Guidelines for Issuing Permissions for the Use of Vertebrate Toxic Agents

Summary

In order to use certain vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs) and other hazardous substances, operators may need to apply for permission from a public health officer, and they have a legal obligation to comply with any conditions in the permission.

Permissions are required when these VTAs and other hazardous substances are:

• intended to be applied or used in a catchment area from which water is drawn for human consumption, or
• applied in any other area where a risk to public health may be created.

When issuing a permission, there is discretion to apply conditions to ensure that public health risks are assessed and managed effectively. These guidelines provide practical advice setting conditions on permissions to use VTAs and other hazardous substances, using Model Permit Conditions.

2022 revisions

This 2022 revised edition includes the following changes:

• generally updating and simplifying text, including removing duplication and re-ordering content to give a more logical flow of information
• refocusing the guidelines, to manage public health risks by preventing unnecessary public exposures to VTAs and other hazardous substances
• updating the Model Permit Conditions, to reflect this public health risk management approach.