Aircraft Disinsection
Aircraft Disinsection
Aircraft Disinsection
Procedures for
New Zealand
Version 3.2
Contents
Contact Details
Department of Agriculture Ministry for Primary Industries
Passengers and Mail Branch Border Clearance
GPO Box 858 Detection Technology – Aircraft Disinsection
Canberra ACT 2601 PO Box 53066 Auckland 2150
Ph: +61 2 6272 4143 - business hours Ph: +64 9 909 8609 - Operations – all hours
Fax: +61 2 6272 3468 Fax +64 9 909 8601
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
The requirements in this document are subject to change and it is the responsibility of the user to
check they have the latest version.
See http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/aircraft/disinsection/procedures to access the latest
version. This above link can also be accessed from the www.daff.gov.au & www.mpi.govt.nz web
sites.
• Links to other websites are provided for the user's convenience and do not constitute
endorsement of all material at those sites, or any associated organisation, product or service.
• If you use automatic language translation services in connection with this document you do
so at your own risk.
• The Department of Agriculture and the Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand may
revise this Disclaimer at any time by updating this posting.
• Special arrangements permitting additional or alternative disinsection methods may override
these procedures when directed by the Australian Director of Human or the Director-General
of Agriculture or Health in New Zealand (or their representatives).
In addition please refer to Department of Agriculture’s general Disclaimer and the Ministry of
Primary Industries’ Disclaimer.
Version Control
Updates will occur automatically on the Department of Agriculture and MPI websites and this page
will summarise the amendments as they occur. The specific sections updated are described in the
revision table below:
1 Introduction
This document has been prepared in cooperation between the Department of Agriculture and the
Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand (MPI) for the regulation of disinsection arrangements of
aircraft flying into Australia and New Zealand.
International aircraft are disinsected to help protect Australia and New Zealand from potential
disease vectors and harmful pests. This schedule has been jointly developed by the Department of
Agriculture and MPI incorporating the latest recommendations and practices from the World Health
Organization (WHO).
WHO recommends that aircraft disinsection helps to minimise the spread of mosquito-borne
diseases. Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens and parasites that cause a number of serious
diseases, such as: Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever and Malaria.
The International Health Regulations 2005 (IHRs) took effect on 15 June 2007. The IHRs establish
global benchmark standards to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response
to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public
health risks and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade. The
position of the IHRs is that the disinsection of aircraft is a necessary measure to help prevent the
spread of vector borne diseases.
The IHRs define ‘disinsection’ as: the procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill
the insect vectors of human diseases present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and
postal parcels.
The Department of Agriculture and MPI work in partnership and regulate each other’s disinsection
agreements and any other undertakings as required.
The Department of Agriculture administers human quarantine functions on behalf of the Department
of Health (Health) including the screening of arriving passengers for human quarantinable diseases,
surveillance activities relating to aircraft disinsection and vector monitoring.
Quarantine controls at Australia’s borders are governed by the Quarantine Act 1908. These controls
aim to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia and help protect our
agriculture export industries as well as our environment, tourism industries and lifestyle.
Under Regulation 23 of the Quarantine Regulations 2000: The commander of an overseas aircraft (or,
if the commander is not the operator of the aircraft, the operator of the aircraft) must make
arrangements for the disinsection of the aircraft in a manner, and within a time, approved by a
Director of Quarantine.
MPI incorporates New Zealand's Border Clearance Services which is the first line of defence for
reducing risk to New Zealand's natural resources, plants, animals and people from exotic pests and
diseases.
The various biosecurity controls in place across New Zealand’s borders are mandated by the New
Zealand Biosecurity Act 1993, the New Zealand Health Act 1956 and the Health (Quarantine)
Regulations 1983. These controls are administered by MPI and the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Disinsection is undertaken to prevent the introduction and spread of unwanted insect pests (many of
which are also vectors of human, animal and plant diseases). The disinsection of aircraft to
specifically control vectors of human diseases (such as mosquitoes) is carried out on behalf of New
Zealand's Ministry of Health.
d-phenothrin works by treating the airspace within the cabin, and quickly kills small soft bodied
insects which may be present. Permethrin (although slower acting) not only treats this same space,
but also provides a fine residual coating to many of the internal surfaces. When insects come in
contact with these treated surfaces they will be knocked down to the floor where they will receive a
lethal dose.
It is the airlines responsibility to ensure the aerosol products used meet all aviation and aircraft
manufacturers technical and safety requirements, the WHO and ICAO (International Civil Aviation
Organization) guidelines, as well as meeting Department of Agriculture and MPI requirements.
