HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07132010 - C.04RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT the Public Works Department’s Adopt-A-Road Program to utilize volunteers to
help remove litter from the public roadway rights of way.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Incidental costs of this program such as administration, trash bags, safety tools, and pick up
and disposal of full trash bags will be paid with Road Funds.
BACKGROUND:
In response to a suggestion by Supervisors Gioia and Uilkema, the County’s Adopt-
A-Road Program is revised to function as a tool to educate and enlist community help to
deal with litter along the roadway. The original program established in 1993 utilized
General Service’s Workfare Program crews to pick up litter and was funded with annual
fees paid by the road Adoptee. In 2004 the Workfare Program crew was eliminated which
essentially ended the Adopt-A-Road program as originally developed.
This latest version of the Adopt-A-Road Program utilizes volunteers to help clean litter
from the public road right of way.
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY
ADMINISTRATOR
RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD
COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 07/13/2010 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I
Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Joe Yee, 313-7002
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: July 13, 2010
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: EMY L. SHARP, Deputy
cc: Wanda Quevor, Construction, Transportation
C. 4
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Julia R. Bueren, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Date:July 13, 2010
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:ADOPT the Public Works Department's Adopt-A-Road Program Project No.:0672-6U2509
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Roadside litter that could be removed by volunteers will remain.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
ATTACHMENTS
PW Adopt-A-Road Program Plan
"Accredited by the American Public Works Association"
255 Glacier Drive Martinez, CA 94553-4825
TEL: (925) 313-2000 • FAX: (925) 313-2333
www.cccpublicworks.org
Julia R. Bueren, Director
Deputy Directors
R. Mitch Avalon
Brian M. Balbas
Stephen Kowalewski
Adopt - A - Road Program
A Plan for Litter Control
June 2010
Adopt – A – Road Program
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Program Description ........................................................................... 3
Program Goals ................................................................................... 3
Litter Removal ................................................................................... 3
Adoptable Roads ................................................................................ 4
Agreement Conditions ........................................................................ 6
Adopt – A – Road Agreement ........................................................... 8
Participant Hold Harmless Form ........................................................ 9
Volunteer Application and Registration Form .................................... 10
Parental Consent Form ................................................................... 11
Completion Form ........................................................................... 12
Appendix A ...................................................................................... 13
Safety Requirements ........................................................................ 13
Field Safety ................................................................................... 14
Poison Oak .................................................................................... 17
Ticks ............................................................................................. 21
Spider Safety ................................................................................. 24
Snake Bites ................................................................................... 27
Appendix B ...................................................................................... 30
Administrative Bulletin 421.1 ............................................................ 30
Adopt – A – Road Program
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Chapter Introduction 1
Adopt – A – Road Program
A Plan for Litter Control
Program Description
The Adopt – A – Road Program encourages organizations, corporations, groups, and individuals
to participate by providing volunteers to maintain and enhance Contra Costa County roadsides
on roads serviceable by volunteers.
Program Goals
Designed to promote civic responsibility, community spirit and pride, and to provide an
opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile.
Designed to save taxpayer dollars and to operate with a minimum of red tape and with
minimum supervision by County Public Works.
Designed to allow participants to work responsibly at their own convenience.
Designed for volunteers 13 years and older with appropriate supervision under age 18.
Recognize participants with appropriate sponsorship signs installed at the adopted
section, press releases, and certificates of appreciation. County Public Works
Department provides and installs the signs. Participants may provide a customized
panel with logo and color (maximum size 15” tall x 30” wide) at their expense.
Litter Removal
Litter removal is a way in which individuals or groups can participate in the Contra Costa County
Adopt – A – Road Program. Volunteer efforts on County roadways and accompanying
recognition signs increase public awareness as well as appeal to community values and pride.
Additionally, volunteer efforts supplement County resources, save taxpayer dollars and allow
County workers to deal with higher priority maintenance of pavement, drainage, and safety
facilities. The following are more details regarding the program:
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Adopt – A – Road participants agree to perform their function for 2 years.
Minimum length of adopted section is 2 miles for litter removal.
Work must be performed according to the assigned frequency to be determined by the
Public Works Department for the section of roadway adopted. The frequency may be
one occurrence, bimonthly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on the section of
roadway. Participants will be issued completion report forms to record cleanup efforts.
Contra Costa County Public Works Department will provide free trash bags and
disposal.
Contra Costa County Public Works Department will provide safety vests.
Contra Costa County Public Works will review all adopted areas annually to ensure
compliance with agreements.
Adoptable Roads
The Adopt – A – Road Program applies to all types of County roadways. Some sections of
roadway may be unacceptable for adopting for the following reasons:
Heavy traffic
Dense vegetation
Narrow road shoulders
Restricted visibility
Poor road alignment
Rugged terrain, steep slopes
Section currently adopted
The Public Works Department will advise whether a certain section of roadway is adoptable and
suggest alternatives if a desired section is not adoptable for cleaning by volunteers.
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Chapter Safety 2
The Adopt – A – Road Program is designed to have safety as most important. Adoptable
sections of roadway are selected for safety and appropriateness of the work involved.
Participants bear individual responsibility for personal safety and appropriate behavior within the
County right of way.
Insurance is not required. However, participants agree to hold the County harmless for injuries
arising out of their inappropriate action or nonconformance to safety requirements.
Participants work without direct Public Works supervision and without traffic control. Groups
are required to provide one adult supervisor for every five minors (children between
the ages of 13 and 18) on the roadside.
