Workshop on Personal Safety and TrainingMaterials Development

A report prepared byR. Aston

GCP/INT/651/NOREMPRESImproving Pesticide ApplicationTechniques for Desert LocustControl

August 1999

Improving Pesticide Application Techniques for DesertLocust Control

This report is prepared under GCP/INT/651/NOR, “Improving Pesticide ApplicationTechniques for Desert Locust Control”, a collaborative project between FAO, the CentreNational Lutte Antiacridienne, Nouakchott, Mauritania, and other countries of the EMPRESWestern Region. The project is funded by Norway and executed by FAO.

The views expressed in this report of those of the authors alone, and do not imply anyrecommendation by FAO or other collaborators of any products mentioned in the report.

Workshop on personal safety and training materials development

Prepared by

Dr R. Aston

GCP/INT/651/NOR“Improving Pesticide Application Techniques for Desert Locust Control”

Project Activity 1.2.2

Workshop on personal safety and training materials development

Introduction

The overall objective of this workshop was to continue the development of the project activityD1.2, the Analysis of Current practices. The idea of the workshop arose partly from visits tothe control operation in Rosso, and partly from discussions with locust control staff. It washeld at short notice, and timed to follow on from a CLAA organised “Journee du reflexion”.

Rather than use the workshop simply as a training exercise, it was designed to identify theconstraints under which locust control operations are conducted, particularly with regard topersonal safety. During the two days of the “Journee du reflexion”, a number of other pointsarose which it was felt would be useful to incorporate into the workshop. These points were :

1) The lack of a training plan, and training resources, were identified as problems. Could thedevelopment of a plan for training and the development of appropriate materials be carriedout by locust control staff? This was undertaken with the recently produced EMPRESConcept plan on training in mind.

2) The lack of operating budget for the centre was clearly a limitation on both activities andmaterial supplies. The question then arose as to are there local systems or procedures thatcould be introduced that, although not necessarily best practice, are good enough for thetasks required?

3) The call from the locust control staff for greater integration between research andoperational staff. (Connected to this was confusion in the minds of locust control staffbetween an internationally funded research project, and a project funded with the intentionof short term financial support to desert locust control operations.)

In the light of these points, the approach taken to the workshop was modified from theoriginal concept note. The workshop was based on small group discussions, in two sections.Firstly, a risk analysis of designated stages of the pesticide application process. The secondsession, held in the afternoon, was based on identifying appropriate training following the riskassessments developed during the earlier discussions. Figure 1 shows the relationship betweenhazard, risk and training. It was on this basis (although ignoring the hazard element), that thisworkshop designed. This approach was chosen because it would describe current practices,and any problems, and also lead to the development of a training manual.

In between these sessions, the medical doctor with responsibility for the AchE monitoringprogramme undertaken as Project Activity D4.1.1 gave a presentation on the procedure. Notsurprisingly, this session widened to include general health concerns of staff involved inlocust control operations in remote areas.

The aims and objectives of the project were also discussed, with particular reference to howlocust control operational staff could be involved in research activities.

Workshop Proceedings

During the first discussion session each group took one activity in the pesticide use process.They were asked to :

1) Identify the risks involved in the activity.2) Identify what measures could be implemented to manage or reduce these risks.3) To identify which means for risk reduction were currently being implemented.4) To list those which were not implemented, and why they not implemented.5) To define the requirements for the adoption of the full package of risk reduction measures.

The second discussion session took this process a stage further. All groups had correctlyidentified training as a requirement of risk management, either during their formalpresentations or in questions and comments following the presentations. Based on this thegroups were asked to:

1) Define the target groups for training.2) Identify the constraints to training.3) Identify the most appropriate methods of training.4) Design two or three training resources.

The four activities for discussion were :

1) Transporting pesticides.2) Loading pesticides to sprayers.3) Application.4) Cleaning sprayers after use.

Each group had four or five people; the groups were selected based on counting from 1- 4from the front of the audience and each person numbered 1 was in group 1, etc. This was totry to get a mix of people with different backgrounds in each group. At the end of thediscussion periods (each lasted for 40 minutes) a member of each group was invited to presentthe results for that group topic. The overheads produced are used as the basis of this report,together with notes made by the CTA and information gathered during the “Journee dureflexion”.

Discussion Group Results

Of the four groups, only one was able to analyse their particular process to the desired level ofdetail. However, it should be noted that this group included the Chief of the CLAA, withwhom the concept of the workshop was developed; he therefore had a greater understandingof the aims. A risk assessment session usually takes place a few days into a longer trainingcourse, after participants have had time to adjust to the requirements, and have usually beengiven examples (although not necessarily entitled “Risk Assessment”). It is therefore possiblethat the other groups did not fully understand the degree of detail required. This is discussedmore fully below.

