Alternatives to Methyl Bromide - DTIE

Sourcebook of Technologies for Protecting the Ozone Layer: Alternatives to Methyl Bromide
12
government authority responsible for pesticide
safety and registration - often found in
the Ministry of Agriculture or Health. Local
agricultural product suppliers are normally
able to give information on registered products
and uses, although their information
may not be up-to-date or completely reliable.
Under international guidelines, registered
products are supposed to carry labels that
inform users on approved uses, application
rates and safety precautions.
On the other hand, many non-chemical alternatives,
such as steam, substrates and solarisation,
are not subject to registration and,
therefore, are accessible immediately to users.
In addition to issues related to the registration
and use of chemical alternatives, there may
be other regulatory issues that affect choices.
Local, state or national regulations may govern
emissions, wastes generated or other
aspects of agriculture for example. Exporters
also need to be aware of relevant regulations
in the countries to which they export.
Health and safety considerations
Worker health and safety should be considered
in the selection of an MB alternative.
MB itself has high acute toxicity, and in a
number of countries can be used only by
licensed, trained fumigators. Many chemical
alternatives require significant safety precautions
as well. In contrast, many non-chemical
alternatives have little or no toxicity, although
a few pose risks of dust or other physical
hazards.
The following are among the health and safety
factors that should be examined as part of
the selection process.
Toxicity. The potential for problems of
acute toxicity — resulting from exposure
to significant levels of toxic compounds
over short periods — or chronic toxicity
— resulting from low dose exposure over
longer periods — must be carefully considered
for any pest control product. As
with MB, pest control managers should
establish safety management procedures
for avoiding worker exposure and keeping
within the safety limits set by health
agencies. It is also necessary to provide
adequate safety training, safety equipment,
protective apparel and health
monitoring.
Flammability. Fire and explosion risks
should be evaluated, and preventive
measures instituted if required.
Dust. Workers must be protected from
dusts that can irritate lungs and eyes in
the short-term or lead to lung disease
over the long term.
Suffocation. Certain alternatives, such
as controlled atmospheres, have the
potential to present suffocation hazards
if managed improperly. In considering
these alternatives, safety measures and
training are required to ensure that
workers are not exposed to an environment
with insufficient oxygen.
Extreme heat or cold. In adopting an
MB alternative that employs extreme
heat or cold, appropriate measures must
be taken to assure that accidental exposures
to extreme temperatures do not
cause injury to workers.
Mechanical hazard. Poorly designed
equipment, lack of safety guards on
moving parts, or worker unfamiliarity
with new equipment can lead to injury.
The need for special training, safety
equipment or other measures to protect
workers must be factored into the selection
of MB alternatives.
Problems can be avoided by selecting alternatives
free from these problems. Where this is
not possible, safety management is important.
This means having a plan and procedures
in place to ensure that safety precautions are