IPM Laws
When partnering with a school district, Safe Schools IPM gathers pertinent information to create a set of custom materials. These include site-specific plans that outline a detailed approach to pest management while identifying key, decision making personnel within the building.
State Audits and Compliance
During audits, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will scrutinize each program using a nearly 100 point checklist. The most critical case for an organized and transparent program is that IPM in NJ schools is a law! (N.J.A.C. 7:30-13.3) Safe Schools IPM ensures that various, working documents are in place to tell a story about each school’s goal of keeping students and staff safe from unnecessary exposure to pesticides.
State and Federal representatives demand transparent records during their evaluation of each district. Furthermore, there is an expectation for schools to produce non-chemical attempts at controlling pests prior to applying a pesticide (see Pest Control). Our comprehensive log books outline a systematic approach to each decision regarding a pest issue along with corresponding service reports.
Per state law, each school’s principal and IPM coordinator (typically, the supervisor of buildings and grounds) are responsible for their program. Successfully navigating audits will avoid violation notices that may require time consuming, corrective actions. A far more pressing situation may present itself if a student falls ill and a pesticide application is suspected as the cause.
Poor decisions involving pesticides cannot be undone and individuals may react differently to a product’s composition. Parents can request indoor and outdoor application records to check if their child may have been exposed to a pesticide. An organized, transparent IPM program will mitigate an administrator’s risk if an accusation is made.
During the vendor procurement process, it is recommended that the IPM scope of work includes pest control services in addition to assisting with IPM law management. Districts are often not aware if low-bid, high-volume pest control companies are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. Even if a contractor is hired in good faith to help manage the program, it’s recommended to take inventory of each line item promised throughout the year. Otherwise, administrators may be exposed since successful IPM programs require significant time and upkeep.