Application for site fumigation approval

Step 1 - complete the application form and checklist

Complete the:

• Application form: approval for a fumigation site (PDF 851KB)
• Application submission checklist (PDF 45KB)

All required information must be submitted completed with the application, otherwise this will delay the overall assessment and approval time for your application.

Assessment of applications that are submitted to the Department of Health will not start until all required information is submitted.

Each site requires a separate application form.

Step 2 - lodge application with the Department of Health

Once the application form, checklist, regulatory authority’s confirmation of support and all necessary documentation are ready, you can lodge to the department by:

• Email (preferred option) documents to doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au. If the files are larger than 20MB you will need to send them using multiple emails.
• Hard copies can be posted to:
  Department of Health 
  Environmental Health 
  Chemical Hazards Unit
  PO Box 8172
  Perth Business Centre WA 6849

The site fumigation application submission checklist (PDF 45KB) outlines the information that must be submitted.

Information to attach with your submission includes:

• confirmation that all qualified people are trained in:
  • first aid training including CPR
  • fumigation procedures
  • emergency procedures for the site including those set out in the safety data sheet
  • fitted and trained in the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• detailed site maps, figures, and plans that are included with all measurements in standard metres, centimetres, millimetres
• an application form, reviewed and signed by all affected parties including the company’s person in control of the business workplace’s CEO or managing director and site manager or OHS manager
• a site-specific detailed fumigation risk assessment has been completed and documented
• a site-specific detailed fumigation plan has been completed and documented
• a site-specific detailed fumigation emergency management plan has been completed and documented
• approval or support of other mandatory regulatory authorities such as port authority or local government for the fumigation activity in their town planning scheme
• a minor use permit has been obtained from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for trials, research or approved off-label use may be included
• a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Biosecurity Direction may be included.

An authorised officer from the Environmental Health Directorate will review your completed fumigation site application against the requirements of the Health (Pesticide) Regulations 2011 (external site).

A report with a recommendation to approve or refuse the application will be prepared for the Chief Health Officer.

Approval may be provided for:

• a single fumigation event
• for a specified time
• until revoked

Specific conditions may be applied to the approval. These conditions must be met prior to all fumigation activities at the site.

The department will notify the applicant once approval is provided.

Timeframe for assessment and approval of site fumigation activities

It usually takes up to 30 business days to assess your completed application. Processing times may be longer if: 

• the required information is missing
• the information provided is incomplete or unclear
• additional information is needed to assess the application

If we need more information, we will contact you. The assessment of your application will be paused until the requested information is received.

Therefore, it is important you take the time to submit a completed application to reduce delays. 

Applications are assessed in the order they are received. We cannot fast-track or prioritise individual applications.

Before starting any fumigation, a licensed technician must:

• complete a risk assessment
• identify any potential risks
• take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise those risks

An overview of the risk assessment process is outlined in:

• section 6 of the Guideline for fumigations by a registered pest management business (PDF 250KB)
• Fumigation approvals – undertaking a risk assessment and control of risks (PDF 305KB) 

The risk assessment must be completed first to inform the development of a fumigation plan.

Site specific risk assessments

Risk assessments must be based on the specific conditions and hazards at each fumigation site.

A separate risk assessment should be completed for every fumigation site and should:

• identify site-specific hazards and risks
• consider potential impacts on people, environment, property and infrastructure
• describe the control measures that will be used to manage those risks

The risk assessment can be:

• a standalone document
• incorporated into the fumigation plan for a site

Supporting information

You should include all relevant risk management information in your application documents. This information must be clearly shown on any maps or site drawings provided.

A risk management is an ongoing process. Fumigation management plan, risk assessments and emergency management plans should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever site conditions change or new risks are identified.

A separate fumigation plan must be completed for each fumigation site.

The plan must include information outlined in section 5 of the Guideline for fumigations by a registered pest management business (PDF 250KB), including:

• roles and responsibilities
• items to be fumigated
• details of the fumigants to be used
• the location of fumigation site

Existing workplace procedures that form part of the fumigation process (such as a permit to work systems, site emergency procedures, and other safe operating procedure) should be referenced in the fumigation plan and part of relevant induction and training activities.

Emergency procedures must address incidents that occur:

• within the fumigation exclusion area
• outside the exclusion area
• where emergency ventilation of the enclosure may be required.

The emergency management plan should be specific to the fumigation activity and the hazards associated with the site. Existing site emergency plans, permit-to-work systems and emergency response procedures may be incorporated or referenced where appropriate.

The emergency management plan should clearly define:

• roles and responsibilities during an emergency
• when the fumigator in charge acts as the incident controller
• the circumstances in which responsibility is transferred to qualified person assisting the fumigator in charge, site management or emergency services
• how the transfer of control will occur if an incident extends beyond the boundaries of the fumigation area
• emergency response actions for foreseeable incidents.

