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Administrative Policies - Policy 0004

State of Vermont
Agency of Administration
Department of Buildings & General Services

Policy 0004

Title: Pesticide Application Protocol
Date of Issue: March 16, 1998
Supersedes: Initial Policy

PURPOSE

In order for the Department of Buildings & General Services (BGS) to comply with VOSHA regulation CFR 1910.1200 'Hazard Communication Standard’ which requires employers to assure communication regarding the hazards of substances brought into or used in their work place, and to satisfy BGS’ desire to adopt environmentally preferable pest control practices, BGS has developed the following protocol.

POLICY

Pesticide chemicals are used by BGS employees and contractors generally as a last resort to provide a pest-free work environment and to control outbreaks of infestation of all household pests found within State buildings or State leased buildings. Recognizing the fact that employees could be harmed by improper pesticide applications, it is the policy of BGS to inform all State employees of the use of pesticides in their workplace. It is the policy of BGS that pesticides shall only be used in State buildings or State leased buildings at the request of the supervisor, or their designee, to control pests after BGS or contractor pest control technicians have determined that all appropriate non-chemical control measures have been considered and that the pest infestation level is high enough to warrant treatment (‘integrated pest management”).

Pesticide application made by BGS or contractor technicians shall be scheduled prior to, or after, working hours in office buildings. BGS or contractors shall arrange a work schedule for all applications to be made in buildings with 24hr. /day work schedules such as 911 call centers, Vermont Veterans Home, correctional facilities, and the Vermont State Hospital. Note: This scheduling does not apply to certain baiting and outdoor applications.

  • Upon arrival at a regularly scheduled appointment or emergency visit, BGS or contractor technicians shall present their credentials and make contact with the designated contact person at the facility.
  • BGS and contractors technicians shall be commercial or non-commercial Vermont certified pesticide applicators.
  • BGS employees and contractors shall use only pesticides registered by the EPA-and the Vermont Department of Agriculture.
  • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) relating to the pesticides to be used shall be provided to the facility contact person and made available to all employees for their review. A copy of the Safety Checklist (on next page) will also be provided to the facility contact person.
  • The facility contact person is responsible for ensuring that food, eating utensils, coffee pots, cups, sugar, etc., are removed, covered, or secured prior to the application of pesticides, and that the content of the safety checklist is well communicated to affected employees.  
  • Caution signs shall remain posted at every entrance 24 hours prior to the application of any pesticide, warning employees of the impending use of a pesticide. The initial time of posting shall be indicated on the sign
  • No one is to enter the area being treated during posted application time until after posted re-entry time.
  • How to report a pest control problem:
  • A supervisor in the department/office/facility experiencing a problem must fill out a standard work order request to your local BGS maintenance district facility manager.
  • An electronic work order request may be located and filled out on-line by BGS Facilities website -- http://www.bgs.vermont.gov/facilities

SAFETY CHECK LIST FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS IN YOUR STATE OFFICE AREA

  • 'CAUTION' posters tell you the application time and re-entry time. Between the application time and re-entry time, no one, except the applicator, can be in the area being treated.
  • All food and eating utensils should be covered, put in seal-tight containers, cupboards, refrigerators, or removed from the area being treated.
  • Anyone with allergies, known chemical intolerance, or pre-existing medical conditions may want to check with their doctors before entering an area that has been treated.
  • Any loose items, such as shoes, soda or juice containers, etc., should be placed on a desk or chairs so they are up off the floor.

Department Approval:  Gerald J. Myers , Commissioner