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Classification of QAPs

QAPs are currently divided into Class 5 and Class 6 with different levels of containment for each. The type and the level of risk of the work often affect what level of containment is required.

AQIS released new criteria for Class 5 QAPs at the end of 2005 and is currently revising the classification of certain live animal facilities (Class 5.4) and insectaries (Class 6), which will later be known as Class 7 QAPs.

Conditions of Approval of QAPs have been finalised and are available for your information.

The new guidelines are now being introduced and Monash University is required to comply by the 1st of March 2007. The criteria have changed and the premises are classified into four groups with increasing stringency of containment requirements as reflected by the level of risk.

These criteria are summarised in Table 1 below.

Table 1: New guidelines for Quarantine Containment Levels

QC1 Low risk goods

QC2
Low/moderate risk

QC3 Significant risk

QC4
Serious risk

Used for the low risk/hazard quarantine goods, e.g.,

  • Outdoor grazing areas
  • Labs for analysis of food products
  • Labs undertaking analysis of soil for destruction and biological material.

Used for low/moderate risk to animals, plants or humans if disease is spread to the community/environment. E.g,

  • Microbiological containment (soil/water samples)
  • Animal containment (using imported biological material for in vivo work in animals)
  • Plant containment (using imported plant material; fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, seeds and processed stock feed samples for in vitro use).

Used for quarantine goods which pose significant risk to animals, plants or humans if disease spread outside the premises, in turn affecting the community/environment. E.g.,

  • Micro-organisms
  • Approved plant material infected with quarantinable pathogens for in vitro or in vivo use
  • Infected fresh/frozen fruit or vegetable samples for in vitro use
  • Biological material for in vivo use in animals

Used for quarantine goods which pose serious risks to animals, plants or humans if disease spread outside the premises, in turn resulting in a substantial economic impact on the community or the environment. E.g.,

  • Micro-organisms
  • Approved plant material infected with quarantinable pathogens for in vitro or in vivo use
  • Infected fresh/frozen fruit or vegetable samples for in vitro use
  • Biological material for in vivo use in animals

Standard containment practices are adequate

Must meet the PC2 design and construction requirements (Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3:2002 and 2982.1:1997).

Must meet the PC3 design and construction requirements (Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3:2002 and 2982.1:1997)

Must meet the PC4 design and construction requirements (Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3:2002 and 2982.1:1997)

Must show adequate separation of quarantine goods from other operations in the facility

Requires inspection by a “third party” assessor prior to approval

Requires inspection by a “third party” assessor prior to approval

Requires inspection by a “third party” assessor prior to approval

Common to all containment levels:

All QAPs must display a yellow sign with the following written in black:

Quarantine Area Authorised Persons Only
No Entry or Removal of Goods
Penalties Apply (Quarantine Act 1908)

Other specific requirements can be imposed by AQIS e.g.,

  • Microbiological Containment (QC1-4),
  • Indoor or Outdoor Animal Containment (QC1-4).
  • Plant Laboratory Containment (QC1-4)

 

  
Quarantine Contact

Dr Simon Barrett
Manager
Research Ethics & Compliance
Research Office
First Floor, Building 3D, Room 108
Monash University VIC 3800
Map of Clayton Campus (pdf 904kb)

Tel: +61 (0)3 990 55162
Fax: +61 (0)3 990 53831