Controlled Substances and Controlled Plants Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol

Our protocol sets out how we safely manage controlled substances and plants at Adelaide University.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Hazard Management Procedure which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy. Also, where the substance is also a hazardous chemical and/or dangerous goods the Chemical Safety protocol. For prescribed equipment refer to the Plant Safety Protocol.

2. Our protocol applies to

2.1 Inclusions

members of our Adelaide University Community involved in the storage, handling, use, and disposal of controlled chemicals and controlled plants for research, teaching, or support services.

2.2 Exclusions

Asbestos Management refer to [Asbestos Management Protocol].

2.3 Additional Requirements

If you are manufacturing therapeutic goods refer and apply the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth) and section 39 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 (SA).
If you are manufacturing agricultural and veterinary chemicals refer and apply the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994 (SA) and the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).
If you are growing poppies refer and apply the Controlled Substances (Poppy Cultivation) Regulations 2016 (SA).
If you are using hemp products refer and apply Industrial Hemp Act 2017 and Regulations 2017 (SA).

3. Our controlled substances and plants protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility

University roles and responsibilities for managing Wellbeing and Safety risks, including those risks associated with controlled substances, are set out in the Hazard Management Procedure.

3.2 Ensuring controlled substance management

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for end-to-end controlled substances/plant management.

Role	Responsibilities	Protocols
People Leaders	Must: ensure hazards associated with controlled substances/plants are identified and managed. provide suitable resources and processes for effective hazard and risk management where reasonably practicable. provide information, training, instruction, and an appropriate level of supervision, to staff, students, and others where relevant.	Schedule 2- 7 and Regulation 25 understand the conditions of the University’s Research Instruction or Training Permit for controlled substances S2-S7. when purchasing Regulation 25 substances ensure they are listed on an individual permit or the University’s permit. follow all requirements in Appendix A. S8 – S9 controlled substances follow all requirements in Appendix B. Schedule 17A Precursor (17A), 17B Precursor (17B), Schedule 17C Precursor (17C) follow all requirements in Appendix C. when receiving a 17B or 17C controlled precursor the supervisor must sign the “End User declaration/statement”. Controlled Plants follow all requirements in Appendix D. Importing or exporting drugs and chemicals of security concern when importing or exporting drugs listed in Appendix E that you have a permit from the Office of Drug Control. Prohibited or restricted carcinogens follow all the requirements in the Chemical Safety Management protocol. Hazard Management complete risk assessments for chemical tasks in Unisafe in consultation with relevant staff and students, ensure that all identified risks are effectively controlled and control measures are properly used and maintained. Note: The risk assessment should consider: the risk of a needlestick, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of a controlled substance and how best to mitigate the risk. the level of information, instruction, and training to be provided. access and storage requirements. emergency situations and any antidotes (where available). Training and Supervision induct all workers and retain records for working with chemicals. appropriately train and supervise all workers on handling, storing and disposing of chemicals prior to and during working in the area/undertaking the activity.
Managers of stores or staff involved with receipt and delivery	Must: ensure hazards associated with controlled substances /plants are identified and managed. provide information, training, instruction, and an appropriate level of supervision, to staff, students, and others where relevant.	Ensure that: your staff in the stores have access to information on hazards (SDS) and are trained on safe handling and emergency responses. access of controlled substances and the associated permits is limited to authorised people. suppliers and manufacturers are provided with controlled substances and plants licences and permits, as required. risk assessments are completed in Chemwatch for storage and the activity is undertaken in consultation with relevant staff and ensure that all identified control measures are implemented. registers in Chemwatch should be updated when there is a change (e.g purchase of a new chemical) but must be updated at least once a year and maximum holdings are completed.  no stocks of S8, S9 controlled substances, 17A precursors and controlled plants are held within your chemical store/receiving area. staff members (not students) sign off on any required End User Declaration/Statements.
Staff and students	Must: ensure hazards associated with controlled substances/plants are identified and managed. follow reasonable instructions and work practices to maintain their own and others’ wellbeing and safety   report hazards/incidents identified through Unisafe.	Ensure that: all controlled substances and plants are securely stored, labelled, used and records kept in accordance with this protocol, linked documents and SDS. all substances are used in accordance with: Schedule 2- 7 and Regulation 25 – refer to Appendix A. S8 – S9 controlled substances – refer to Appendix B. Schedule 17A Precursor (17A) 17B Precursor (17B) Schedule 17C Precursor (17C) – refer to Appendix C. Controlled Plants – refer to Appendix D. Importing or exporting drugs– refer to Appendix E Prohibited or Restricted Carcinogens – refer to Chemical Safety Management protocol. risk assessments are completed in Unisafe before the activity is undertaken. the controls are implemented as outlined in the task risk assessment. you participate in training on tasks involving controlled substances/plants as instructed. you are aware and participate in the relevant emergency contingency arrangements, including the location and use of spill kits, emergency showers/eyewash stations and first aid provisions in your area. report any incident via Unisafe and participate in incident investigations where required .
Wellbeing and Safety Team	Must: ensure hazards associated with chemicals are identified and managed. provide information, training, instruction, and an appropriate level of supervision, to staff, students, and others where relevant.	obtain generic chemical permits/licences for the University. assist research and academic staff to obtain and maintain individual permits, as required. maintain a register, including copies of all controlled substances and plants licences and permits held by Adelaide University and regularly review and audit the holdings and usage logs. prepare general training materials report any theft or loss of controlled substances or plants to SA Health in accordance with legislative requirements.

