WHSC WORKSHOP DETAILS

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Singapore Pest Management Association Apr - Jun 2014 Issue No. Pip 043 WHSC WORKSHOP DETAILS OPENING ADDRESS BY MR ANDREW CHAN, PRESIDENT, SINGAPORE PEST MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, WSH FORUM FOR PEST MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY, 20 FEBRUARY 2014, 2.30PM Mr Lai Poon Piau, Executive Director, Workplace Safety & Health (or WSH) Council, Distinguished Guests and Speakers, Industry partners, Ladies and Gentlemen, Introduction A very good afternoon to all and welcome to the WSH Forum for Pest Management Industry. First of all, I would like to thank WSH Council, Ministry of Manpower, National Environment Agency (NEA) and our exhibitors for your support. Today s strong turnout is encouraging as it shows that our Pest Management Industry is keen to find out more and learn how we can improve WSH standards. WSH Performance of Pest Management Industry While accidents in the Pest Management Industry are generally low, there had been a number of incidents over the past few years that had created a buzz amongst our Pest Management community. These recent accidents will help you understand what could go wrong. In October last year, a pest management technician was checking the roof area of their client s premises for termite infestation and used a ladder to access the false ceiling for inspection. As he was descending from the ladder after the inspection, the ladder spreader gave way and slide open, causing the injured to fall on the ground. He stayed 5 days at the hospital for observation and was given one month s hospitalization leave. In 2012, two flash fires occurred while thermal fogging was carried out at rubbish chutes resulting in burns on the face and arms of fogging operators. There have also been a slew of thermal fogging incidents over the past few years. In 2012, two flash fires occurred while thermal fogging was carried out at rubbish chutes resulting in burns on the face and arms of fogging operators. The fires were likely due to the flammable diesel used as a carrier for thermal fogging. I would like to urge our fellow pest management operators to exercise caution when carrying out thermal fogging, particularly in enclosed spaces such as refuse chutes. Do take necessary safety measures like

2 operating and maintaining fogging machines in accordance with manufacturer s instructions, implementing safe work procedures, using appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces before fogging. Mr Heng Yiwei from SPMA will share some good practices when working with fogging machines. Apart from workplace injuries, many of us do not realise that we, too, have seen work fatalities. In a recent case, three workers were deployed to attend to a case of bee infestation. While the workers were assessing the situation, a swarm of bees suddenly began to attack the team of workers. The 3 workers were conveyed to hospital, where one of them subsequently passed away on the same day. These accidents shows that workplace safety can never be taken from granted. Employers need to ensure that steps to manage the risks are in place and work procedures are strictly followed to protect our workers. Not only should employees should be provided with the proper equipment and appropriate training, these equipment should also be in good working condition and maintained periodically according to the manufacturers instructions. Enactment of WSH (Work At Heights) Regulations As you might be aware, the WSH (Work At Heights) Regulations will be extended to all workplaces on 1 May Key to this Regulation is the requirement of the Permit to Work (PTW) System to be implemented for hazardous work at heights where a person could fall from a height of more than 3 metres. With this new requirement, we need to conduct risk assessment at work places more thoroughly especially when works are to be carried out at heights exceeding this limit - in particular during inspections of roof and ceilings for termite and rodent treatments, roof gutters for mosquito treatment as well as destruction of hornets & bees both indoors and outdoors. Mr Teo Han Ping from MOM will share more about the Regulations and what kind of compliance measures you need to take. Do take the opportunity to seek clarifications on the regulations at the Q&A session later. 2

