| (1) Management. Pest management, for both building and lawn care, should emphasize non-chemical management strategies whenever practical, and least toxic chemical controls when pesticides are needed. (2) Products. Pest control products used in and around a building should be documented and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) made available for building occupant review if requested. Either a written procedure or contract language will ensure that people who use pest control products read and follow all label directions for proper use, mixing, storage, and disposal. (3) Statutes. Pest management for schools must be in accordance with the Structural Pest Control Act, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 135b-6, §4J and 22 Texas Administrative Code, §595.11 (relating to schools). These protocols are recommended for all other government buildings. (4) Contracting. When contracting for pest control services, the use of businesses that conform to the standards set forth in 22 Texas Administrative Code §595.14 relating to Reduced Impact Pest Control Service, is recommended. (5) Removal. Dead pests should be promptly removed from the premises. (n) Emergencies. An emergency response plan, including staff training, should be developed for chemical spills, release of hazardous air contaminants, and similar events. Such response measures may be required by state or federal law in some circumstances. (1) Ventilation. The required outside ventilation air rate should not be interrupted during building operation unless a known contaminant presents an immediate concern of entering the building's outside air intake. Consider the use of high efficiency and carbon-filtered outdoor air to improve general IAQ and reduce potential impact of intentionally released contaminants. Outdoor air intakes should be able to be closed manually in case of an intentional release of contaminants outside. (2) Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks. Guidance is available from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): "Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks," DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-139. (o) Records. (1) Material safety data sheets. A public employer shall maintain a legible copy of the current Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical used or brought into the workplace including those in cleaning supplies, pesticides and art supplies in accordance with the Health and Safety Code, §502.006. (2) Workplace chemical list. The employer shall prepare a workplace chemical list if required by the Health and Safety Code, §502.005. (3) Facility chemical list. The employer shall prepare a facility chemical list (also known as a Tier Two report) if required by the Health and Safety Code §506.006. (4) Maintenance records. Maintenance should be documented by a signed and dated report or check-off list. |