3.3 Pregnancy or conception

For information on chemicals which impact pregnancy or conception please refer to the Services Hub Knowledgebase.

4. Definitions used in our protocol

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms.

Adelaide University Community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers, and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.    

(The term Adelaide University Community is used instead of the term Worker as defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)).  

17A substances are precursors which cannot be sold or possessed without a permit from the Minister. These chemicals are listed in section 16 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 (SA).

17B and 17C substances are precursors which require photographic identification to be produced and for an End User Statement to be completed at purchase. These chemicals are listed in section 16 and 17 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 (SA).

Controlled substance/plants contain medicinal, pharmaceutical or poison as a component that require licensing. Under the licence conditions there are restrictions on access, labelling and use. The main purpose of the classification is to restrict the accessibility by non-authorised people to particular groups of plants, pharmaceutics and poisons.

Dangerous Goods are solids, liquids or gases that have been classified as dangerous under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (the ADG code). Substances in this classification must adhere to legislative requirements when being transported by road or rail.

Packing Group I (PGI) indicates dangerous goods that are highly dangerous.
Packing Group II (PGII) indicates dangerous goods that are moderately dangerous.
Packing Group III (PGIII) indicates dangerous goods that are mildly dangerous. Note the storage of dangerous goods is now included in the term hazardous chemicals. Dangerous goods requirements only are applicable to the transportation.

Drug is a poison designed for human or animal therapeutic use.

End User statement/declaration is a statement which is required by the supplier, on behalf of South Australian Police, to allow the supply of substances which have been classified as section 17B or 17C under the Controlled Substances Act 1984. The declaration must be duly completed on the statement by the end user of the 17B and 17C precursors and accompanied with photographic evidence of the person’s identity, such as drivers licence or passport.

GHS means the Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of chemicals (3rd edition).

Hazardous chemical is a substance, mixture or article that satisfies the criteria for a hazard class in the GHS. This term replaces hazardous substances and the storage of dangerous goods.

Hazardous substance (replacement term is hazardous chemical): is defined as a substance that has the potential to cause harm to a person’s health, and are defined by the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC). They can be defined as: very toxic, toxic, harmful, irritant, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, corrosive, and sensitising.

Hazard Statement means a statement assigned in the GHS to a hazard class of hazard category describing the nature of the hazards of a hazardous chemical including, if appropriate, the degree of hazard.

Manufacture of a controlled substance means to undertake any processes by which the substance is extracted, produced or refined or to take part in the process of manufacture of the substance.

Other person is a person, organisation, their employees or representatives that are not engaged to carry out work on behalf of the University.

Placarding means a sign or notice containing information about hazardous chemicals which is displayed in a prominent place, or next to a container or storage area for the chemicals.

Possession of a controlled substance or plant includes having control over the substance or plant or having joint possession of the substance or plant.

