Chapter 14
How to Store Pesticides Safely
In This
Chapter
After learning the information in this chapter, you will be able to:
1. List the storage requirements for pesticides.
2. Describe the recommendations for building a pesticide storage.
3. Describe how to replace a damaged container.
4. List tips for safely storing pesticides.
Keywords
warning sign, storage, replacement container, inventory
No pesticide application is complete until everything is put away.
All containers of pesticides, empty containers, and application
equipment must be stored or disposed of properly. Make it a habit to
store all spraying materials safely at the end of the day or before
going on to the next job. A clean, well-organized pesticide storage
can prevent many problems.
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
149
Pesticide
Storage
Regulations
Proper storage of pesticides on the farm is important. It is illegal to
store pesticides under unsafe conditions. Regulation 63/09 under the
Ontario Pesticides Act gives safe storage requirements for storage
facilities.
Pesticides
Act
There are two requirements that everyone must follow, including
homeowners who store pesticides for uses other than in or around
the home:

pesticides must be stored away from food, drinks and pet
food, and

pesticides must be inaccessible to the public when left in an
unattended parked vehicle. Put pesticides in a locked
compartment of the vehicle.
The following table shows the storage requirements under
Regulation 63/09 for persons storing pesticides for uses other than in
or around the home (Reg. 63/09 s.107-111).
Pesticide Storage Requirements
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4, 5,
6, 7 or 8
No Contact with Food or Drink



Not Impair Health/Safety



Clean & Orderly Manner



Warning Signs Posted on Storage Doors



Emergency Telephone Numbers Posted



Ventilated to Outside


Limited Access (Locked)