3 Launch of SPMA s Safety Video and WSH Council s Checklist for Safe Pest Management Works Before I end, I would like to mention that SPMA is committed to continue working with the relevant authority and the industry to help improve WSH performance in the pest management industry. We have also worked with WSH Council on a Checklist for Safe Pest Management Works which is launched today and you can find this checklist in your folder. This checklist may not cover all work activities in our workplaces, but it will be useful as reference to help the industry in carrying out our work safety. SPMA will also continue to circulate the WSHC Bulletin to all members keeping them posted on the latest development in workplace safety and opportunities in training and upgrading their skill and knowledge. This checklist may not cover all work activities in our workplaces, but it will be useful as reference to help the industry in carrying out our work safety. On this note, I am pleased to announce that SPMA will be launching its Safety Video today. The video is part of SPMA s effort to help the Pest Management Industry to carry out work safely. Some highlights include proper use of equipment & PPE, pesticide handling, spillage control, safe driving and working at heights. The making of this video I am glad that you ve taken the first step today to attend this forum and I hope to see more of you as we progress. I look forward to your support and wish you a safe and fruitful day ahead. was possible because of the excellent team work and support from our production crews, cast members led by Mr John Ho including our Board of Councillors and more importantly our sponsors including, Agro Technic, Asiatic Agricultural Industries, Bayer, Bentz Jaz & Syngenta. Without their time, effort and financial supports, it would not be possible in completing this enormous task. Conclusion Moving forward, I hope all of you will continue to support SPMA s efforts and work with us to help our sector improve our WSH standards. I am glad that you ve taken the first step today to attend this forum and I hope to see more of you as we progress. I look forward to your support and wish you a safe and fruitful day ahead. Thank you. 3

4 EHI celebrated its 12th Anniversary by commemorating World Health Day on 7 April 2014 Clean Day for a Birthday on World Health Day! What better way to celebrate EHI s birthday than with a day of science and action? EHI celebrated its 12th Anniversary by commemorating World Health Day on 7 April 2014, with a Scientific Seminar and Litter Picking environmental event. This was enthusiastically attended by valued friends and partners, from NEA s Regional Offices, the hospitals, universities, A*STAR institutions, Singapore Pest Management Association (SPMA) and other government agencies. The key message of Protect Yourself from Vector-borne Diseases for this year s World Health Day is echoed by EHI a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research of Arbovirus and their Associated Vectors. In his welcome address at the Scientific Seminar, Mr. Khoo Seow Poh, DCEO (Policy & Planning), emphasised the continued need for the scientific community s close synergy in working together to share knowledge of vectorborne diseases, in order to develop more effective surveillance and control strategies, and pre-empt potential threats. The seminar featured talks on the worldwide prevalence and spread of such diseases, by key experts from EHI as well as various institutions comprising the University of Malaya, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), and Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). The morning session culminated with a cakecutting ceremony in celebration of EHI s 12th anniversary. Mr. Derek Ho, Director-General Public Health, congratulated EHI on its many notable accomplishments over the past 12 years, and thanked collaborators for their unwavering support of EHI. He also encouraged EHI to continue working with fellow scientists, partners and the community to tackle public health challenges in the years ahead. 4

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6 Dengue update: Singapore & Regional Newsletter of the Singapore Pest Management Association Jan - Mar 2014 Due to the dry spell over January February we shall take a break on the dengue update in this issue but will resume in next reporting. LATEST LOCAL HOT NEWS. ST, 04/03, pa21 [Reply] Glue traps should be used responsibly We refer to Mr Khaled Talib s feedback in Ban glue traps (ST, 18/02, pa23) and are sorry to hear about the kitten in Mr Khaled s letter. It is unfortunate that the kitten eventually died, despite Mr Khaled s efforts. 2 The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is working with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to investigate the case. Anyone who may have information on this case (e.g. witness, photo or video evidence, etc) should feedback to AVA via or ava_cawc@ava.gov.sg. The information will help in our investigations. 3 Glue traps are common and effective tools used worldwide to trap rodents, whose population needs to be controlled for hygiene and public health reasons. Nonetheless, to safeguard animal welfare and minimise the trapping of non-target animals, the AVA developed a set of guidelines on responsible use of glue traps in consultation with the pest control industry and the National Environment Agency, which licenses pest control companies. The guidelines were issued to all pest management companies. Glue traps are common and effective tools used worldwide to trap rodents, whose population needs to be controlled for hygiene and public health reasons. 4 The guidelines specify the size of the glue traps and the type of backing used for the trap to minimise the risk of non-target animals being caught in glue traps for rodents. The guidelines also specify that the traps should be used in enclosed areas to avoid the trapping of non-target The guidelines also specify that the traps should be used in enclosed areas to avoid the trapping of non-target animals and trapped rodents must be killed humanely and properly disposed. animals and trapped rodents must be killed humanely and properly disposed. In addition, the guidelines specify that any non-target animal caught in the trap must be released unharmed and have the glue removed from its body with cooking or baby oil. Such animals should also be sent to a veterinarian for attention, if necessary. 5 We request anyone who observes irresponsible use of glue traps to feedback to AVA with leads (e.g. location, date/time of incident, photos or video evidence) for our follow up. Dr Wong Hon Mun Group Director, Agri Establishment Regulation Group For Chief Executive Officer Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority 6