Group leaders are responsible for conducting safety briefings for all participants according to the
attached safety requirements and to assure all participants follow the safety requirements.
While working along the roadside, remember SAFETY FIRST!!
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Chapter Adopt – A – Road Agreement Conditions 3
Agreement Conditions
Work shall be conducted during daylight hours. Work shall not be conducted on holiday
weekends, or within twenty-four hours preceding a holiday weekend unless specifically
authorized.
If weather or other adverse circumstances cause a public hazard, work shall be immediately
discontinued.
Volunteer work shall be subordinated to operations which the County or other designated
entities may conduct, and shall not interfere with such efforts.
Volunteer(s) performing work under this Agreement shall wear personal protective equipment
(safety vest, safety glasses, and gloves) while on County right of way. Group leader will be
responsible for storing personal protective equipment after a clean up and bringing it back to
future cleaning events. Replacement equipment will be supplied when worn equipment is
returned. County furnished personal protective equipment shall be returned upon termination of
the Agreement.
County furnished litter bags and personal protective equipment may be obtained from Public
Works Department, Waterbird Corporation Yard, at 2475 Waterbird Way, Martinez (Monday –
Thursday).
Volunteers shall designate a group leader and one alternate. One adult supervisor shall be
assigned for each five minors participating in litter pickup. No minor less than thirteen
years of age shall be allowed to participate.
Participants’ personal vehicles shall be legally located off the traveled way so as to not interfere
with the free flow of traffic, bicycles, or pedestrians.
Participants agree to notify the County prior to every activity on County right of way. A
minimum of one week’s notice will be necessary to verify the status of the area scheduled for
activity.
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Participants agree to provide a summary report of activities completed after each effort which
includes location cleaned, total number of litter bags filled, and the location of where to pick up
the filled litter bags. This information must be provided no later than one business day after the
cleanup effort.
Lack of participation as scheduled, failure to notify Public Works Department to collect filled
trash bags, or failure to complete activity summary report may result in the termination of
Agreement.
No work shall be authorized in median areas without prior review and acceptance of the location.
This Agreement is valid for two calendar years from the date of issuance.
Volunteers electing to furnish special identification plates conforming to County specifications for
their Adopt – A – Road signs may do so. Volunteer shall furnish additional plates when required
by Public Works Department for maintenance purposes.
It is understood and agreed by the Volunteer that the performance of any work under this
Agreement shall constitute an acceptance of the provisions of the Agreement and all
attachments.
The County reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time for any reason.
Adopt – A – Road Program
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Adopt – A – Road Agreement
Adopted Road:
Supervisor District:
Issuance Date:
Expiration Date:
Limits:
Assigned Frequency:
Group/Individual Name:
# Of Participants:
Contact Person/Phone/Email:
Alternate/Phone/Email:
PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO THE NAMED VOLUNTEER, SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT CONDITIONS, TO
ENTER ONTO PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY NAMED ABOVE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PICKING UP LITTER AS
ASSIGNED.
This Agreement or a copy thereof, shall be kept at the work site and must be shown to any representative of the
Public Works Department or any law enforcement officer upon demand. WORK SHALL BE SUSPENDED IF
AGREEMENT IS NOT AT JOB SITE AS PROVIDED.
Each individual shall attend a safety orientation conducted by the Volunteer Representative prior to entering the
County right of way. The orientation shall include a discussion and explanation of the attached safety requirements.
Individuals must participate in a safety orientation at least once during each calendar year when work is authorized.
No reimbursement will be made for expenses incurred by the Volunteer or participants. It is understood that a
vehicle is not to be used when performing work associated with litter pick up from the roadside.
The Volunteer and its officers, employees, agents, and subcontractors shall defend, indemnify, save, and hold
harmless the County of Contra Costa and its officers and employees from all and any claims, costs, and liability for
any damages, sickness, death, or injury to person(s) or property, arising directly or indirectly from or connected
with the operations or services of the Volunteer or its officers, employees, agents, or subcontractors hereunder,
save and except claims or litigation arising due to sole negligence or sole willful misconduct of the County of Contra
Costa or its officers or employees. The Volunteer will reimburse the County of Contra Costa for any expenditure,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees, the County of Contra Costa may make by reason of the matters that are the
subject of this indemnification and, if requested by the County of Contra Costa, will defend any claims or litigation to
which this indemnification provision applies at the sole cost and expense of the Volunteer.
The term of the Agreement is two (2) calendar years from the date of issuance. In the event Volunteer wishes to
renew the Agreement, a notice of such intent shall be submitted to the Public Works Department at least thirty (30)
days prior to expiration of this Agreement. This Agreement may be cancelled by the County for nonconformance
with Agreement provisions or failure to adhere to direction given by the County’s Representative.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (COUNTY) VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVE
SIGNATURE: SIGNATURE:
PRINT NAME: PRINT NAME:
Adopt – A – Road Program
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Participant Hold Harmless Form
_____________________
Date
I/We have read and understand the safety requirements provided by the County of Contra Costa and will abide by
these safety tips.
No reimbursement will be made for expenses incurred by the participant. It is understood that a vehicle is not to be
used when performing work associated with litter pick up from the roadside.
I/We shall defend, indemnify, save, and hold harmless the County of Contra Costa and its officers and employees
from all and any claims, costs, and liability for any damages, sickness, death, or injury to person(s) or property,
arising directly or indirectly from or connected with the performance or non-performance of this Agreement
operations, save and except claims or litigation arising due to sole negligence or sole willful misconduct of the
County of Contra Costa or its officers or employees.