Prescribed equipment (under the Controlled Substances (Controlled Drugs, Precursors and Plants) Regulations 2014 (SA) (Sections 33LB and 33) is equipment that is, or may at some stage have been capable of being used in the manufacture of controlled drugs includes (1) condensers; (2) distillation heads; (3) heating mantles; (4) rotary evaporators; (5) heater-stirrers; (6) mechanical-stirrers; (7) pressure reaction vessels; (8) separatory funnels; (9) Buchner flasks; (10) in-line membrane filters; (11) reaction vessels; (12) splash heads; (13) tube furnaces; (14) manual or mechanical tablet presses, including parts for such an item; (15) manual or mechanical encapsulators, including parts for such an item; (16) an item modified to perform the function of a condenser, distillation head, splash head, pressure reaction vessel or tube furnace; and a device comprising a hydraulic compression system and a die that is, or may at some stage have been, capable of being used to compress a powdered substance into blocks is prescribed

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains information on the identity of a product and any hazardous ingredients, potential health effects, toxicological properties, physical hazards, safe use, handling and storage, emergency procedures, and disposal requirements specific to the chemical. These sheets are obtained through the Chemwatch or directly from the vendor.

Segregation/segregated refers to physical separation of containers and isolation of potential spills and releases with the goal of preventing chemical reactions.

5. How our protocol is governed

5.1 Compliance

Controlled substances and plants management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

5.2 Governance

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

Parent policy	Authority to create and maintain this protocol is granted under the Hazard Management Procedure
Policy category	Corporate
Approving authority	Executive Director of People, Advisory and Wellbeing
Policy owner	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture
Responsible manager	Deputy Vice Chancellor People and Culture or their delegate
Effective from	1 January 2026
Review date	1 January 2029
Enquiries	Wellbeing and Safety Team
Replaced documents	None

6. History of changes

Date approved	To section/clauses	Description of change
28 Jan 2026	N/A	New protocol

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are known.

Appendix A - Schedule 2 (S2) – Schedule 7 (S7) Controlled Substances

1. How to identify if a substance is controlled

To identify if a substance is controlled refer to:

the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under ‘Poisons schedule’
the red flags and tags in Chemwatch GoldFFX
Controlled Substances (Controlled Drugs, Precursors and Plants) Regulations 2014 (SA)
Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 (SA)
Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) Instrument (SUSMP)

2. S2 - S7 Drugs and poisons classification

Schedule	Signal words	Access and use requirements
Schedule 1		[This Schedule is intentionally blank.]
Schedule 2	Pharmacy Medicine	Substances, the safe use of which may require advice from a pharmacist, and which should be available from a pharmacy or, where a pharmacy service is not available, from a licensed person. Covered by University Permit
Schedule 3	Pharmacist Only Medicine	Substances, the safe use of which requires professional advice, but which should be available to the public from a pharmacist without a prescription. Covered by University Permit
Schedule 4	Prescription Only Medicine, or Prescription Animal Remedy	Substances, the use, or supply of which should be by or on the order of persons permitted by State or Territory legislation to prescribe and should be available from a pharmacist on prescription. Covered by University Permit
Schedule 5	Caution	Substances with a low potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of appropriate packaging with simple warnings and safety directions on the label. Permit is not required
Schedule 6	Poison	Substances with a moderate potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of distinctive packaging with strong warnings and safety directions on the label. Permit is not required
Schedule 7	Dangerous Poison	Substances with a high potential for causing harm at low exposure and which require special precautions during manufacture, handling or use. These poisons should be available only to specialised or authorised users who have the skills necessary to handle them safely. Special regulations restricting their availability, possession, storage, or use may apply. Covered by University Permit
Regulation 25 (section 22 of the Controlled Substances Act)	Prescribed Poisons	Substances which are specifically named in the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations Section 25 and are required to have a permit by the Controlled Substances Act (1984). Specifically listed on the University Permit or individual permits Refer to SA Health for a listing of the specific poisons.

3. Permits

University controlled substances permit S2 – S7

The Adelaide University has “Research Instruction or Training Permits which allows the University to manufacture, supply, possess and use Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 7 substances (Note: a permit is not required for S5 and S6 substances).

The permit requires the University to abide by the following conditions:

The poisons must not be re-sold or supplied to any other person.
The permit holder shall store scheduled poisons in suitable containers, appropriately labelled and shall store schedule 2, 3, 4 & 7 poisons, when not in use in a locked receptacle or enclosure.
The poisons shall not be kept elsewhere than at the premises specified, except when in accordance with written guidelines or protocols prepared by or on behalf of the permit holder.
Access to the poisons shall be restricted to persons under the direction of the permit holder, or in accordance with written guidelines or protocols prepared by or on behalf of the permit holder.
A record indicating the quantity of each schedule 2, 3, 4 and 7 poison manufactured, produced, received, used or destroyed during the currency of this permit must be kept by the permit holder.
The permit holder must comply with the requirements of the SA Health Suspected Theft of Loss of Drugs or Substances from licence or permit holder policy dated March 2011.

