Legislation

• Health Act 1911 (as amended) (External link)
• Poisons Act 1964 (External link) and associated Regulations
• Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011 (External link)
• Code of practice for the safe use and management of 1080 in Western Australia (PDF 215KB). (this document is available in alternative formats on request for a person with a disability from 08 9222 4279)

Guidelines

• NEW - Draft guidance note: local government possible responses to police notification of clandestine drug laboratory (clan lab) discovery  (PDF 50KB)
• Herbicide use in water catchment areas  

Fact sheets

• Hydrogen sulphide and public health (719 KB)
• Using animal flea products to treat head lice in children (PDF 68KB)
• Minimising the impacts of peat smoke (PDF 569KB)
• Lead sources in the home - what to avoid (PDF 124KB)
• Copper chrome arsenate - treated wood (PDF 298KB)
• Approved pesticides for termite treatments (PDF 79KB)
• Using pesticides safely (PDF 92KB)

Chemicals in a myriad of forms are a major pillar of and are ubiquitous throughout our society. When properly used they do not present a problem, but when uncontrolled or in large amounts they can represent a health risk, including to the public.

There is a comprehensive framework of legislation in Australia and WA which controls chemicals in general and hazardous chemicals in particular. The Environmental Health Directorate has roles in both risk prevention and response. In these capacities its toxicologists and other experts provide advice and guidelines, as listed above.

For further information contact the Environmental Health Hazards Unit of the Environmental Health Directorate on (08) 9388 4999 or email ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au