In Western Australia, contractors need to have a licence to spray pesticides (including herbicides) for a fee or reward. Moreover, under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011, anyone who uses hazardous chemicals must have the relevant training. See below for more information:
Spraying Weeds at your place of employment
In Western Australia, you do not need to obtain a licence to spray herbicides if you fall under the following categories:
While individuals who fall under these categories are exempt from licencing, the Department of Health WA (DOH) strongly recommends that you complete the nationally accredited training units that pertain to the task you are undertaking. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, this training is required by all who are using hazardous chemicals.
OUR CHEMICAL COURSE COVERS THE THREE UNITS RECOMMENDED BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO USE OR BACKPACK SPRAYING EQUIPMENT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA (ENDORSEMENT 8 – HANDHELD & BACKPACK EQUIPMENT)
Contractors – Pest Management Technician Licence
In Western Australia, the Department of Health (DOH) administers the Health (Pesticides) Regulations Act 2011. Accordingly, individuals who spray weeds for a fee must hold a Pest Management Technicians Licence. You also need to obtain the appropriate endorsement when you apply for your licence. In Western Australia, you need to complete three training units to apply herbicides with handheld and backpack equipment. This covers lawn & garden maintenance, landscaping, bushland & mine site rehabilitation. If you wish to use industrial mechanical equipment (such as a boom spray or air blast system), you need to complete a further three units.
OUR CHEMICAL COURSE COVERS THE THREE UNITS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A PEST MANAGEMENT TECHNICIAN LICENCE (ENDORSEMENT 8 – HANDHELD & BACKPACK EQUIPMENT) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Helpful Links
Further information can be obtained from: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/-/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Licensing-and-Industry/Pesticides/Guide-to-obtaining-a-pest-management-technicians-licence-with-the-DOH-PSG1-Feb-2021.pdf
To apply for your Pest Management Technician Licence, click here: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/-/media/Files/Corporate/general-documents/pesticides-and-chemicals/PDF/PS-1-Pest-Management-Technician-Licence-Application.pdf
