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ACTIVITY: Pest Management–Termite & Ant Eradication / SWMS No.:2
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS) - Part 1
Company Name: Prestige Pest Technologies / Address: 550 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, NSW, 2487 / ABN: 63 561 994 308
Company Contact: Gillian Middlebrook / Position: Director / Phone:1300 837 196; 0405 516 367
Project Details
Project: / Insert Photo
Job Address:
Job Description:
Relevant workers must be consulted in the development, approval and communication of this SWMS: / SWMS Approved by Employer/PCBU/Director/Owner:
Print Name
Name: (Include names of workers who were consulted in relation to the development of this SWMS) / Signature: / Job Title: / Date:
Signature:
Date:
Name of Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Company Name:
Date SWMS provided to Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Signature: / Date:
Name of person responsible for ensuring compliance with SWMS: / Signature: / Date:
SWMS Scope
This SWMS covers termite and ant eradication using liquid and dust insecticides (containing hazardous chemicals such as fipronil and formaldehyde) in established premises and soil treatments for new structures.
It does NOT include selection and installation of termite-resistant timbers, building materials and termite management systems in line with the Australian Standard guidelines. This SWMS does not cover pest management, hazardous chemicals, and hazardousmanual tasks in sufficient detail.
Dedicated SWMS should be developed for these tasks, and for any risks not covered in this SWMS.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure all PPE meets relevant Australian Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed.
Foot Protection / Hearing Protection / Eye Protection / Face Protection / Hand Protection / Protective Clothing / Breathing Protection / Sun
Protection
/ / / / / / / Broad brimmed hat, UV rated clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, tinted safety glasses with adequate UV protection)
Long and loose hair must be tied back. Safety footwear (impervious boots), sun protection if required eye/face protection (goggles or safety glasses with side shields) face protection (shield if necessary), hand protection (chemical resistant (nitrile) gloves for liquid, elbow length PVC-coated gloves for dust), cotton coveralls buttoned at neck and wrists, breathing protection (half-face P2, suitable for particulates (dust) and suitable cartridge filter for vapour).
AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment reproduced with permission from SAI Global under licence 1210-c062. Standards may be purchased at
Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Chemicals / Environmental Risks
The effects of pesticides on humans can vary from skin, stomach, eye and lung irritation, to damage to liver, kidneys and nervous system. Symptoms can be mild or severe enough to be fatal and depend on the chemicals used. Main routes of exposure include absorption (skin/eye), inhalation and ingestion (through eating/smoking without washing hands after using).
Health Effects: Studies with laboratory animals have shown this product to be harmful ifswallowed. Ingestion of large doses of Bifenthrin by laboratory animals produced signs of toxicitywhich included clonic convulsions, tremors and bloody nasal discharge. This formulation alsocontains a low level of aromatic hydrocarbons. Inhalation of aromatic hydrocarbon vapours maycause central nervous system depression, dizziness, disturbances in vision and respiratoryirritation. Moderately irritating to the eyes. Contact with the skin may be irritating. Dermalsensitisation may occur.
Organophosphate pesticide is an organic compound, which contains phosphorous.
Note: This usually has the words “anti-cholinesterase compound” or “cholinesterase inhibitor” on thelabel. Organophosphate pesticides exert their health effect by inhibiting enzymes in the nervous system. Health checks may be required.
Environmental Information: The activeingredient, Bifenthrin, degrades at a moderate rate in soils (t½ = 50 to 205 days), and morerapidly on the surface of bare soils (t½ = 7 to 62 days). Bifenthrin is tightly bound in most soilsand has extremely low water solubility. Bifenthrin is highly toxic to aquatic organisms.
Environmental Damage: Contamination of waterways/susceptible crops/ or other sensitive areas.
Hazards - What can cause harm? / Risks - What can happen? / Control Measures to Reduce Risk
Job Step: Planning
Hazards include:
-Confined Space
-Falls on the same level
-Uneven or slippery surface
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - pushing, pulling objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Noise - long term exposure
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Work near a liquid body - chemical, waste etc
-Work outdoors
-Ants & Termites
-Work with general public. / Risks include:
-Entrapment - confined space
-Exposure to toxic/hazardous atmosphere
-Slip, trip, falling over causing injury
-Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
-Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal Disorder
-Deafness, hearing loss
-Hit by a person accidentally
-Assault or threat by a person
-Person/s entering exclusion zone – injured by mobile plant, equipment, chemicals etc on site
-Poisoning
-Allergic reactions
-Single exposure to hazardous chemical/s causing serious illness / death
-Eye or skin injury from chemical splash
-Disease / illness caused by biological contaminants
-Serious injury / death caused by direct contact with chemical substance (chemical burns, poisoning etc)
-Falling objects – being struck / crushed
-Vehicle accident – being run over / struck, or injuries from vehicle accident
-Ant bites. / Consultation in relation to hazards and risks. Ensure:
-Consult with the person you are carrying out the work for on the potential hazards and risks associated with the task
-If represented by an elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR), they must be included in any consultation
-Any other persons on site who are affected by the same matter are consulted and co-operative arrangements are made
-Document consultation and action items.
