Chapter 7
Safe Handling:
The Application Process
Pesticides must be managed safely from the point of purchase to application
to the disposal of container—and at all points in between—to protect
applicators, other people and the environment. This Chapter takes the
applicator from transporting, mixing, loading, storing, applying, and
disposing of empty containers and waste pesticides to preparing for
emergencies such as spills and fires involving pesticides.
Applying pesticides responsibly requires proper planning and safe handling.
Photo: National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, NASDARF
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Notes Page
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Section 1: Safe Handling during
Transportation, Storage, Mixing,
Loading, and Application
When applicators mix and load pesticides, they are handling the pesticide
in its most concentrated form. It is during this process that they face the
greatest risk of exposure and the greatest potential for environmental
contamination. Handling diluted pesticides is not without hazard, and
applicators still must take care to reduce exposure and protect the
environment. This Section describes precautions applicators can take to
ensure safe handling.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain why following Universal Precautions is important when
handling any pesticide.
2. List common hazards that occur during pesticide transportation.
3. List the steps to take in preparing the vehicle for transporting
pesticides.
4. Describe how to secure pesticides in a vehicle.
5. Explain why applicators should avoid transporting pesticides in the
passenger compartment of a vehicle.
6. Describe the information and items a vehicle operator should have
before transporting pesticides.
7. List the contents of a spill kit for transporting pesticides.
8. Explain what should be done with pesticide containers without
attached labels.
9. Describe the features of a well-designed pesticide storage area.
10.List the items that should be stored outside but near a pesticide
storage area.
Terms to Know:
w Air gap
w Backflow
w Closed handling systems
wManifest
wPlacarding
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Universal Pesticide Precautions1
Note:
Universal Precautions
were first developed
in health care as
a way to protect
employees from
blood-borne
pathogens. Health
care workers were
taught to assume
that all blood is
contaminated
and safe handling
practices must
always be followed.
Most pesticide applicators understandably want to know which pesticides
medical research says are most toxic or have the most serious health risks,
so they can either avoid using those pesticides or take extra precautions
when using them. But we know that being careless with low toxicity
pesticides increases the chances of being exposed to harmful levels of
chemicals. So all pesticides and other chemicals, no matter how “safe” they
may seem, should be treated with respect.
Recent research, especially the on-going Agricultural Health Study2, has
made this very clear—the best way an applicator can reduce potential
health risks from pesticides is consistently to use practices that reduce
exposure to all pesticides. This does not require applicators to identify
the most dangerous pesticides or understand complex medical research. It
simply requires applicators to follow Universal Precautions when handling
any pesticides:
w
w
w
w
Read labels and follow directions.
Maintain application equipment.
Use personal protective equipment and clothing.
Prepare for emergencies—have a plan and clean-up supplies.
This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect applicators from both acute
and chronic pesticide exposure and the health problems that can arise from
exposure.
Transporting Pesticides
There are a number of special hazards associated with transporting
pesticides. Careless handling of containers, incor­rectly maintained
equipment, and unforeseen incidents may lead to pes­ticide leaks and spills
during transport, endangering people and the environment. The fact that
some pesticides are highly flammable naturally increases the danger while
they are in transit.
The first line of defense for pesticide applicators is to know how to
prevent transportation mishaps. When mishaps occur, however, initiating
the appropriate response could mean the dif­ference between a minor
inconvenience and a community-wide disaster.
1
Neal Holtan, M.D., M.P.H., Marion Warwick, M.D., M.P.H., and Bruce Bomier, M.P.H., “What Physicians Can Do to Reduce Occupational and Incidental Pesticide Exposure: A Guide to Best Practices,”
Minnesota Medicine, September 20, 2008.
2
National Institutes of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agricultural Health Study,
http://aghealth.nic.nih.gov/
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Vehicles
A poorly maintained vehicle is, by itself, a safety risk; adding pesticides to
the picture increases the potential risk of injury or contamination should a
mishap occur. Transport vehicles should be in good mechanical condition,
including power train, chassis, and any on-board bulk tanks and associated
fittings. In particular, make sure safety and control components such as
brakes, tires, and steering are in good working order.
Regularly inspect any appli­cation equipment being transported. Look for
structural defects in the equipment, such as cracks, punctures, and other
potential causes of leaks or failure during transportation. Always carry
equipment needed to make repairs, in case a problem occurs while the
vehicle is in transit.
Never carry pesticides in the pas­senger compartment of a vehicle. Spilled
chemicals and hazardous fumes can seriously injure the occupants. Spilled
pesticides can be difficult or impossible to remove completely from the
vehicle’s interior, leading to long-term exposures.
Unsecured pesticides transported in a truck can shift, collide, or fall out after a
sharp turn.
Photographer: Dwight Seal
Institution: NCDA
Source: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)
The Cargo Area
The cargo area must be able to securely hold containers and provide
protection from tears, punctures, or impacts that could lead to container
damage. Before loading, clean out the cargo area, removing nails, stones,
or sharp objects, and repair any sharp edges that could damage containers.
For transporting pesticides, metal beds are pref­erable to wood because they
are more easily cleaned if a spill should occur.
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Enclosed cargo boxes provide the greatest protection, but are not always
available. Cargo boxes also offer the added benefit of security from curious
children, careless adults, or vandals.
Open truck beds are convenient for loading and unloading. Take
precautions on open truck beds to minimize the possibility of theft or
container shifting or loss. Using a synthetic liner or water proof tar­paulin
large enough to cover the floor and sides of the cargo area allows for easier
cleanup of spilled mate­rials.
Organize the load to maximize stability, while main­taining access to
containers for ease of unloading. The fewer times containers are handled,
the less likely they are to be damaged. Never stack pes­ticide containers
higher than the sides of the vehicle. Make sure flatbed trucks have side
and tail racks, and tie-down rings, cleats, or racks to simplify the job of
securing the load. Secure the load with tarps, ropes, brace bars, or other
appropriate devices to prevent containers from shifting.
Stabilize other cargo in the vehicle that could move and damage a
con­tainer during transport. Also secure application equipment, such
as hand sprayers, backpack sprayers, spreaders, spray tanks, and mini-bulk
containers.
Protect pesticides from tem­perature extremes and moisture during transit.
Extremely low or high tem­peratures (below 40 degrees F or above 110
degrees F) can alter the stability or effectiveness of some pesticide formu­
lations. Moisture can destroy paper and cardboard pesticide containers.
Securing a waterproof cover over the load can provide protection from the
elements, including the hot summer sun.