Print Name Address Signature (Authorized adult
must sign for a minor)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Volunteer Application and Registration Form
Name Age Social Security No.
Home Address Home Phone
Business Address Business Phone
Driver’s License No., If Any
Do you have a health problem we should be aware of in an emergency? Yes No
(If Yes, describe: such as a history of back trouble, heart, epilepsy, diabetes, fainting, etc.)
_______ _______
Is there a medication you must take? Yes No
Is there a medication to which you are allergic? Yes ___ No
If yes, medication is: _______________________________________
Medical or Hospital Insurance Plan:
Automobile Insurance Carrier:
Person to Call in Emergency Address Phone No.
I have been informed against and accept responsibility for any breach on my part respecting
confidential information. I have read the Policy adopted by the Contra Costa County Board of
Supervisors on volunteer programs. In return for the benefits provided by Contra Costa County in case
of my illness, injury, death, or third party liability while providing, or resulting from acts or
occurrences within the scope of my authorized volunteer services, and for my right to authorized
expense reimbursement, I waive any claim on my behalf and on behalf of my heirs, representatives,
and assigns against the County of Contra Costa, any other agency governed by the Board of
Supervisors, and any agent, officer or employee thereof for illness, injury, debts or without limitation,
other harm arising from my volunteer services, whether or not authorized.
Signature Date
Received:
Signature Date
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Parental Consent Form
Name of Minor:
Address:
Birth Date:
Volunteer Activity:
The above person, a minor, desires to perform volunteer services for the County in accordance with the
attached application form.
As parent/guardian of this minor, permission is hereby granted for him/her to participate in the volunteer
program. My child does not have any physical or medical problems which would prohibit or limit
participation in the volunteer program, except:
In case of illness or emergency, please call:
Telephone Number:
I have reviewed the volunteer application and registration form and the policy adopted by the Contra
Costa County Board of Supervisors on volunteer programs, and give my consent for
to participate in the volunteer program subject to the terms and
conditions expressed therein.
Signed by Parent/Guardian:
Date:
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Completion Form
This form is used by the Adopt – A - Road Coordinator to keep track of program participants and the frequency of
cleaning of the adopted road. Please remember to fill out and return a copy of this form after each
cleanup by the next business day.
Cleanup date(s): ___________
Group leader: _______________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________
Name of organization: ______________________________________________________________________
Road adopted: ____________________________________________________________________________
Number of volunteers that participated: ____________
Number of hours the cleanup lasted: ____________
Number of trash bags filled: ____________
Location of filled bags: ______________________________________________________________________
Were there any unusual incidents or injuries during the cleanup? ___________
If so, please describe: _______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: Call the Adopt-A-Road Program Coordinator at 925-313-7000 the following business day after each cleanup to
report completion.
Mail to: Marcellino Abundis
Adopt-A-Road Program Coordinator
Contra Costa County Public Works Department
2475 Waterbird Way
Martinez, CA 94553
Or Fax to: Marcellino Abundis, Adopt-A-Road Program Coordinator, 925-313-7014
Or E-Mail to: mabun@pw.cccounty.us
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Appendix A
Safety Requirements
TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS:
Use caution when crossing roadways. Use crosswalks and signals where available.
Face oncoming traffic as you work and keep an eye on traffic. Be prepared to move
quickly if necessary.
Work in small groups, three to five persons. DO NOT BUNCH UP. Large groups should
be broken up and dropped off at different locations.
When removing litter, do not work on the roadway or on bridges.
Discontinue work before dusk. Do not attempt to work when fog or other conditions
reduce visibility for drivers. Do not attempt to work when roadway is icy or wet.
Do not touch or attempt to remove material which you suspect may be toxic or
hazardous. Items to avoid include: powders, chemicals, smelly substances, suspicious
packages, chemical drums or containers, weapons, syringes or hypodermic needles,
dead animals, and broken glass. If you discover any of the above mentioned items,
notify Public Works at 925-313-7000 (Mon – Thurs). The location of suspected toxic
substances or any other hazardous materials should be identified to facilitate review by
proper authorities.
Weapons should be immediately reported to the police by calling 911.
Wear safety vests whenever you are on the roadside.
Wear long pants and substantial leather shoes or boots with ankle support. Watch
your footing and stay off steep slopes, drainage facilities, or places from which you
might fall. Light colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, gloves, and sunscreen lotion is
recommended.
Do not run, throw objects, or engage in horseplay or any other activity which may
distract drivers.
Avoid overexertion. Drink plenty of water, especially on warm humid days.
Be alert for places were wildlife may be located. Also be alert for insects and poisonous
plants such as ticks, bees, and poison oak.
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Field Safety
Field Work means that you get to spend a good portion of your time
working outdoors. But the longer you spend outdoors, the greater exposure
you have to hazards such as temperature extremes (heat and cold), sun
exposure, flora (poison ivy and oak), and fauna (bugs and critters). Be
aware of the potential hazards involved with field work and take the steps to
protect yourself.
Heat Stress – See the Heat Stress Tailgate Topic
Sun Exposure
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of
the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays or
safe suntans. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily, spend a lot
of time outdoors, or have any of the following physical features: numerous,
irregular or large moles; freckles; fair skin; or blond, red or light brown hair.
Block harmful sun rays!
• COVER UP. Wear tightly woven clothing that you can’t see through.
• USE SUNSCREEN. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93% of UV rays.
Follow application directions on the bottle. Sun block does not mean that you can stay in the
sun indefinitely.
