PCOC Applauds DPR's Notice Regarding Pesticide Decontamination Sites

SACRAMENTO - The Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) applauds the California Department of Pesticides (DPR) decision not to proceed with proposed regulations published in the California Regulatory Notice Register on March 17, 2023, concerning pesticide decontamination sites. On behalf of the professional pest management industry, PCOC raised concerns in their association’s comments that sections of the proposed changes were impracticable to implement and placed pest control companies and their employees in untenable positions.

PCOC CEO Michael E. Wilson said, “The leadership of PCOC appreciates DPR’s willingness to work with PCOC representatives that sought to help the agency better understand the daily complexities that professional pest control industry representatives and technician’s encounter. Through continued dialogue, we believe that we can strike a better balance of costs and burdens to secure more practical solutions to ensure the safety of our employees.”

PCOC President Mary Henandez said, “PCOC believes that our industry’s focus on existing personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements prevents exposure and provides adequate safety of employed persons. This is the sensible action that DPR should take instead of mandating the installation of eye wash stations.”

PCOC added that it is committed to cooperating with governmental agencies and the regulated industry to enhance safety and the quality of their operations for the betterment of all Californians. The association said it appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the proposed pesticide decontamination sites regulation.