Never allow people, pets, or live­stock to ride in a cargo area loaded
or contaminated with pesticides. Separate food, live­stock feed, seed,
veterinary supplies, and plant materials from pesticides, because
contamination may render them unusable or result in a poisoning incident.
Transportation Security
Transport pesticides in a locked compartment or container whenever
possible. If you use an open vehicle to transport pesticides, never leave
it unattended. Remember, you will be held responsible if a curious child
or careless adult is poisoned, or if environmental contamination occurs
because of you do not the care needed to transport pesticide safety. Take all
appropriate steps to reduce the chance of vandalism or theft.
Keep pesticides under lock
and key during transport
and storage.
Photo: Microsoft Office
162
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) categorizes various
materials as hazardous and has laws that require the safe transportation
of those products. Included in these DOT regulated hazardous materials
are some pesticides; fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia or ammonium
nitrate; fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and propane; and explosives such as
PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING MANUAL
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dynamite and detonators. Manufacturers make sure that the containers of
these materials meet DOT packaging standards.
A shipping paper, also called a vehicle manifest, may be required for
certain products regu­lated as hazardous materials under DOT regulations.
The regulatory section of a Materials Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) lists
whether or not the pesticide is a DOT-regulated product.
Vehicles carrying hazardous materials also require placarding, specific
signage identifying the hazardous material during transportation. Placards
provide emergency responders with the information necessary to quickly
assess an accident situation from a distance, reducing the possibility
of someone approaching the accident site without wearing the proper
protective clothing or equipment.
Though few pesticides require placarding, it is important to ask retailers
whether the product you are buying requires placarding during transport.
(See three examples of placards at right.) Most retailers furnish placards,
if you are required to place them on your transportation vehicle. Persons
(including farmers) who ship or transport placarded hazardous materials
may need to meet additional hazardous material driver and vehicle
licensing requirements. For further details on these requirements, contact
the Hazardous Materials Information Center (see box below for contact
information).
DANGEROUS
4
OXIDIZER
5.1
INHALATION
HAZARD
2
Illustration: National Pesticide Applicator Certification
Core Manual, NASDARF
Hazardous Materials Information Center
1-800-HMR-4922 http://hazmat.dot.gov/infocent.htm
Applicators may need to become familiar with DOT state and
federal requirements. The DOT guidebook, Guide to Developing an
Effective Security Plan for the Highway Transportation of Hazardous
Materials, is a useful reference for transporters of pesticides (http://
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/hazmat/security-plan-guide.htm).
Vehicle Operator
The vehicle operator may be the only person capable of reacting to a
spill and, in some instances, may need to assist first response emergency
personnel as they arrive on the scene. At a bare minimum, the vehicle
operator must understand the nature and hazards of the pesticides being
transported and know what to do in an emergency, including vehicle
accidents and pesticide spills. (See Section 3 in this Chapter for more
on incident response.) Both the owner and the operator of the transport
vehicle can be held accountable for any injuries, con­tamination, or damage
resulting from a chemical release that may occur.
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Carrying a cell phone
pre-programmed with
emergency phone numbers
is a good idea for those
who routinely transport
pesticides.
Photo: Microsoft Office
Before departing from the pesticide pick-up area, make sure that the
technical data for all pesticide products and emergency information for
spill response are in the vehicle. Also be sure you have any required
shipping papers and vehicle placarding. Product labels and MSDS contain
information about the proper storage and handling of products. Having all
this information in the vehicle helps emer­gency personnel respond quickly
to a pesticide release. It is also a good idea to have emergency phone
numbers programmed into your cell phone or pager. (See page 149.)
In addition to a cell phone, carry a spill kit. It is easy to put one together: a
shovel and broom, absorbent material, and PPE are the backbone of a spill
kit.
Be familiar with the travel route, so you can anticipate and avoid problems
such as construction delays. If a pesticide release occurs, a traffic jam only
further complicates cleanup and places more people at risk of exposure.
Inspect containers before loading to be certain they are in good con­dition.
Look for legible and attached labels, tight closures, and pesticide-free
outside surfaces. Handle containers carefully during loading to avoid rips
and punctures.
Note:
Never store
pesticides with food,
feed, seed, planting
stock, fertilizers,
veterinary supplies,
clothing, respirators,
or other protective
equipment.
Storing Pesticides
Deciding how and where to store pesticides can be as important as how
and where pesticides are used. By storing pesticides and application
equipment properly, you avoid damaging containers, letting product
deteriorate, polluting wells and water supplies, and exposing children, pets
and livestock to concentrated pesticides. It is a good management practice
to limit your pesticide inventory by buying only what you need and taking
delivery close to when you plan to use the pesticide.
After purchasing the pesticide, read the label to see if any special
precautions should be taken for safe storage. Store the material in a secure
area, away from feed, food, water supplies, or drains. Legal requirements
for pesticide storage areas may change, and additional requirements
pertain to storage of bulk pesticides. Contact the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture (MDA) for current storage regulations.
Storage Containers
Store pesticides in the original containers and make certain the labels
are intact. Don’t put pesticides in other containers, especially not in used
food or feed containers! If you have any old, unlabeled containers with
contents, safely dispose of the contents as waste pesticides, even if you
think you know what the contents may be. You can’t expect to remember
contents, directions, precautions, and antidotes for an unlabeled container
of pesticide. Others will have no idea what is in an unlabeled container.
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Check periodically for leaking containers. If a container is defective, it
should be repaired. If this is not possible, then place the leaky container in
a larger container, keeping the label intact. If you need to put a pesticide
into another container, make sure that the label is transferred to the new
container.
After August 16, 2011, all portable refillable containers must meet new
requirements. Farmer-owned containers are not exempt from this
requirement. Each refillable container must have a unique ID, such as a
bar code or serial number. Refillable containers must meet DOT packaging
requirements, have seals that meet specifications, and undergo periodic
pressure testing. Pesticide distributers and manufacturers will provide you
with information on their refillable containers.
Storage Areas
The storage facility can be in a separate building or in a separate area
within a building. Store pesticides in a locked storage room, cabinet, or
secure area to prevent access by children, animals, or other unauthorized
persons. Post a sign on the door that indicates it is a pesticide storage area,
and that no food, drink or tobacco products can be used.
The storage area should be used only for pesticides and pesticide
equipment. A pesticide storage facility should never be used for other
purposes. Never store pesticides with food, feed, seed, planting stock,
fertilizers, veterinary supplies, clothing, respirators, or other protective
equipment.
