Vertebrate Control & Employees Handling. By: Laura Hebert Agricultural Inspector/Biologist San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Commissioner

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1 Vertebrate Control & Employees Handling By: Laura Hebert Agricultural Inspector/Biologist San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Commissioner

2 Federal Restrictions on Rodenticides Rodenticides containing anticoagulants have become Federally restricted. WHY? Anticoagulants can have devastating impacts on nontarget vertebrates such as domestic animals like dogs and cats as well as wild species: Red Fox Gray Fox SJ Kit Fox Coyote Mountain Lion Bobcat Great-horned Owl Barn Owl Red-tailed Hawk Raccoon Badger Wild Pig

3 Federal Restrictions on Rodenticides What this means to you: You still need to have and maintain a valid Operator Identification Number (OIN) or Restricted Materials Permit (RMP) You will need to become a Private Certified Applicator.

4 How to Become a Private Certified Applicator (PAC) The County Agricultural Commissioner s (CAC) office administers an exam. The test is 70 questions long and takes anywhere from 1-2 hours on average. You must pass the exam with a 70%. The test is free of charge.

5 What is on the PAC Exam? Test material is related to information about laws and regulations for handling pesticides. Study guides are available at your local CAC office for approx $7.53*. (Checks only, no cash or credit.) There are study questions at the end of each chapter. Questions in the study guide will not be on the test, but will cover similar content. *Sales tax may vary by office

6 Ready to take the Exam? Contact your nearest Agricultural Commissioner s office to make an appointment. Templeton San Luis Obispo Arroyo Grande

7 Rodenticide Labels are Changing The top three rodenticides used in SLO County have had some changes to their labeling. Prior to purchasing any rodenticides, make sure that the application site as well as the method will work for your situation. Application Site: Proximity to homes Domestic animals and wildlife Type of agricultural production Method: Bait stations Broadcast Below ground

8 The Baiting Process How to safely and effectively bait for ground squirrels: Utilizing Bait Stations Broadcast Applications Baiting at the burrow

9 Utilizing Bait Stations Follow the label recommendations, may require pre-baiting! Secure bait stations so they can not be tampered with. Place them in proper locations. Be sure stations exclude unintended vertebrates. (Put half end caps or fencing around stations.)

10 Improper Use of Bait Stations

11 Proper Use of Bait Stations

12 Other types of Bait Stations Improper Use Proper Use

13 Broadcast Applications May require specialized equipment Typically requires pre-baiting The number of applications that can be made may be limited

14 Baiting at the Burrow Take proper precautions to prevent nontarget poisoning Follow recommended label rates Use at the appropriate time of the year for acceptance Use below ground if required

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17 Pesticide Labels Undergo scheduled reevaluations and can be changed at any time due to new research. Read the entire label every time you purchase a pesticide product. Always read instructions that accompany PPE, even if you purchase the same brand and model.

18 Personal Protective Equipment Employees as well as Owner/Operators must wear the protective equipment listed on the pesticide label. Gloves Long sleeve shirt Long pants Safety glasses/goggles Chemical resistant apron Coveralls Shoes plus socks or Chemical resistant boots Respirators

19 EMPLOYEE PROTECTION (WAIT THERE S MORE!) Employees must wear protective eyewear and chemical resistant gloves when they: Mix or load pesticides Adjust, clean, or repair application equipment Conduct an application by hand, or use hand held equipment.

20 DANGER or WARNING Employees who handle pesticide products in Category one and two- (DANGER and WARNING), must be provided with coveralls and the employer must ensure that the coveralls are worn. Exemptions- Does not apply to employees using fumigants unless label requires. Does not need to be worn in an enclosed cab or if using a closed system, but need to be available for when employee exits the cab.

21 Closed System! A closed system shall be provided to employees who mix or load pesticides in category one. Category one= Danger! Exceptions: If the employee handles less than 1 gallon per day. (Based on container size, not amount of concentrated pesticides mixed.)

22 Emergency Medical Care CCR 6726 states: (b) The employer shall post in a prominent place the name, address and telephone number of a facility able to provide emergency medical care whenever employees will be handling pesticides

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24 Handler Decontamination Facilities CCR 6734 (a) Handler Decontamination Facilities -Water, soap, and single use towels. Don t forget the soap (hand sanitizers are not soap)!

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26 Disciplinary Policy

27 How can employers protect themselves? Have an Employee Disciplinary Policy Have a progressive disciplinary action program for violators (first offense verbal reprimand, 2 nd offense 2 days off without pay, 3 rd offense dismissal) Make sure employees read, understand, sign, and comply! Train employee annually or sooner if necessary.

28 Impacts of bad decisions If an employee or owner does not wear the required personal protective equipment: Fine range is from $250 to $1000. Plus risk of serious injury. If an employee or owner does not wear the required personal protective equipment, and is injured: Fine range is from $700 to $5000. In addition to doctors bills, loss of work, possible law suit, and health affects including death.

29 Templeton Office Crystal Jennifer Dale Laura

30 For more information San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Dept. Arroyo Grande San Luis Obispo Templeton Department of Pesticide Regulation University of California