All groups identified pesticide contamination as a risk, but most failed to identify the sourcesof contamination in their particular operation. Table 1 lists the main points under eachheading listed by the groups, with the exception of Group 1. As this was a much morecomplete analysis, it is presented separately (with additional information from the “Journee dureflexion” and the CTA), and can be used as a model for the CLAA to follow in the future,should they decide to adopt the risk assessment approach. Most groups did not consider othernon-chemical risks – such as falling of the vehicle during cleaning for example. As theworkshop concerned personal safety, environmental risks were not considered. Some groupsdid mention this aspect, and these are included in the Tables in summary form only.

Despite the lack of detailed analysis, some interesting points emerged from this session. Forexample, Group 2 proposed that closed transfer systems would reduce the risk ofcontamination during the loading operation. All groups suggested protective clothing wasrequired, but only one (again Group 2) pointed out that climatic conditions, worn outequipment and re-use of contaminated clothing presented a problem to its use. Group 1identified most of the risks present during transport of pesticides, and identified many of themeans necessary to reduce the risks.

In general the identification of training needs was not fully appreciated. It may be that thestaff are so familiar with control operations that they fail to appreciate that someoneinexperienced requires a different approach to more highly trained staff, or consider it soobvious as to not need explanation. One recurring theme coming from the groups was that,particularly in times of outbreaks, staff are recruited to the programme quickly, and aredispatched the field at short notice. They may not have any previous experience of controloperations. Therefore, what is required is an approach that will cover the important points in alogical sequence. In order to identify the most important points, one has to have identified therisks in a systematic way. Once this has been done, the appropriate training regime can bedesigned.

Conclusions

In spite of the limitations discussed above, this workshop proved a valuable tool in thedevelopment of the analysis of current practice; the combined results of the discussion groupsconfirm some of the impressions gained from the visits to the control operation. Others arenew, and may warrant further investigation – for example systems of personal and clothingdecontamination that require lower volumes of water.

What was clearly apparent from the day was that the staff who attended are highlyexperienced and well trained. If there is a problem, it lies in the wish to adopt best practice,rather than to recognise practical (eg financial) limitations that prevent this, and seekalternatives that are appropriate for the prevailing circumstances.

Training of temporary staff is something of a problem, due to rapid recruitment in times ofoutbreak. This can only be addressed through a comprehensive, appropriate training regime,which the CLAA seems capable of developing, with minimal outside input.

On a general point related to the use of AChE monitoring, one of the original reasons forholding the workshop was that there was some confusion among the operators as to whysamples were being taken, and to what use the blood samples would be put. The presentation

on this technique during the workshop helped to clarify this aspect of the project.

Future Activities

A number of points arose from the workshop which may aid in fulfilling project objectives:

1) Operational staff are keen to become involved in research activities, and there are obviousareas where these staff would be of great help to the project – for example by keeping noteof numbers and types of birds seen (Activity 4.2.2), and on the presence and distributionof domestic animals (Activity 4.3.3) during survey and control operations.

2) The development of standard operating procedures for all activities within the CLAAshould form the basis of the risk assessment procedure, and so the training manual. Forexample, there should be written procedures on how to calibrate a sprayer; riskmanagement measures can be incorporated into this procedure. Those that cannot bemanaged through procedures, equipment design and so on, will need to be managedthrough correct training. It is proposed that a workshop is run at some point in the futureto develop example standard procedures. This will also contribute to the analysis ofcurrent practices through understanding how machinery is used by the staff of the CLAA.

Other Points

1) Almost all the participants were agreed that they lacked training in basic first aid.

2) It is believed that the approach discussed in the EMPRES Central Region ConceptTraining Plan is valid for Mauritania, and as far as possible close links should bemaintained.

3) As a result of this workshop the medical doctor gave a safety seminar to the militarypersonnel involved in the aerial application of pesticides. This took place in July and wasjudged successful by the 35 participants.

4) The involvement of medical personnel in control operations is important, both for theirmedical expertise, and also to demonstrate to control staff that the health impacts ofpesticide use are taken seriously by the organisation.