The storage area should be well-lit, well-ventilated, and well-insulated
against extremes in temperature. Locate the storage building downwind and
downhill from sensitive areas, such as houses, recreational areas, schools,
or barns.
The storage area should have a non-permeable floor, such as sealed
concrete, that will not let fluids pass through and is easy to wash. Shelving
should be made of plastic, metal, or other non-absorbent material for easier
cleanup.
Ideally, the structure should be fire-resistant. As an extra precaution,
let your local fire department know that you are storing pesticides and
give them the location and information about the kind of pesticides. Post
warning signs and contact information for firefighters and emergency
responders outside the storage area.
Extremes of temperature can affect both the safety and effectiveness of
stored pesticides. Never allow pesticides to become overheated. Some
pesticide formulations combust if they heat to above a specific temperature.
Protect pesticides, especially liquids, against freezing. The labels of most
liquid products state the lowest temperatures allowed for safe storage.
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Store dry formulations packaged in sacks, fiber drums, boxes, or other
water-permeable containers on pallets or metal shelves. Do not store dry
materials below shelves containing liquid material—if the liquids leak, they
could contaminate the dry formulations. Place metal pesticide containers
on pallets or shelves to help reduce container corrosion.
It is important to have certain materials available outside, but near, the
storage area for reference, normal use, or spill/fire response:
w Copies of MSDS and labels for pesticides stored,
w Emergency telephone numbers and other contact information,
w Personal protective equipment needed to handle pesticide
containers,
wDetergent,
w Hand cleaner,
wWater,
w Absorbent material (such as “floor dry,” sawdust, or vermiculite) to
soak up spills,
w Shovel, broom, and dustpan, and
w Fire extinguisher rated for ABC fires.
This pesticide storage facility properly secures pesticide products.
Photographer: P.A. Hipkins
Institution: Virginia Tech
Source: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)
How Long Can Pesticides Be Stored?
Pesticides’ shelf life is difficult to predict; manufacturers usually
recommend that pesticides be stored no more than one or two years.
Once a container is opened, the shelf life is greatly reduced.
Pa
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Reporting of Pesticides Stored on Farms
Under the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
(SARA) Title III, persons storing certain hazardous substances, even for a
few hours, must notify the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency
Management (HSEM) agency’s Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act Program.
Notification is required if large enough amounts of pesticides and
anhydrous ammonia and are stored on a farm at any one time. This
notification will help state and local emergency response personnel to
plan and respond to fires, spills, and accidents where hazardous materials
may be present. More information on when and how to notify emergency
planners about pesticide storage can be found at the HSEM website at
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/epcra/Pages/regulated-facilities.
aspx.
Mixing and Loading Pesticides
Taking precautions before, during, and after mixing and loading pesticides
will ensure safety, but also save time, misapplication, and accidents. The
following precautions apply to most types of mixing and loading, greatly
reducing the risk of exposure.
Basic precautions:
w Read the label. Be sure that you are thoroughly familiar with
current use directions.
w Consider using formulations of pesticides that reduce applicator
risk.
w Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides.
w Do not handle pesticides if you are taking medication that
might make you dizzy. Actions taken while dizzy can cause
accidents. Also, the dizziness could be mistaken for a symptom of
pesticide poisoning.
w Don’t work alone if at all possible. Let someone—a spouse or a
neighbor—know where you are spraying and which pesticides and
chemicals you are using.
w Wear the right protective clothing and equipment (as suggested
on the label or described in Chapter 8, Personal Protective
Equipment).
w Don’t mix and load near a drain, but have clean water and
detergent available in the mixing and loading area.
Mixing location:
w Work outdoors when pouring and mixing pesticides. If you must
work indoors or at night, be sure you have good ventilation and
enough light.
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w Stand in the crosswind (if the wind is blowing) so that the wind
blows across your body from either side. Don’t stand with the wind
against your back or face.
w Have clean water and detergent available in the mixing and
loading area.
During mixing and loading:
w Open pesticide containers carefully. Never tear them open—use
a sharp knife. Clean the knife afterwards and do not use it for other
purposes.
w Measure materials accurately. Use only the amount stated on the
label.
w Add emulsifier or spreader-sticker shortly before the tank is
completely full, if you use one. These materials tend to cause
foaming.
w Keep the container well below eye level when pouring pesticides
to protect your eyes and face from exposure.
w Keep an air gap (a gap between the water source and the tank)
when adding water to mix a pesticide. This will help to prevent
the pesticide from contaminating the water source. (See “Mixing
Pesticides with Water” Section on the next page for more
information about preventing contamination of water supplies.)
w Be extremely careful to avoid overflow. Never leave a spray tank
unattended while it is being filled.
w If you splash or spill a pesticide while mixing or loading, stop
what you are doing immediately and clean up the spill. Remove
contaminated clothing and wash off any pesticide that has come
into contact with your skin. Report pesticide spills to the Minnesota
Duty Officer. Quick response minimizes lasting health and
environmental impacts.
w Use a pump or threaded and valved piping if the concentrate has
to be removed from a drum or other large container.
w Replace pour caps and close bags or other containers immediately
and return them to the storage area.
After spraying:
w Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse empty metal or plastic containers,
and empty the rinse water into the spray tank. Measuring cups
should also be rinsed and the rinse water emptied into the spray
tank.
w Clean all mixing and loading equipment thoroughly after
each use. (See Chapter 9, Equipment: Selecting, Calibrating, and
Cleaning for instructions on cleaning equipment.)
w Triple rinse and clean equipment in the field. Using a water
tank and small pumping system in the field makes it easy to apply
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rinsate to the target site and prevents build-up of pesticides near the
farmstead.
w Before eating or drinking, always wash hands with soap and
water—away from the house, if possible.
Closed Handling Systems
You can reduce exposure to concentrated pesticides by using a closed
handling system. Some pesticide labels require the use of closed handling
systems or require less PPE when they are used.
Closed handling systems transfer pesticide from the original container
to application equipment keeping the pesticide contained at all times to
prevent spills or contact with the pesticide handler. They may consist of
a series of interconnected hoses, pumps, pipes, or other equipment. Some
closed handling systems are designed to rinse empty containers and transfer
the rinsate into the spray tank. Other closed handling systems involve major
changes in container design or packaging, such as water-soluble packets of
pesticides that are dropped into sprayer tanks unopened. Closed handling
systems are also being developed for mixing and loading dry products.
Mixing Pesticides with Water
Many agricultural pesticides are mixed with water before application.
