the trainee must be licensed
for the pest management activity the trainee is undertaking.
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Supervision of a trainee by a PMT may be direct or indirect depending on the nature of
the work delegated. Direct supervision is when the supervising PMT is actually
present, observes, works with and directs the trainee. Indirect supervision is when the
supervising PMT works in the same premises as the trainee but does not constantly
observe the trainee’s activities.
The supervising PMT must be personally present and physically accessible at all times.
(Note: accessible does not mean solely through the use of communication devices
such as a mobile phone.)
Respiratory protection
Any respiratory protective device used by a PMT or trainee in the course of a pest
management activity must comply with the current versions of the following Australian
Standards:
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices,
and
• AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices
Compliance & enforcement
Inspections of sites/premises and vehicles may be carried out by authorised inspectors
to monitor compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulation. These
inspections may be done as part of a local or state-wide compliance activity, a routine
inspection or a complaint investigation.
Inspectors
Inspectors are Environmental Health Officers from a HHSPHU, and are appointed by
the Chief Executive.
Inspectors are responsible for:
• monitoring compliance with conditions of the PMT licence,
• providing advice to PMT licence holders, and
• taking appropriate action when non-compliance by PMTs is detected.
General powers of inspectors
Inspectors are provided with a full range of powers to enable them to administer the Act
and Regulation including the power to:
• enter (including obtaining a warrant),
• search and inspect places of business,
• stop, inspect and search motor vehicles,
• seize and secure evidence,
• obtain information and samples for analysis,
• require the production of any document issued or required to be kept under the Act.
This includes a pest management technician’s licence, records and clearance
certificates, issue compliance notices, take copies of documents, and
• issue Prescribed Infringement Notices (PINs) or take other enforcement action.
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If an inspector believes that something in or on a vehicle will provide evidence of an
offence against the Act or regulation, the inspector can:
• ask or signal the person in charge of the vehicle to stop,
• enter the vehicle with the driver’s consent or with a warrant, or
• direct that the vehicle be not moved or moved to another location.
An inspector must produce or display their photographic identity card before exercising
any power under the Act.
Enforcement action options
If an inspector finds non-compliance with the Act or Regulation, the inspector has a
number of enforcement action options they can take, depending on the seriousness of
the non-compliance. Options include:
• providing advice and education
• issuing a warning letter
• issuing a Prescribed Infringement Notice (PIN)
• issuing a compliance notice
• prosecution
• cancellation of the PMT’s licence
A PIN is a notice issued under Part 3 of the State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999,
advising that a breach of the Act has occurred (usually a minor breach). It provides the
alleged offender with the opportunity to pay the penalty in full or to elect to have the
matter heard by a Court.
Offences
The Act and Regulation contain a number of offences and penalties. Some offences
carry a penalty of up to a maximum of 1000 penalty units. Examples of offences
include:
• carrying out a pest management activity without a licence
• advertising or holding out as a PMT if unlicensed
• failing to properly supervise a trainee PMT
• obstructing an inspector
• failing to comply with an inspector’s direction
A full list of offences and associated penalties under the Act and Regulation is
contained in Appendix 4.
Other legislative requirements
As well as the requirements under the pest management legislation, PMTs must also
be aware of and comply with other legislative requirements that apply in Queensland.
Please refer to Appendix 6 for links to relevant websites.
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Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority
All agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals, including pesticides, must be
registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
The APVMA approves the use of an agvet chemical for a particular purpose/s as well
as the product’s labels.
Only APVMA approved agvet products can be used in Australia. Any agvet product
(and its labelling) from overseas has to be approved by the APVMA before it can be
used in Australia. Products available online from other countries may have different
formulations and labelling, and therefore may not meet standards.
Depending on the scheduling, pesticides may be available to the public through
agricultural product suppliers, supermarkets and hardware and garden supply stores.
Some products are restricted for sale only to persons who use them in their occupation.
