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Pesticide

  • Research Safety & Services
  • Occupational Safety & Risk Management
  • Facility Support Services

    • Pesticide Users Medical Monitoring Program

    Objective

    The objective of the Medical Monitoring Program for Pesticide Users is to provide a system of insuring the health, safety and wellness of students, staff and faculty of the University of Florida who come in contact with pesticides, either by mixing, loading, applying, or otherwise handling pesticides, except in original, unopened containers, as a part of their affiliation with the University. Any prospective employee who is predisposed to abnormal cholinesterase activity, or who is unable to demonstrate acceptable liver function or immune response through medical diagnostic procedures shall be excluded from such pesticide-related duties. The Program also provides for exit interview testing of employees leaving the University to ensure no work-related health effects have occurred due to pesticide exposure.

    Medical Monitoring
    Health Questionnaire
    -every year
    -upon suspected exposure
    -upon termination

    Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
    -every other year
    -upon suspected exposure
    -upon termination of employment with UF

    Cholinesterase test (for those using cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides)
    – every other year
    – upon suspected exposure
    – upon termination

    The UF OCCMED Clinic shall notify EH&S of any abnormal conditions requiring further inquiry or testing.

    Incident-Related Monitoring
    In the event of an accidental or suspected exposure, such as a spill, failure to use or malfunction of PPE, EH&S shall be notified, and blood testing shall be promptly initiated and reviewed by the UF OCCMED Clinic. Blood testing will include a blood chemistry profile, a cholinesterase test (plasma and RBC) if the exposure was from a cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide, and any other tests as seen appropriate by the attending physician. At this time, a medical questionnaire shall be completed documenting changes in medical history, patterns of pesticide and PPE use, and a description of the exposure. This will be reviewed by the SHCC.
    Exit Tests
    Exit tests consisting of a comprehensive metabolic panel and a cholinesterase test (for those using cholinesterase inhibitors) should be conducted upon termination of employment and reviewed by the UF OCCMED Clinic. This exit testing is intended to ensure that no work-related health effects have occurred due to pesticide exposure and should be coordinated with the employee’s exit interview.
    Safety Training
    Annual safety training is mandatory for all pesticide users. It shall include the hazards associated with pesticide use, the methods of pesticide exposure, the use and care of all PPE required by the pesticide label, and the provisions of the Medical Monitoring Program for Pesticide Users. The department shall provide EH&S documentation of this training.
    Corrective Procedures
    Upon receipt of unacceptable blood profile test results, the UF OCCMED Clinic shall notify EH&S, the supervisor and/or the employee. EH&S shall notify the UF OCCMED Clinic, the supervisor and/or the employee of unacceptable cholinesterase blood test results. EH&S shall conduct an inquiry to determine possible causes and make recommendations to rectify any deficiencies in safety equipment use or other conditions allowing exposure to occur.

    University of Florida
    Gainesville, FL 32611
    (352) 392-3261

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