Airlines will need to contact MPI to ensure product acceptance in New Zealand. Disinsection
products used within New Zealand must also be registered with the Environmental Risk Management
Authority (EPA New Zealand).
Airlines will need to ensure that products used in Australia are registered by the Australian Pesticide
and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA). This may affect spray on arrival aircraft or aircraft that
have not met Australia’s disinsection requirements and are required to perform spray on arrival
under supervision of the Department of Agriculture.
Aerosol products used for entry into both Australia and New Zealand must be fit for purpose and
contain the following active ingredients for each treatment type:
As a minimum requirement all aerosol cans must be clearly labelled (in English) with a list of all active
ingredients used. Alternatively, they must be accompanied with an English version of the MSDS
(material safety data sheet) for each product used.
Please refer to the Spray Rates Listing for the amount of spray required for each aircraft type. The
spray rate listing is also available on the Department of Agriculture website:
http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/aircraft/disinsection/procedures
1.5 Certification
The airline operator is responsible for ensuring that a certificate detailing the cabin and hold
treatment is completed by an airline nominated applicator and that the exhausted or partly used
cans remain onboard until the intended destination is reached. All sections of the certificate need to
be accurately completed and any amendments to the original copy need to be crossed out and
initialled; the use of correction fluid is not acceptable. A copy of the onboard certificate and the
exhausted or partly used cans must be made available by cabin staff on request. Hold cans are
permitted to remain in the hold for collection by ground crew.
Please note: failure to comply with Department of Agriculture or MPI disinsection requirements will
result in the aircraft being sprayed on-arrival prior to passenger disembarkation and cargo being
unloaded. This will incur a Fee for Service charge to the airline operator for flights arriving into
Australia. Officers in Australia must remain on board the aircraft to supervise the spray on arrival
while in New Zealand Inspectors may remain on board to conduct the spray on arrival (re-spray)
disinsection treatment.
The minimum requirements for certification are attached in the Appendices. Multiple certificates will
be required when an aircrafts cabin and hold have been treated differently.
In this method, internal surfaces of the aircraft are regularly sprayed with a residual insecticide. This
treatment is designed to kill any invertebrates which may land or walk over the treated surfaces.
Residual cabin disinsection needs to be performed in conjunction with a hold disinsection treatment
option as specified in section 1.3. Similarly residual hold disinsection needs to be performed in
conjunction with a cabin disinsection treatment option.
Step Action
Spray all surfaces including floors, ceilings, walls, lockers, curtains, toilets, galleys, and
4 wall areas behind curtains. All doors and locker lids must be sprayed both sides. Then
respray the floor areas only, for a second time.
Spray carefully around permanently stored items such as loud hailers, first aid kits, oxygen
5
bottles or fire extinguishers.
Do not spray food preparation areas, bench tops, mirrors, windows, instrument panels,
video monitors, medical equipment, overhead control panels, separate crew rest
6 modules, bassinets, circuit breaker panels or removable galley components, such as food
trolleys. Any spray spilling on to these areas must be immediately wiped clean to remove
any chemical deposits.
After spraying is completed, the air conditioning system and recirculation fans can be
7 reactivated and run for at least one hour to clear the air of the volatile components of the
spray.
Following a residual spray application and where internal areas of aircraft receive additional or
substantial cleaning to sections such as wall linings, carpets etc, then these areas are to undergo a
supplementary ‘touch-up’. The touch-up may be from an aerosol spray containing permethrin see
section 1.4 for more information on the use of aerosol cans.
Step Action
The aerosol can must be directed at the cleaned surface and discharged approximately 30
1 cm away in a method that ensures that the droplets of the spray cover all cleaned
surfaces.
Interior cleaning and soiled item replacement of a relatively minor nature are considered
negligible in the overall context of the program, and will not require re-spraying during
2
turn around, but should be treated at the first available opportunity to ensure
compliance.
It will be necessary for the residual spray to be reapplied when fixtures such as entire
3
walls or large sections of carpet are replaced or have undergone a deep clean.
Fixtures used for replacement purposes may be treated off aircraft, but these items must
4 be treated either on the same day or on a date after the aircraft disinsection is carried out
in order for the certificate to comply.
Any non-compliance in procedures should be reported to the intended first port of arrival
5
as soon as possible.
Pre-embarkation cabin disinsection provides for the spraying of aircraft cabins, in the absence of
passengers before embarkation. The treatment lasts for the duration of the single flight sector. This
method not only kills invertebrates that may be present in the cabin at the time of disinsection, but
also leaves a minimal but effective amount of residue which is likely to kill invertebrates that may
board between the time of disinsection and departure.