Water sources used to mix pesticides include private wells, city water
systems, and surface waters. Proper precautions when mixing pesticides are
important to protect these water sources.
When filling pesticide application equipment, pesticides may siphon back
or backflow into the water source if water pressure drops unexpectedly
due to electrical shut-down or pump failure. Such backflow could severely
contaminate the water source, creating an immediate and direct health
threat for everyone who uses the water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
Backflow into a pond, lake, or stream may pose a serious threat to the
environment.
Cleaning up water sources contaminated with pesticide is difficult and
expensive. Therefore, Minnesota requires the use of one of four different
methods to prevent pesticide backflow to water sources: maintaining an air
gap, or installing a reduced pressure principle device, a pressurized vacuum
breaker, or an atmospheric vacuum breaker in the water line.
One of these methods must be used whenever filling fertilizer or pesticide
application equipment directly from a city water supply, a private well, or a
surface water source. For more information about backflow prevention, see
the MDA fact sheet on backflow prevention (www.mda.state.mn.us/news/
publications/chemfert/bfprevent.pdf).
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Note:
When rinsing
empty pesticide
containers, using
an air gap is not
an option, because
water pressure is
needed to remove
pesticide residues.
Setting up an air gap is very simple, while the other three methods use
mechanical devices. Use of any of the mechanical devices must comply
with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry plumbing requirements.
Contact your local health department for specifications before installing any
backflow prevention device. Note that requirements may vary depending
on community ordinances or type of installation. To contact a plumbing
standards representative from the Minnesota Department of Labor and
Industry who serves your area, go to this website: www.doli.state.mn.us/
pe_contactus.html.
Air Gap
An air gap is a physical separation, or gap, between the water source and
the rim of the tank or container being filled. To meet state requirements for
backflow prevention, the air gap must be at least two times the inside
diameter of the water supply line.
An air gap must be at least two times the inside diameter
of the water supply line.
Photographer: M. J. Weaver
Institution: Virginia Tech
Source: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)
If you use a nurse tank (intermediate tank between the water source and
the application equipment) to fill application equipment, a fixed air gap is
needed either on the water supply line to the nurse tank or on the water line
from the nurse tank to the application equipment.
An air gap can be as simple as fixing the end of a two-inch hose at least
four inches above the rim of a tank. A person holding a water hose above
the tank rim does not provide adequate safety or control to qualify as an air
gap—the supply hose must be “fixed” or attached to something to hold it in
place at the appropriate distance.
You can permanently fix the water supply line to create an air gap in many
different ways. However, if the water line cannot be permanently fixed, then
you must use one of the approved mechanical backflow prevention devices.
A licensed plumber who will comply with the Minnesota Plumbing Code
must install these devices.
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Two independent check valves
in the water supply line provide
backflow protection.
Photographer: M. J. Weaver
Institution: Virginia Tech
Source: pesticides.org (Virginia
Tech)
Reduced Pressure Principle Device
If properly located and installed, the RPP or RPZ device can be used for
prevention of backflow when filling pesticide application equipment and
also used for rinsing or washing empty pesticide containers and application
equipment.
A reduced pressure principle device (RPP or RPZ) consists of two
independent check valves in the water supply line, with an automatic
pressure differential valve located between the two check valves. If either
check valve leaks, the relief valve will discharge to the atmosphere,
preventing pesticides from backflow into the water source.
Installation of RPP or RPZ valves must be done by a plumber certified
according to state plumbing code for installing such devices. RPP or RPZ
valves also require periodic testing and inspection. Call the Minnesota
Department of Labor and Industry at (651) 284-5889 for more information
about the requirements for installing an RPP or RPZ.
Pressurized Vacuum Breaker
Pressurized vacuum breakers (PVB) stop backflow when a water line
providing water under continuous pressure suddenly loses pressure. PVBs
must be installed using standard plumbing practices.
The most common place to install a PVB is at an elbow in a vertical
position of the water supply line, where the device is readily accessible
for periodic inspection and service. PVB valves should not be located in
concealed areas where water can cause damage, but should be visible and
accessible to allow quick response to spills.
If properly located and installed, the PVB can be used for prevention of
backflow when filling application equipment and for rinsing or washing
empty pesticide containers and application equipment.
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Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB) let air from the atmosphere into the
water line to break the backflow siphon, in the event of pressure loss in the
water line. An AVB must be installed, using standard plumbing practices,
at least six inches above the overflow level of the pesticide application
equipment being filled, with no shut-off valve downstream from the AVB.
This type of device can be used for backflow protection when filling
application equipment. However, for rinsing pesticide containers and
application equipment, an AVB requires an additional backflow prevention
device on the faucet of the water source.
Applying Pesticides
Applicators have several important responsibilities when applying pesti­
cides—protecting themselves, others, the environment, and making sure the
pesticide is applied correctly. Applicators must be sure to use the proper
PPE and follow the correct application procedures.
When Is Additional PPE Needed?
By law, applicators must wear the personal protection equipment (PPE)
and other clothing required by the pesticide labeling. Consider using addi­
tional protection for some types of pesticide application tasks where there is
greater risk of exposure. See Chapter 8, Personal Protective Equipment, for
more information.
Hand-carried and Backpack Applications
Backpack sprayer used on a miniature golf course.
Photographer: Tom Bowman
Source: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)
Exposure is quite likely to
occur when pesticides are
applied using hand-held
application equipment or dust
shakers. Dripping or partially
clogged nozzles, leaky hoses,
or loose equipment connections
are other potential sources of
exposure. Consider wearing
extra PPE to protect the areas
of your body that will be in
contact with equipment.
Many applications performed while on foot cause the applicator to walk
into the path of the pesticide being applied. Whenever possible, apply
pesticides so you are backing out of the treated area. If you must walk into
the path of the pesticide, consider wearing shin-high or knee-high rubber
boots, or other pro­tective footwear with chemical-resistant pants. Wear
appropriate PPE when entering treated areas to fix clogged nozzles or other
malfunctioning equipment, too.
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High-exposure Applications
Certain types of pesticide applications
pose a special risk because they may
expose the applicator to large amounts
of pesticide. These include:
w Mist blower or airblast sprayers,
commonly used in orchards.
w Aerosol and fog generators.
w High-pressure sprayers and
power dusters.
w Equipment that directs applica­
tions over your head, such as to
tree canopies or roof eaves.
Airblast sprayer.