Dr R. AstonCTAGCP/INT/651/NOR

Identify theHazard

Reduce the Hazard

Manage Risks

EliminateUnnecessary

Risks

Identify the Risks EquipmentMaintenance

EngineeringControls

Procedures

Training

ProtectiveClothing

Written ProcedureManual

TrainingManual

Figure 1 Risk Assessment and Training

Table 1

Activity Group 1 -Transport

Group 2Loading

Group 3Application

Group 4Cleaning

Identify Risks

See

Tabl

e2

Intoxication by inhalation and contactSpillage causing contamination ofequipment and vehicle

Through equipment choiceDuring calibrationDuring driving

EquipmentApplicator – intoxicationEnvironment

Means to reduce risks Use protective clothingUse appropriate equipment- pumps

Protection Measures- equipment complete and in good

state- ensure sufficient availability of

water- observe safety precautions (don’t

drink, smoke etc)- have antidotes present (atrophine)- take account of the conditions

during treatment

Using diesel for cleaningProtective clothingTaking account of met conditionsSite selectionDon’t eat, drink, smoke

Are all risk reduction measurescurrently used

Most are used, but some areinappropriate or inadequate (masks,gloves, pumps)

None specified The majority

Why aren’t all risk reductionmeasures implemented

Not enough protective clothingWorn out equipmentContaminated clothing reusedClimatic conditions

TopographyProblems with equipmentTank capacity (Micronair) insufficientCertain products unknownSome pesticide containers broken

Occasional lack of material

Indicate what is required toimplement all measures

Protective clothing in adequate amountsand of the correct typeClosed transfer systemsSufficient water and soapCleaning equipment after use

None specifiedGasoil and cleaning materialsProtective clothingTraining of applicators

Table 2

The following Table is based on the output from Group 1, which considered the Risks during transport of pesticides.

Note that other topics were raised in this discussion group, including risks during repackaging in case of spillage, risks and actions following anaccident, and risks to the environment. As they are outside the scope of risk analysis during transport, they are not included in the table. Thecomments are those of the CTA and from the “Journee du reflexion

Identify the Risks Identify the measuresto reduce risks

Are all the riskreduction measures

implemented

Identify those whicharen’t implemented

and why

What measures arerequired to adopt the

full risk reductionpackage

Comments

General Have clear,appropriate procedures

Trained staff

Have adequateprotective clothing

Have adequate andappropriate equipment

Have adequatewashing materials

No written standardprocedure manual

No training manual

Little time to trainstaff

Not enough protectiveclothing

Workers don’t wearbecause of ignoranceor because it isuncomfortable

Not enough equipment

Can be shortage ofwater in remote areas

Write manual

Develop trainingmanual

Plan training

Obtain protectiveclothing, adequate andappropriate for use.

Sensitise workers

Source additionalequipment

Carry enough water

Collaborate withEMPRES

Develop trainingregime

Define exactly what isrequired for localconditions/products.

Examine possiblealternatives tocommercial protectiveclothing which may bemore suitable

Identify requirements.Investigate localdesign, fabrication

Is there potential forreducing the quantitiesof water required forwashing (people andclothing)?

During Loadingand Unloading.

Risks through:

Contamination by :Leaking barrels

Vapours

From containersbroken duringloading andunloading

Good packaging

Sealed containersGood ventilationWind direction

Use proper handlingprocedures.

Sufficient manuallabour – load duringcoolest parts of theday to avoid undue

Containers in poorconditions through:

Poor condition onarrival

Old containers -deteriorated in store

Damaged in store

No defined proceduresfor loading/unloadingof different types ofcontainers

Labour numbersconstrained by costLoading donewhenever necessary

Check condition onarrival.

Stock rotation; disposeof old stock

Proper storagefacilities andproceduresTrained storemen

Develop handlingprocedures

Develop logistics planfor timely delivery.

Repackage on arrivalif cannot refusedelivery.Develop safe systemsfor repackaging.

Analyse loadingsystems, and adoptbest practice.

fatigue

Correct loadingequipment

Shortage of equipment Procure equipment Design and fabricateappropriate equipmentif necessary.

Contaminationarising throughpesticide on vehicle

Risk of personalinjury through :

Moving/lifting heavycontainers

Clean vehicle aftereach load

Have packs of areasonable weight

Use appropriateequipment

Use appropriatetechniques for lifting

Shortage of time

Lack of interest bydrivers

Shortage of cleaningmaterials

Large barrels requiredfor easier shipment;donors supply largebarrels

Shortage of equipment

Loaders may not beaware of best

Plan time in forcleaning

Drivers must besensitised to the need

Supply of appropriatecleaning materials

Specify appropriatecontainer size inrequests.

