20 December 2018

This technical bulletin clarifies the certified handler and controlled substance licence requirements for workers clearing tracks of 1080 bait.

Background 

1080 is a poison widely used in pest eradication programmes. For operations over large areas of forest and bush, it is commonly applied aerially. The requirements for training and licensing of workers handling 1080 are set in the Health andSafety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 (the Regulations). Clarification has been sought on whether persons clearing walking tracks of 1080 bait are required to be certified handlers and hold a controlled substance licence (CSL).

Certified handler and CSL requirements 

When an aerial 1080 operation is undertaken, there is generally a requirement to clear walking tracks in the operational area of any 1080 bait. This is most commonly done by a worker walking the tracks after the 1080 has been applied and throwing any bait found on the tracks into the surrounding bush at the place the bait was found.

In these circumstances, the worker clearing the tracks does not require a CSL, and neither does a person with a CSL need to be available within ear and eye shot of the worker. Similarly, the worker does not need to be a certified handler. However, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 4.5 of the Regulations, the worker must have received training and instruction in the hazards of 1080, risks and emergency procedures relevant to the nature of the work they are carrying out.

If the worker walking the tracks collects the bait and moves away from the area in which the bait was found, then they will require a certified handler compliance certificate and a CSL. For example, bait clearing of tracks may involve a worker collecting bait over a length of track and taking the collected bait away from the operational area for separate disposal.

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