Photographer: M. J. Weaver
Institution: Virginia Tech
Source: pesticides.org
(Virginia Tech)
Pesticide exposure is quite likely whenever you are working in these
situations. Therefore, consider wearing a chemical-resistant suit with a hood
and gloves, footwear with sealed cuffs, and a full-face respirator or halfface respirator with sealed goggles for these high-exposure applications,
even if they are not required by the label.
Applying pes­ticides in enclosed spaces, such as inside barns or
greenhouses, increases the risk of inhalation and dermal exposure.
Consider using a respirator and addi­tional protective clothing even if you
would not need it for the same appli­cation outdoors.
Application Procedures
To ensure pesticides are being applied properly, follow these basic
pro­cedures:
1. Before applying a pesticide, clear all people and pets from the area.
This might seem obvious, but may be overlooked during busy times.
In areas adjacent to treated sites, remove toys and pet dishes. Cover
nearby garden furniture, swimming pools, and birdbaths.
2. If the label does not include specific restricted-entry statements,
keep people and non-target animals out of the treated area until the
spray has dried or the dust has settled.
3. Check hoses, valves, nozzles, hoppers, and other equipment parts
often before and during the appli­cation.
4. Be certain that the pesticide is reaching the surface or area toward
which you are directing it.
5. Apply the pesticide evenly and in the correct amounts. Be
especially careful in areas where you turn your equipment or pause.
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You may have to shut off your equipment in these areas. After the
pesticide is applied to the first part of the target site, check to be
sure the correct amount of pesticide has been used. Application
equipment for field crops changes rapidly. Newer equipment using
global positioning systems (GPS) can shut off spray at field ends or
adjust spray output across the boom to ensure even application to
the soil during turns.
6. Turn equipment off when you pause for any reason. Agitation must
be maintained if the spray mix is a suspension of particles (such
as wettable powders, flowables, or dry flowable for­mulations).
When you stop an application for any reason, depressurize spray
tanks. Turn off the main pressure valve on the tank and release the
pressure remaining at the nozzles.
7. Ensure that the pesticide is uniformly mixed and consistent in
appearance during the application. Several pesticide formulations
mixed with liquid require agitation to remain in suspension.
Granules and dusts should appear dry and not form clumps on the
target site.
8. Follow label directions for any post-ap­plication requirements, such
as incorporating the pesticide into the soil.
Section 2: Disposing of Pesticide
Wastes and Empty Containers
When a pesticide application is done, waste pesticides and empty
containers remain—and must be managed safely. This Section describes
how to handle unused pesticides, as well as procedures and programs that
will help applicators appropriately dispose of waste.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the different kinds of pesticide wastes.
2. List ways you can prevent creating pesticide waste.
3. Identify the two legal ways to dispose of waste pesticides.
4. Describe how to dispose of excess pesticide mixtures and rinsate
from cleaning equipment and containers.
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Terms to Know:
w Pressure rinse
w Triple rinse
w Waste pesticide
Unwashed empty pesticide containers pose a hazard.
Institution: Environmental Protection Agency
Source: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)
Disposing of Pesticide Wastes
Waste pesticides are those that you cannot use as originally intended, old
pesticides that may no longer be effective, or pesticides you no longer
need or want. Other pesticide wastes include empty pesticide containers
and materials containing pesticide residues, such as no-longer-usable
clothing, disposable PPE, and other pesticide-contaminated materials. If
not managed properly, these pesticides wastes may harm people, livestock,
and the environment.
The best way to deal with waste pesticides is to create as little waste as
possible:
w Use Integrated Pest Management practices, as described in Chapter
1, to avoid unnecessary pesticide use;
w Buy only the amount of pesticides you need to use. Most pesticides
have a set shelf life and may become ineffective over time;
w Mark the date of purchase on containers and use older products
first;
w Follow Universal Precautions and safe-handling practices to reduce
the chance of spills, contaminating items, and other problems;
w Protect your pesticides and containers through good storage and
handling practices—don’t let them freeze or heat up;
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w Store leftover pesticides in the original containers with the original
labels; and
w Store all pesticides and waste containers in a locked and
secured area.
Waste Pesticides
Waste pesticides are those that are no longer usable or wanted. Here are
some reasons why a pesticide can no longer be used:
w The government has banned the use of the pesticide,
w The pesticide has been stored too long and may have lost its
effectiveness or changed in other ways so it no longer works,
w The pesticide is left over or you no longer need or want it, and
Note:
Unknown and
unlabeled pesticides
constitute a significant
percentage of the
waste pesticides
brought to household
hazardous waste
or waste pesticide
collection programs.
w The pesticide container is unlabeled and it is considered a waste
because it is no longer possible to know what pesticide the container
holds.
Do not pour waste pesticides down the drain, dump them into ditches, put
them into compost piles, or place them in the trash. Do not apply waste
pesticides to sites, plants, or crops not listed on the label. These activities
are illegal and result in pesticide contamination. Improper disposal may
harm you, your family, other people, or wildlife; may contaminate water;
and is very expensive to clean up.
It is illegal to bury, burn, or discard a pesticide or its container in a manner
inconsistent with instructions found on the label. The only legal way
farmers, licensed applicators, homeowners, or anyone else can dispose
of waste pesticides in Minnesota is to use them up according to label
directions or participate in a waste pesticide collection program. The
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) helps Minnesota farmers
and households to safely dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides
through the Waste Pesticide Collection Program. The program provides
an environmentally sound option to dispose of unusable and unwanted
pesticides. For more information about the program, contact the MDA or
see www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/wastepesticides.aspx.
Another disposal option for smaller quantities of waste pesticides is a
household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. Contact your local county
facility, find out if agricultural wastes are accepted, and make an
appointment for proper disposal. Some HHW facilities may charge a small
administrative fee, and all HHW facilities may limit the amount of waste
accepted. For more information, contact Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (or see www.pca.state.mn.us/index/php/household-hazardouswaste.html).
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Here are some guidelines for disposing of waste pesticides:
w Follow the same safe handling, storage, and transportation practices
for waste pesticides as you do with usable pesticides.
w Contact the waste pesticide collection program or HHW facility
ahead of time and ask about requirements for disposing of pesticides,
including the registration process, fees, and other information.
w Make a detailed list of the waste pesticides you have for disposal and
bring the list to the collection site or facility.
w Store and transport pesticides in the original containers.
w Do not mix different waste pesticides together.
w If a container is unreliable or may leak, place the pesticide (in its
original container) into a larger, sturdy leak-proof container.
w Never transport pesticides in the passenger compartment of a car or
truck.