Procure appropriateequipment

Train loaders in besttechniques

Logistics organisation

Driver training

Define requirements foradequatedecontamination ofvehicles.

Possibility of usingclosed transfer packs ofreasonable size.

Define requirements –design and fabricatelocally?

Falling off vehicles

Colliding withobjects

Risk of injury topersons not involvedin the loadingoperation

Risk of fire

objects

Shortage of loaders

Non-slip surfaces onvehicles

Adequate lighting

Maintain well orderedloading area

Keep all unauthorisedpeople away from theloading site

No smoking, nakedflames or sparks

techniques to preventinjury; may be causallabourers

Shortage of funds toemploy labourers

Vehicles do not havenon-slip surfaces

Inappropriate footwareused by labourers

Electricity oftenunavailable forlighting

Loading done in ahurry, areas not keptorganised

Unsecured loadingareas

Difficult to enforce

Paint or attach no-slipsurfaces

Provide footware

Portable lighting rigs

Designate one personwith responsibilityfor maintaining order

Secure areas; put upwarning signs inappropriate language

Ban smoking fromloading area. Check

Possible to investresources in loadingequipment thusrequiring fewerloaders?

Use reusable overbootsor similar?

Have correct, workingfire extinguishers, fire

electrical apparatusfor safety fromsparking

blankets and sandpresent to control asmall fire.Train staff in thecorrect use.

During Transport

GeneralVehicles in goodconditions – brakes,lights etc

Have good, welltrained driver

Not always Vehicles often hired inas needed. Expensiveand difficult to hiregood vehicles.

Usually comes withthe vehicle.May not want to betrained.May be illiterate.

Maintain fleet oftransport vehicles

Select one or a groupof companies beforethe campaign, andinspect the vehiclesbefore use.

If the companies areknown before hand,drivers can be testedand trained asnecessary.

Supply trained stafffrom the CLAA toaccompany alltransport vehicles.

Expensive.

Develop contracts forgood companies.Develop a checklist ofpoints to be inspectedon each vehicle.

Define what the driverneeds to know.

Driver medically fitand well rested

Ensure the load issecure and cannotmove unexpectedly

Be in radio contactwith base

On long journeys, orwhere there ispotential danger, beaccompanied by asecond vehicle

Drivers work longhours

Drivers help withloading and unloading

No radiosDrivers not trained intheir use

Second vehicle notavailable due toshortages of cars

Medical examinations

Limit hours worked bydeveloping sensibleitineraries. Driversshould take regularrests.

Drivers should restwhile loading takesplace

Follow proper loadingand tie downprocedures.

Provide radiosTrain drivers

Provide secondvehicle, or hire one forthe journey

Join a convoy

Define medicalstandards

Good logisticalplanning will enablethe journeys to bebroken into reasonablelengths.

Expensive to provide

Expensive

May not be convoys atthe time – need to planin advance.

Risk of injuries from

a crash

To driver and otheroccupants of vehicle

To other persons andanimals

Risk ofcontamination from

Drive prudently

Take safest routes

Wear seatbelts

Avoid transporting atbusy times.

Ensure load isproperly secured,

Pressure to finishwork quickly

May be only one, or alimited number ofroutes

Not fittedIf fitted, not worn

Stores may be locatedin town centres

Loading may be donein a hurry

Good logisticalplanningPay by days workedrather than journey

Drive during goodweather conditionsDrive according to theprevailing conditionsAvoidenvironmentallysensitive areas

Check during vehicleinspection.Insist on use.

Time arrival anddeparture for less busytimes (eg earlymorning)

Allow time for properloading

Difficult to control

Difficult to enforce

Requires loading intime for departure.

pesticides following acrash to personsinvolved in thetransport.

Risk ofcontamination frompesticides following acrash to other peopleor animals

evenly distributed andcovered with a strongtarpaulin

Contain any spillagewithin vehicle byhaving sides to thevehicle that do notpermit liquid toescape.

Ensure that personshave immediate accessto protective clothingof a suitable nature

Choose routes withfew people

Keep people awayfrom the crash site.

Prevent pesticide from

Equipment may not beavailable

Vehicles hired maynot have this facility

Protective clothingmay not be available,or be inaccessible (iewith the load)

May be no alternative

People naturallycurious, possibility oftheft from vehicles

No material or tools to

Provide/procureequipment, and insiston its use.

Provide correctprotective clothingCarry clean protectiveclothing in the cab foremergencies.

Time journey to meetfewest people.

Put up signs, barriers –carry materials forbarriers (eg plastictape)

Provide tools and

Investigate whetheralternatives (eg a sheetof strong plastic)could do this job.