No Floor Drain


Safety Equipment Available


Area Used Primarily for Pesticides

150
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
Storage
Building
The pesticide storage should be isolated from children and livestock,
and from any area where human food or animal feed is stored. Avoid
sites where there is any chance that runoff or drainage water from
the pesticide storage may enter surface or ground water. Also, avoid
flood areas and have a vegetation-free zone around the outside edge
of the building. Finally, the pesticide storage should be accessible by
emergency personnel.
Class 2 pesticides must be stored in an area used primarily for
pesticides.
The area or building used for pesticide storage must have a floor that
does not allow seepage - a concrete or asphalt floor is best. Drains
are not allowed unless they lead into a separate holding tank which
can be pumped out. The storage must be ventilated to the outside
atmosphere.
Keep all unauthorized persons from entering the storage area. Make
certain that the area can be securely locked. Post a sign with the
words “Pesticide (or Chemical) Storage - Authorized Persons Only Warning In Case of Fire Use Extreme Caution” on every storage
door. You can order these signs from the Workplace Safety &
Prevention Services by phoning 1-877-494-9777 or through their
website.
Emergency equipment, protective clothing and personal protective
equipment must be available close to the storage area. Do not store
protective clothing and personal protective equipment in the storage
area because it may become contaminated.
Emergency telephone numbers must be posted near the storage area
and next to each telephone for quick reference. Put emergency
numbers in your cell phone and also the cell phones of your workers.
You can use the card in the front of this manual to post the
emergency numbers. Include these numbers:
 9-1-1 (for police, fire, ambulance, hospital)
 Spills Action Centre – 1-800-268-6060
 Ontario Poison Centre – 1-800-268-9017.
Post information about your farms such as:
 the names and cell phone numbers of who to contact in case
of an emergency,
 the 9-1-1 addresses -- include any details that could help direct
emergency responders to your farms such as the nearest cross
road, name of the township, and concession and lot numbers.
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
151
Building a
Pesticide
Storage
For ideas on how to build pesticide storage, refer to the OMAFRA
Factsheet, “Farm Pesticide Storage Facility”, Agdex 748/607,
2011.
Another idea for pesticide storage is to buy a modular unit. You can
adapt these units to meet the requirements of Regulation 63/09.
If you are planning a new pesticide storage area or building, a
building permit may be required. Check with your municipality for
local requirements.
Before you build, consider these additional
recommendations:
 Build a permanent structure.
 Build a free standing building or an area sectioned off by a
wall with a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.
 Have a floor of concrete or other material that will not absorb
spills. Design the floor to have a curb at least 2 inches high to
contain spills.
 Have shelves made of materials that do not absorb pesticides.
 Have an entrance directly from the outside.
 Include an insulated and heated cabinet for pesticides that
must be protected from freezing.
Plan to have flammable and combustible pesticides separate from
other pesticides.
152
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
Replacing
Damaged
Containers
Make routine inspections of containers. Look for cracks, leaks, loose
caps or bungs (stoppers). If a container becomes damaged, you need
to replace it.
How to replace damaged containers for pesticides
 You must transfer the pesticide from the damaged container
to a replacement container made of a similar material. For
example, replace plastic with plastic (Reg. 63/09, s.104).
 If the pesticide is in a bag, you can place the damaged bag
inside a clean plastic bag.
Never store pesticides in any container that was previously used
to hold food or beverages. Pesticides in old food or beverage
containers may be swallowed accidentally, especially by small
children.
How to label replacement containers
 If possible, take the label from the damaged container and
attach it to the replacement container or print and attach a
label from the company’s website or Pest Management
Regulatory Agency’s website.
 You must label the replacement container with the
pesticide’s:
1.
trade name or common name,
2.
concentration of each active ingredient, and
3.
registration number under the Pest Control Products
Act or the Fertilizers Act (Reg. 63/09, s.104)
Unlabelled pesticides are dangerous and illegal. Without the
label, you don’t know what the pesticide is or how to handle it
safely.
Storing
Treated Seed
Seed that is treated with pesticide can be dangerous. Store treated
seed in an area that is out of the reach of children, pets and livestock.
Do not store treated seed in the pesticide storage area. If stored with
pesticides, the treated seed could become contaminated. Store
treated seed in a secured area away from the pesticide storage area.
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
153
Storing
Biopesticides
Be aware that you may need to follow special storage conditions for
biopesticides. Biopesticides are pesticides made from natural
substances, such as microbial or biochemical pesticides. For
example, microbial pesticides that contain viruses may need to be
refrigerated, kept within certain temperatures, or kept from sunlight
to help ensure their effectiveness. The pesticide may also have an
expiry date. Read the label.
Storage Tips
Keep all pesticides in their original containers with the
original labels.
 Read the label for specific storage information – it will tell
you any special temperature requirements for storage. Some
pesticides require protection from freezing or from high
temperatures.
 Keep the storage area dry, so that moisture won’t affect the
pesticide, the packaging or the label.
 Buy only what you need for one growing season. If you
have leftover pesticides, remember to use any of last year’s
pesticide first.
 Keep a current inventory list and keep it up to date. Know
the quantity and the age of the pesticides you have in storage.
 Keep a second copy of the inventory list at another
location. If you have a fire, the fire department will need a
complete list of what is in the storage area.
 Keep a supply of soap and water nearby. You will need it
for washing up, cleaning equipment and filling tanks. It is
also essential in case of a poisoning emergency.
Keep absorbent material such as kitty litter close by to clean up
spills.
154
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
Pesticide Storage Checklist
Inspect your pesticide storage area. If you answer “no” to any statements below, take immediate steps to correct
the situation.
Date of Inspection: _____________________________________
Safety
Yes
No
Storage is locked.
Pesticide Storage Warning signs are posted.
Emergency contact information is posted nearby, near phones.
Personal protective equipment is stored outside the storage, and nearby.
Clean up supplies are stored nearby.
Inventory is up to date and stored separately.
Labels and MSDS are available and easily accessible.
Fire extinguisher is in good working order
Storage Building Area
Ventilation system is working.
Area is clean with no debris or combustibles.
Floor is clean. No spills or leaks.
Pesticides are stored off the floor.
Storage area contains pesticides only--no feed, fertilizer or other materials.
Storage has no floor drain.
Container Inspection
Labels are readable and attached to containers.
Containers are marked with the purchase date.
Dry formulations are stored above liquids.
Container caps are tightly closed.
Empty containers are triple rinsed and punctured.
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely
155
Practice Your Understanding
1. Name two important factors to consider when choosing a site to store pesticides.
1.
2.
2. It is important to have emergency equipment close by in the pesticide storage area. For this
reason, a set of protective clothing and personal protective equipment should always be kept in
the storage area.
TRUE
FALSE
3. Never store pesticides in any container that was previously used to hold a food or beverage.
TRUE
FALSE
4. If a pesticide container is damaged, put the pesticide in a container that is similar to the
original. State the three pieces of information that must be included on the new label.
1.
2.
3.
5. Which provincial class of pesticides must be stored in an area used primarily for pesticides?
156
Chapter 14 – How to Store Pesticides Safely