Pennsylvania

Synopsis of Regulations Relevant to Pest Management in Pennsylvania Schools

772.1, Act 35 of 2002, Integrated Pest Management Programs

www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=14&chpt=7&sctn=72&subsctn=1

772.2, Act 36 of 2002, Notification of Pesticide Treatments at School

www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1949&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=14&chpt=7&sctn=72&subsctn=2

Pennsylvania legislation was enacted in 2002 requiring each Pennsylvania school district, intermediate unit, and area vocational-technical school to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan (Act 35 of 2002), notify parents and guardians 72 hours prior to any pesticide applications, and post warning signs 72 hours prior to and 48 hours after any pesticide applications in school buildings or on school grounds (Act 36 of 2002).

In 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Health and Safety Division determined that these regulations apply to childcares as well as K–12 schools since childcare facilities are explicitly covered by the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973. Note that this includes the provision that only a licensed pest control operator can apply a pesticide in a facility or a home-based childcare center.

What does the Law Require? Beginning in January 2003, the Commonwealth required all Pennsylvania public schools to:

• Adopt an IPM plan for school buildings and grounds (PA Act 35)
• Appoint an IPM coordinator and advisory committee
• Set up a proper record keeping system
• Provide notification to parents, students, and teachers 72 hours in advance of pesticide applications (PA Act 36)
• Provide for a minimum 7-hour re-entry period for common access areas whenever pesticides are applied
• Understand concepts of IPM