Liaise with Principal Contractor to establish that the following on-site systems and procedures are in place:
-Health and Safety rules
-Induction for all workers – site specific
-Supervisory arrangements
-Communication
-Injury reporting
-Hazard reporting
-Personal Protective Equipment
-Exclusion Zones
-Risk Assessments
-SWMS and JSA’s.
-Site plans - showing no go zones for pedestrians
-Traffic Management plants.
Ensure workers hold current licences for Pest Control tasks as required by State Regulator. Check with your State to determine licensing requirements. There are differing levels of licences, certifications and training required depending on tasks to be performed in regard to Pest Control and Pest Management.
For existing premises:
-Liaise with resident
-Ensure persons and pets are removed from residence
-Inform resident when they are safe to return
-Ensure neighbours in close proximity are informed of work and any hazards that may arise from work
-Establish and maintain exclusion zone at premises for duration of work (physical barricades, caution signs, etc)
-Determine presence of hazardous materials before work commences (asbestos, lead etc)
-Determine location and condition of cables/pipes behind walls for indoor treatments (wall foaming).
Determine location of underground utilities. Contact ‘Dial before you Dig’ and use locating equipment where required.
Use only approved pesticides (APVMA – Australian Pesticides and Vet Medicines Authority).
Use low volatile/low toxic alternatives whenever possible. Avoid insecticides containing organophosphates (medical surveillance will be required for these substances). Ensure:
-Current (within 5 year issue date) SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for insecticides
-Minimum quantities of insecticide stored
-Quantities added to site register.
-Legislation requirements met for placarding (including transport vehicle), manifest and fire protection quantities stored.
-Sufficient fire protection equipment provided. Ensure fire extinguishers are correct type and in test date.
-Sufficient first aid equipment – emergency eyewash.
Conduct risk assessment. Include:
-Name/quantity of insecticide
-Duration, season, time of application
-Training/certification required
-Mixing and decanting methods
-Clean-up, spill and first aid procedures
-PPE required
-Storage
-Disposal
-Type of application method and equipment
-Other specific matters as required.
Assess site. Consider:
-Existing termite management systems in place
-Proximity to waterways or other environmentally sensitive areas. Ensure no discharge into drains, surface waters or ground water.
-Stability of structure/ existing damage.
Access to required areas. Ensure:
-Suitable equipment for working at heights (Examples: EWP, temporary scaffold, Scissor-lift, industrial ladder- secured, harness with approved anchor points)
-Lifting equipment used to remove concrete slabs/ steps, patios etc where required
-Adequate support for sagging or damaged structures
-Advice obtained from competent persons (structural engineer) for extensively damaged premises before persons enter crawl spaces etc. Do not work in unsafe areas
-Sufficient room for operator and PPE
-Lighting
-Ventilation requirements for indoor / outdoor treatments.
Weather conditions. Avoid treating in the following conditions:
-High winds
-High temperatures
-During and after heavy rains
-Saturated soils.
WARNING: Do not apply on edible plants or within 2m of well, cistern, or leaching fields.
Assess the exposure of workers to noise, including the frequency of exposure to noise levels that exceed the legislated Exposure Standard while applying the chemical for termites and ants and determine required controls such as Audiometric Testing and PPE. Refer to Noise Control SWMS for detailed information regarding the prevention of hearing loss and legislative requirements.
All workers to be trained and competent to mix and apply chemicals for termite and ant control. The worker must be licensed as per legal requirements for using some pesticides. Training should include:
-Recognising and interpreting the information on the label of the chemicals
-How to obtain access to the Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
-The selection, use, maintenance and storage of safety equipment
-Any work practice or procedure to be followed in any aspect of the use of a chemical in the workplace, including any appropriate legislation, licensing, Australian Standard, Code of practice or National Code to be followed
-The routes of entry into the body of chemicals
-The risks posed by the chemicals used
-Precautions for the machinery to be used
-First aid and incident reporting procedures
-Confined spaces, where applicable
-The correct application of the chemicals
-Waste disposal
-Maintenance and cleaning of equipment
-Potential for environmental damage and controls
-Decontamination, first aid and reporting procedures.
Training records must be kept for 5 years.
Spray / treatment records are required. Record the following:
-Temp and relative humidity
-Wind speed and direction
-Type of insecticide used
-Application rate/volume
-Area sprayed/treated
-Application method
-Any other information as required by the Pesticides Act and Pesticides Regulations.
Keep details of all incidents, including spills, illness, and other damage and actions taken to minimise future occurrences. Records involving worker injury or illness caused by chemical use are to be retained for 30 years.