Note that the actionsto be taken in theevent of a crash areaccident/emergencyprocedures, andshould be covered by aseparate risk analysis

Design suitable signsin a form local peoplecan understand. Carryall emergencymaterials in a formeasily reached. Havesets of emergencyequipment that can begiven to drivers, and

Risk of fire

reaching watersupplies, houses etc.

Have means to preventsmall fires. Nosmoking, nakedflames nearby.

construct dams.

No fire extinguishers,fire blankets carried

training to constructadequate barriers.

Provide fireextinguishers in theemergency kit; train intheir use

Prevent smokingnearby

train them in its use.

People may needspecific training onfighting small fireswhich containpesticides. Local fireservice may be able toprovide.

Risks arising topeople from apuncture or otherbreakdown on route

Risks of personalinjury arising fromtyre changing orvehicle repair

Vehicle in goodconditionsTyres in goodconditions

Carry correct sparesand tools.

Secure load, wellsealed to preventpeople getting in toload, and to preventbreakage of containersin case of loss ofcontrol of vehicle.

Be able to contactsomeone for assistance

Have correct tools

Choose safe place towork

Spare tyres may not bein good condition

Tools may not becarried

RadioMoney for telephoneMoney for repairs

May not be able tomove the vehicle to asafe place

Vehicle inspection(and maintenance ifowned by the CLAA)

Inspect spares andtools before departure.

Inspection

Carry warning signsand lights (for night)

A need to identify thespares and toolsrequired as aminimum.

Discussed underaccident.

Discussed undergeneralIf driver has no moneyfor repairs, does theCLAA pay?

Part of emergency kit

Risk ofcontamination bypesticides whilechanging tyre orduring vehicle repair

Work safely

Prevent/contain spills

Need to decide whento unload,decontaminate andthen repair

May be in a hurryMay pay no attentionto risks

May have no optionbut to undertakerepairs if far fromhelp.

Paying by day mayreduce this tendency

Secure load,containment, tarpaulinetc

Requires advice froman expert source byradio, or preferably avisit.

Emergency responseteam.

Paying by day couldlead to exploitation ofthe system.

The driver needs tomake a judgement asto whether the repaircan be effected safelyif there is pesticidecontaminating thevehicle.

Risks arising fromrest periods

Contamination bypesticides of thedriver and othersinvolved in transport

Contamination bypesticides of otherpeople and animals

Site eating/campingplace as far away aspractical from thevehicle - upwind

Wash before eating,smoking drinking

Park away frominhabited areas

Keep people andanimals away

Prevent entry tovehicle

Need to be able toguard the vehicle

May not be enoughwater in remote areas

May be the onlysource of food andwater is inhabitedareas

People and animalsnaturally curious

Make sure the vehiclecan be secured(Inspection)

Provide water oralternative means ofwashing

Locate vehicle in asafe area

Put fence aroundvehicle if parked for along time (overnight);park in a secure area

Lock and securevehicle; safe parking;employ a guard

A fence may attractvisitors, may not keepanimals out unless it isstrong. A parking areamay cost money.

Costs money toemploy a guard.

Table 3

Activity Group 1Transport

Group 2Loading chemical

Group 3Application

Group 4Cleaning of spray equipment

Identify the people to betrained

DriversManual LabourersGuidesTechniciansApprentices

ApplicatorsDrivers

ProspectorsApplicatorsDrivers

ApplicatorsDrivers

Identify the constraints totraining

Different levelsLanguagesLiteracyRapid staff turnover

Educational levelLanguageInexperience

Education level:Prospectors – highApplicators/Drivers – lowLanguage – weakRapid staff turnover

Identify the most appropriatetraining method

Books and postersDemonstrationsChoice diagrams

Practical demonstration – usingwater as a simulated pesticideSlides, filmsBooks

Applicators and drivers :workshop on the danger ofproducts, means of protectionand safety measuresPractical sessions :Use of equipmentCalibration of equipmentSafetyProspectors :More technical training:Environmental effectsSafety proceduresEvaluation of treatments

Practical demonstrations

Design two or three examplesof training material

Diagrams showing the rightand wrong way to do things –trainees then select and explain

Applicators and drivers :Slides, posters, films and video

Cleaning materials

How would you evaluate thetraining?

If the demonstrations wereunderstood without input formthe trainerPeople undertaking the work inthe right way

Observation Applicators and drivers :Practical and oral testsObservation during operationsProspectors:Written and oral tests

Practical tests