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4.5.4 Pullup. The pullup at the end of the field directs exhaust downward toward the dust swath. The hopper gate should be closed before beginning the pullup to minimize the possibility of fire. This may slightly reduce the efficiency of the dusting operation, but the pilot can always fly across the ends to spread dust on the parts of the field missed by closing the gate early.
4.5.5 Ventilation. Compartments where dust might collect should have ventilation and be free of ignition sources, such as electrical circuits (unless special provisions are made to prevent sparks from short circuits or other sources, such as unsealed circuit breakers).
Previous favorable experience does not minimize the hazard of dusting with sulfur.
Remember, it takes only one act of carelessness or inattention to cause a disastrous fire.
4.5.6 Engine Exhaust System. Keeping the engine exhaust discharge and sulfur dust apart can prevent fires from hot carbon sparks. The engine exhaust system should be arranged so that it will not discharge exhaust gases under or along the bottom of the aircraft. Sulfur ignites at a temperature of approximately 500 ºF, depending upon its form. The temperature of the exhaust from an aircraft engine is about 1,500 ºF when discharged from the cylinder. Although the gas will cool considerably in the exhaust manifold and will cool further upon coming in contact with the outside air, a potential fire hazard still exists. It is desirable to place the exhaust outlet as far from the path of the sulfur discharge as possible. The exhaust discharge should be directed so that it will not blow into the dust swath when a pullup is initiated.
4.5.7 Aircraft Bonding. All aircraft that spread sulfur dust should be completely bonded by connecting all metal parts with electrical cable and also should have sharp-pointed, static-discharge rods on each wing tip to provide the most protection against a spark discharge. Complete bonding of an aircraft will prevent differences in electrical potential between various metal parts, and will thereby prevent sparks from occurring between these parts. Sometimes it is not possible or practical to completely bond all parts of the wings and tail surfaces, but at least the following should be bonded: the fuselage aft and in the vicinity of the hopper, the struts and fittings adjacent to the hopper, and the hopper itself.
4.6 Agricultural Aircraft Maintenance Precautions. Maintenance personnel working on agricultural aircraft (manned or unmanned) may be exposed to pesticides from a single product or a mixture of contaminated products. Degraded by-products of some pesticides are more hazardous than the parent product. Routes of exposure through the skin may be significant; perspiration can enhance exposure. Agricultural aircraft and external parts should be thoroughly cleaned before repair. The FAA recommends that maintenance personnel of aircraft and dispensing equipment wear PPE for skin and respiratory protection to limit exposure to contaminates.
4.7 Security Regulations.
4.7.1 Transportation Security Regulations (TSR). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issues and administers TSRs, which are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) parts 1500 through 1699. Many TSRs are FAA rules that were
4-5 transferred to TSA when they assumed the FAA’s civil aviation security function on February 17, 2002. These regulations can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/.
4.7.2 Applicability. These regulations pertain mainly to certificate holders and commercial operators. Most parts of 49 CFR parts 1540 through 1562 apply to aircraft operators holding Operating Certificates under 14 CFR part 119. Part 119, § 119.1(e)(4)(i) excludes part 137 operators from compliance with part 119. The following parts of 49 CFR, parts 1540 through 1562, are provided for reference and informational purposes only as they relate to agricultural aircraft operators:
4.7.2.1 Title 49 CFR part 1540, Civil Aviation Security: General Rules, contains rules that cover all segments of civil aviation security and contains definitions that apply to parts 1540 through 1562.
4.7.2.2 Title 49 CFR part 1550, Aircraft Security Under General Operating and Flight Rules, applies to the operation of aircraft for which there are no security requirements elsewhere in parts 1500 through 1699, including General Aviation (GA) aircraft.
4.7.2.3 Title 49 CFR part 1550, § 1550.7, Operations in Aircraft of 12,500 Pounds or More, the “Twelve–Five Rule,” requires that certain operators using aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or more carry out a security program. This program was effective April 1, 2003.