Excess Pesticide Mixtures
Another form of pesticide waste that requires management is excess
pesticide mixtures or solutions, including:
w Leftover solutions after spraying is done,
w Rinsate, the water used to wash the outside or rinse the inside of the
sprayer or pesticide containers,
w Spray left in the boom or hoses,
w Haul-back solutions from a spraying job interrupted by weather or
equipment breakdown, and
w Small quantities of material spilled during mixing.
Excess pesticide mixtures should be collected and used again. These
solutions can be used on a crop or other site listed on the label or stored for
mixing future solutions of the same pesticide. To make it easy to collect
these excess pesticide mixtures, mix pesticides and clean equipment on an
asphalt or cement pad equipped with an above-ground tank to hold runoff.
Dilution is not the solution to pollution. Diluting the pesticide will not
make the hazardous waste responsibilities of the applicator any easier. In
fact, it can make it worse. Ten gallons of hazardous waste diluted with 90
gallons of water creates 100 gallons of hazardous waste. Likewise, mixing
hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste makes the whole mixture
hazardous.
Other Pesticide Waste Materials
Other types of pesticide waste materials that must be disposed of properly
include:
w Contaminated material from the cleanup of spills,
w Clothing on which liquid concentrates have spilled,
w Pesticides that have been damaged by fire, water, or other substances,
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Contaminated clothing and similar small items, such as worn-out gloves
and other PPE, should be cleaned (see Chapter 8, Personal Protective
Equipment for cleaning information), placed in a plastic bag, and thrown
into the garbage. For other pesticide materials, check with the MDA on the
proper method of disposal. The MDA may recommend that these materials
be used in some way that is acceptable according to the label. If the MDA
finds that the contaminated material cannot be reused, then it will be
considered a pesticide waste.
Note:
Pesticide residues
left in a container
may harden over
time and become
difficult or impossible
to remove.
Contaminated
containers will not
be accepted for
recycling and their
disposal may be
expensive.
Management of Empty Pesticide Containers
Pesticide containers that are 2 ½ gallons or smaller are called “one-way
containers.” These containers are not designed to be refilled or reused for
any other purpose. After these containers are empty, puncture them so that
they are not useable. Do not use the empty pesticide containers to hold
waste oil, antifreeze, water, or other material. Do not place empty pesticide
containers on posts to mark drain tile inlets or other outdoor locations.
Preparing pesticide containers for disposal begins at the time you load
pesticides into your application equipment. Containers made of glass,
plastic, and other hard materials must be triple rinsed or pressure rinsed
before they are offered for recycling or disposal at a sanitary landfill.
Triple rinsing involves partially filling the empty pesticide container with
water, replacing the lid, shaking the container, and pouring the rinsate
into the spray tank, repeating the process three times. Pressure rinsing
involves rinsing the empty pesticide container with a high-pressure nozzle
and pouring the rinsate into the spray tank. Rinsing of pesticide containers
at the time they are emptied removes most pesticide residues.
After rinsing the container, make sure no visible pesticide residue remains
inside or on the outside of the container, and check that all the rinse water
has drained out.
Pour the collected rinse water from containers into the sprayer tank
to be used as part of the spray mixture and applied according to label
directions. This is the only legal way to dispose of pesticide container
rinsate.
Pressure Rinsing Containers
In pressure rinsing, a special nozzle attached to the end of a hose forces
the remaining pesticide from the container. Pressure rinsing, which may
be faster and easier than triple rinsing, can be used for plastic and nonpressurized metal pesticide containers.
To pressure rinse containers:
1. Empty contents of the container into the spray tank, turning the
container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to
flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain
for an additional 30 seconds.
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2. Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become
difficult to remove.
3. Hold the container so the opening can drain into the spray tank.
4. Force the tip of the pressure nozzle through the lower portion of the
container side closest to the handle.
5. Connect the nozzle to a clean water source of at least 40 psi. Turn
the nozzle inside the container to ensure good coverage of all sides,
including the handle.
6. Rinse for at least 30 seconds.
7. Drain all rinse water into the spray tank.
Triple Rinsing Containers
Rinse the container three times. Triple rinsing can be used with plastic,
non-pressurized metal, and glass containers.
To triple rinse containers:
1. Empty contents of the container into the spray tank, turning the
container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to
flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain
for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become
difficult to remove.
3. Fill the empty container one-fourth full of water.
4. Replace the cap on the container. With the container opening
facing left, shake the container left to right over a distance of
four to six inches.
5. Shake the container about twice per second for 30 seconds.
6. Drain rinse water into spray tank as described in step 1.
7. Fill the container one-fourth full with clean water a second time.
8. Recap the container. With the opening of the container pointed
toward the ground, shake the container as described in step 4.
Then drain the rinse water into the spray tank.
9. Finally, fill the container one-fourth full with clean water a third
time.
10.Recap the container. With the container in the normal, upright
position, shake the container as you did before. Shake with a fourto six-inch vertical motion, twice per second for 30 seconds.
11. Pour the rinse water into the spray tank. Carefully rinse any spray
residue from the outside of the container.
For more information about how to rinse empty pesticide containers,
see the University of Minnesota Extension fact sheet “Rinsing Pesticide
Containers”: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/
DC3771.html
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Disposal of Containers
Note:
Landfill operators
are not required to
and may not accept
pesticide containers.
Landfill operators
are legally liable
for environmental
problems that may
occur because of
unrinsed containers
or paper and plastic
pesticide bags in the
landfill.
The most environmentally sound method to dispose of rinsed smaller
pesticide containers made of hard materials (plastic, glass, or metal) is
through a recycling program set up for pesticide containers. Anyone
may participate in these recycling programs. Plastic pesticide containers
(agricultural, home, or garden) should not be recycled in household plasticrecycling programs. Pesticide containers should only be recycled through
programs designed for pesticide containers. Requirements for storing empty
pesticide containers vary, depending on a number of factors:
w Unrinsed empty pesticide containers must be stored in the same
way as containers with pesticides are stored. Replace the cap and
store unrinsed, empty pesticide containers upright in a roofed
or covered, secure, locked area on an impervious (liquid proof)
surface.
w Store rinsed punctured containers indoors to prevent water, rain,
snow, or dirt from getting into the containers. Remove the caps to
allow the containers to completely dry during storage.