To breach the conditions of the University’s permit is an unlawful act, which could result in a loss of the University’s permit and hence ability to purchase and hold these types of substances. Any breach of these conditions must be reported to the Wellbeing and Safety (W&S) Team.

S7 Prohibition on use

Prohibition on use of certain poisons

Section 31 of the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011 calls out S7 poisons which require a higher authorisation to use

amygdalin for human therapeutic use. chloramphenicol for the treatment of stock bred, raised, or used for the purpose of providing a product for human consumption.
Any poison produced for the treatment of animals if that poison is intended for human use.

If you are intending to use these substances in the manner outlined above, contact the W&S Team.

4. Storage and access

Permit condition - The permit holder shall store scheduled poisons in suitable containers, appropriately labelled, and shall store schedule 2, 3, 4 and 7 poisons, when not in use, in a locked receptacle or enclosure.

Meaning in the University context

Keep the substance in the original container, however if you need to decant the substance then refer to labelling requirements below.
Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 7 poisons must be stored in a locked cabinet when the substances are not in use, or the laboratory/workshop/building must be locked, or access restricted to authorised people by some means when not in use.
Poisons must be stored in the original container or is placed into another container normally associated with substance. Solutions placed into another container should not be put into a container used for (or look similar to) one used for food or beverages.

Permit condition - The poisons shall not be kept elsewhere than the premises specified, except when in accordance with written guidelines or protocols prepared by or on behalf of the permit holder.

Meaning in the University context

The permits the University holds covers each of the campuses of the University with S2 – S7 controlled substances. When transporting controlled substances to a field trip location a Risk Assessment and Safe Operating Procedure must be written detailing the safe transport and security of the substances including ensuring the substances are stored in a locked receptacle in their immediate possession or if the receptacle cannot be in their immediate possession, secured out of sight and in a locked facility (contact the University Chemicals Officer in the W&S team for assistance with this requirement).

Permit condition - Access to the poisons shall be restricted to persons under the direction of the permit holder, or in accordance with written guidelines or protocols prepared by or on behalf of the permit holder.

Meaning in the University context

Only staff and students given permission to access individual laboratories and workshops are allowed access to the controlled substances in those individual laboratories and workshops. Any person who is not authorised to use substances in a laboratory or workshop must be supervised (or not permitted to enter) where controlled substances are not in locked receptacles.

5. Labelling

When substances are placed into another container they are required to be labelled in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) Instrument, the GHS and WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) Part 2 Schedule 9.

Whilst the manufacturer or supplier of substances are required to have extensive labelling the label for a substance placed into another container, or research substance, or sample for analysis shall at a minimum:

be legible and in English,
have the product identifier (name or number found on the suppliers’ label or in the SDS),
have a pictogram or hazard statement consistent with the chemical,
the full name (or staff/student number) of the worker who made or placed the chemical into another container, and
the controlled substance signal words as per the original container (refer to signal words table 1 above).

Note- decanting into a syringe only requires the name of the substance on the syringe. However, the substance must be used, and syringe disposed of within one working day.6.

6. Registers

All substances are required to be in Chemwatch contact W&S Team for access.

7. Transport

Transportation by hand by using carriers, baskets, or trolleys to carry chemicals, where possible.
Outside the University the load is to be bunded, segregated, packaged, and transported in a way, which discourages breakage of containers and complies with the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail.
All loads are to be secured (if within a passenger vehicle then large amounts must also be transported behind a cargo barrier).
Transportation of large quantities of chemicals may require placarding (refer to Chemical Safety Management protocol.
If chemicals are to be transported by air refer to CASA guidelines.
If chemicals are being transported by post, refer to Australia Post guidelines.
All S2 - S7 controlled substances must be secure from unauthorised access during transport.

8. Incident reporting

The permit holder shall comply with the requirements of the SA Health "Suspected Theft or Loss of Drugs or Substances from Licence or Permit Holders" policy dated March 2011.

All Controlled substance incidents, including suspected theft, injury and hazards are to be reported via Unisafe as soon as possible.
The W&S team must be contacted where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the occurrence of:
a theft or loss of a drug, prohibited substance, Schedule 7 poison or prescribed equipment or
a quantity of drugs or prohibited substances that cannot be reasonably accounted for; or
worker or student who has access to such drugs or prohibited substances exhibits such behaviour that you or others may reasonably suspect that they have a drug problem or are diverting drugs or substances.