Suitable emergency communication equipment, such as 2-way radios, should be available, tested and maintained to ensure reliable operation during an emergency.

The emergency management plan should also include current contact details for:

• site emergency response personnel
• fire and emergency services
• local hospitals
• police
• relevant utility providers, where applicable
• any other organisations that may be required to assist during an emergency response.

Emergency procedures should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are changes to site conditions, personnel, communication arrangements or emergency contacts.

Refer to section 9 of the Guideline for fumigations by a registered pest management business (PDF 250KB).

Fumigation activities must also comply with relevant workplace health and safety legislation, including requirements for risk assessment, hazard control and health surveillance when working with hazardous substances.

Before conducting a fumigation, ensure you understand and meet all applicable workplace health and safety obligations in addition to the requirements outlined in these guidelines.

Further information is available from the WorkSafe website (external link).

If you need to make changes to a current approved fumigation site within its approval period, you will need to re-submit your updated application form: application to amend an approved fumigation site (PDF 851KB) and highlight details of the changes you are proposing.

The application to amend an approved current fumigation site form must be submitted within its approval period, if any of the following occur:

• if there are changes to the approved fumigation site, risk area, exclusion area, chemical store’s location, and dimensions
• the addition of a new fumigation site within the company’s property. Details of the new fumigation site must be provided in relation to the existing approved site
• if there are changes to the workplace’s property boundary due to subdivision, co-located businesses, that impact on the fumigation site, risk area or exclusion area
• if there is a proposed addition of a fumigant and method of treatment
• there are new developments or changes to neighboring properties that may impact the fumigation site. This includes nearby neighbours, residents, businesses, care facilities, schools and other educational facilities, public open spaces, community facilities, and other sensitive activities where the public may be at risk.

Make sure the amendments are highlighted and include all supporting documents.

• A formal notification to the regulatory authority informing them of the proposed changes
• Section 1a Workplace details including physical location
• Section 5 Workplace declaration will need to be signed and dated to confirm the changes
• Section 6 Applicant declaration – pest management business will need to be signed and dated to confirm the changes.

If you need further advice email doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au.

An authorised officer can request to see records at any time. These may include

• site specific risk assessment
• fumigation plan
• emergency response procedures
• any related workplace procedures, safe systems of work or other documents relevant to the fumigation activity
• records of current and completed fumigations 
• clearance certificates
• training records
• employment records

It is expected that these records will be kept for a minimum of 3 years. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

How long will it take to process a fumigation site application?

It usually takes up to 30 business days to assess your application. Processing times commences when all required information is received. So, ensure your completed application has the following:

• the information provided is clear and completed
• the required information is attached
• additional supporting information needed to assess the application is included.

We will contact you if we need more information. The assessment of your application will be paused until the requested information is received.

Applications are assessed in the order they are received. We cannot fast-track or prioritise individual applications.

Can I track progress of my fumigation site application? 

There is no online tracking system available. An assigned officer will make direct contact with the applicant once the application has been allocated to provide updates or request any further information if required.

What are the fees?

There are currently no fees associated with submitting an application.

What if I forgot to attach or include relevant information to my application?

If you need to provide additional documents or information to support your application, please email to doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au and include your pest management business name or registration number plus the workplace’s name and physical address.

Content of the email has a maximum limit of less than 20MB per email.

Can I change the plan after I have lodged the application?

Email doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au before considering any changes.

Small variations to applications may be acceptable and will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Significant changes to the application will need to be provided before assessment commences. Significant changes will increase the assessment timeframes.

Can I cancel my application if I change my mind?

Yes, you can cancel your application at any stage before the fumigation site is granted by the Department of Health’s Chief Health Officer. Email doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au to cancel your application.

Can I start fumigation before I get an approval?

No. It is an offence to commence fumigation before approval from the Department of Health. Penalties apply. 

Can I fumigate at a site, which is approved for fumigation by another pest management business?

No. Fumigation site approvals are not transferrable from one pest management business to another pest management business.

Can I revoke my fumigation services to a workplace?

Yes. You can revoke your pest management business’ fumigation services to a workplace at any time during the approval period. Email doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au.

A workplace’s chief executive officer or managing director can send an email to doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au to inform the Department of Health that a fumigation service is no longer required.  

Fumigation guidelines:

• Guideline for fumigations by a registered pest management business (PDF 710KB)
• Fumigation approvals - assessment and control of risks (PDF 305KB)

Site fumigation application form and submission checklist:

• Application form: approval for a fumigation site (PDF 851KB)
• Application submission checklist (PDF 45KB) 

For further questions about the application process email doh.chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au.