Pesticide registration and use
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) register pesticides in Australia. Each pesticide must be registered and have an approved APVMA label. The label must provide instructions on how to use the pesticide safely and effectively. Pesticide use is administered by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) under the Pesticide Act 1999 and Pesticides Regulation 2009.
New work health and safety laws
New work health and safety laws commence 1 January 2012.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place in NSW to support businesses, industry and workers move to this new system.
Check the transitional arrangements to see if they apply to your work.
Note: This page is currently being updated to include the changes required under the new WHS laws.
Certificates of competency
The occupational use of pesticides and fumigants in NSW requires a pest management technician or fumigation certificate of competency respectively. These are issued to individuals with a relevant qualification or statement of attainment issued in accordance with the National standard for licensing pest management technicians.
A pest management technician certificate of competency allows the application of pesticides to control pests within the meaning of the Pesticides Act 1999. This includes herbicides, bactericides, baits, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, repellents and chemicals used for the control of animal ectoparasites.
The fumigation certificate of competency allows the use of fumigants such as:
- methyl bromide
- aluminium phosphide
- ethylene oxide (except single dose canisters)
- ethylene dichloride
- carbon disulphide
- chloropicrin
- hydrogen cyanide.
Applying for a certificate of competency
To apply for a pest management or fumigation certificate of competency you must:
Lodge your completed application form and all required documents at your local WorkCover office or send it to WorkCover NSW, Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow NSW 2252.
A pest management and fumigation certificate of competency is valid for 5 years and costs $40 (GST free).
If you have a current pest management and/or fumigation licence issued in another state or territory, complete the Mutual recognition registration: Application for recognition in an equivalent occupation - MR1 form.
Exceptions and exemptions for agriculture
A certificate of competency is not required to use or apply aluminium phosphide tablets, chloropicrin and pesticides in agriculture. The code of practice, Chemicals (including herbicides and pesticides) in agriculture: safe use and storage applies to the safe use and storage of chemicals in all types of agricultural work.
Note: agriculture includes horticulture, growing fruit or vegetables and the use of land for animal husbandry such as keeping or breeding livestock, poultry or bees.
Pesticide records and notification requirements
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) requires agricultural, occupational and business users to keep records of their pesticide use and to notify certain clients of intended pesticide application or treatment. For more information about these requirements, contact DECCW on 131 555.
Call 13 10 50 for more information about pest management and fumigation.