EPA Drops Pursuit of Training for Workers that Apply Antimicrobials

From: ISSA Legislative Dept. <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Subject: ISSAlert - EPA Drops Pursuit of Training for Workers that Apply Antimicrobials
Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 12:02 pm

 EPA Drops Pursuit of Training for Workers that Apply Antimicrobials

May 31, 2007 ** Contact: Bill Balek

EPA announced it would NOT pursue additional training for employees (such as custodial personnel) who apply disinfectants, sanitizers, and other antimicrobial pesticides as part of their job.  The announcement was made by Kevin Keaney, EPA at a public meeting hosted by EPA on May 29, and attended by ISSA.

According to Keaney, EPA decided not to pursue training requirements for occupational users of antimicrobial pesticides largely because the Agency, after careful review, determined that the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard thoroughly addresses EPA's concerns regarding worker exposure, and that any additional training is not necessary.

A coalition of industry groups, including ISSA, had continually voiced opposition to EPA's proposed training requirements because they would be duplicative of existing federal training requirements imposed by OSHA.

Keaney noted, however, that the Agency will continue to explore training requirements for specialty applications of antimicrobials such as in HVAC systems and mold and mildew remediation.  In addition, EPA will pursue certification and training requirements for workers who apply non-agricultural general use pesticides such as ant and roach, or wasp and hornet sprays.

Background

EPA initially floated the concept of training for workers who apply antimicrobials in early 2006  The additional training requirements contemplated by EPA would have required certification and training of all occupational users of disinfectants, sanitizers and other antimicrobial pesticides.  As a consequence, EPA would have required extensive training for custodial personnel, restaurant workers and others that apply such products as part of their job.

Throughout the process, ISSA has maintained that such additional training as contemplated by the Agency is not necessary in light of the comprehensive employee training and hazard communication requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.  ISSA argued that employees at institutional facilities who apply antimicrobials already receive substantial training and information to ensure their safe use of disinfectants and sanitizers.

As a consequence, ISSA argued that any additional training imposed by EPA would be redundant, unnecessary, and overly burdensome to industry and business in general.  Ultimately, EPA concurred with ISSA's position and agreed to discontinue its pursuit of additional training requirements for occupational users of antimicrobials.