As of September 26, 2022, amendments under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 have redefined the requirements for pest management activities in these locations. Download the High-risk or sensitive places here.
Understanding High-Risk and Sensitive Places
High-risk places, encompassing food processing, and manufacturing, including but not limited to; canneries, breweries, food manufacturing, baked goods factories, produce packing sheds, and raw food distribution centres.
Sensitive places, where stringent pest control measures are crucial, include buildings used for aged care, childcare, schooling, or healthcare purposes. This category covers nursing homes, primary/secondary schools, childcare centres, hospitals with inpatient services, and healthcare places where patients stay during treatment.
Key Regulatory Changes
The pivotal change involves the requirement for an Activity Risk Management Plan (ARMP) to be prepared by an endorsed technician who advises on pest management options suitable for such sites. The prepared ARMP ensures that foreseeable risks are identified and effectively managed.
Activity Risk Management Plan (ARMP)
The ARMP begins with a thorough risk identification process, targeting specific pest species and vulnerable areas. Health, safety, and compliance risks are meticulously assessed, considering disease spread, product contamination, and regulatory compliance.
The ARMP focuses on preventive measures, sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and implementing effective waste management. Ongoing monitoring, detection strategies, and response protocols are established and clear action plans for pest sightings. Communication and training ensure staff readiness, and robust record-keeping facilitates trend analysis and continuous improvement.
Contingency planning addresses emergency responses, collaborating with pest control experts for specialised assistance. Periodic reviews maintain the plan's relevance, effectiveness, and adaptability to emerging challenges. The ARMP is a dynamic and proactive strategy, guaranteeing a safe, compliant, and pest-free environment in high-risk facilities.
Determining Applicability
It is essential to discern whether these changes apply to your establishment. The focus is on places with the potential to impact a significant number of people, excluding smaller entities like cafes, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. Queensland Health provides an extensive online list to help you determine if your site falls under the high-risk or sensitive category. Even though you may not be explicitly listed, your high level requirements and internal standards may determine that an ARMP is the best approach for your site.
CDI Pest Management's Endorsement
CDI Pest Management is at the forefront of compliance with these regulatory changes. We are endorsed to operate in high-risk or sensitive places, reflecting our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of everyone. Our technicians possess the necessary competencies to carry out pest management activities safely in these specialised environments.
If your operations falls under these regulatory amendments, it is crucial to ensure compliance. CDI Pest Management is here to assist you in navigating these changes seamlessly. Feel free to contact us at 1300 737 826 for any inquiries or assistance you may require.
Conclusion
The health and well-being of all individuals remain our top priority. CDI Pest Management is well-equipped to provide safe and effective pest treatment solutions across all environments, including high-risk or sensitive places. Stay compliant with the updated regulations, and if you have any concerns or need assistance, reach out to us – your trusted partner in pest management.