4.7.3 GA Threat Vulnerability.
4.7.3.1 Historically, GA airports were not subject to Federal rules regarding airport security. Before September 11, 2001, the Federal government’s role in airport security focused exclusively on airports serving scheduled operations. Now, TSA must examine all aspects of the transportation system for vulnerabilities to terrorist activities.
4.7.3.2 The TSA has not taken a position that GA airports and aircraft are a threat in and of themselves. As vulnerabilities within other areas of aviation have been reduced, GA may be perceived as a more attractive target and, consequently, be more vulnerable to misuse by terrorists. The security guidelines outlined in this document will help agricultural aircraft operators determine the necessary security measures at their facility to reduce vulnerabilities.
4.7.3.3 GA includes a broad range of aircraft and aviation activity that vary greatly in size, function, and operational characteristics. GA airports and operations differ in their security needs. The TSA understands that “one size fits all” security will not accommodate the entire spectrum of GA airports and facilities. A privately-owned landing strip in a rural area would not need to implement the same security measures as a large, corporate GA airport near a major metropolitan area. While the potential for misuse of an aircraft operating from the rural airport exists, each operator should employ the following basic security rules:
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1. Lock facilities.
2. Secure aircraft.
3. Be aware of unusual activities.
4. If suspicious activities are occurring, contact the TSA at 866-GA- SECUR (427-3287)
5. If facing an urgent threat, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
4.7.4 Agricultural Aviation Security Measures.
4.7.4.1 An aerial application plane has never been involved in any terrorist activity.
Various industry organizations have aggressively promoted enhanced security procedures. In an effort to mitigate the potential of a threat, the agricultural aviation industry has adopted the following security measures:
1. Store aircraft and crop protection products in locked hangars with electronic security systems.
2. Park and disable loader trucks, forklifts, or use other equipment to block aircraft.
3. In cases where the aircraft must be left outdoors, use propeller locks, propeller chains, or tie-downs on aircraft.
4. Remove batteries and render engines mechanically inoperable on unused aircraft.
5. Install hidden security switches to prevent unauthorized startup of the aircraft.
6. Establish contact with Federal and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) to coordinate responses to security breaches at agricultural aviation facilities. Encourage operators to list the appropriate LEA telephone numbers in a prominent place within their operations.
7. Encourage the use of outdoor security lighting around hangars and operations.
4.7.4.2 The National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF) conducts an educational program for agricultural aviators during the off-season called Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS) program. This educational program travels from state-to-state each year emphasizing aviation security, safety, and drift mitigation. The security module has been presented in over 33 states and attended by nearly 2,000 agricultural pilots.
4.7.4.3 Aerial application is an important component in the production of food and fiber in the United States. Also, it is an important means of fighting forest and brush fires and providing public health spraying services.
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4.7.4.4 The agricultural aviation industry is recognized by Federal, state, and local law enforcement and security agencies for its cooperation with government officials in safeguarding homeland security. Agricultural aviation continues to work closely with Federal, state, and local officials to ensure that industry equipment is not a threat to homeland security.
4.7.5 Securing the Aircraft. The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) worked with the FAA to develop an expedited policy to allow installation of hidden battery cutoff switches on agricultural aircraft. The FAA determined that this procedure is a minor alteration that, once installed, can be recorded with a maintenance record entry and does not require an FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), nor a field approval. Refer to the FAA memorandum titled, “Agricultural Aircraft Security,” dated February 13, 2003. For additional information on this matter, contact the General Aviation Branch (AFS-350), at 202-267-1675.
4.7.6 Best Practices for General Aviation Security. Security issues for operators are divided into four primary areas: personnel, procedures, aircraft, and facilities. The following lists focus on each area to enhance security initiatives for agricultural aircraft operators:
4.7.6.1 Personnel.
1. Have one person in charge of security issues for the organization.
2. Establish and maintain communications links with the company personnel and appropriate government agencies regarding security issues.
3. All personnel should complete annual security training developed by the operator.
4.7.6.2 Procedures.
1. Require that aviation department members participate in security training.
2. Develop and maintain a security information program.
3. Limit access to facilities and aircraft to company personnel and authorized guests.
4. Have a security plan specific to your location and operation.
5. Develop, maintain, and exercise an emergency response plan with associated resources.
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4.7.6.3 Aircraft.