Please refer to the Spray Rates Listing for the amount of spray required for each aircraft type.
disinsection treatment. This will incur a fee for service charge for arrivals into Australia.
Any non-compliance in procedures should be reported to the intended first port of arrival
12
as soon as possible.
3.8 Freighter
• Any area within a freighter that carries cargo is classified as a hold and should meet the hold
disinsection requirements as specified in section 5; this includes the main cargo deck.
• The amount of spray required for each aircraft type is listed in the Spray Rates Listing.
Step Action
1 Spraying must be completed using a can with 2% permethrin as the active ingredient.
2 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 3.1.
One operator with one can sprays up one side of the aisle and back down the other side
3 at a pace of not more than one step or row of seats per second, continuously spraying
towards open overhead lockers, walls and ceiling.
4 Spray any internally accessed baggage area for a period of four seconds.
Cargo Holds
Step Action
Any area within a freighter that carries cargo is classified as a hold and should meet the
5 hold disinsection requirements as specified in section 5; this includes the main cargo
deck.
The exhausted or partly used cans used on the main deck should be collected and placed
6
in the pouch ready for the Officer/Inspector to view if requested.
This method refers to a two-part process consisting of pre-flight and top of descent spraying. The
timing of the pre-flight spray allows overhead and coat lockers and toilets to be opened and properly
sprayed with minimum inconvenience to passengers. Pre-flight spraying is followed by a further in-
flight spray of a non- residual insecticide, carried out at top of descent as the aircraft starts its
descent into either Australia or New Zealand. The treatment lasts for the duration of the single flight
sector.
Pre-flight cabin disinsection needs to be performed in conjunction with a hold disinsection treatment
option as specified in section 1.3.
Please refer to the Spray Rates Listing for the amount of spray required for each aircraft type.
Step Action
The treatment must be applied immediately prior to the aircraft commencing its descent
1
to the airport of arrival in Australia or New Zealand.
An in-flight announcement must be made on all flights into Australia and New Zealand to
inform passengers of the upcoming disinsection.
Exemptions:
• The applicator is responsible for ensuring that a certificate detailing the treatment is completed.
• The certificate for the pre-flight and top of descent cabin disinsection and the exhausted or partly
used cans must be carried onboard the aircraft and made available for collection by an
Officer/Inspector upon arrival.
• The minimum requirements for certification are detailed in Appendix 3.
• On arrival, all exterior doors and windows, including hold doors must remain closed and only be
opened in accordance with directions from an Officer/Inspector.
Step Action
1 A B747 requires four x 100g cans containing 2% permethrin as the active ingredient.
2 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.1.
Downstairs: two operators each with two cans starting at the rear of the aircraft and
3 moving forward at a rate of not more than one step or one row of seats per second, with
the spray being directed towards the open overhead lockers.
Upstairs: one operator using the remaining spray from all four cans with all lockers
4
opened and moving at one step or row of seats per second with two cans at a time.
A B747 Combi has the rear portion of the main cabin as a cargo area. This can be accessed
via a door at the end of the main cabin and sprayed using one x 150g one-shot can that
5
contains 2% d-phenothrin and 2% permethrin as the active ingredients. Refer to pre-flight
hold disinsection procedures in section 5.
Step Action
6 A B747 requires four x 100g cans containing 2% d-phenothrin as the active ingredient.
7 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.2.
Downstairs: Two operators each with two cans starting at the rear of the aircraft and
8 moving forward at a rate of not more than one step or row of seats per second with the
cans directed towards the walls and ceiling.
Upstairs: One operator using the remaining spray from all four cans moving at one step
9
per second with two cans at a time.
Step Action
1 A B777 requires three x 100g cans containing 2% permethrin as the active ingredient.
2 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.1.
One operator with two cans starts at the rear of the aircraft and moves up one aisle and
down the other, at a rate of one step or one row of seats per second, with the spray being
3
directed towards the open overhead lockers. When the two cans are empty the remaining
aisle is sprayed up and back using the third can.
Step Action
4 A B777 requires three x 100g cans containing 2% d–Phenothrin as the active ingredient.
5 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.2.
One operator with two cans starts at the rear of the aircraft and moves up one aisle and
6 down the other, at a rate of not more than one row of seats per second with the spray
being directed towards the walls and ceiling.
When the two cans are empty the remaining aisle is sprayed up and back using the third
7
can.
Step Action
1 A B737 requires up to one x 100g can containing 2% permethrin as the active ingredient.
2 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.1.
One operator with one can starts at the front the aircraft and moves down the aisle at a
rate of not more than one step or one row of seats per second, with the spray being
3
directed towards the open overhead lockers on one side only. The other side being
sprayed in the same manner while walking back.