• WEAR A HAT. A wide brim hat, not a baseball cap, works best because it protects the neck,
ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
• WEAR UV-ABSORBANT SHADES. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should
block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy, read the product tag or
label.
• LIMIT EXPOSURE. UV rays are most intense between 10am and 4pm.
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak contain oily compounds that cause a
bubbling skin rash in about two-thirds of the people that come into
contact with it. A luck third of people are immune to it.
The plants are hardy and can grow in damp wooded areas or very
dry areas. They can take the form of a vine, trailing shrub, or
upright woody plant and also change color with the seasons. The
plant oils can stick to skin, clothing, and shoes and spread to other
surfaces and people.
• Learn to identify these plants and avoid them.
• Wear long clothing, gloves and/or coveralls when working off of a road or trail in the
underbrush.
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• Barrier creams can be used to prevent contact with the plant oils. Doctors may prescribe
injections or tablets that may provide protection from the oils.
• Scrub arms and legs (the most common points of contact) with soap and water.
• Strip off clothing after potential exposures to poison ivy and oak. Put the clothes directly in the
washing machine. Take your shoes off outside and decontaminate them.
• When getting dressed, put your shoes on last so oils will not contaminate the inside of your
pants legs.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT Symptoms of poison ivy and oak exposure include itchiness,
redness, and swelling followed by blisters on the skin. Wash the plant oils off as quickly as
possible. Hydrocortisone cream will help the itching. See your pharmacist or doctor for
additional treatments.
Spiders
The Black Widow has a jet black color, rounded abdomen, and a red hourglass
marking on its abdomen. The coarse, irregular webs are usually built in or beneath
objects close to the ground (under porches, foundations of buildings, and in
basements). The venom is highly neurotoxic and respiratory failure can occur if
medical treatment is delayed.
• Take the precaution to shake out gloves and shoes before putting them on.
• Avoid sticking ungloved hands into woodpiles and under sinks and buildings.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT For ordinary spider bites, wash the area with soap and water,
apply an ice pack, and take acetaminophen for the pain. Watch for signs of a secondary bacterial
infection in the wound. If you are bitten by a black widow, you will feel a pinprick or sting. A black
widow bite quickly causes intense pain and stiffness. Seek immediate medical attention.
Wasps, Bees and Hornets
• Avoid bright clothes and strong smelling soaps or colognes that may attract
these insects.
• If an insect lands on you, don’t panic or swat it. Brush it off gently and walk
away.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT Stings hurt because stinging insects inject venom
into the victim. Check the sting site closely. If the stinger still remains, gently
scrape it out with
a credit card or butter knife. Apply a cold back to reduce swelling and take ibuprofen or
acetaminophen for the swelling and pain. AlkaSeltzer tablets can help: dip them in water and
apply. Baking soda helps as well: apply it to the site and slowly drip vinegar on it to make it fizz.
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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes may be infected with West Nile Virus, a virus that is carried by birds
and has spread throughout the United States in the last few years. West Nile
Virus can be a potentially serious disease, so it is important to avoid mosquito
bites.
• Be aware that peak mosquito hours are between dusk and dawn. Wear long sleeves and
pants.
• Reduce the density of mosquitoes in your yard by reducing sources of stagnant water.
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water.
• Use insect repellant with DEET in it; apply it to the skin and clothing according to the package
directions.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT Wash mosquito bites with soap and water; hot water run on the
bites can reduce the itch. Apply calamine lotion or an itch reducing cream or spray. Mild
symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash on the
trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. Severe symptoms of West Nile include headache,
high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, and paralysis. Seek medical
attention if these symptoms appear.
Ticks
Ticks may be infected with bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, a serious and
chronic illness in humans. In Northern California, only the Western Black-Legged Tick
carries Lyme disease.
An infected tick does not transmit the Lyme bacterium until it has been attached for 24
hours.
• Wear light colored clothing (for better visual spotting), long sleeves, and pants.
• Wear high boots and tuck your pants into them.
• Use tick repellants according to package directions.
• Once indoors, remove and launder clothing. Shower immediately and check your skin for ticks.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT To remove a tick, gently grasp it near its head with tweezers
and steadily pill it out. Do not torture the tick; this will cause it to disgorge its stomach contents
immediately. A bulls-eye rash indicating Lyme disease may develop after being bitten by an
infected tick. Other “flu-like” symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, neck stiffness,
fatigue and headaches. Seek medical treatment if symptoms appear. Persons with frequent
exposure to ticks should consider vaccination.
If you have an imbedded tick, save it for identification of Lyme Disease! If you are a Contra Costa County resident you
can bring or mail it to CCMVCD at 155 Mason Circle in Concord or contact your local Vector Control District.
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Poison Oak
Poison oak is one of the most common causes of allergic
skin reactions in the United States.
Workers whose job tasks require them to be exposed to poison oak are susceptible
to occupational contact dermatitis. Contact with poison oak can cause an irritating,
itchy rash on your skin, also known as contact dermatitis. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational skin diseases, mostly in the form of
allergic and irritant (contact) dermatitis, are the second most common type of
occupational disease.
What is Poison Oak?
Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is a plant that has an oily, lacquer-like resin in its sap
called toxicodendrol, which contains a potent chemical called urushiol, and commonly causes
allergic skin reactions. Because toxicodendrol does not dissolve in water, it is difficult to wash off
and its toxicity persists for a long time because it sticks to the skin. The urushiol binds so strongly
to the skin that washing for more than 15 minutes after exposure does little to remove the
chemical from the skin.
