Pesticide Control Rule Update
Updated Pesticide Control Rule
Offers Increased Consumer Protection
Salt Lake City - Utah's 1,020 commercial pesticide companies and 4,761 commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators are receiving notices this month of changes made to the Utah Pesticide Control Rule (R68-7). The changes are designed to clarify the intent of Utah's pesticide laws, tighten accountability in the event of a violation and offer consumers increased information and protection "Because of the recent growth of the pest management and lawn care industry, and a number of violations discovered last year involving the product fumitoxin, it became incumbent upon us to take action to help both the industry and the public," said Pesticide Program Manager, Clark Burgess. "The changes are designed to help companies and applicators better understand what is expected of them and offer more protections for consumers," he added.
The Rule update was made after meetings with the Utah Pest Control and Lawn Care Association and the public. The changes took effect June 21, 2011 and notice of the changes is being distributed to all commercial and non-commercial applicators and the public.
Highlights of the changes to R68-7 include:
• Consumers must be notified ahead of time, and given specific written information, when the use of pesticide products labeled "Danger" or Danger-Poison" are to be used.
• Minimum standards for fumigant applications and assurance a Fumigation Management Plan is created and shared with resident and appropriate local authorities.
• Companies must train applicators to follow label instructions and keep records of such training.
• Both the applicator and company share liability for pesticide violations committed by the applicator.
• Increased record keeping for termite control work including diagrams that depict the extent of the infestation.
• A company must display their company name and pesticide business license # in 2" letters on each side of their truck or trailer.
• A company must include their company name and pesticide business license # on their proposals or contracts for pest management services.
• All pesticides on vehicles must be secured in some kind of locking storage device.
• All pesticide products labeled "Danger" shall be stored in secured storage and posted with warning signs.
These changes are among several the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's Division of Plant Industry has made to the Rule in recent years as it monitors pesticide use in the state.
A brief overview of the new Rule.
The complete Rule.
One change that consumers may notice as a result of this Rule update is to termite control work. Effective termite control involves a licensed applicator applying a product according to label directions. Generally four gallons of an approved product is applied per 10 linear feet for every one foot in depth.
Burgess advises consumers to contract only with licensed lawn care or pest control companies.
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Posted July 18, 2011