Step Action
A B737 requires up to one x 100g can containing 2% d-phenothrin as the active
4
ingredient.
5 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.2.
One operator with one can starts at the rear of the aircraft and moving forward at a rate
6 of not more than one step or one row of seats per second, with the spray being directed
towards the walls and ceiling.
Step Action
Small aircraft require less than one x 100g can containing 2% permethrin as the active
1
ingredient.
Carry out procedures in section 3.1 excepting for the cockpit which is to be sprayed for 2
2 seconds and baggage storage area for 4 seconds. The access door is also to be closed
during treatment.
One operator with one can sprays the cockpit, internal baggage storage areas and toilet/s
and commences spraying the cabin moving from the rear of the aircraft while directing
3
the spray high in the air toward the ceiling and wall areas at a rate of not more than one
step or row of seats per second.
On completion of spraying, the operator should apply a short burst of spray whilst exiting
4 the aircraft. The aircraft should remain closed for a full five minutes before re-entering
and resuming air conditioning and normal flight preparations.
The external door to the internally accessed baggage area shall only be opened after
5
spraying is completed for a short period whilst the bags are loaded.
If there are any separate external holds, then these are to be sprayed after all cargo and
6
luggage has been loaded with the amount specified in the Spray Rates Listing.
During the spraying of holds, ensure the hold doors are opened only just enough to
7
prevent spray escaping to the exterior.
8 The hold door should be closed immediately after spraying.
Top of Descent
Step Action
Small aircraft require less than one x 100g can containing
9
2% d–Phenothrin as the active ingredient.
10 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.2.
One operator with one can sprays up one side of the aisle and back down the other side
11
continuously spraying towards walls and ceiling.
4.8 Freighter
Passenger Cabin/Flight Deck - Pre-flight
Step Action
1 Spraying must be completed using a can with 2% permethrin as the active ingredient.
2 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.1.
When passenger accommodation is provided, one operator with one can sprays up one
side of the aisle and back down the other side at a pace of not more than one step or row
3
of seats per second continuously spraying towards open overhead lockers, walls and
ceiling.
4 Spray any internally accessed baggage area for a period of four seconds.
Top of Descent
Step Action
5 Only required for aircraft with a passenger cabin.
Spraying of the passenger cabin area is to be carried out using a 100g can containing 2%
6
d–Phenothrin as the active ingredient.
7 Carry out all procedures as outlined in section 4.2.
Version 3.2 March 2014 Page 19 of 28
Schedule of Aircraft Disinsection Procedures
One operator with one can sprays up one side of the aisle and back down the other side
8 continuously spraying towards walls and ceiling at a pace of not more than one step or
row of seats per second.
Cargo Hold
Step Action
Any area within a freighter that carries cargo is classified as a hold and should meet the
9 hold disinsection requirements as specified in section 5; this includes the main cargo
deck.
The exhausted cans used on the main deck should be collected and placed in the pouch
10
ready for the Officer/Inspector to view if requested.
No top of descent treatment is required for areas treated as cargo holds, even when on
11
the main deck.
Pre-flight hold disinsection needs to be performed in conjunction with a cabin disinsection treatment
option as specified in section 1.3.
Please refer to the Spray Rates Listing for the amount of spray required for each aircraft type.
When there is also a cargo hold on the main deck (freighter aircraft), carry out spraying
1
for the lower cargo holds as previously stated (5.1-5.2).
2 For the cargo hold on the Main Deck, Follow steps 1-5 in 5.1
Ensure all cargo doors for the affected deck are closed and other personnel have vacated
3
the area prior to commencing disinsection.
4 Access to spray the Main Deck area is via the passenger door only.
Discharge the aerosols by walking away from spray and vacate the area on completion of
5
spraying.
When cargo restricts access, position the aerosol cans evenly though out the aircraft, on
6
top of cargo in order to get better coverage.
On completion of spraying, allow at least five minutes for the spray to settle prior to re-
7
entering for final departure preparations.
Under legislation it is the responsibility of the commander of an aircraft to notify the respective
Government biosecurity agencies if disinsection has not been undertaken. This notification must be
given prior to arrival to enable Officers/Inspectors to meet the aircraft and supervise/perform the
on-arrival disinsection treatment.
Please refer to the Spray Rates Listing for the amount of spray required for each aircraft type.
Passengers who require further information should contact the Department of Health at
[email protected]
Step Action
All exterior doors and windows must remain closed and may only be opened in
1
accordance with directions from an Officer/Inspector.
In preparation for the on-arrival disinsection, an in-flight announcement must be made by
the crew to inform passengers of the upcoming disinsection.
