Standards

Sampling methodology

NIOSH 9111 — Surface Wipe Sampling for Methamphetamine and Illicit Drugs

Published by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH Method 9111 is the standard methodology for collection of surface wipe samples for methamphetamine analysis. It specifies the wipe medium, sample template area (typically 100 cm² or 1000 cm²), sample handling, and chain of custody requirements. NIOSH 9111 is accepted as the standard sampling method across Australian regulatory and remediation guidelines.

Application in our work: every wipe sample we collect uses NIOSH 9111 methodology. Sample locations are selected based on the specific property or vehicle, with reference to the contamination scenarios documented in the AVCoP and enHealth guidelines.

Laboratory analysis

NATA-accredited LC-MS/MS analysis

The National Association of Testing Authorities is the recognised accrediting body for laboratories in Australia. NATA accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 confirms the laboratory's technical competence, the validity of its testing methods, and the traceability of its results. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the analytical method used to identify and quantify methamphetamine in wipe samples at the parts-per-billion sensitivity required for clearance testing.

Application in our work: all samples are processed by a NATA-accredited Australian laboratory. SafeTrace does not own or operate the laboratory. Chain of custody is documented from sample collection through to result reporting.

Australian remediation guidelines

Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines — enHealth

Published by the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. These guidelines define the threshold levels for methamphetamine contamination in residential and occupational settings, the principles of remediation, the role of clearance testing, and the public health basis for the standards.

Application in our work: every report is produced against the enHealth threshold of 0.5 micrograms of methamphetamine per 100 square centimetres for habitable residential surfaces. Reports reference the guidelines explicitly.

Australian Voluntary Code of Practice for Methamphetamine Remediation

A practitioner-developed code of practice that operationalises the enHealth guidelines for use by remediation companies. The AVCoP covers operator training, equipment standards, decontamination chemistry, containment procedures, documentation requirements, and clearance protocols.

Application in our work: all decontamination is performed in accordance with the AVCoP. Operators are trained against AVCoP-recognised competency standards. Documentation is produced in the format the AVCoP specifies.

Occupational health and safety

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated regulations

The Australian model WHS framework governs the obligations of persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in relation to worker safety, including in environments with hazardous chemicals.

Application in our work: SafeTrace operates a documented WHS management system. All personnel involved in decontamination work hold relevant safety qualifications. Safe Work Method Statements are produced for every decontamination engagement.

Quality and documentation

ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management Systems (in progress)

SafeTrace is developing a quality management system aligned with ISO 9001:2015 principles, with formal certification planned for Year 2 of operation. Until certification is achieved, we operate against the documented procedures the ISO framework defines, without claiming certified status.

Insurance and indemnity

• Public Liability — $20 million
• Professional Indemnity — $2 million

Certificates of currency are available on request to clients, partners, and prospective engagements.

Independence and conflict management

SafeTrace operates the following commitments to manage the structural conflict of interest between testing and decontamination services:

• Laboratory analysis is performed by a third-party NATA-accredited laboratory not owned or operated by SafeTrace
• On decontamination engagements over $20,000, SafeTrace recommends an independent provider for post-clearance verification testing
• SafeTrace will hand over inspection reports and step back from any subsequent decontamination engagement if the client prefers to use a different operator
• Referral fees paid to partner organisations (where they exist) are paid on completed inspections regardless of test result, removing any incentive to bias results

Verification of credentials

Documentation of any standard, certification, accreditation, insurance certificate, or laboratory partnership referenced on this page is available to clients, partners, conveyancers, lawyers, insurers, and other interested parties on request.

Contact: 0400 407 896