How do I work safely with pesticides?
The importance of working safely with or near pesticides cannot be over emphasized. Always read the label and follow the directions. Always follow all of the safety instructions. Many incidents occur when pesticides are being mixed or prepared for use.
DO
DO NOT
NOTE: The term "pesticide" describes a very large and diverse group of chemicals or products. It is very important to always get specific information about the exact product you are using.
For more information, other OSH Answers documents in this series include:
- context Use the right pesticide for the job. Make sure the label lists the pest you wish to control.
- context Select the least hazardous pesticide that will still be effective.
- context Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended on the label, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or product fact sheet. PPE may include coveralls, long pants, long sleeved shirts, gloves, boots, goggles, face shield, hat, or a respirator.
- context Always read the label. Keep the label "intact" and make sure it is readable.
- context Keep the pesticide in its original container. If you must pour the pesticide in a new container, clearly label any new container holding the pesticide. Do not transfer pesticides to cups, bowls or any other container that may be confused with containers for drinking or eating.
- context Clean up spills immediately and dispose of the waste according to directions on the label.
- context Dispose of empty containers according to directions on the label.
- context Do not use products for uses other than what they are intended for.
- context Do not use more pesticide than is recommended (twice the product will not have more effect).
- context Never burn pesticides or pour them down a drain.
- context Pesticides - First Aid
- context Pesticides - General
- context Pesticides - Labels
- context Pesticides - Health Effects
- context Pesticides - Re-Entry Time
How do I store pesticides?
Each pesticide will have specific storage instructions. Remember that many pesticides may contain ingredients ("inert" ingredients) that will have their own hazards.
This checklist is one that you can modify for your specific needs and the exact pesticides you work with.
Before you purchase pesticides, be sure that you know exactly what pest you wish to control, and that you have bought the right product for the job. The best way to store pesticides is to not have to store it at all. Only buy the amount you need for that application or for the season.
- context In general
- context Read the pesticide label and SDS and follow all storage instructions. Be sure that people, especially children, cannot unintentionally access the pesticides.
- context Storage areas should: (cabinet, room, or shed that is used only to store pesticides)
- context be locked.
- context have warning signs posted on the outside of all walls and on the door.
- context be dry and well-ventilated.
- context be temperature controlled (pesticides should not freeze nor be exposed to extreme heat).
- context have a smooth cement floor (no cracks or crevices or floor drains) with curbs to contain spills, and be painted with a hard sealer to help make clean-up easier.
- context be made of fire-resistant materials. "Dry-wall" interiors are preferable to wood panelling.
- context have shelves made of materials that do not absorb pesticides (e.g., metal).
- context be located away from areas where flooding may occur.
- context be located away from areas where the soil is highly permeable.
- context Containers
- context Store the pesticide in its original container. Protect the labels so they remain readable.
- context Tightly seal all containers. Partially empty paper containers should be sealed with tape or staples.
- context Be sure the containers have no leaks, tears, or defects (e.g., loose lids). Examine containers occasionally for leaks or tears.
- context Store pesticides upright and off the floor.
- context Store flammable and combustible materials in a separate section, away from heating systems and any possible source of flame.
- context Store empty containers and material that has a leak or spilt in the container inside a "waste bin" in the storage building until final disposal.
- context Dispose of empty containers, or expired or surplus pesticides according to the directions on the label.
- context Pesticide management
- context Keep the amount of pesticide stock in storage to a minimum.
- context Take out only the amount of pesticide needed for that day. At the end of day, return unused pesticide and empty containers to the storage building.
- context Store large quantities of herbicides in a separate building or area from other pesticides. Many herbicides are volatile (evaporate rapidly) and can contaminate other pesticides.
- context Keep an inventory of the quantity, type and age of the pesticides in storage. Keep this list up-to-date, readily available, and away from the storage site.
- context Keep SDSs, technical bulletins, product labels and other information up-to-date and readily available. Do not keep these records in the storage area itself.
- context Other
- context Store your personal protective clothing and equipment in a separate, clean area (outside the shed or room).
- context Keep a first aid kit and spill clean-up equipment located outside or near the storage area.
- context Have fire extinguishers, eyewash stations and other appropriate emergency equipment nearby. Keep access clear to this equipment and test it regularly (at least annually).
- context Post emergency phone numbers nearby.
- context Keep emergency response equipment near but not in the storage facility.
- context DO NOT
- context Do not store near food, utensils, animal feed, seeds or water.
- context If you must put the pesticide in a new container, do not transfer to cups, bowls or other containers that may be confused for food, drink, feed or medicine containers. Label the new container clearly.
How do I clean up pesticide spills?
(Adapted from: WorkSafe Alberta - Using pesticides safely)
- context Isolate the spill area and ventilate if indoors.
- context Wear the correct personal protective equipment - unauthorized people and those without protection should be kept out of the spill area.
- context Use an absorptive material for liquid spills such as activated charcoal, or vermiculite.
- context After a spill has been absorbed, the contaminated area should be scrubbed with a bleach and detergent mixture at least two times.
- context For specific clean up and disposal information, read the SDS. Contact the pesticide manufacturer if you need more information.