7 PEST CONTROL NEWS UPDATES FROM THE REGION.. PACIFIC-RIM TERMITE RESEARCH GROUP CONFERENCE RECOVERAGE The 10th Pacific Rims Termites Research Group Conference 2014 Temperature treatment 26th to 28th February 2014, the days where termite researchers around the world gathered and shared their findings. The 10th PRTRG Conference was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with over 100 participants from more than 14 countries including USA, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. Findings on the biology, genetics, efforts in termites controls as well as evaluation of some commercial products and timbers were shared by the speakers. Dr. Matsuura K. has enlighten the audience with his interesting findings that the queen of Reticulitermes termites is able to ensure the survival of her genes by passing all her genetic materials to the daugther queen without the need of the king termite. Choi Baek Yong from Kyoto University has also shared his innovation in treating dry-wood termites-infested wood using low temperature treatment. We also have a chance to visit the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia in Kepong, Malaysia. To our amazement, C. Gestroi and C. Fformosanus. Counting termites at FRIM there numerous collections of termites and other insect samples, some of which are showed in this pest craft for your admiration. SPMA may consider organizing a learning trip to the institute in near future depending on interest from its member so do let us know if you keen to participate. PRTRG conference is certainly an eye-opening event, where many new findings and idea are shared. We look forward for the next PRTRG conference which will be held in 2016, Kunming, China. 7

8 THE BEST IN CHEMICAL 60, SENOKO ROAD, SINGAPORE Tel: (+65) Fax: (+65) / enquiry@best-chemical.com Website: Best Chemical Co (S) Pte Ltd offers a wide array of chemical products and pesticides for a wide variety of uses. Mosquito Dunk Mosquito Killer Granular Bti Effective up to 7 weeks - Tested by NEA Apply to places with stagnant water: 5 cm Bti Briquet Roof Gutters Perimeter Drains Tree Holes FourStar Bti Briquet 150 Moulded Bti FourStar Microbial Briquet 90 Contains Bacillus Sphaericus & Bti Aquabac XT Liquid Bti Aquabac DF3000 Dry Powder Bti Sprinkle at rates gm per 1 liter of water Effective against Dengue species which breed in clean water up to 150 days Effective against Culex & species which breed in polluted water up to 90 days Apply direct or mix with water and use with ULV or Mist sprayer/blower Apply direct or mix with water and use. with ULV or Mist sprayer/blower Flowerpot Plates Vases Old Tires Roof Gutters/Drains Reservoirs Water Fountains Storm Drains Polluted Waters Unused Pools Ponds/Reservoirs Botanic Parks/Palm Trees Construction Sites Zoological Gardens Barrage/ Water Catchment Nature Reserves OUR PRODUCTS INCLUDE: Safety Signs / Silicone Chemicals Freon)

