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Requirements

15.1 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

15.1.1 Departments shall develop pest management programs that incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices to reduce the use of broad spectrum pesticides.

15.1.2 When a decision is made to use pesticides within the context of an IPM program, the department must ensure that employees are not exposed to health hazards from pesticides.

15.1.3 The goal of IPM is to manage pests effectively, safely and economically, by:

  1. reducing the use of broad spectrum pesticides, and using more pest/target specific control products;
  2. reducing the level of toxicity of products used;
  3. using alternate control methods; and
  4. improving and perfecting on methodology used.

15.1.4 IPM is an approach to pest management that integrates all pest management practices and control methods into one pest management program. IPM does not usually try to eliminate all pests, but tries to reduce the pest population to an acceptable level. In IPM, the use of pesticides is advocated as a last resort only.

15.1.5 IPM involves:

  1. identifying pests;
  2. determining the cause and source of the pest;
  3. knowing the pest's life cycle, behaviour and effects on its host, and the most vulnerable period in its life cycle;
  4. monitoring pest activities and effectiveness of control or management methods;

15.1.6 IPM requires knowing and using available methods, such as:

  1. approved biological controls including:
    • parasitic and predatory insects; and
    • host specific pathogens,
  2. maximizing a plant's health and minimizing its susceptibility to pest infestations by:
    • crop rotation;
    • moisture control;
    • planting techniques; and
    • sanitation.
  3. genetic selection, i.e., resistant species and varieties of plants;
  4. mechanical controls; e.g., trapping, cultivating, physical barriers;
  5. the use of pesticides which are of relatively low toxicity to human and animal populations, and of low persistency in the environment; e.g., insecticidal soaps;
  6. the use of conventional pesticides in a prescribed manner;

15.2 Work procedures

15.2.1 Each department in which pesticides are used, handled, stored or disposed of shall ensure the manufacturers instructions as detailed on the pesticide label, on a material safety data sheet (MSDS) or other manufacturer literature is readily available in the workplace and followed.

15.2.2 Where, for research purposes or otherwise, deviations from the manufacturer's instructions are required, an application for a research permit under the requirements of the PCPA shall be obtained before proceeding with such use.

15.2.3 Detailed written procedures regarding the safe use, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of such pesticides including circumstances where the employee may be required to work alone are developed in consultation with the Health and Safety Committee, prominently displayed in the workplace, and explained to all employees concerned.

15.2.4 Pesticides shall be used, handled, mixed and disposed of by qualified persons.

15.2.5 When pest control is contracted out, contractors shall be certified or licensed in accordance with the applicable provincial requirements; the provisions of the IPM program shall apply.

15.2.6 A spill contingency plan appropriate to the scale of operations shall be in place prior to any application of pesticides.

15.3 Substitution

15.3.1 The least toxic of pesticides recommended for control of a pest or an alternate acceptable control method shall be used whenever control or management of a pest is required. Pesticides known or suspected as human carcinogens shall not be utilized except under restricted procedures, and such use shall be conducted by a qualified person.

15.4 Isolation

15.4.1 To the extent possible, potentially hazardous pesticide operations should be either isolated from the worker or the worker isolated from the operation. Isolation techniques that should be considered include but are not limited to the following:

  1. positive pressure tractor cabs with filtered air supply;
  2. conducting pesticide operations when the least number of employees are in the area;
  3. isolation chambers for research application of high concentrations of toxic pesticides; and
  4. enclosing of pesticide transfer points in handling facilities and automated pesticide application.

15.5 Protective equipment and clothing

15.5.1 Where total isolation from exposure to pesticides is not feasible, approved respiratory protective devices, eye protection, and personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the potential hazard as identified on the pesticide label or MSDS shall be provided and worn whenever pesticides are handled or used. Personal protective equipment (including first aid supplies and portable eye wash stations) shall not be kept in the same storage room as pesticides to avoid contamination. Departments shall provide personal protective equipment and clothing in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations and Directive 2-14 (Personal Protective Equipment Safety) and the Clothing Directive, as a minimum requirement.

15.6 Storage

15.6.1 To the extent possible, quantities of pesticides purchased and stored shall not exceed the needs of one season in accordance with a pest management program. To the extent possible, pesticides shall be kept in their original containers with labels intact and separately stored in locked cabinets. Storage cabinets and rooms shall be vented to the outside with controlled access to avoid unauthorized use. Shelving shall be secure and impervious; and no higher than 150 cm unless specifically designed for safe access above eye level. Appropriate warning signs shall be prominently displayed to identify such locations. Spill control material appropriate to the pesticides in storage shall be maintained at the storage site.

15.7 Disposal

15.7.1 During disposal procedures, all possible precautions shall be taken to ensure that persons and the environment cannot be subsequently contaminated. Waste disposal shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's directions on labels, MSDS and Environment Canada's Code of Good Practice for Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal of Pesticides at Federal Facilities or with other codes or requirements authorized by Environment Canada for this purpose.

15.8 Mixing, loading and application equipment

15.8.1 Before mixing and using pesticides, the work procedures developed under Section 15.2 shall be read for special instructions for personal protection and special procedures.

15.8.2 Measuring, mixing, and loading pesticides is the most hazardous stage of pesticide use because of the possibility of contact with the concentrated product.

15.8.3 In addition to appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment identified on the label or MSDS, a liquid-proof apron, to cover the body from chest to knees, should be worn.

15.8.4 Scales, measuring cups, mixing pails, and other equipment used in these operations, shall be used only for pesticides. Equipment shall be cleaned and returned to locked storage when not in use.

15.8.5 Application equipment shall be selected, calibrated, operated, and maintained in accordance with established procedures to ensure employee safety and uniform application of the pesticide only to the desired target area at the correct rate and to prevent contamination of non-target areas.

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