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PAO-16: Pesticide Policy

PAO-16: Pesticide Policy

Intent of Policy
This policy is designed to protect the health of children, meet RCW 17.21.415 and the Compliance Guide for the Use of Pesticides published by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Full text of the law can be found at: www.agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/docs/ComplGuidePub075.pdf


Policies and Records

  1. Notification of Pesticide Policy: Written notification of this policy will be provided annually and upon enrollment to families of children and to employees describing pest control policies and procedures, including posting and notification requirements.
  2. Record Keeping and Annual Summary/Notification: The records of all pesticide applications to the Ephrata School District Early Learning facilities and landscapes, including a list of active ingredients and copies of Pre-Notification and Notification postings, letters and method of distribution will be kept.

The records of all pesticide applications including an annual summary of the records will be readily accessible to interested persons by contacting the Center Manager. As required by law the annual summary will include:

  • Product names of all pesticides,
  • Active ingredients,
  • Quantities of each pesticide,
  • Amount of tank mix applied.

Building / Facility Application

  1. Pre-Notification: Families and staff will be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours before a building/structural pesticide application. The notification system will include:
    • A system of notifying each family and staff member in writing (i.e. a letter sent home or mailed) AND
    • Posting of the pre-notification in a prominent place in the main center office, the front door and on the door to each classroom.
    • Pesticide application must be made within 48 hours following the intended date and time stated or the pre-notification process must be repeated.

The pre-notification requirements do NOT apply if the indoor application is made when the building is NOT occupied by children or staff for at least two (2) consecutive days after the application (i.e. Friday evening).


The pre-notification requirements do not apply to any emergency application for control of any pest that poses an immediate human health or safety threat, such as an application to control stinging insects. When an emergency application is made notification will be made at the time of application and the building will be evacuated and closed to protect children and staff unless the area treated can be contained and inaccessible to children.

  1. Time of Application Notification (Facility/Structure): “Pre-Notification” signs must be updated if application differs from intended application with regard to product used, date or time applied, location of the pesticide applied, pest controlled, and name or phone # of contact person.

“Time of Application Notification” signs will remain in place for at least twenty-four (24) hours from the time the application is completed. In the event the pesticide label requires a restricted entry interval (REI) greater than twenty-four (24) hours, the notification sign will remain in place consistent with the restricted entry interval (REI) time as required by the label.


A school facility application does not include the application of antimicrobial pesticides (bleach) or the placement of insect or rodent baits that are not accessible to children.

Landscape / Grounds Application
A landscape (school grounds) application is any pesticide application to exterior landscape plants, lawn or insect nest located on early learning center grounds (including weed killers).

  1. Pre-notification of pesticide application to grounds/landscape will be made to all families at least 48 hours before the application of pesticides using:
    • A system of notifying each family and staff member in writing (i.e. a letter sent home or mailed) AND
    • Posting of the pre-notification letter in a prominent place in the center main office, the front door of the building, and on the door to each classroom.
  2. At the time of pesticide application notification signs will be posted for all pesticide applications made to center grounds unless the application is otherwise required to be posted by a certified applicator under the provisions of RCW 17.21.410(1)(d).

Notification signs for applications made to center grounds by employees will be placed at the location of the application and at each entry point to the area being treated. Several signs will be posted when large areas are treated. Signs will also be posted in a prominent place in the center office, the front door of the building, and on the door to each classroom.

Liability
Ephrata School District Early Learning programs are not liable for the removal of signs by unauthorized persons. Ephrata School District Early Learning programs may not be held liable for personal property damage or bodily injury resulting from signs that are placed as required.

Storage and Disposal of Pesticides

  1. Storage: The Washington State Department of Agriculture rules for storage of pesticides will be followed.
  2. Disposal: The Washington Pest Consultants Association’s recommendations for disposal of empty pesticide containers will be followed.

Adoption Date:  First Reading 4.23, Adopted 5.23

  • (D)
  • PAO-16
  • Pesticide Policy