9 CULEX DRY SPELL: Increase of Culex mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) breeding in drains with stagnant water.. For the past few weeks, we have seen more than 250% increase in the number of feedback on mosquito nuisance, as compared to the weekly norm of 300. This could possibly be attributed to the increase in Culex mosquitoes due to the dry weather with low rainfall in consecutive weeks. The increase in feedback coincides with our inspection findings that more than 80% of the mosquito breeding detected was identified to be Culex species in the first 3 weeks of February. We strongly urge all members to step up your checks for mosquito breeding and the frequency for cleaning of the outdoor areas, particularly the drains. Attached are some examples, for your reference. We strongly urge all members to step up your checks for mosquito breeding and the frequency for cleaning of the outdoor areas, particularly the drains. 9

10 Biological of Culex Culex Mosquitoes There is an increase in the population size of the Culex mosquitoes in Singapore since February 2014, as observed by the National Environmental Agency. This could be due to the dry spell which shreds more leaves into the drain, forming favourable breeding ground. This phenomenon has alarmed many people due to the dengue terror, as most of the people are not trained to identify mosquito species. Culex mosquitoes are one of the most common genera of mosquitoes that can be found in the tropics and subtropics. In Singapore, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus is the predominant species of Culex mosquitoes that can be found closely associated with human. Although Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus is known to transmit lymphatic filariasis, avian malaria, and viral diseases, these diseases has not been reported in Singapore in the past few years. Similar with all Culicidine, Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus undergoes holometabolous metamorphosis. The female mosquitoes actively look for blood meal at night time, with the activity peaks at midnight. Blood engorged female will search for a dark and cool places to hide and rest. These places could be indoor and outdoor on vegetation, clothing, furnitures and etc. They will spend 2-3 days digesting the blood and forming the eggs. After the eggs are developed, they will look for organically polluted water such as those in drains, septic tanks, and ground puddles to lay their eggs. Mosquito resting indoor at switch box. In contrast to Aedes mosquitoes, Culex mosquitoes are Warren Buffett-style investors where they put all eggs in the same basket. All the hundred over eggs are glued together to form an egg raft. Because of this, prevention and destruction of breeding ground become extremely important and effective for the control of this species. The eggs laid will hatch into larvae in 2-4 days, which develop to pupae, and subsequently emerge as adult. The whole life cycle will take 8-12 days, and the adult mosquitoes can live for around 2 weeks in the field. 10

11 Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus can be identified by its gold-brownish thorax. In addition, it has a rather rounded tip at the abdomen. Both the larvae and pupae of this mosquito are very active and agile compared with other genera of mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are slightly bigger in size than Aedes mosquitoes, and they are good flyer which can travel for up to 8 km. Due to Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus s preference to rest indoor, recent increase in its population size has caused some big issues in Singapore. Many people were thrilled as they rarely encounter mosquitoes indoor, and they have mistaken it as Aedes mosquitoes. Although indoor ultra-low volume misting can be employed to kill the existing mosquitoes indoor, they may continue to fly in from outside. Hence, search and destroy remains to be the best strategy to control mosquito population. Emphasis should be placed on organically polluted water as it is preferred by Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus. However, other water source has to be examined as well. Nonetheless, there is a huge limitation for the pest management professional to conduct this work as they do not have the authority to access to and to treat all potential breeding grounds. Thus, co-operation with the authority will be important for a successful search and destroy strategy. In addition, installation of screens at the opening of the building such as doors and windows, and even door gaps can prevent the intrusion of Culex mosquitoes from outside. Installation of mosquito traps at suitable location can also help in reducing the amount of mosquitoes that hunt for blood meal. Lastly, use of repellent that contains DEET, lemoneucalyptus oil or icaridin can provide personal protection from the mosquitoes. Article written by Dr. Chan H.H. Mosquito resting behind sofa. Mosquito rests on leave outdoor. 11

12 Newsletter of the Singapore Pest Management Association Jan Apr - Mar Jun We Need Your Views to Help Us Do Better... MANAGEMENT WIZARD (MW) SINGAPORE NEW BUDGET PIX to come SPMA Contacts Ms Hazel Lim, new SPMA Secretariat. Hazel s other business interest - tax and ageloc consultant. Mailing Address: Crawford Post Office, P.O. Box 514, Singapore Hp: (65) Fax: (65) contactus@spma.org.sg Website: 12