(1) The certification program is designed to ensure that users of pesticide products are properly qualified to handle and apply these materials without endangering themselves, others, or the environment.
(2) Pesticide users who apply or supervise the use of pesticide products should become familiar with certification requirements that have been developed by the Unites States (U.S.) EPA.
(3) All pest application personnel should be Certified Pesticide Applicators under provisions of Public Law 92-516, FIFRA, and VHA policy manual M-1, Part VII, Chapter 2, Pest Management Operations, par. 2.05.
NOTE: The only exception is while in training, the applicator may apply pesticides while working under the direct visual supervision of a certified applicator.
(4) Actual certification of VA pest management personnel should be provided by the agency responsible for certification at the State in which the VA facility is located (see App. C).
b. Training Sources. Ongoing training in pest management for the pest control supervisor(s) is encouraged. Training is available at various military installations, through local and State
cooperative extension services, State environmental agencies, colleges, correspondence courses, State Pest Control Associations, and pesticide suppliers (see App. D).
c. Pesticide Certification Training Agreement. Department of Defense (DOD), through its Military Services, agrees to provide certification training for VA employees. The agreement is for training only and does not include certification as a pest applicator. The certification as a pest applicator must be obtained from the certification agency in the state where the individual pest applicator is employed (see App. D).
4. PESTICIDE SAFETY AND SURVEILLANCE
a. Scope. Pest Management in medical care facilities is different from the old-fashioned type of pest control that consisted of "spraying" around a building. Modern pest control has evolved into a complex and specialized discipline that employs numerous methods other than the application of pesticides. It is important to recognize that pests should be controlled by non-chemical means, and that only when specifically indicated or necessary, the least toxic pesticide is applied to the extent
necessary for effective control. Chemical control should serve as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, other control measures.
b. Pesticide Application Schedule And Notification
(1) Pesticide application shall not take place during working hours in occupied space where individuals may be exposed unless exceptions are made for emergency reasons.
(2) When pesticides are used in large scale application, the Health and Safety Representatives as well as occupants (employees, etc.), will receive advance notification of application. Individuals with special health needs will be reasonably accommodated.
c. Pesticide Storage
(1) Pesticides shall be stored in Department of Transportation (DOT) approved containers to minimize leakage.
(2) Pesticide storage areas shall be designated and separated from other work areas and
ventilated. Entrance to the storage areas shall be posted as pesticide storage areas, and locked when not in use.
(3) No one shall be permitted to eat, drink, smoke, or sleep in the pesticide storage area or while applying pesticides.
(4) All pesticides should be stored in properly labeled and approved containers with the following information as a minimum:
(a) Contents by chemical and common names.
(b) Fire hazard rating.
(c) Toxicity hazard.
(d) Storage and handling precautions.
(e) First aid for inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and eyes.
(f) Site i.e., areas it can be used.
(g) EPA registration number.
d. Accidental Spills and Emergencies
(1) Employees should wear appropriate protective equipment and be trained in proper methods for cleanup and decontamination.
(2) Pesticide contaminated waste and debris should be placed for disposal in sealed containers bearing the following information:
HAZARDOUS WASTE: HANDLE WITH CARE ACCUMULATION START DATE ____________
CONTENTS _______________________________
(3) Written spill and emergency procedures should be developed by the user. (see App. E).
e. Medical Surveillance for Pesticide Applicators. Pesticide applicators should have a replacement or initial medical examination which should include, but not be limited to: a comprehensive medical and work history, physical examination, and blood analysis for liver
function and determination of a cholinesterase base line. Periodic examination should be scheduled as necessary but is encouraged at least every six months (see subpar. App. F. 2 d(2)(a)). Any time symptoms of toxicity are exhibited, an immediate medical examination should be performed.
f. Management of Pesticide Poisoning. The toxicity information, including antidotes, for all types of pesticide poisoning should be readily available. Each facility should have copies of the
"Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings" for the employee health physician, pharmacy, laboratory, and Environmental Management Service library. Copies are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. A listing of all pesticides available for use at the facility and their antidotes should be maintained by the responsible program official and employee health physician.
g. Recognizing Pesticide Poisoning. All pesticides in the same chemical group cause the same type of sickness. This sickness may be mild or severe, depending on the pesticide and the amount absorbed, but the pattern of illness caused by one type of pesticide is always the same. Having some of the signs and symptoms does not always mean you have been poisoned. Other types of sickness may cause similar signs and symptoms. Headache and a feeling of being ill, for example may signal the start or many kinds of illness. It is the pattern of symptoms that makes it possible to tell one kind of sickness from another. Employees handling pesticides should be familiar with steps to be taken if poisoning is suspected and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. It is always preferable to error on the side of caution in matters such as potential pesticide poisoning.
(1) Synthetic Organic Pesticides
(a) Organophosphates. These pesticides affect the nervous system. The signs and symptoms go through stages. They normally occur in this order:
1. Mild Poisoning. Fatigue, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, excessive sweating and salivation, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps and/or diarrhea.
2. Moderate Poisoning. Unable to walk, weakness, chest discomfort, muscle twitches, constriction of pupil of the eye, earlier symptoms become more severe.
3. Severe Poisoning. Unconsciousness, severe constriction of pupil of eye, muscle twitches, secretions from mouth and nose, breathing difficulty, death if not treated.
(b) Carbamates. Poisoning by carboamates is similar to organophosphate poisoning in that it produces the same signs and symptoms. The illness carbamates cause can be corrected more easily by a physician. For this reason, most carbamates are safer than organophosphates. The label should warn you of the danger.
(c) Fumigants and Solvent. Overexposure to these compounds may make a person seem intoxicated. The signs and symptoms; i.e., poor coordination, slurring words, confusion, and sleepiness. Repeated exposure to the fumigant methyl bromide has caused permanent internal injury without early signs or symptoms of poisoning. You can absorb a fatal dose of it before symptoms appear.
(2) Inorganic Pesticides. Large single doses of most inorganic pesticides cause vomiting and stomach pain. The signs and symptoms depend on the mineral from which the pesticide is derived.
(3) Plant-derived Pesticides (Pyrethroids). Exposure to these pesticide may cause allergic reactions and irritation to eyes and the respiratory tract.