1. A crewmember should be present at all times when the aircraft is serviced.
2. Check the aircraft for unauthorized people or objects before every departure.
3. Conduct a thorough preflight inspection anytime maintenance is performed.
4. Use the aircraft’s security system (locks and alarms) whenever it is unattended to prevent unauthorized entry and use.
4.7.6.4 Facilities.
1. Ensure facility security limits access to all areas.
2. Ensure street side gates and doors are closed and locked at all times.
3. Close and lock hangar doors when that area is unattended.
4. Secure all key storage areas.
5. Have an access control management system for keys and passes.
6. Escort all visitors on the ramp and in the hangar area.
7. Post emergency numbers prominently around the facility.
8. Ensure easy access to phones or panic buttons in various facility locations.
9. Be aware of surroundings and do not be complacent; challenge strangers.
4.7.7 Security Procedures and Communications. GA operators may find it helpful to develop written security procedures. Many of these security initiatives are already conducted on airfields, but are not formalized into a documented program. Documentation provides operators with a traceable and auditable method of ensuring personnel are aware of and understand security issues. Such a protocol should minimally consist of, but not be limited to, airport and local law enforcement contact information, including alternates (when available), and the use of programs like Airport Watch to increase airport user awareness of security precautions.
4.7.8 Threat Communication System.
4.7.8.1 The FAA recommends that operators develop a comprehensive contact list and distribute the list to all personnel affiliated with the organization.
Operators should include the following phone numbers in the contact list:
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• Airport manager.
• Local police or county sheriff’s department.
• County/city emergency manager.
• State aviation director.
• State police.
• Emergency medical service (EMS).
• Fire department.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Local FAA contact.
• Local TSA contact.
4.7.8.2 In the event of a security incident, it is essential that first responders and airport management are able to communicate. Where possible, coordinate radio communication and establish common frequencies and procedures to establish a radio communications network with local law enforcement.
4.7.8.3 The communication process is important and is a means by which tenants and airport users can receive all new security policies, procedures, and alerts.
Conducting regular meetings with airport tenants and the flying public to discuss security issues and challenges, establishing a centralized area for posting of security information, or developing an email alert system are methods for successful communication.
4.7.9 Additional Aviation Security Information Resources. The NAAA is actively working with the FAA to address security issues within the agricultural aviation industry. For more information regarding their efforts, use the contact information below:
National Agricultural Aviation Association 1440 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3403 Phone: 202-546-5722 Fax: 202-546-5726 http://www.agaviation.org
5-1 CHAPTER 5. INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES FROM ORGANIZATIONS OTHER
THAN THE FAA
5.1 Purpose. This chapter provides informational resources applicable to agricultural aircraft operations and operators/applicants. The FAA does not regulate the information in this chapter.
5.2 EPA Worker Protection Standard.
1. Agricultural Worker Protection Standard, Parts 156 and 170. Interpretive Policy. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/workers/wpsinterpolicy.htm.
2. How to Comply With the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides: What Employers Need To Know.
http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html.
3. Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisoning.
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare/handbook/handbook.pdf.
4. Pesticides: Health and Safety. Human health issues.
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/human.htm.
5. Toxicity Categories and Pesticide Label Statements. The EPA uses the criteria in Table 5-1, Toxicity Categories and Pesticide Label Statements, to determine the toxicity category of pesticides. These criteria are based on the results of animal tests done in support of registration of the pesticide.
Table 5-1. Toxicity Categories and Pesticide Label Statements
I II III IV Oral LD 50 (Lethal Dose) Up to and including 50 mg/kg From 50 thru 500 mg/kg From 500 thru 5,000 mg/kg Greater than 5,000 mg/kg Inhalation LC 50 (Lethal Concentration) Up to and including
0.2 mg/liter From 0.2 thru 2 mg/liter From 2.0 thru 20 mg/liter Greater than 20 mg/liter Dermal LD 50 Up to and including 200 mg/kg.
