List of codes of practice
A code of practice provides detailed information on how you can achieve the standards required under the work health and safety (WHS) laws.
New updated codes of practice now in force in NSW:
- Safe use and storage of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
- Collection and transport of waste
- Safe handling of timber preservatives and recently treated timber
- Tree works
Codes of practice don't replace WHS laws, but can be issued to help make understanding what you have to do a little easier.
An inspector can refer to a code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings.
Courts may regard a code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control, and rely on it to determine what is 'reasonably practicable' in the circumstances to which the code relates.
Changes are being introduced from 1 July 2026 to make it a duty to comply with a code of practice, or alternatively provide a standard of health and safety equivalent or higher than the code.
As well as codes of practice, Safe Work Australia has guidance material that can also help you achieve the standards under WHS laws.
All codes of practice are listed below.
WHS codes of practice
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Pre-WHS legislation codes of practice
These codes of practice were developed based on older laws which were replaced with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation. However they are still current and can still be used to help you meet your WHS requirements.
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Previous codes of practice no longer in force
These codes of practice were developed based on older laws which were replaced with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation. They are no longer in force and are provided for information only.