Poison oak is found primarily in the West Coast of the United States. It
can usually be found in the form of a deciduous shrub, but in shady canyons
and riparian habitats, it commonly grows as a climbing vine with aerial roots
that adhere to the trunks of oaks and sycamore trees. Poison oak also
forms dense thickets in chaparral and coastal sage shrub, particularly in
central and northern California. It regenerates readily after disturbances
such as fire and the clearing of land. The leaves come in sets of three,
are shiny, without prickers, the stems are erect, and the middle leaf
has a distinct stalk that is longer than the other two. In some regions,
poison oak leaves remain
green during the entire time they are on the stem, but in other areas the leaves change to
various colors with the changing seasons. During every season, contact with poison oak can
lead to a skin reaction.
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Can you identify poison oak during each of the four seasons?
Seasonal Color Changes in Poison Oak Leaves
Fall Spring Summer Winter
The leaves can turn color such as yellow or
red when other plants are still green. The
berry-like fruit on the mature female plants
also changes color in fall, from green to
off-white. Remember: “Leaves of three, let
it be… berries white, a poisonous sight.”
The leaves are light, bright
green with whitish green
flowers clustered on the
stems.
Some of the leaves can be
either yellow-green, pink, or
reddish, with small white or
tan berries after the flowers
of spring.
The leaves and
seeds fall, leaving
stick or whip-like
stems or climbing
vines.
Without leaves,
poison oak may be
identified by the
long upright main
branches with
short, stubby side
branches
How does poison oak affect the body and health?
Contact with the urushiol oil of a poison oak plant, which is found in all plant parts
of poison oak – roots, stems, leaves, flowers (except in pollen and honey), and
the fruit (berries), can cause a form of contact dermatitis. There are two forms
of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is a localized
inflammation of the skin. It is cause by direct contact with a toxic or contaminated substance.
Dermatitis includes some or all of the following symptoms: itching, pain, redness, swelling, and the
formation of small blisters or wheals (itchy, red circles with a white centre) on the skin.
Warning: Do not burn poison oak! Burning poison oak will release a mixture of toxicodendrol
and urushiol in the form of smoke that can cause severe symptoms of airborne contact, such as
irritation and swelling of the throat and lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe and is life-
threatening. Airborne contact with these particles can also deform the face by causing wrinkles
and folds.
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Post-Contact with Poison Oak
If you have come into contact with poison oak
and have developed fluid-filled blisters, know
that the fluid does not contain urushiol. If the
blisters break, the fluid will not cause the
dermatitis to spread.
Urushiol can get embedded and remain
under your nails for several days unless
carefully removed by thorough cleaning.
Scratching other parts of the body with
contaminated fingernails can spread poison
oak and cause dermatitis. If you have come
into contact with poison oak, your clothes,
tools, equipment, and/or gear also may have been contaminated with urushiol. These items can
spread poison oak and cause dermatitis to anyone who comes into contact with them. Note that
thick fur protects most animals that run through poison oak from developing symptoms, but
people who touch contaminated animals can come directly in contact with urushiol and can
develop contact dermatitis.
Prevention and Treatment of Poison Oak
Know what poison oak looks like. Avoid contact with poison oak and anything, whether animal,
clothing or tools, that may have been contaminated by it. Stay away from any vegetation that you
suspect may be poison oak. Do not eat any part of a plant that looks like poison oak. If you are
required to enter or work in areas where there is poison oak, take the following necessary
precautions:
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants tied around the ankles,
leather gloves with gauntlets and neckerchiefs.
• Use protective creams available that form barriers to protect against the toxic
urushiol oil found in all parts of the plant. There are also injections or tablets that
provide protection for some people. Consult a pharmacist for advice.
• Put your shoes on last when dressing, so that any contamination on your shoes does not
contaminate the inside of your trousers.
• Remove all contaminated clothing and wash it separately. When removing clothing, take
shoes off first and leave them outside for decontamination by washing.
• Avoid touching anything after exposure. Any object you touch after having been exposed
to poison oak can act as a carrier to contaminate others. Remember that the plant’s nearly
invisible oil, urushiol, sticks to almost all surfaces, and does not dry.
•
Contact With Urushiol Can Occur In Three Ways:
Contact
Type
Description
Direct
Contact Touching plant sap.
Indirect
Contact
Touching an object exposed to urushiol –
examples: contaminated tools, clothes, pets, etc.
Keep in mind that the oil may remain on
contaminated items and surfaces for long
periods. These contaminated items can cause
future rashes long after the initial exposure.
Airborne
Contact
Burning plants with urushiol releases oleoresin
particles into the air that can cause severe
symptoms to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
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• Wash immediately and thoroughly after poison oak contact by showering using cold
water and a strong soap or detergent. Do not take a bath to wash yourself! Thoroughly wash
beneath the fingernails. Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on affected skin areas and
rinse with cool water to prevent further skin irritation.
• Stay cool and apply cool compresses to your skin because body heat and sweat
aggravate itching. Use calamine, hydrocortisone cream, and oatmeal baths to soothe the
itching.
• Consult a physician or seek treatment from a medical facility for severe inflammation
and itching, swelling, or breathing difficulty, or if your rash shows signs of infection.
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Western Black-Legged Tick The male and female American Dog Tick
Ticks
What Is A Tick?
A tick is not an insect. It is an arachnid with eight legs and is actually related to the
spider. Like spiders, ticks cannot fly. Ticks like to live in shady, wooded areas.
They can be found in tall grass, moss, bushes, low tree branches, and even lawns
and gardens.
