How can I minimize risk while increasing pesticide safety and security at my facility?

Areas to consider

During this heightened state of security awareness, it is important that all pesticide establishments take appropriate steps to minimize risk. The security needs and critical control points will differ for every business and facility. However, the following information highlights fundamental security control points.

Securing buildings, manufacturing facilities, storage areas, and surrounding property.

One of the most fundamental security needs is the prevention of intrusion to areas used to manufacture or store pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Elements of an effective security plan can range from basic fencing, lighting, and locks, to intrusion detection systems, cameras, and trained guards.

Securing pesticide application equipment and vehicles.

Facilities and pesticide businesses should ensure that they have appropriate security protections to prevent intruder access to equipment used in mixing, loading, and applying pesticides. Before operating pesticide application tools and vehicles, handlers must have proper authorization and identification.

Aerial application equipment.

Security awareness is particularly important for large-scale pesticide application equipment like aircraft and large trucks. The FBI has requested that aerial applicators be vigilant to any suspicious activity relative to the use, training in, or acquisition of dangerous chemicals or airborne application of same, including threats, unusual purchases, suspicious behavior by employees or customers, and unusual contacts with the public. Any suspicious circumstances or information should be reported to the FBI.

Protecting confidential information.

As business, safety, and security systems become more reliant on computer and communications technology, the need to secure these systems has grown. Such efforts include contingency planning for power losses, effective monitoring of access ports, adherence to password and backup procedures, and other mechanisms to maintain access for authorized personnel only.

Designing facilities and equipment to minimize risk of damage.

Whether an intrusion to a computer by a hacker or a physical intrusion of your facility by a vandal or saboteur, it is important to take steps to minimize the extent of damage. For example, in order to prevent damage, the use of sturdy, reliable, and potentially blast-proof materials is essential in the construction of equipment used to transport and apply pesticides.

Developing procedures and policies that support security needs.

Even the best hardware and staffing budgets are only as effective as the procedures and policies that control their use.

Effective hiring and labor relations policies are important to obtain and retain good employees who will support and follow safety precautions. For example, the hiring process should ensure that pesticide handlers have all requisite training necessary to handle pesticides safely. Background checks of staff who have access to secure areas, particularly those areas where pesticides may be stored, are also necessary.

Inventory management policies can help limit the amount of potentially hazardous pesticides stored on site, reducing the risks of accidental or intentional release or theft.

Effective advance emergency response procedures can be critical, helping ensure that business officials and employees understand how to respond and whom to contact in the case of an emergency. Aside from accidents, such plans must also consider vandalism, bomb threats, and potential terrorist activity.

Timely coordination with authorities. If a breach of security or suspicious activity does occur, timely cooperation authorities is crucial. In addition to cooperation with your local police department, the FBI requests that you expeditiously report any threats or suspicious behavior to your local FBI field office. These agencies also must be informed if, as a registrant, you are made aware of any reports of adverse exposure under circumstances that are incongruous with your pesticide product’s normal use pattern. Information on the location of the appropriate FBI office is available at www.fbi.gov.

For more information EPA and other federal agencies have developed a variety of reference materials that may be helpful in reviewing the security of your business or operation.

For information on EPA programs to promote facility security and readiness, visit www.epa.gov/swercepp/.

DOT has produced a separate advisory for transporters, available by contacting DOT at (202) 366-6525.

For objective science-based information about a variety of pesticide-related subjects, including pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, and environmental chemistry, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). NPIC, a toll-free hotline funded, in part, by EPA, lists state pesticide regulatory agencies and provides links to their websites. NPIC can be contacted at (800) 858-7378, by e-mail at npic@ace.orst.edu, or by visiting http://npic.orst.edu/.