9. Disposal

It is an offence to dispose of S2 - S7 drugs/poisons in any manner that is likely to constitute a risk to public health or safety. Disposal of S2 – S7 drugs/poisons can be collected by approved chemical waste disposal companies as these companies hold the appropriate permits to undertake destruction/disposal. However, it is a breach of the University’s Controlled Substances Licences to leave controlled substances unattended in loading bays whilst waiting for collection.

Do not discharge to the sewer:

any concentrated acids or bases;
highly toxic, malodorous (bad odour), or lachrymatory (produces tears) substances;
any substances which might interfere with the biological activity of wastewater treatment plants;
any controlled substance which could create fire or explosion hazards;
any controlled substance which could cause structural damage or obstruct flow.

In University buildings

Legacy systems for both University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will continue into 2026 until alignment. For University of Adelaide legacy buildings - all requests for waste disposal should be submitted on the Waste Collection Request Form from Infrastructure website. If delays occur, contact Estates and Facilities to resolve any issues.

For University South Australia legacy buildings please continue to use Schools (previously known as Units) disposal methods.

Commercial buildings

The first point of contact for requests is the Building Facilities Manager

11. Records

Permit condition - A record indicating the quantity of each schedule 2, 3, 4 and 7 poison manufactured, produced, received, used or destroyed during the currency of this permit must be kept by the permit holder for at least 5 years.

Meaning in the University context.

Chemwatch chemical register must be updated at least once a calendar year

12. Special circumstances and exemptions

Permit condition - The poisons must not be re-sold or supplied to any other person.

Meaning in the University context

Within the University it is acceptable to transfer S2 – S7 controlled substances and Regulation 25 substances between Schools/Functions as each School/Function is part of the organisation. Please ensure that your chemical register is updated if transferred. However, if the Regulation 25 is not on the campus permit, then you must contact the W&S team to seek an amendment to the campus permit.
Where transfer is occurring between institutions this cannot be done unless the University has permission from SA Health and the other institution has a valid permit. Contact the W&S team for assistance.
Where a researcher is moving to another research organisation and is intending to transfer substances to that organisation, there are a number of things that must be considered i.e., permits held by the other organisation, transport, and security arrangements. Contact the W&S team if you wish to transfer any controlled substances with you when moving organisations.

Pentobarbitone (Lethabarb)

Pentobarbitone is classified as an S4 drug however for the purposes of storage within the Adelaide University it will be treated as an S8.

Anyone using pentobarbitone (who is not a veterinary surgeon) must ensure that they get approval from, University Vets and receive training from a South Australian registered veterinarian.
This drug is to be kept secure at all times (when in use) as to prevent unauthorised access and is stored (when not in use) in a drug safe.

Appendix B - Schedule 8 (S8) and Schedule 9 (S9) Controlled Substances

1. S8 and S9 - General

Schedule	Signal words	Access and use requirements
Schedule 8	Controlled Drug/Drug of dependence/Drug of addiction	Substances which should be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence. Individual Permits are required
Schedule 9	Prohibited Substance	Substances which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities. Individual Permits are required

Schedule

Signal words

Access and use requirements

Schedule 8

Controlled Drug/Drug of dependence/Drug of addiction

Substances which should be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence.

Individual Permits are required

Schedule 9

Prohibited Substance

Substances which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.

Individual Permits are required

The list of S8 and S9 substances can be found in Controlled Substances (Controlled Drugs, Precursors and Plants) Regulations 2014.

Controlled drugs (S8) include:

the natural or synthetic form, or
any salt, derivative, or isomer (or salt of the derivative or isomer) of the natural or synthetic form, or
any analogue (or salt of the analogue) of the natural or synthetic form, or
any homologue of the natural or synthetic form of the substances listed in schedule 1 of the Regulations.

2. S8 and S9 permits

Use permit

Any person intending to obtain and use substances classified as S8 or S9 is required to obtain an individual permit from SA Health. Please use the SA Health form to obtain the permit.

The primary responsibility is retained by the permit holder. The permit holder must ensure that the following conditions are met and understand that they are personally responsible for all inactions or actions which breach the Act and the conditions within this protocol.