The APVMA maintains a database, Public Chemical Registration Information System
(PUBCRIS), which contains details of all registered pesticides including copies of
product labels. The database can be found at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris
Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996
In addition to administering the Act, Queensland Health is also responsible for the
Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (HDPR) which contains the controls for
poisons including access, labels, storage, disposal, records, sale, and advertising.
These requirements also apply to PMTs. For example, under the HDPR, a PMT may
obtain and use a Schedule 7 dangerous poison but they are not permitted to sell or
otherwise supply the poison to an unlicensed person.
Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control
Act 1988
The Chemical Usage (Agriculture and Veterinary) Control Act 1988, administered by
Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, requires pesticides
to be used in accordance with the product label.
Queensland Health has reflected this requirement as a condition of a PMT licence to
support appropriate pesticide use.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission
Regulation 2003
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2003,
administered by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC),
describes the requirements to be met to issue the licence class Termite Management
Chemical. This is completely separate from a PMT licence.
The below activities are licensable activities that are regulated by the QBCC and are
not covered by a PMT licence:
• Carrying out pre-slab and perimeter chemical treatments of new building work for
termite management
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• Inspecting or investigating a completed building and providing a report or advice
about termite infestation of the building or termite management systems for the
building
• Installation of a particular material or system designed for the prevention of termite
infestation in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification or any other
applicable standard
• Inspecting or investigating a completed building and give advice or a report about
the use of the particular material or system for the building
Generally, if the PMT is an employee of a business providing a timber pest
management service including inspection and advice, the PMT does not require a
QBCC contractor licence as the business owner or company director would hold a
contractor licence.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation
2011 provide the legal framework to protect workers in the workplace. This is
administered by WorkCover Queensland.
While the PM Regulation prescribes certain requirements for vehicles, chemical
storage, containers, and labelling, PMTs must also ensure that any requirements under
the Queensland Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and subordinate legislation are also
met. For example, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each chemical must be kept and
readily accessible where the chemical is being used, suitable personal protective
equipment must be worn, chemicals must be stored and transported appropriately
including in vehicles.
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Appendix 1: Key Contacts
• Senior Licensing Officer, Health Protection Branch, Queensland Health
Lodging and enquiries about licence applications.
Phone (07) 3328 9310
• Hospital and Health Services Public Health Units (HHSPHU)
Enquiries about compliance with licence requirements, interpreting the Act and the
Regulation are to be obtained from your local Public Health Unit (Environmental
Health section). Public Health Units contact details can also be accessed from the
Queensland Health webpage:
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-
governance/contact-us/contact/public-health-units/default.asp
• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
Phone: 02 6210 4701
Email: enquiries@apvma.gov.au
Website: www.apvma.gov.au
• Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Issues or complaints in relation to the quality of training offered by a RTO can be made to
the Australian Skills Quality Authority:
Phone: 1300 701 801
Email: enquiries@asqa.gov.au
Website: www.asqa.gov.au\
• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Phone: 137 468
Email: inf[email protected].gov.au
Website: https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/
• Poisons Information Centre
Phone: 131 126
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/PoisonsInformationCentre
• Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
Phone: 139 333
Website: http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/contact-us
• Queensland Department of Education and Training (DET)
Phone: 1800 210 210
Website: http://deta.qld.gov.au
• WorkCover Queensland
Phone: 1300 362 128
Website: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/
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Appendix 2: Dictionary
For the purposes of this guide, the following definitions apply:
Term Definition Interpretation
Agricultural chemical
product
Meaning given by the Agvet Code of Queensland,
section 4.
Agvet Code of
Queensland
The provisions applying because of section 5 of the
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Queensland)
Act 1994.
Chief Executive
The Chief Executive of Queensland Health.