When you are ready to bring rinsed empty pesticide containers for
recycling, remove the caps (they cannot be recycled) and any labels, plastic
sleeves, or wrappers attached to the containers. Anyone distributing or
selling pesticides in Minnesota is required to accept properly rinsed and
prepared empty pesticide containers from the end user, if no organized
empty pesticide container recycling program is available in the county.
Minnesota has a program to collect and recycle empty and rinsed pesticide
containers. Collected containers are chipped and made into products that
do not come into contact with humans or animals. For more information
about the pesticide container recycling program, contact the MDA, visit
the MDA website for recycling information (www.mda.state.mn.us/en/
chemicals/pesticides/emptycontainer.aspx), or contact your county solid
or hazardous waste office. Private applicators who cannot recycle rinsed
containers should bring the containers to a permitted sanitary landfill for
disposal.
Remember: It is illegal to burn pesticide containers in Minnesota or to
bury them outside of sanitary landfills. If you cannot recycle rinsed, empty
pesticide containers, contact your county solid waste office before putting
them in the trash or a landfill. Also contact the county solid waste office
about disposing of pesticide paper or paper/plastic bags.
Recycling Larger Pesticide Containers
Plastic 30- or 55-gallon barrels used for pesticides are sometimes refilled
and at other times recycled. Properly rinsed containers may be recycled.
Large pesticide drums may be returned to the manufacturer or to drum
reconditioners. Rigid plastic containers with dry flowable pesticide should
also be rinsed when empty. Contact the pesticide distributor for information
about recycling.
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If you are using containers designed to be refilled (mini-bulk, totes, etc.),
be aware of changes in regulations effective August 16, 2011. Refillable
containers will need to meet increased integrity standards. The refillable
containers will have one-way valves and will need to meet vent, gauge, and
shut-off standards and periodic pressure testing. They must also be properly
labeled for tracking and to indicate that they meet U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) transportation standards.
Changes in standards for refillable containers will mainly affect pesticide
distributers and manufacturers. Private applicators should be aware that
some containers that were once considered refillable may not meet the new
standards and will have to be recycled or disposed of.
Disposing of Flexible Paper, Plastic, or Composite Containers
Before disposing of paper, plastic, and composite
pesticide bags, make sure they are completely empty.
Thoroughly empty the contents into application
equipment. If you are not sure whether you should rinse
a container, check the label. Then dispose of the bag at
an approved sanitary landfill.
Flexible containers can deteriorate after becoming wet.
Photographer: P.A. Hipkins
Institution: Virginia Tech
Source: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)
Section 3: Responding to a Pesticide
Fire, Spill, or Other Incident
Pesticide spills can be a serious threat to humans, livestock, and the
environment. This Section provides information about how to prepare for
and respond to pesticide incidents. By knowing in advance what to do when
a pesticide spill or fire occurs, you may reduce the danger and minimize the
damage. Many of these procedures will also apply to fertilizer spills, too,
making them doubly important.
Learning Objectives:
1. List the contents of an Incident Response Plan.
2. List the various emergency and incident response telephone numbers.
3. Describe how to report a pesticide spill or other pesticide incident.
Terms to Know:
w Pesticide Incident
wSTA R R
1. Safe
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Photo: National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, NASDARF
Incident Response Plan
No matter how safe the pesticide, careful the application, fine-tuned the
equipment, or pleasant the weather at the outset, “Expect the unexpected.”
By developing an emergency response plan detailing how to respond before
a pesticide spill or incident happens, the chances of having a successful
and safe response increases. Fire, flood, tornado, vandalism, equipment
failure, or other events can also lead to an unintentional release. Make sure
everyone working with pesticides knows what to do and who to contact in
case of an emergency. Doing so can save important seconds and prevent the
incident from becoming a catastrophic event.
“Incident” Defined by Minnesota State Law
Minnesota defines an “incident” as a flood, fire, tornado, transportation
accident, storage container rupture, portable container rupture, leak,
spill, emission, discharge, escape, disposal, or other event that releases or
immediately threatens to release an agricultural chemical, accidentally
or otherwise, into the environment and may cause unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment. An incident does not include a release resulting
from the normal use of a product or practice in accordance with the law.
Minnesota requires certain pesticide facilities and applicators to have
formal Incident Response Plan. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(MDA) has a two-page page “short version” fact sheet describing the parts
of such a plan, available at: www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pesticides/
impacts.aspx.
While Minnesota does not require private applicators to keep a formal
Incident Response Plan, doing so is a good idea. The MDA’ s short
version Incident Response Plan fact sheet is a good place to start for
private applicators to create an emergency response plan for your farm or
operation. The plan should be updated every year and contain:
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w Emergency response contact list that can be posted next to farm
phones and can be programmed into cell phones. Include family
members and farm personnel
w Emergency assistance contacts, such as 911, Poison Control
Center (800-222-1222), Minnesota State Duty Officer (800-4220789), fire department, and emergency and medical facilities
w Product labels, including a complete copy for each pesticide and
fertilizer product stored at the facility.
w Product material safety data sheets (MSDS), a complete copy
for each pesticide and fertilizer product stored at the facility.
Emergency responders will ask for MSDS before responding.
w First aid information and location of the first aid kit.
w Pre-fire planning information, developed after you contact the
local fire department and inquire what firefighters need to know
about your facility. Provide the fire department with names and
numbers of persons to be contacted in case of fire. Fire officials
may want to stop by to familiarize themselves with your farm and
its storage areas.
w Map, which should include:
• Buildings;
• Pesticide/fertilizer storage areas;
• Mixing, loading and rinsate recycling areas;
• Vehicle parking and washing areas;
• Drainage information, including tile inlets and outlets;
sanitary sewer inlets, storm sewer inlets and outlets; and
• Wells.
w Response procedures, including a description of how employee
and family members should respond when a pesticide incident
occurs. This includes how to contain a spill in the building or in
the field, plus how the material will be disposed of after cleanup
has been completed. Make sure phone numbers and pesticide
inventories are kept up to date.
A good, concise Incident Response Plan is a guide best used for training
employees and family on how to respond to a spill. It is also useful in
making sure spill cleanup materials and PPE are available when needed.
Report Pesticide Spills
If there is a spill, first make sure that everyone involved is safe or getting
proper medical attention. Then, in Minnesota, all pesticide incidents must
be immediately reported to the Minnesota State Duty Officer, except for
incidents which meet all of the following conditions:
w The responsible party or owner of real property is a licensed
commercial or certified private applicator; and
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w The total amount of pesticide involved in the incident at the site
over the entire year is less than what can be legally applied (labeled
rates) to one acre of agricultural cropland; and
w The incident was not into or near public water or groundwater.