To breach the conditions of an individual’s permit is an unlawful act. Any breach (including loss) of these conditions must be reported to the W&S Team.

Supply permit

In rare circumstances a supply permit will be granted by SA Health. Where a supply permit exists the permit holder must ensure that all S8 substances that they will be supplying are listed on their permit and that recipient of the S8 substance has a permit of use.

3. S8 and S9 prohibition on use

No S8/S9 is to be held within the University unless there is a valid permit.
The S8/S9 must not be re-sold or supplied to any other person (with the exception of supplying, when giving the substance to a prescribed person for the purposes of disposal; refer to section 9 or where there is valid supply permit).
The permit holder must not give control of the S8/S9 to another person unless they are listed on the permit or the supplier have a supply permit and the receiver has a use permit for the substance.
The primary permit holder must be an employee, titleholder or affiliate of the University.

4. S8 and S9 storage and access

The permit holder shall store S8/S9 in suitable containers, appropriately labelled (see below) and in a locked drug safe that meets or exceeds the requirements of the SA Health Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence v2.
The permit holder must not allow a spare key to the drug safe to be held by anyone not listed on the permit. All keys to the drug safe will be the responsibility of the permit holder.
The sharing of drug safes is not permitted unless all persons who are sharing are listed on the permit/s for all substances within the safe.
All access to S8/S9 substances is strictly restricted to persons listed on the permit (this includes use and disposal; the only exception is for delivery and good receiving who should not unpack these substances).
The quantity of the substance must not exceed the amounts listed on the permit. All holdings are counted towards the total amount regardless if the substance has expired. The permit holder must seek an amendment to the permit conditions or dispose of items if quantities are exceeding the permit listed amounts.
Be aware that the permit is specific for substances and locations in which the substances can be held.
For those s8/s9 substances that are temperature sensitive, the substance must be held in a lockable refrigerator or freezer that meets or exceeds the requirements of the SA Health Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence. .
The permit holder is required to comply with The Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence v2.

5. S8 and S9 labelling

Any drugs placed into another container are to be labelled with the safety information on the original container.

6. S8 and S9 registers

All substances are required to be in Chemwatch contact W&S Team for access which is updated at least once a year. In addition a drug of dependence register indicating the quantity of each S8/S9 manufactured, produced, received, used, or destroyed during the currency of the permit must be kept by the permit holder. These records must be kept updated in real time and be kept in an auditable format see Appendix G for an example. Broken or expired bottles are to be entered into this register and disposed of via witnessed destruction (see disposal section below).

The drug of dependence register must be audited/stocktake against holdings by a person named on the permit at least once a month for high use areas (e.g. Veterinary clinic) and every 6 months for low use areas (e.g. researchers) and these records (audit/stocktake and the register) held in an auditable format (e.g. in a log book or on a computer system that is backed up).

7. S8 and S9 transport

The following should be considered when planning how to securely transport S8 and S9 drugs:
1. the quantity of drugs being transported
2. how the drugs will be packaged
3. the security measures during transport
4. the number of persons who will handle the drugs, and
5. how theft or loss during transport will be identified.
The permit holder is required to comply with The Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence 2025 v2 when transporting S8/S9 substances.

8. S8 and S9 incident reporting

All chemical incidents including suspected theft, injury and hazards are to be reported via Unisafe.
Also, in the circumstances of a loss or theft of a S8/S9 substance, the permit holder must undertake reasonable lines of inquiry to determine the facts and then report the status of the S8/S9 to W&S team who will gather facts and if required, report with the permit holder, the incident to SA Health and SAPOL. These are the requirements of the SA Health Suspected Theft of Loss of Drugs or Substances from licence or permit holder policy and The Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Drugs of Dependence V2.

9. S8 and S9 disposal

The permit holder is responsible for disposal of the substance before the expiry date or before they leave the University.
SA Health requires all S8 and S9 substances to undertake “witness destruction”. The permit holder or a person who is listed on the permit must take the substance and the inventory to any pharmacy (through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) National program) , veterinary, doctor or nurse (or other prescribed people). These professionals will sign receipt and dispose of them. The permit holder must keep a copy in an auditable format. Refer to Appendix F for a pharmacy disposal form.
The person destroying the drug ensures that the following information is recorded in respect of the drug immediately after its destruction:
1. the full names and the signatures of the person and the witness to the destruction
2. the trade name or approved name of the drug or, if it did not have either a trade or approved name, its ingredients
3. the amount and, if applicable, the strength of the drug
4. the date and time of the destruction
5. the amount of the drug (if any) now remaining in stock on the premises at which the destroyed drug was stored.