Danger Sign
A sign required under the regulation which must be
on a white background, contain the name of the
pest management technician or details of the owner
of the pest management business, a contact phone
number for the technician/business, and include the
following works in red letters of not less than 50 mm
in height:
DANGER
KEEP OUT
FU MIGATION IN PROGRESS
WITH (name of fumigant)
For further guidance on the
design and layout see:
Australian Standard 2476-
2008 General Fumigation
Procedures (Appendix B)
Fumigant
A substance capable of producing a gas or vapour
that is ordinarily used in a gaseous or vaporous
state to kill a pest or sterilise grain or seed to
prevent germination.
Fumigation activity
Preparing a fumigant for use including measuring,
mixing or weighing or using a fumigant to kill a pest
or sterilise grain or seed to prevent germination.
Household pesticide
Ordinarily used for household use and ordinarily
available for purchase in a retail store where
groceries are sold and packaged in a way the
pesticide is ordinarily available in a store.
A spray pack or pesticide
available for purchase at a
supermarket.
Inspector
A person appointed under section 55 of the Act.
Occupier
(a) a person in actual occupation of the places or a
part of the place;
(b) a person who employs another person in, or in
connection with, the business conducted in the
place; or
(c) a principal, agent, manger, supervisor or other
person involved, or apparently involved, in the
management or control of the place or a business
conducted in the place.
For example, an owner,
resident of a place or a
principal occupant of a
business in the place.
Pest control activity
Preparing a pesticide for use, including measuring,
mixing or weighing the pesticide or using the
pesticide to kill, stupefy or repel a pest; or inhibit the
feeding of a pest; or modify the physiology of a pest
to alter its development or reproductive capacity.
Any activity involving the use
of a pesticide to control pests.
Pesticide
A chemical or biological entity that is ordinarily used
to kill, stupefy or repel a pest; or inhibit the feeding
of a pest; or modify the physiology of a pest to alter
its development or reproductive capacity.
A chemical or living thing that
is used to control pests. An
example of a biological entity
or living thing is the use of
Bacillus thuringiensis, a
bacterium used for the control
of mosquito larvae. Pesticide
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also includes the terms
insecticide, rodenticide,
arachnicide, pulicide.
Pest management
activity
A fumigation activity or pest control activity.
Pest management
technician
An individual who holds a licence issued under the
Act.
Formerly a pest control
operator or fumigator.
Pest Management
Technician’s Licence
A licence granted under the Act.
Place
Includes premises and vacant land.
Premises
Premises includes –
(a) a building or other structure; and
(b) a part of a building or other structure; and
(c) land where a building or other structure is
situated; and
(d) aircraft, motor vehicle or ship.
Properly supervised
in relation to the carrying out of a pest management
activity by a trainee, means the trainee carries out
the pest management activity under the supervision
of a
pest management technician who—
• is authorised to carry out the activity under the
technician’s licence; and
• is personally present with the trainee at all
times while the trainee carries out the pest
management activity; and
• ensures the trainee carries out the pest
management activity under any requirements,
relevant to the trainee, prescribed under a
regulation.
Recordable activity
A fumigation activity that is using a fumigant; or
A pest control activity that is using a pesticide.
Relevant person
For a relevant fumigation activity carried out by a
pest management technician employed by another
person carrying on a business that provides a pest
management activity –
(a) the person who employs the technician; or
(b) otherwise, the pest management technician who
carries out a relevant fumigation activity.
(a) the employer of a pest
management technician or
technicians.
(b) the self-employed
technician
Responsible person
For a recordable activity means -
(a) if the activity is carried out by a trainee – the
person who employees the trainee; or
(b) If the activity is carried out by a PMT employed
by another person carrying on a business that
provides a pest management activity – the person
who employs the technician; or
(c) Otherwise – the PMT who carries out the activity.
Safety Data Sheet
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document
that provides information on hazardous chemicals
and how they affect the health and safety in the
workplace.
Site environment
A particular or type of place.
Trainee
An individual who is 17 years or more and being
trained to enable the individual to obtain a pest
management qualification.
