Pest management technicians must provide at least 5 working days' notice to the person responsible for a sensitive place, if you'll be spraying pesticides, or injecting liquid pesticides into the ground, within 20 metres of that sensitive place.
The Pesticides Regulation 2009 classifies a sensitive place as a:
- school or pre-school
- kindergarten
- childcare centre
- hospital
- community health centre
- nursing home.
You'll need to notify the neighbouring sensitive place the following information:
- the full name of the pesticide
- the reason why the pesticide is being used
- the proposed date, dates or date range of use
- where the pesticide will be used
- any re-entry requirements that are on the pesticide label or permit.
Check the Pest management technicians' fact sheet – PDF for details or an example notice.
How to notify
- Download a notice template or draw up your notice.
- Lodge your notice by email, fax, post, or in person, with the person in charge of the affected sensitive place (such as the school principal, director or manager).
- You must record details of the pesticide application within 24 hours of using it and keep a paper copy of this record for 3 years.
More information
- Fines apply if you're unable to show evidence that you provided the required notification.
- You should have copies of the safety data sheet (SDS) in case someone requests them.
Contact
If you have questions, you can email the NSW Environment Protection Authority or call the Environment Line on 131 555.
Last updated: 8 May 2025