From: SHAC Risk Manaagement Committee
Date: March 20,2007

Guide to Safe Scouting and the application of chemicals by Scouts

The Guide to Safe Scouting does not speak directly to the issue of handling of all chemicals (chemical fuels - yes, use of bleach for water treatment - yes, carbon tetrachloride - yes, other chemicals - no).

Most chemicals used to spray on plants or for treatment of insects are controlled: however, I realize that certain chemicals can be purchased at a local hardware store or other locations.

Herbicides used in conservation plant control:

These are not common household type items.

They require additional protective measures.

If we follow the Sweet 16 in the Guide to Safe Scouting to determine whether we should conduct an activity, I believe a review of the 16 points will not allow this activity to be conducted by scouts.

Supervision - How are we going to make sure we have enough supervision to assure that scouts are not exposed to chemicals being sprayed? On one of the labels for a chemical that can be used for spraying wooded plants, it specifically reads "Keep out of the reach of children."

Physical Fitness - If we require scouts to wear respirators, they need a respirator physical. Some people are required to get one by their employer, because they may use a respirator on occasion. This also means the scouts would have to be fit tested to assure they get a proper seal.

Buddy System - This works well for most activities, but here it may mean additional exposure, we are using big squirt guns!!!

Safe Area or Course - How are we going to dispose of clothing that may be contaminated? How will we know if it is? What area do we have to make sure that the scouts can shower after they are finished? What about a lunch break? - they have to be decontaminated to eat lunch. Are we going to let the scouts take their clothes home to let their family also be exposed? How do we know that others may not be exposed? Are we going to monitor the area? What kind of monitoring devices are needed to assure that the exposure is kept to safe limits according to regulations? What other age appropriate Personal Protective Equipment is going to be provided? Gloves? Goggles? Disposable chemical resistant suits? Boots?

We could go through the rest of the Sweet 16, but hopefully you understand that this is not an activity we should have our scouts perform.

Not all activities are outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting. We cannot list the endless ideas that Scouts and Scouters have. This is why the Sweet 16 is there.

It gives all of us an opportunity to review the activity and truly make an honest evaluation what is to be performed, if conducted properly.

Sam Houston Area Council Risk Management Committee