UCR Policies and Procedures

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Campus Policy Number: 425-66

Pesticides and Safety

Policy Owner: Environmental Health & Safety
Effective Date: 1/15/94

1. REFERENCES

1. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
2. Title 3, California Code of Regulations, Sections 6700.1-6900.
3. Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Sections 1531, 5144.1.
4. 29 Code of Federal Regulation, Section 1910.132
5. 40 Code of Federal Regulation, Sections 165.1-180.
6. UCR Pesticide Safety Program (Manual)

2. POLICY

It is the policy of the University of California, Riverside to establish a safe work environment for employees and inform them of pesticide hazards and safety regulations applicable to all activities they may perform. Each department utilizing pesticides for operations, instruction, and research shall incorporate and implement all applicable components of the Campus Pesticide Safety Program to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to employees, students and public, and comply with all regulations.

1. Use of Pesticides

All pesticide usage within the jurisdiction of the U.C.R. campus for pest control operations in agricultural and field trial experimental use, shall be applied in strict accordance with current regulations and the product label. Experimental use of pesticides which are used in laboratories, plant labs, or greenhouse environments will be covered under the departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan.

The Pesticide Safety Committee will consist of representative department personnel who will meet on a periodic basis to discuss and review pesticide related topics, policies, procedures, and revisions within the pesticide safety program.

All pesticide storage facilities shall be inspected at least annually by the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EH&S). All pesticide storage facilities shall be locked/secured when not in use. All doors/entrances to the pesticide storage facility will be posted with the appropriate warning sign.

Restricted use materials shall only be used by licensed applicators, or be under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator. All employees who handle pesticides for any purpose shall be trained in the following elements:

1. Immediate and long term hazards of pesticide exposure
2. Label and MSDS information
3. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning
4. Safety procedures
5. Personal protective equipment and medical monitoring
6. Current laws and regulations
7. Precautions in specific product use.

Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each pesticide shall be obtained by the user's department and kept on file in the department and work location, with the original copy provided to EH&S for each product.

Pesticide disposal will be in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.

2. Responsibilities

EH&S will provide technical advice and assistance to departments in matters related to pesticide usage and safety; act as a liaison between the campus departments and governmental agencies; prepare and annually update the Pesticide Manual; maintain medical surveillance records of baseline cholinesterase testing results, respiratory records, medical evaluations, training records, and any other information needed to conduct oversight activities.

Department Supervisors or their designee shall ensure that employees follow safe work practices including all applicable regulations, label requirements, and policies set forth in the pesticide safety program; supply and supervise the proper use of personal protective equipment; ensure that all employees who handle pesticides are trained and/or certified in the specific pesticides used.

Employees shall follow the policies and procedures established in the pesticide safety program; follow all handling and use requirements as specified on pesticide manufacturer labels; and report all unsafe work practices to their supervisors.