RB:3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA:2M
Job Step: Preparation
Hazards include:
-Confined Space
-Falls on the same level
-Uneven or slippery surface
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - pushing, pulling objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Noise - long term exposure
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Work near a liquid body - chemical, waste etc
-Ants & Termites
-Work outdoors
-Work with general public. / Risks include:
-Entrapment - confined space
-Exposure to toxic/hazardous atmosphere
-Slip, trip, falling over causing injury
-Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
-Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal Disorder
-Deafness, hearing loss
-Hit by a person accidentally
-Assault or threat by a person
-Person/s entering exclusion zone – injured by mobile plant, equipment, chemicals etc on site
-Poisoning
-Allergic reactions
-Single exposure to hazardous chemical/s causing serious illness / death
-Eye or skin injury from chemical splash
-Disease / illness caused by biological contaminants
-Serious injury / death caused by direct contact with chemical substance (chemical burns, poisoning etc)
-Falling objects – being struck / crushed
-Vehicle accident – being run over / struck, or injuries from vehicle accident
-Ant bites. / Working outdoors. Ensure:
-Suitable protective clothing
-Sun brim on hard hat
-Safety glasses - UV Rated
-Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin areas
-Adequate drinking water
-Access to shade during breaks
-Be aware of snakes if work area has long grass or dense vegetation
-Adequate breaks
-Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme weather.
Barricade/place signs to warn of spraying in area.
Cover and protect:
-Heating/ air conditioning vents
-Plumbing and sewer fixtures
-Floor drains
-Electrical cables
-Edible plants.
Ensure no pets / animals near treatment area.
Ensure food / feed / water bowls for pets / animals removed from treatment area.
Determine whether electrical power should be isolated.
Ensure:
-All air circulation systems have been turned off
-Compressor/ spray pump located outdoors (sufficient ventilation) and not in close proximity to air intake vents or areas where Carbon Monoxide could build up in pits/ excavations.
Inspect area:
-Inspect for termite/ant infestations
-Determine concentration ratio required as per manufacturer's instructions
-Lower concentrations for prevention, higher concentrations for infestation
-Determine suitable method of treatment based on type of residence, level of infestation and climate
-Remove materials in close proximity to house that may cause re-infestation. Example: Shrubbery contacting house, infested tree stumps/vegetation and nests within 80m.
Select appropriate treatment method (Barrier treatment, dusts, wall foaming, bait boxes etc).
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Transport
Hazards include:
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - pushing, pulling objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Work outdoors / Risks include:
-Exposure to toxic/hazardous atmosphere
-Muscular stress
-Poisoning
-Single exposure to hazardous chemical/s causing serious illness / death
-Eye or skin injury from chemical splash
-Disease / illness caused by biological contaminants
-Serious injury / death caused by direct contact with chemical substance ( chemical burns, poisoning etc)
-Vehicle accident – being run over / struck, or injuries from vehicle accident / When obtaining chemicals from a supplier in the original unopened containers, observe the following:
-Keep them in a compartment of the vehicle separate from persons or foodstuffs
-If parked on a public road, the vehicle should be kept locked to prevent public access to chemicals – do not leave your loaded vehicle unlocked or unattended
-Protect the load from the weather
-Do not accept or load damaged or leaking containers
-Secure the load and limit its movement.
Transporting chemicals in opened containers:When transporting chemicals once the container has been opened for use observe the following precautions:
-Keep in a separate airtight compartment, or on the rear section of an open vehicle
-Personal protective equipment, a change of clothes, food and drink, should be carried in clean containers preventing contact with any chemical – a change of clothes may be necessary if clothing could become contaminated by chemical use
-Pest control equipment and chemicals carried on the vehicle should not be in contact with porous surfaces
-The internal and external surfaces of the vehicle, chemical containers and spray equipment should be kept free of chemical contamination
-Protect the load from the weather
-Do not leave your loaded vehicle unlocked or unattended
-Do not load damaged or leaking containers
-Secure the load and limit its movement.
RB: 2H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 1L
Job Step: Mixing / decanting
Hazards include:
-Falls on the same level
-Uneven or slippery surface
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - pushing, pulling objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Toxic Atmosphere
-Work near a liquid body - chemical, waste etc
-Work outdoors
-Work with general public. / Risks include:
-Exposure to toxic/hazardous atmosphere
-Slip, trip, falling over causing injury
-Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
-Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal Disorder
-Hit by a person accidentally
-Assault or threat by a person
-Poisoning
-Allergic reactions
-Single exposure to hazardous chemical/s causing serious illness / death
-Eye or skin injury from chemical splash
-Disease / illness caused by biological contaminants
-Serious injury / death caused by direct contact with chemical substance (chemical burns, poisoning etc.). / Do not eat, drink or smoke while preparing and mixing pesticides.
Ensure mixing/decanting is not undertaken above shoulder height.
Preparation:
-Read and follow the manufacturer’s label directions
-Use the measuring utensil that best suits the volume of concentrate being measured to ensure accuracy
-Know the accuracy of the measuring utensil
-Know the volume of the tank or container
-Double check calculations and measurements
-Ensure the pesticide is mixed thoroughly
-Ensure the pesticide emulsion is agitated constantly
-Ensure any pesticide residue is removed from the tank (e.g. when mixing a batch of different pesticide)
-Use clean water to make up pesticide solutions
-Keep a logbook of how you made up the pesticide mixture.
Check labels and SDS for specific storage, transport and preparation instructions and warnings.
Store chemicals in a locked and clearly signed area with good lighting, ventilation and a floor that will not absorb fluids.