10. S8 and S9 records

All S8 and S9 records within this section must be kept at all times in an auditable format.

11. S8 and S9 special circumstances and exemptions

11.1 Permit holder has left the organisation

In the event that the permit holder leaves the University (e.g. retirement, death, termination of contract) and there is nobody else listed on the permit then the University must get permission from SA Health to be able to have access to transfer to another person (not on the permit), or to make an inventory or to dispose.

11.2 Transfer between permit holders

A substance cannot be transferred to another person not named on the permit unless (1) The supplier holds a supply permit or (2) there is clear approval from SA Health (regardless of if the recipient has their own permit with the same substance listed).
If the primary permit holder leaves the organisation, then SA Health must be notified as soon as possible so that the permit can be reissued.
If a person is listed as a secondary person on the permit, then this person can take control of the substance from the primary permit holder, however SA Health must still be notified.

11.3 Access to drug of dependence

Veterinary nurses (according to SA Health) if working under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, can access S8 drugs as long as it is accordance with the normal veterinary duties and under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon.

11.4 Activities around controlled drugs and poisons, equipment

If the activity is for a pharmacists or veterinary surgeon's profession the following is not an offence for a pharmacist or veterinary surgeon to:

manufacture, pack, sale, supply or administer a poison, or the sale or supply of equipment for use in connection with the consumption or administration of a poison
prescribes a drug of dependence for a person (pharmacist) or animal (veterinary surgeon).
be in possession of controlled poison or equipment.

Appendix C - Controlled Precursors

1. Precursors – general

Section 17A, 17B and 17C are substances that are regulated, in the Controlled Substances Act, as chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture.

A controlled precursor includes all substances listed in schedule 2 of the Controlled Substances (Controlled drugs, precursors and plants) Regulations.

2. Precursor permits and requirements

17A substances

These substances cannot be sold/used/held without a permit from the Minister. Please use the SA Health form to seek permission to hold and use 17A substances and inform the University Chemicals Officer in the W&S team of your intention to hold and use these substances.

17B and 17C substances

The 17B and 17C substances require an end user declaration (EUD) which the supplier will request before delivery of these goods.
An end user declaration must be signed by the staff member who is associated with the area ordering the substance not a student.
Where a goods receiving store purchases on behalf of the end user, the supervisor (not a student) is required to sign off on the end user declaration.

(Note: the end user declaration will be provided by the supplier.)

3. Precursor storage and access

17A precursors will be stored in accordance with the permit, however they are not to be held in a store/area that has shared access.
17B and 17C precursors will be stored in suitable containers and when not in use in a locked receptacle or enclosure.

4. Precursor labelling

There are no special requirements for labelling beyond what is required for S2 – S7 controlled substances. (Please refer to Appendix A S2-S7 labelling)

5. Precursor registers

All controlled precursors are required to be on the chemical register (updated at least once a year) refer to Appendix A S2 - S7 registers. Records are to be held in an auditable format (e.g., in a logbook or on a computer system that is backed up).
17A precursors will be tracked in accordance with the permit

6. Precursor transport

There are no special requirements beyond general chemical transportation principles.

(Refer to Chemical Safety Management protocol).

7. Precursor incident reporting

All incidents including suspected theft, injury and hazards are to be reported via the Unisafe as soon as possible.
In addition, any incidents relating to 17A precursors will be reported in accordance with the permit requirements.
If there is a suspicion that an order or a transfer of a controlled precursor may be connected to unlawful act; contact the W&S team.

8. Precursor disposal

17A precursors will be disposed of in accordance with the permit requirements.
17B and 17C will be disposed of by the same method as S2-S7 substances (Refer to Appendix A).

9. Precursor records

17A precursor records are to be kept in accordance with the permit requirements.

10. Precursor special circumstances and exemptions

17B and 17C substances
There is no requirement for an End user declaration for a 17B or 17C precursor if the preparation is designed, packaged and labelled for human or animal therapeutic use and is made by a veterinary surgeon or registered health practitioner.

Appendix D - Prescribed controlled plants

1. Prescribed controlled plants general

Section 12 (4b) of the Controlled Substances Act declares that some plants and classes of plants have the potential to lead to dependence in humans as listed in the table below.

