Pesticide signage when spraying in a public place

Signage and appropriate warnings are compulsory when spraying a pesticide in a public place. The type of signage and warning requirements will vary depending on where, when and how the pesticide treatment is being conducted.

Regulation 89 of the Health (Pesticide) Regulations 2011 (external site) sets out the 3 types of requirements that must be adhered to at all times. They can include a flashing light, warning sign on the pest control vehicle and a warning sign on the ground. All of these may be required in various combinations dependant on the situation.

The table below illustrates the pesticide treatment situations that may occur in a public place and the signage and warning requirements that must be complied with for each of the situations.

Signage requirement 1

• applies where verge spraying is occurring from a moving vehicle

A warning sign with words 'CAUTION:[INCLUDE NAME OF CHEMICAL BEING SPRAYED] in capital letters not less than 50mm in height and placed in a prominent position on the vehicle ensuring you also have a flashing yellow warning light.

Signage requirement 2

• applies in a park or part of park where spraying is occurring from a moving vehicle or accompanied by a moving vehicle and;
• applies in a park or when verge spraying from a stationary vehicle.

A warning sign with the words 'CAUTION:[ INCLUDE NAME OF CHEMICAL] being applied in capital letters not less than 50mm in height in a prominent position on the vehicle and ensure you also have a flashing yellow light.

In addition, you must have additional signage with the words 'CAUTION: [NAME OF CHEMICAL] BEING APPLIED'. AVOID CONTACT WITH AREA WHEN SIGN IS DISPLAYED' in capital letters not less than 50mm in height displayed. People must be provided with adequate warning that the application of a pesticide is occurring therefore the signs must be clearly visible to people approaching the spraying operation and placed at regular intervals from the spraying operation that ensures people have fair and adequate warning that the application is occurring. 

Signage requirement 3

• applies in all public places other than a park or verge

Warning signs with the words 'CAUTION:[NAME OF CHEMICAL ]BEING APPLIED. AVOID CONTACT WITH AREA WHEN SIGN IS DISPLAYED.' In capital letters not less than 50mm in height must be displayed in the area where the pesticide is being applied. You must space the signage at satisfactory intervals to ensure people have fair and adequate warning that the application of pesticides is occurring.

How long should signs remain in place?

It is compulsory to leave a sign in place whilst the pesticide is being applied and until the surface being sprayed has fully dried. This applies in all situations where a pesticide is being applied.

More information

Pesticide safety licensing team
Phone: 9222 2000
Email: pesticidesafety@health.wa.gov.au