The trainee would be currently
enrolled with a RTO in a pest
management training course.
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Appendix 3: Pest management activities guide
This guide provides clarification on the types of activities that require a pest
management technician (PMT) licence under the Pest Management Act 2001
Activity Where Who Licence
required?
Using pesticides inside or outside a
premise (including gardens, yards
etc.) to treat pests as part of a
business activity.
Domestic or
commercial
premises
PMT, carpet
cleaners, home
handy man, lawn
maintenance
Yes
Using household pesticides
(pesticides that are sold at a
grocery store) to treat pests inside
or outside a premise as part of a
business activity.
Domestic or
commercial
premises
PMT, home handy
man, carpet
cleaner, cleaners,
garden
maintenance
people
Yes
Using household pesticides to treat
pests inside or outside the house
you occupy.
Domestic premises Home owner,
home occupier
No
Using household pesticides to treat
a property you own and rent when it
is not occupied.
Domestic premises Home owner No
Using household pesticides to treat
a property you own and rent when it
is occupied.
Domestic premises Home owner Yes
Using household pesticides to treat
a food store for pests.
Commercial
premises
Store owner, store
staff
No
Using pesticides to treat a food
store for pests (e.g. purchased from
hardware stores)
Commercial
premises
Store owner, store
staff
Yes
Using pesticides to treat a lawn for
grub or beetle infestation.
Domestic premises Lawn care
specialist, handy
man, gardener
Yes
Using pesticides for the treatment
and care of the growing of plants at
a sporting ground or place used for
recreation, such as a park.
Football oval,
council park,
bowling green
Groundsman,
bowls club green
keeper
No*
Using pesticides for the treating of
plants for insect infestation, such as
aphids.
Domestic or
commercial
premises
Lawn care
specialist, handy
man, gardener
Yes
Using pesticides for treating
animals for fleas.
Domestic premises Pet owner, pet
grooming
business, handy
man
No
Using pesticides to treat seeds or
grains for animal food.
Farm, grain
packaging or
storage facility
Farmer,
maintenance staff
No
Using an agricultural chemical
product (approved under the
Section 4 of the Queensland Agvet
Code) for aerial application.
Farm, forest Commercial pilot,
farmer
No*
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Using pesticides in primary
production (means the production,
storage, or preparation for the
marketing or export, of agriculture
or horticulture products).
Primary production
farm
PMT, farmer, farm
worker, nursery
worker
No*
Using pesticides to preserve timber
on a commercial basis as an
Environmentally Relevant Activity
under the Environment Protection
Act 1994.
Wood preservation
facility
PMT, wood
preservation plant
staff
No
*There may be other licence requirements by other government agencies such as Biosecurity
Queensland.
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Appendix 4: Units of Competency
Units of Competency required for each type of pest management activity
Type of pest management
activity
Unit of
Competence
Title of Unit of Competency
Pest control activity
(activities excluding
activities for timber pests)
(superseded competencies)
CPPPMT3005
CPPPMT3006
CPPPMT3018
Modify environment to manage pests
Apply pesticides to manage pests
Maintain equipment and chemical storage areas
PRMPM05
PRMPM06
PRMPM18
Modify environment to manage pests
Apply pesticide to manage pests
Maintain an equipment and consumables storage
area
Pest control activity
(activities including
activities for timber pests)
(superseded competencies)
CPPPMT3005
CPPPMT3006
CPPPMT3008
CPPPMT3010
CPPPMT3018
Modify environment to manage pests
Apply pesticides to manage pests
Inspect and report on timber pests
Control timber pests
Maintain equipment and chemical storage areas
PRMPM05
PRMPM06
PRMPM08
PRMPM10
PRMPM18
Modify environment to manage pests
Apply pesticide to manage pests
Inspect and report on timber pests
Control timber pests
Maintain an equipment and consumables storage
area
Fumigation activity
Competencies plus a
Declaration of assessment
for fumigation site
environments
CPPPMT3011
OR
Conduct fumigation
PRMPM11 Conduct fumigation (also known by its former
name – Eradicate pests through fumigation)
Important note: From time to time, national training packages are reviewed and
endorsed by the National Skills Standards Council and training packages (and names
and codes of units of competency) may change.