Controlled Plants
including the growing plant or cutting of the plant

Any plant of the genus Erythroxylum P. Browne including Erythroxylum coca Lam and Erythroxylum nova-granatense.
Papaver bracteatum Lindley.
Papaver somniferum L.
All fungi that contain PSILOCIN.
All fungi that contain PSILOCYBIN.
Any plant containing MESCALINE including any plant of the genus Lophophora.
Salvia divinorum EPL. & Jativa (Diviners Sage).
Mitragyna speciosa Korth (Kratom).
Catha edulis Forsk (Khat).
Any species of the genus Ephedra which contains ephedrine.
Any plant of the genus Cannabis L including the plant, a cutting of the plant, the seeds, the oils and resins.
(Cannabis oils and resins mean substances which contain chemicals of the following classes cannabinoids; tetrahydrocannabinols; or alkyl homologues of tetrahydrocannabinols.)

Note 1 for poppy cultivation regulations refer to Controlled Substances (Poppy Cultivation) Regulations 2016 (SA).

Note 2 for research using hemp also refer to Industrial Hemp Act 2017 and Regulations 2017 (SA).

2. Prescribed controlled plants permits and requirements

It is an offense to cultivate or sell commercial quantities of controlled plants however, if you intend to obtain and use, for research purposes, a controlled plant then you must ensure that you obtain an individual permit from SA Health. Please use the SA Health form for a S8 permit and seek assistance the W&S Team.
Permits for controlled plants are for the whole plant (regardless of where the active ingredient resides), this includes any waste products and there must be a valid (in date) permit for all controlled plants being used or stored.
If the research also involves the cultivation or production of medicinal cannabis, the Office of Drug Control permit is required.
If the research requires importation of hemp products contact Office of Drug Control to determine if an import permit is required.

3. Prescribed controlled plants storage and access

Controlled Plants must be stored and secured in a within a restricted location. This location is only allowed to be accessed by people who are listed on the permit. Where there are two different controlled plants (with different people on the permits) in the same location, then two different secured storage areas are required with access restricted to persons on the permit.
The holdings of controlled plant on the permit must not exceed the permit amount.
The permit is person and location specific. Only person/s on the permit are allowed access to the controlled plant and the location on the permit is the only place which the controlled substance is allowed to be held and worked on.

4. Prescribed controlled plants labelling

All plant material must be clearly labelled with the name of the material the permit number and the licence holders name and contact details.

5. Registers

All amounts of plant material received, used, discarded, or not destroyed (i.e., samples held within the laboratory) must be recorded on a register held with the controlled plant. The records held are to be in an auditable format (e.g., in a logbook or on a computer system that is backed up.

6. Transport

Controlled plants must be only transported by a person listed on the permit and they must ensure that the material is secure at all times (refer to Appendix B item 7 for items to consider).

7. Incident reporting

Any losses or access breaches identified must be reported to SA Health and recorded in Unisafe. Contact the W&S team if you require assistance.

8. Disposal

Any part of a controlled plant (including waste) no longer needed must be destroyed and this destruction must be recorded on the register.
Only persons who are listed on the permit can access the plants for disposal.

9. Records

All controlled plants (including the waste) must be tracked via a register i.e., when it is received, stored, used, discharged, destroyed, and stored. This register must be kept in an auditable format.

10. Prescribed controlled plants special circumstances

Any changes to the permit

If anything changes (i.e. extra locations or change in location or access to other people) then SA Health must be notified (before it happens) so they can reissue your permit.
If the permit holder is no longer at the University, SA Health must be notified so that the permit can be transferred to another person listed on the permit. If the permit holder is the only person listed, then contact the W&S team so they can assist in seeking permission for access/transfer/disposal of the controlled plant.

Transfer

It is illegal to supply (without permission) any part of a controlled plant to another person, including waste and/or non-active parts of the plant. If the permit holder wishes to transfer any part of the plant material (including waste) the permit holder must inform SA Health before transfer so that their permit can be modified, to include the new people and the secondary location.

Appendix E - Importation and exportation

Drugs

There are many substances require a licence and permit before importing or exporting, issued by the Office of Drug Control, in accordance with Regulation 5 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Regulation 10 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. Contact the Office of Drug Control.

Agricultural or veterinary chemicals

Only registered products and approved active constituents can be imported without the need for further approval. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are to be contact to authorise the importation of unregistered and unapproved agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Contact APVMA.