Narrative:

This report documents a disinsection event on a recent pairing. I was assigned as rfo for this flight; with a more experienced RFO2 also on the crew due to duty day length.prior to departure we were told that two of the insecticide X shot bottles would be dispensed in the lower aft cargo compartment. We were not advised of when that would take place or given notice that it was dispensed. We were also given the insecticide pre-spray bottle which was to be dispensed before descent into ZZZZ. At the appropriate time the RFO2 said he would dispense the pre-spray bottle before descent into ZZZZ. He put on a bandana over his mouth and nose (bank robber style) and went to the courier section to spray it. Not having any training on the precautions and dangers of spraying these chemicals; I thought it was an interesting technique. Turns out that the RFO2 had lots of experience with chemicals as a crop duster and knew to take at least some precautions. I remained in the cockpit until he was done and only noted a faint odor.after arriving in ZZZZ and the requisite exchange of cargo was completed; we noticed the ramp agent had two insecticide X bottles and one pre-spray; so we asked him what the plan was for disinsection. He said that after they closed the main cargo door they would dispense the insecticide X bottles behind the cargo barrier curtain; then just before the R1 door was to be closed; they would dispense the pre-spray in the courier section. The young man dispensing the product wore no protective gear. When we asked him if he had any gear; he indicated he would just put his shirt sleeve over his mouth. We were never advised of the insecticide X dispensing until the cockpit vents started blowing the very distinct smell. I checked the courier section; and since we had the AC packs running; it was overpressurizing the cargo area and blowing the chemicals into the courier section and further into the cockpit. We did not take any action. Once all loading was complete the young man started dispensing the pre-spray; at which point the cockpit vents started really blowing with not only the continuing insecticide X; but also the pre-spray. It was at this point that I noticed a distinct mist and strong odor - which we knew was bad. Wisely; the RFO2 turned off the AC packs and went to the back to arm the doors. He cracked the L1 door and let some ventilation blow some of the chemical mist out. Shortly after that; I noticed my eyes were burning and throat was irritated. No one said anything; so we pushed back; started engines and proceeded on our flight.1. There is no published guidance or procedures on how to safely dispense these products for crew members. Apparently ground crews are not aware of any guidance either.2. Fom requirements for disinsection are vague and in some situations at odds with airport and country notes.3. No training has been provided on how to effectively and safely dispense these toxic chemicals.the company needs to review current country requirements (what needs to be sprayed. When and where does it need to be sprayed) and publish those details in the fom. Current guidance is vague as to which countries require disinsection; and exactly when and how the chemicals are to be dispensed. A training program describing the dangers of disinfection needs to be developed for both air and ground crews. This training should include required safety gear to minimize exposure to these toxic chemicals. A standard procedure needs to be developed that will ensure that exposure is minimized.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: MD11 First Officer lamented the use of insecticide sprays on his aircraft with crew members on board and believes the company should be provided better training.

Narrative: This report documents a disinsection event on a recent pairing. I was assigned as RFO for this flight; with a more experienced RFO2 also on the crew due to duty day length.Prior to departure we were told that two of the Insecticide X shot bottles would be dispensed in the lower aft cargo compartment. We were not advised of when that would take place or given notice that it was dispensed. We were also given the Insecticide pre-spray bottle which was to be dispensed before descent into ZZZZ. At the appropriate time the RFO2 said he would dispense the pre-spray bottle before descent into ZZZZ. He put on a bandana over his mouth and nose (bank robber style) and went to the courier section to spray it. Not having any training on the precautions and dangers of spraying these chemicals; I thought it was an interesting technique. Turns out that the RFO2 had lots of experience with chemicals as a crop duster and knew to take at least some precautions. I remained in the cockpit until he was done and only noted a faint odor.After arriving in ZZZZ and the requisite exchange of cargo was completed; we noticed the ramp agent had two Insecticide X bottles and one pre-spray; so we asked him what the plan was for disinsection. He said that after they closed the main cargo door they would dispense the Insecticide X bottles behind the cargo barrier curtain; then just before the R1 door was to be closed; they would dispense the pre-spray in the courier section. The young man dispensing the product wore no protective gear. When we asked him if he had any gear; he indicated he would just put his shirt sleeve over his mouth. We were never advised of the Insecticide X dispensing until the cockpit vents started blowing the very distinct smell. I checked the courier section; and since we had the AC packs running; it was overpressurizing the cargo area and blowing the chemicals into the courier section and further into the cockpit. We did not take any action. Once all loading was complete the young man started dispensing the pre-spray; at which point the cockpit vents started really blowing with not only the continuing Insecticide X; but also the pre-spray. It was at this point that I noticed a distinct mist and strong odor - which we knew was bad. Wisely; the RFO2 turned off the AC packs and went to the back to arm the doors. He cracked the L1 door and let some ventilation blow some of the chemical mist out. Shortly after that; I noticed my eyes were burning and throat was irritated. No one said anything; so we pushed back; started engines and proceeded on our flight.1. There is no published guidance or procedures on how to safely dispense these products for crew members. Apparently ground crews are not aware of any guidance either.2. FOM requirements for disinsection are vague and in some situations at odds with Airport and Country notes.3. No training has been provided on how to effectively and safely dispense these toxic chemicals.The company needs to review current country requirements (What needs to be sprayed. When and where does it need to be sprayed) and publish those details in the FOM. Current guidance is vague as to which countries require disinsection; and exactly when and how the chemicals are to be dispensed. A training program describing the dangers of disinfection needs to be developed for both air and ground crews. This training should include required safety gear to minimize exposure to these toxic chemicals. A standard procedure needs to be developed that will ensure that exposure is minimized.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.