The tick life cycle starts from an egg, grows to a larva, nymph, then mature to an adult. Tick
size ranges from very small (size of a sesame seed) to large (size of a watermelon seed)
depending on the species and the life stage. Some ticks have soft bodies while others, like dog
ticks and deer ticks, have a very hard shell.
Larvae and Nymphs are often found in the Spring and Summer. Adult ticks are found in the fall
and winter. Both tick stages feed on humans. Tick species in Contra Costa County include the
Pacific Coast tick, American Dog tick, and the Western Black Legged tick. In California, the
Western Black Legged tick is the only carrier of Lyme disease.
Tick Bites
Ticks survive by finding and biting a host, burying their mouth parts into the skin,
and drinking blood (also known as taking a “blood meal”). They often climb to an
elevated location such as a blade of grass, tree, or even the walls of an office or
home and hold out their front legs to “quest” for a host. Ticks can sense butyric
acid, a compound emitted by all mammals, and they latch on to a suitable host
when it passes by.
You may not know that you have been bitten by a tick
because you can barely feel a tick bite. Once a tick has
bitten you, it can stay attached to your skin for several weeks if you
don’t remove it. Ticks that have taken a large blood meal become
engorged and about the size of a large pea. They usually drop off their
host and then complete their next life cycle or lay eggs. Most tick
bites are followed by a reaction within hours creating a redness at the site of the bite that does
not grow larger. This reaction disappears within a few days.
Pacific Coast Tick, male
“Quest” position
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Lyme Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1992 and 1998, there
were 88,967 reported cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. In California, only the Western Black
Legged Tick carries the bacteria that results in Lyme disease. In other states, Lyme disease
carriers include the Deer Tick.
Ticks that feed on the blood of infected animals transmit the Lyme disease bacteria to animals
and humans when they feed again. An infected tick transmits the bacteria for Lyme disease after
taking a “blood meal” for 24 – 48 hours. It is important that you check for ticks and remove them
immediately!
Early symptoms of Lyme disease include “flu-like” symptoms including fever, fatigue, swollen
lymph nodes and aches. Sometimes a bulls-eye shaped rash develops between 3-30 days after
the bite of an infected tick. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease can stay in the body for
several years if not treated with antibiotics. Seek medical treatment if symptoms
appear.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites! Here are some tips:
• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover as much skin as possible.
• Wear light colored clothing so that ticks can be seen and removed before
attaching.
• Wear high boots. Tuck pants into socks and boots. Tuck shirts into pants.
• Wear a hat and tie back long hair
• Use tick repellents or insect repellants containing DEET or pyrethrin on clothes
and/or skin. Follow all label directions when using repellents.
• Choose wide trails and stay in the center. Avoid off-trail hikes with lots of brush and
grass.
• Frequently check for ticks on yourself, your children, and pets frequently. Make a
“tick check” part of hiking and camping outings. Use approved tick repellents to kill ticks found.
• Once you return home, remove and launder clothing. Shower immediately and check all parts
of your body for ticks.
• After removing clothing worn in tick infested areas, put clothing into the dryer for at least 30
minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
How and Where To Look for Ticks
Look for ticks in pressure points or places that bend. Good places to look for ticks are the back
of the knee, fingers, toes, underarms, thighs, belly button, and groin. Other areas to look include
under belts, elastic, and behind the ears, back of your neck, scalp, and hairline. It helps to have
someone else check areas that you cannot see, like your back, neck, and scalp. Remove all
unattached ticks immediately. Use gloves, tissue, or cellophane tape to remove a tick. Do not
use your bare hands! If you find a tick, check again for more. Removed ticks should be put into
a sealable plastic bag, and thrown away.
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How to Remove an Attached Tick
If you are bitten by a tick, it is important to remove the tick as soon as
possible:
1. Use blunt tweezers or gloved fingers.
2. Grasp the tick by the head, near the mouth, and as close to the skin as
possible.
3. Apply firm and steady pressure until the tick releases, and gently pull the tick straight away
from the skin.
4. If the tick's head breaks off in the skin, use tweezers to remove it as you would a splinter.
5. Wash your hands, and clean the wound and the tweezers an antiseptic or soap and water.
6. If you want to have the tick checked, save the tick in a clean vial or ziplock bag with a blade
of grass and a moist cotton ball. Bring the tick to your local vector control district or your
doctor to check the tick species and if it carries infection.
7. Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
When Removing Ticks, DO NOT:
• Do not use bare hands.
• Do not use sharp tweezers.
• Do not crush, puncture, or squeeze the tick's body.
• Do not use a twisting or jerking motion to remove the tick.
• Do not use hot match, nail, or cigarette to remove the tick.
• Do not smother the tick with petroleum jelly, or other
substance.
Call the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (CCMVCD) at 925-6895-9301 for assistance
Mail removed ticks to: CCMVCD at 155 Mason Circle, Concord, CA 94520
“Torturing” a tick can cause
it to salivate and/or
regurgitate into you and
“inject” bacteria it may
contain.
Information sources:
* Contra Costa Mosquito &
Vector Control District
* OSHA
* CDC
* OFF products
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Spider Safety
When you work in the field, you get to call the outdoors your office. But when you enter
this outdoor office, you are entering insect habitat. Knowledge of the different insects
you might find in the county can help you prepare for your work environment in the
great outdoors.
Black Widow Spiders
The female Black Widow has a jet black colored, rounded abdomen, with a
red hourglass marking. The female has a body that is .5 inches long, but
she can be up to 1.5 inches long with her legs outstretched. Only the
female black widow has a venomous bite. Adult males are harmless to
humans, about half the female's size (smaller bodies and longer legs).