According to state law, you must report incidents involving pesticides, even
ones that you may consider minor. This includes leaking containers, spills,
exposure, poisoning, motor-vehicle accidents, tornadoes, fires, and floods.
The Minnesota State Duty Officer is available 24 hours a day at:
w (800) 422-0798 (greater Minnesota)
w (651) 649-5451 (Twin Cities Metropolitan area)
w (651) 282-6952 (TDD)
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety provides the State Duty
Officer as a single point of contact when hazardous or other harmful
materials are spilled or released. This includes petroleum, fertilizer,
manure, pesticides, and other spills.
When the State Duty Officer receives a call regarding a pesticide or
fertilizer incident, he or she will notify the MDA. Trained staff at the MDA
will talk with the person who called in the spill and instruct them to secure
the site and to abate, recover, and remediate the incident.
Spilling a pesticide is not illegal. Not reporting the spill is!
When you telephone the State Duty Officer, you will be asked to give the
following information:
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
Your name,
Where you can be reached,
Location of the spill,
Type of pesticide,
Time the spill occurred,
The source of the spill,
How much material was spilled and for how long,
Whether the material is spreading, and
Whether the spill threatens nearby surface water or wells.
(see also the MDA web page: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/
spills/minn-duty-officer.aspx)
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Incident Response—What to Do
Minnesota uses the “STARR” system—the five steps of incident response.
S
T
A
R
R
Secure: keep people, children, pets and other animals away
from the site and wear personal protective equipment to
protect yourself from exposure.
Telephone: call the State Duty Officer to report the incident.
Abate: control the source of the contamination and contain the
contamination so it does not spread further.
Recover: collect the released chemical and any contaminated
soil or other materials.
Remediate: dispose of recovered chemical and contaminated
soil and materials.
Clean Up the Spill
The MDA can give you guidance and assistance on cleaning up a reported
spill and handling contaminated materials. Cleaning up some spills may
be easy. Other spills may require more complex procedures. The MDA
will give you recommendations on each of these steps. The procedures will
vary, depending on the following factors:
w The pesticide involved in the spill,
w The extent of the spill,
w The location of nearby wells, surface waters, and other
vulnerable sites,
w Soil type, and
w Materials contaminated.
In general, there are three steps in cleaning up pesticide spills:
w Remove the spilled pesticide.
w Decontaminate the spill area.
w Clean contaminated equipment.
It may be possible to reuse some of the spilled or contaminated materials.
The MDA will provide information and recommendations on handling
these materials.
The recommendations may include applying the materials to labeled sites
at or below labeled rates for that pesticide. If the materials cannot be used,
then they are considered waste and come under the jurisdiction of the
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA will provide
information on how to dispose of these waste materials.
Clean up all vehicles and equipment involved in an accident or cleanup.
Be sure to wear protective clothing as required by the pesticide label. Use
a solution of liquid bleach and alkaline detergent (dishwasher detergent) to
clean equipment. Porous material and equipment, such as brooms, leather
shoes, and cloth hats cannot be decontaminated; they must be discarded or
destroyed after clean up.
Minnesota’s Agricultural Chemical Response
and Reimbursement Account
The Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account
(ACRRA) is a fund that provides partial reimbursement for clean-up costs
for agricultural chemical incidents. To be eligible for ACRRA, the incident
must be properly reported, work must be approved by MDA staff, and the
facility should be in compliance with all relevant laws. The fund pays for
corrective action costs to investigate and clean up an incident. Attorney fees
and third-party review costs are not eligible. A surcharge is included on
pesticide license fees to help fund ACRRA.
The fund can be used for new incidents or for historical incidents
(those that are discovered after the fact). When a historical incident is
discovered, a number of steps must be followed to comply with state and
federal laws regarding agricultural chemical cleanup. If these steps are
not followed, the responsible party may no longer be eligible for ACRRA
reimbursement.
Respond to Fires
Most of the active ingredients in pesticides are not flammable. But many
of the solvents used in liquid formulations are highly flammable. All liquid
pesticides and some wettable powders are potential fire hazards.
If you store large quantities of pesticides, it is recommended that you install
fire detection devices and have fire extinguishers handy.
Inform your local fire department about any large quantities of stored
pesticides, so that responders know what to expect. This is an important
safety precaution to follow in case a fire breaks out when you are not
available.
As soon as you detect a fire, call the fire department. Tell firefighters what
pesticides are involved and give specific information that may help fight the
fire and protect responders and others from injury. They will guide you as
to what to do. If the fire is small and contained, you may fight it with a fire
extinguisher. Be aware that some pesticides may explode in a fire.
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Fighting pesticide fires requires extreme caution. Remove all people from
the area to a safe place upwind of smoke and fumes. Isolate the entire area.
Keep spectators away. Be especially careful about using water to fight the
fire. Contaminated runoff may create a more serious problem than the fire.
It is sometimes better to simply let a fire burn in order to avoid massive
problems with contaminated runoff. Whenever possible, use foam or
carbon dioxide instead of water to extinguish the fire. If water is used, build
dikes to prevent flow of contaminated runoff into lakes, streams, sewers, or
other bodies of water.
Summary
Be especially careful when you mix and load pesticides. Pesticides in their
most concentrated form can cause great harm if they splash or spill. Always
stay with a spray tank while it is being filled. Do not let a spray mixture
back siphon into the water supply by having an air gap or a backflow
prevention device.
Thoroughly clean all mixing and loading equipment after each use to
remove pesticide residues. Store your equipment where children cannot play
on it.
Store pesticides in the original containers with the labels intact. Keep
pesticides in a separate, locked storage area. Check stored pesticide
containers regularly for leaks.
Disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers must be done according to
federal and state regulations. Properly rinse empty plastic, glass, and metal
pesticide containers and then either recycle them or dispose of them at an
approved landfill. Collect all pesticide container rinse water to use again.
Empty all paper containers before disposal.
If a spill occurs, you must control, contain, and clean it up immediately.
Do not let it spread to any body of water. Keep people upwind and away
from the area. In addition to calling 911, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at
(800) 422-0789.
If a fire breaks out, inform
the fire department of the
type of pesticide involved.
Protect people from smoke
and fumes. Avoid using
water to put out the fire
because of the risk of
contaminated runoff.
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Even small spills can cause
big problems, so prepare to
respond in advance.
Photographer: Dwight Seal
Source: pesticides.org
(Virginia Tech)
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PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING MANUAL
19th Edition