Publication dealing with pesticide use in schools

20/8/95

The safe use of pesticides in schools will be clarified in a publication released today by Health Minister Graham Kierath.

The publication, Guidelines for Pesticide Use in Schools and Schoolgrounds, has been prepared by the Health Department in conjunction with the Education Department and the Department of Agriculture, to address community concerns about the use of pesticides in schools.

It replaces a set of draft guidelines released a year ago, and addresses public comment received since then.

The guidelines advise school principals, teachers, parents and pest control operators on the safest and most effective practices to reduce pest infestations.

Local government officers and the general public could also be interested.

"These guidelines will put to rest a lot of anxiety people have been expressing about the safety of pesticides," Mr Kierath said.

"Infestation can be prevented by simple management of conditions that attract pests.

"For example, the storage of food in securely-sealed containers and the use of rubbish bins with tight-fitting lids can go a long way towards deterring scavenging pests such as cockroaches and rodents.

"Similarly, regularly removing bush and leaf litter from around buildings will discourage spiders, and draining areas where stagnant water collects will inhibit mosquitoes.

"The guidelines describe a full range of integrated pest management, with pesticides recommended only as a last resort."

Mr Kierath said that as well as measures to prevent pest infestations, the guidelines included information on pesticides, their toxicity, safe use and storage, a code of practice for pest control operators, and a list of organisations that could be contacted for further information or advice.

It was expected that the guidelines would be revised regularly as new information and pest treatments became available.

Comments on the guidelines were welcome and could be directed to the Toxicology Section of the Environmental Health Service.

Copies of the guidelines could be obtained from the Environmental Health Service of the Health Department of Western Australia.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter on 481 2133 or 222 9595