Males and immature black widows have yellow and red bands and spots
over the back.
Black Widows spin sticky, coarse, irregular webs. They are usually built on or beneath
objects close to the ground. You will find them on the underside of ledges, rocks,
plants and debris, and under porches, building foundations, and in basements. Cold
weather and drought may drive black widows into buildings.
The venom of the black widow spider is 15 times as toxic as the venom of the prairie
rattlesnake. It is highly neurotoxic and respiratory failure can occur if medical
treatment is delayed. Black Widow spiders are not usually deadly, especially to adults,
because they inject only a small amount of venom.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT : Black widow bites may quickly cause intense pain and
stiffness, but some are not painful and may go unnoticed. The poison injected can cause
abdominal pain similar to appendicitis as well as pain to muscles or the soles of the feet.
Other symptoms include alternating salivation and dry-mouth, paralysis of the diaphragm,
profuse sweating and swollen eyelids.
FIRST AID MEASURES: Apply an ice pack over the bite location and keep the affected limb
elevated to about heart level. Try to collect the spider specimen in a small jar or plastic
bag for examination by a spider expert, even if you have crushed it. Seek medical
attention.
CONTROL: To control the black widow, remove all materials where they might hide. Clean
them out of an area by knocking down the webs, spiders, and round, tan egg sacs with a
stick and crushing them underfoot. Removal or destruction of the egg sacks may help
control the population. This spider is resistant to many insecticides.
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Common House Spiders
Common house spiders can be found in building and home interiors.
Some build wide webs in upper corners, near windows, while others build
small “sack” webs in lower corners and behind furniture and fixtures.
Common house spider bites usually occur when the spider feels
threatened, most often if it becomes trapped against a person's skin in
clothing or bedding or if it is cornered. House spiders are responsible for
more bites on people than any other spider.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT : Typical symptoms of a bite include initial
pain, redness, and sometimes swelling. A small blister may form, often
breaking, leaving a sore that heals over a period of several weeks.
Soreness near the bite may last for a few days to several weeks or may
not occur at all, depending on the individual.
FIRST AID MEASURES: Wash spider bite areas with soap and water, apply an ice pack,
and take acetaminophen for the pain. Watch for signs of a secondary bacterial infection
in the wound. If the bite of any spider causes an unusual or severe reaction, contact a
physician.
TARANTULAS
Fall is tarantula time in Contra Costa County. It is this time of
year when hordes of male spiders swarm on roads and
through hillsides in order to find a mate. Tarantulas are
usually nocturnal and live in the ground.
SYMPTOMS and TREATMENT : While they inspire terror, tarantulas are
not considered a threat to humans. No person has ever been killed by a tarantula.
Tarantulas have very small venom glands and the bite of the local tarantula is no more
painful that a bee sting. However, some individuals may have allergic reactions to this
bite and there is a risk of secondary infection with any bite.
Tarantulas are reluctant to attack unless they are hunting prey. If provoked, tarantulas
may signal their intention to attack and bite by raising their front legs and rearing up into
a "threat posture." The tarantula's main defensive weapon is to scrape a cloud of barbed,
porcupine-like hairs from its abdomen into its tormentor. These hairs can cause irritation
to eyes, nose, and skin, and the lungs and airways if inhaled.
FIRST AID MEASURES: Encourage bleeding to wash out the puncture wounds from
within. Clean the bite site with soap and water and protect it against infection. Monitor
the wound for heat, redness, or other signs of infection. Skin exposures to the hairs can
be treated by applying and then pulling off some sticky tape such as duct tape, which
carries the hairs off with it. If any breathing difficulty or chest pain occurs, seek medical
attention immediately as this may indicate an anaphylactic reaction.
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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND SAFE WORK PRACTICES
• Wear coveralls if you must access an area likely to contain spiders and insects.
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Watch where you put your hands.
• Shake out gloves and shoes before putting them on.
• Do not store your protective clothing, tools and equipment outdoors.
• Avoid sticking ungloved hands into woodpiles and under sinks and buildings alcoves.
Inspect and clear these areas out before you begin work.
MANAGEMENT
Spiders are primarily beneficial in the garden. However, in home and building interiors
and near outdoor work areas, they may not be welcome. The best approach to
controlling spiders is to remove hiding spots and regularly clean webs and spiders out
of building interiors and off of exteriors.
• Seal cracks and openings in the foundation around buildings and structures. Seal
window and door gaps.
• Good window and door screens keep out spiders and insects that they must have for
food.
• Regularly vacuum or sweep windows, corners of rooms, storage areas, basements, and
other seldom used areas to help remove spiders and their webs. Vacuuming spiders
themselves can kill and remove them.
• In indoor storage areas, place boxes off the floor and away from walls. Seal the boxes
with tape to prevent spiders from taking up residence within. Clean up clutter.
• Outdoors, eliminate places for spiders to hide and build their webs by keeping the area
next to the foundation free of trash, leaf litter, heavy vegetation, and other
accumulations of materials. Trim plant growth away from the house and other
structures. Outdoor lighting attracts insects, which in turn attracts spiders. If possible,
keep lighting fixtures off structures and away from windows and doorways. Sweep, mop,
hose, or vacuum webs and spiders off buildings regularly.