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Appendix 5: Offences
Pest Management Act 2001
Section Description Maximum penalty units
11 Requirement for licensing 1000
27 Contravention of condition of licence 200
39 Varied licence to be produced 10
42 Surrender of licence 10
48 Failure to return of cancelled/suspended licence 10
51 Pest management technician must not permit or require
another person to carry out a pest management activity.
1000
52 Failure to supervise a trainee 200
54 Noticed of change in circumstances 10
61 Return of identity card 10
68 Complying with an inspector’s direction 50
70 Failure to help inspector 50
71 Failure to give information 50
75 Tampering with seized thing 100
76 Powers to support seizure 50
84 Failure to give name or address 50
86 Failure to produce document 50
87 Failure to certify copy of document 50
88 Power to require information 50
89 Compliance notice 100
92 False or misleading statements 50
93 False or misleading documents 50
94 Obstructing inspector 100
95 Impersonation of an inspector 50
96 Notifiable incidents 50
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Pest Management Regulation 2003
Section Description Maximum penalty units
7 Requirements about containers 20
8 Labelling of containers 20
8A Possession of incorrectly labelled container 20
9 Disposal of containers 20
10 Storage of fumigants or pesticides 20
11 Dealing with leakages or escapes 20
12 Disposal of fumigants or pesticides 20
13 Information to be given to occupiers or others 20
14 Records of use of fumigants or pesticides 20
15 Records of use for certain treatments for termites 20
16 Requirements about motor vehicles 20
17 Requirements about the use of respiratory protective devices 20
18 Establishing risk area 20
19 Inspecting before fumigating 20
20 Notifying persons about relevant fumigant activity 20
21 Barricades to be erected 20
22 Danger signs to be displayed 20
23 Interfering with barricades or danger signs 20
24 Inspecting and testing during fumigation 20
25 Releasing fumigant and venting fumigation space 20
26 Re-entering fumigation space 20
27 Clearance certificate 20
28 Other person to be near technician 20
29 Smoking prohibited 20
Current penalty unit rates in Queensland can be found
https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/types-of-crime/sentencing-fines-and-
penalties-for-offences/
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Appendix 6: Relevant Legislation, Standards and
Resources
• The Pest Management Act 2001 and Pest Management Regulation 2003 govern
the regulation of pest management technicians, pest control activities and
fumigation activities in Queensland. The legislation can be accessed electronically
from the Queensland legislation webpage at:
www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SLs/Acts_SL_P.htm
• Template forms, newsletters, reports, guidelines, related websites and other
information relating to poisons and pest management in Queensland can be
accessed through the Queensland Health webpage:
www.health.qld.gov.au/industry/poisons_pest
• The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP)
includes the classification of medicines and chemicals into Schedules for inclusion
in relevant legislation of the states and territories of Australia and is located on the
Therapeutic Goods Administration webpage at:
https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/poisons-standard-susmp
• The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) maintain a
database, Public Chemical Registration Information System (PUBCRIS), which
contains details of all registered pesticides including copies of product labels. All
agricultural and veterinary chemicals, which include pesticides, must be registered
by APVMA. The authority also approves all labels used on pesticide containers.
Their database can be located at: https://portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris
• The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) regulates the
building industry throughout Queensland, and issues licences that allow persons
(PMTs) with the appropriate qualifications to carry out termite management work.
For more information, refer to their website: http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
• Workplace health and safety information, Codes of Practice and links to WHS
legislation can be found on the WorkCover webpage:
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/
• Australian Standards are available for purchase and downloading / ordering at
https://infostore.saiglobal.com/
.