Script for Australia:
“Ladies and gentlemen, to conform with agricultural and health requirements, the aircraft
cabin will now be sprayed. This procedure, recommended for this purpose by the World
Health Organization, is necessary to avoid the introduction of harmful insects into
Australia. Please remain seated and keep the aisles clear while the aircraft is being
sprayed. Thank you.”
2
Script for New Zealand:
“Ladies and gentlemen, to conform to biosecurity and health requirements, the aircraft
cabin will now be treated with an aerosol insecticide. This procedure and product is
recommended by the World Health Organization. The treatment is necessary to avoid the
introduction of insects which can also be carriers of serious human and agricultural
diseases. Please remain seated and keep the aisles clear while this process is taking place.
If you have a serious medical condition which could be affected by aerosols, please press
your call button to discuss this with your cabin crew. Thank you”
3 If a passenger has identified themself as having a serious medical condition which may be
NZ affected by the spray, then discuss this matter with an inspector immediately on-arrival.
Only
Spraying must be completed using a can with 2% d-phenothrin as the active ingredient.
4
See section 1.4 for more information on aerosol cans.
5 A directive will be given to the Commander that cabin disinsection is required.
Cabin crew are to prepare the cabin for disinsection by opening all overhead lockers and
6
by requesting all passengers to remain seated.
7 During disinsection and for a period of five minutes after completion of the spray, the
aircraft’s air-conditioning must be switched off. Recirculation fans may be left on if
essential to the operation of the aircraft but set at the lowest flow rate.
8 Spraying is to be directed towards the open overhead lockers and ceiling whilst walking
along the aisle at a rate of not more than one step or one row of seats per second.
9 Spray all galleys, including those on lower levels and lift access.
10 Spray all toilets and lockers for two seconds each.
11 Spray all crew rest areas and the flight deck for three seconds each. Crew must ensure to
direct their spray away from aircraft equipment, officers/inspectors and crew.
On completion of the spraying, a five minute saturation period must be observed prior to
resuming the air conditioning and maximising the airflow. Passengers are to remain
12
seated for this period, until clearance is given by the Officer/Inspector allowing
passengers to disembark.
For freighters (aircraft which have a cargo hold on the main deck) see
13
On-Arrival Hold Procedures – step 13.
Step Action
Under no circumstances should a hold door be opened without the presence or approval
1
of an Officer/Inspector
Aerosol cans must be discharged into each hold in such a manner as to ensure that all
2
parts of the holds have been disinsected.
Spraying must be completed using a one-shot can with 2% permethrin and 2% d–
3
phenothrin as the active ingredient. See section 1.4 for more information on aerosol cans.
Prior to carrying out the hold disinsection, a directive will be given to the Commander
4 advising that hold disinsection is required. It is not uncommon for the aerosol spray to
activate the smoke detectors.
During disinsection and for a period of five minutes after completion of the spray, the
5 aircraft’s air-conditioning must be switched off. Recirculation fans may be left on if
essential to the operation of the aircraft but set at the lowest flow rate.
Disinsection may be carried out manually by directing the spray into the small pressure
6
hatches or by placing the cans inside the hold.
To place the cans inside the hold, the door maybe opened no more than
7
30 cm.
8 Cans are to be placed in an upright position and discharged.
9 Activate the lock down nozzle on the can.
10 The doors must be closed immediately after the cans commence discharging.
Allow two minutes for the cans to fully discharge and then wait a further five minutes for
11
the saturation period before the holds can be opened.
12 Remove the exhausted cans.
When there is also a cargo hold on the main deck (freighter aircraft), access to spray this
area is via the passenger door only. When cargo restricts access, position the aerosol cans
13 evenly though out the aircraft, on top of cargo in order to get better coverage. Discharge
the aerosols by walking away from spray and vacate the area on completion of spraying.
Allow at least five minutes for the spray to settle before re-entering hold.
When satisfied that the procedure has been carried out, the Officer/Inspector will permit
14
the unloading of cargo.
Aircraft Registration
Date Sprayed
Expiry Date 8 calendar weeks from date of treatment
This is to certify that the above aircraft has on this day been disinsected in accordance with
Department of Agriculture and MPI requirements.
Cabin
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
Hold
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
The aircraft must be retreated if cleaning or other operations remove a significant amount of the
permethrin residue.
This is to certify that the above aircraft has on this day been disinsected in accordance with
Department of Agriculture and MPI requirements.
Cabin
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
Hold
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
This is to certify that the above aircraft has on this day been disinsected in accordance with Department
of Agriculture and MPI requirements.
Pre-flight Cabin
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation
Signature
Full Name (Please Print)
Position
Name of Organisation