Typically pesticide control of spiders is difficult unless you
actually see the spider and are able to spray it. If you spray a
spider, it will be killed only if the spray lands directly on it; the
spray residual does not have a long-lasting effect and will not
prevent future spiders. Control by spraying is only temporary
unless accompanied by housekeeping. If necessary, sweep away
and crush a spider with a tool, rolled up newspaper, your shoe
or vacuum it up.
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Snake Bites
California is the home to approximately 80 species of snakes, 10 of which are rattlesnakes. In
Northern California, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganos) is the only
native venomous species. Its range is defined from San Luis Obispo north to the Oregon border
and from the coast to the sierra ridge. Rattlesnake bites can damage tissue at the bite site and
cause other harmful physiological symptoms such as swelling, allergic reaction, and blood
clotting problems.
Snakebite Safety Concerns
Each year, 7,000 snakebites are reported in the United States, 15 of
which are fatal. There are 800 rattlesnake bites reported per year and
only 1-2 fatalities. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when
threatened or deliberately provoked; given room they will retreat. Most
snake bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched
by someone walking or climbing. Never try to pick up a rattlesnake.
Be safe, be smart: Leave snakes alone and avoid a
bite.
How Can Rattlesnakes Be Identified?
Looking at a snake's color or pattern is NOT a reliable method
of identification. Looking for the characteristic rattle on the tail is
a good method, but sometimes these rattles are lost.
Rattlesnakes have a powerful body, thin neck and a well defined
triangular or arrow shaped head. Their eyes are hooded and the
pupils of the eyes are oval (like a cat) rather than round. BE
SAFE: Do NOT get close enough to a rattlesnake to see what
shape pupils it has unless it is safely captured.
How Do You Identify Non-Poisonous Snakes?
Non-poisonous snakes have round pupils in their eyes. A non-
poisonous snake tends to look more like a snake a child rolls
out of clay: the head, neck and body have more-or-less the
same diameter. They do not share the distinct skinny neck and
larger head of the rattlesnake. ***Note: This is true only of
snakes native to California; it does not apply to exotic snakes or
imported snakes.
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What Do I Do For Initial First Aid?
Do not chase after the snake to identify it – that will only increase the blood flow and circulate the
venom faster if it is a rattlesnake bite. Look at the wound instead. Rows of small tooth marks or
lacerations normally show in the bite of a non-venomous snake, and a good antiseptic may be
adequate treatment. If the snake is venomous, there will usually be one or two fang punctures
with possible smaller teeth marks.
Develop an Emergency Plan
Because most Californians live in rattlesnake country, a snakebite emergency plan should be
developed before it is needed. If you are less than one hour from the nearest emergency room,
initial treatment is relatively simple:
• STAY CALM or calm the victim.
• Gently wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold, wet cloth over the bite.
• Transport to the nearest emergency facility for further treatment.
If you will be more than one hour from an emergency facility, follow these guidelines:
• Know how long it will take 911 emergency responders to arrive on the scene.
• Always hike, camp, or work with a buddy who will be able to go for help.
• Take along a portable phone.
• Notify people where you will be and check in with them.
What Should NOT Be Done After A Rattlesnake Bite?
• DON'T apply a tourniquet.
• DON'T pack the bite area in ice.
• DON'T cut the wound with a knife or razor.
• DON'T use your mouth to suck out the venom.
• DON'T let the victim drink alcohol.
• DON'T apply electric shock.
These treatments will NOT help the victim and are dangerous. Applying ice or a tourniquet can
block circulation, which can result in gangrene and eventual loss of the limb due to amputation.
Cutting the wound can cause excessive bleeding. Because human mouths are full of bacteria,
sucking the venom from the wound can cause infection, making treatment more difficult.
What About Snake Bite Kits?
Snakebite kits contain a syringe-like device that acts like a vacuum to extract venom from the
wound. Snakebite kits remove less than half the venom injected into the wound; they are NOT a
substitute for treatment in an emergency room.
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What Symptoms Develop After A Rattlesnake Bite?
Fifty percent of the time, a rattlesnake may strike without injecting venom, inflicting what is called
a "dry bite." Even though the victim is not poisoned, the painful bite can still become infected. All
rattlesnake bites require medical attention in an emergency room. If a rattlesnake injects venom
into the wound, watch for: swelling, pain, bleeding at the site, nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills,
dizziness, weakness, numbness or tingling of the mouth or tongue, and changes in the heart rate
and blood pressure. Other symptoms can include excessive salivation, thirst, swollen eyelids,
blurred vision, muscle spasms, unconsciousness and difficulty with blood clotting.
What Is The Treatment For A Rattlesnake Bite?
Rattlesnake bites are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Severe
symptoms can be life-threatening and must be treated with antivenin, a prescription medication
given intravenously with fluids. Other therapy may include antibiotics and a tetanus update.
What Can Be Done To Prevent A Bite?
Hands, feet, and ankles are the most common sites for rattlesnake bites.
• Wear hiking boots when walking in the rough. Avoid sandals or going barefoot.
• Stay on paths. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where you can’t see the
ground.
• Use a walking stick — if you scare a snake, it can strike the stick instead of you.
• Look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks, or firewood.
• Check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting or stepping over them.
• When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location.
• Baby rattlesnakes are poisonous! They can and do bite. Leave them alone.
• Don't handle fresh killed snakes. You may still be bitten.
• Never tease a snake to see how far it can strike. You can be several feet from the snake and
still be within striking distance.
• Always give snakes the right of way!
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Appendix B
Administrative Bulletin 421.1
Z:\Joe Y\Adopt A Road\Adopt A Road Program - Volunteer Only - 5-6-10 Revision.doc