From 200 thru 2,000 mg/kg From 2,000 thru 20,000 mg/kg Greater than 20,000 mg/kg Eye effects Corrosive; corneal opacity not reversible within 7 days Corneal opacity reversible within 7 days; irritation persisting for 7 days.
No corneal opacity; irritation reversible within 7 days No irritation Skin effects Corrosive Severe irritation at 72 hours Moderate irritation at 72 hours Mild or slight irritation at 72 hours.
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6. Human Hazard Signal Word.
• Toxicity Category I. All pesticide products meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category I must bear on the front panel the signal word “Danger.” If the product was assigned to Toxicity Category I on the basis of its oral, inhalation, or skin toxicity (as distinct from skin and eye local effects) the word “Poison” must appear in red on a background of distinctly contrasting color, and the skull and crossbones must appear in immediate proximity to the word “Poison.”
• Toxicity Category II. All pesticide products meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category II must bear on the front panel the signal word “Warning.”
• Toxicity Category III. All pesticide products meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category III must bear on the front panel the signal word “Caution.”
• Toxicity Category IV. All pesticide products meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category IV must bear on the front panel the signal word “Caution.”
5.3 Personal Protection Information.
5.3.1 New Worker Protection Standard Glove Requirements for Workers, Handlers, and Pilots.
5.3.1.1 On November 2, 2015, the EPA revised the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural workers, handlers, and their families. Personal protective equipment (PPE) exception is allowed for aerial applications (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) part 170, § 170.607(e) and (f)). Wearing chemical-resistant gloves when entering or leaving an aircraft used to apply pesticides is optional, unless such gloves are required on the pesticide product labeling. If gloves are brought into the cockpit of an aircraft that has been used to apply pesticides, the gloves must be kept in an enclosed container to prevent contamination of the inside of the cockpit.
5.3.1.2 Handlers applying pesticides from an open cockpit aircraft must use the PPE specified in the pesticide product labeling for use during an application, except that chemical-resistant footwear need not be worn. A helmet may be substituted for chemical-resistant headgear. A helmet with a face shield lowered to cover the face may be substituted for protective eyewear.
5.3.1.3 Persons occupying an enclosed cockpit may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for labeling-specified PPE.
5.3.1.4 Information can be found in the WPS “How to Comply” manual:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/pesticide-worker-protectionstandard-how-comply-manual.
5.3.2 U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The OSHA website has information about on-the-job safety and laws relating to that topic: http://www.osha.gov/.
5.3.3 Interpreting PPE Statements on Pesticide Labels. See Figure 5-1, PPE Statements and Pesticide Labels.
5-3 Figure 5-1. PPE Statements and Pesticide Labels Label Statement Acceptable PPE Long-sleeved shirt and long pants Long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or woven or nonwoven coverall plastic, or other barrier-coated coverall, or rubber or plastic suit Coverall worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants Coverall worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants, or coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or coverall worn over another coverall, or plastic or other barrier-coated coverall, or rubber or plastic suit Coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants Coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or coverall worn over another coverall, or plastic or other barrier-coated coverall, or rubber or plastic suit Chemical-resistant apron worn over coverall or over long-sleeved shirt and long pants No substitute Waterproof suit or liquid-proof suit No substitute Waterproof gloves Any rubber or plastic gloves sturdy enough to remain intact throughout the task being preformed Chemical-resistant gloves Barrier-laminate gloves, or other gloves that glove selection charts or guidance indicate are chemical-resistant to the pesticide for the period of time required to perform the task Chemical-resistant gloves such as butyl or nitrile Butyl gloves, or nitrile gloves, or other gloves that glove selection charts or guidance indicate are chemical-resistant to the pesticide for the period of time required to perform the task Shoes Leather, canvas, or fabric shoes chemical-resistant shoes, or chemical-resistant boots, or chemical-resistant shoe coverings (booties) Chemical-resistant footwear Chemical-resistant shoes, or chemical-resistant boots, or chemical-resistant shoe coverings (booties) Chemical-resistant boots Chemical-resistant boots Chemical-resistant hood or wide-brimmed hat Rubber-, or plastic-coated, safari-style hat or fire-fighter hat, or plastic or other barrier-coated hood, or rubber or plastic hood, full hood or helmet that is part of some respirators
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5.3.4 Human Exposure. Use the following if someone has swallowed, inhaled, or gotten a pesticide in the eye or on the skin:
1. Call 911 if the person is unconscious, has trouble breathing, or is having convulsions.
2. Check the label for directions on how to give first aid.
3. Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help with first aid information.
4. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) (1-800-858-7378) also can provide information about pesticide products and their toxicity.
Note: See Figure 5-2, Government Agency Resources, for government agency resources.
Figure 5-2. Government Agency Resources Agency Contact Information Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
More than 100 million workers and 6.5 million employers are covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which covers workers in pesticide manufacturing. OSHA and its state partners have approximately 2,100 inspectors, plus investigators, standards writers, educators, physicians, and other staff in over 200 offices across the country. OSHA sets protective workplace standards, enforces the standards, and offers employers and employees technical assistance and consultation programs. Note that some states have their own OSHA.
OSHA/U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC 20210 Tel: 1-800-321-6742 www.osha.gov United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Extension Service. USDA’s Extension Service works with its university partners, the state land-grant system, to provide farmers and ranchers information to reduce and prevent agricultural-related work incidents. The Pesticide Applicator Training program trains applicators in the safe use of pesticides and coordinates pesticide-related safety training programs.
USDA 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20250 Tel: 202-720-2791 www.usda.gov
5-5 Figure 5-2. Government Agency Resources (Continued) Agency Contact Information National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NCEH provides environmental pesticide case surveillance and disease outbreak investigations.
NCEH, CDC 4770 Buford Highway NE Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 Tel: 1-800-232-4636 www.cdc.gov/nceh/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NIOSH is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research on occupational disease and injury.
NIOSH may investigate potentially hazardous working conditions upon request, makes recommendations on preventing workplace disease and injury, and provides training to occupational safety and health professionals.
NIOSH, CDC 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 Hotline: 1-800-323-4636 www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
5.4 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Agricultural Health and Safety Centers. NIOSH has funded eight agricultural health and safety centers throughout the country that employ clinicians and other health specialists in the area of pesticide-related illness and injury. A list of NIOSH-supported centers can be found in Figure 5-3, NIOSH-Supported Centers.
Figure 5-3. NIOSH-Supported Centers University of California Center for Health and the Environment University of California Old Davis Road Davis, CA 95616 Tel: 530-752-1340 High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523 Tel: 970-491-6152 Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 Tel: 319-335-4405
5-6 Figure 5-3. NIOSH-Supported Centers (Continued) Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention University of Kentucky Department of Preventive Medicine Lexington, KY 40536 Tel: 859-257-5678 Northeast Center for Agricultural and Occupational Health One Atwell Road Cooperstown, NY 13326 Tel: 1-800-343-7527 Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury and Education University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler 11937 U.S. Highway 271 Tyler, TX 75708-3154 Tel: 903-877-5896 Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center University of Washington Department of Environmental Health Seattle, WA 98195 Tel: 1-800-330-0827 Midwest Center for Agricultural Research, Education and Disease and Injury Prevention National Farm Medicine Center Marshfield, WI 54449-5790 Tel: 1-800-662-6900
5.5 Non-Governmental Organizations.
5.5.1 NPIC. NPIC is based out of Oregon State University and is cooperatively sponsored by the university and the EPA.
5.5.1.1 NPIC serves as a source of objective, science-based pesticide information on a wide range of pesticide-related topics, such as recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, safety information, health and environmental effects, referrals for investigation of pesticide incidents, emergency treatment for humans and animals, and cleanup and disposal procedures.
5.5.1.2 A toll-free hotline service provides pesticide information to callers in the continental United States (CONUS), Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The NPIC hotline number is 1-800-858-7378. Pesticide questions and comments can be sent to npic@ace.orst.edu.