Lance
Fluegel and Bradley
Rein
Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Identify
the pest and then choose the safest product that will control
it.
- Be
sure you are properly licensed for the pesticide you will
be using. Do not buy or accept any pesticide in a damaged
or leaking container or without a label.
- You
must comply with the Hazard Communications law. The law
requires a written communication plan, material safety data
sheets for all hazardous substances, and an employee training
program.
- Keep
pesticides away from human and animal foodstuffs at all
times.
- Always
store pesticides in a locked building or cabinet in their
original containers.
- Store
pesticides out of reach of children.
- Wear
long-sleeved, one-piece coveralls over your regular clothing.
- Use
chemically resistant gloves with your sleeves over the gloves
for normal mixing and application operations.
- If
working vertically with your hands place sleeves inside
the gloves and tape in place.
- Wear
a chemically resistant hat and apron to protect your head
and body.
- Protect
your feet with chemically resistant boots or footwear. Make
sure boots are under pant legs.
- Protect
the eyes with goggles or a face shield.
- Wear
a suitable respirator for breathing protection.
- Read
the label carefully and mix exactly according to the directions.
- Mix
only enough to do the job.
- If
mixing inside a building be sure that you have adequate
ventilation.
- When
mixing outside stand upwind.
- If
mixing with water keep the hose at least six inches above
the container to prevent back siphoning pesticide into the
water system.
- Do
not mix pesticides without another adult in the area in
case of an accident. Have soap, towels, and water hose available
for clean-up.
- Do
not eat, drink, or smoke while mixing or applying pesticides.
- Always
wear personal protective equipment as recommended by the
manufacturer.
- Check
the sprayer, duster, or spreader to see that it is in good
operating condition. If not, clean and/or repair before
using.
- Avoid
using backpack-type equipment that might leak and contaminate
the operator.
- Carefully
calibrate the equipment to ensure that it delivers the correct
amount.
- Use
large, low-pressure nozzles and apply the pesticide when
the air is calm, to prevent drift.
- Keep
children and pets away from the spray area.
- Spray
any leftover pesticide onto another crop or dilute with
water and spray onto the ground around the crop.
- Wash
application and mixing equipment with water and detergent.
Rinse at least three times.
- Dispose
of empty pesticide containers by triple-rinsing first and
then taking to a sanitary landfill. All rinsate should be
sprayed on a safe crop or disposed of in an otherwise suitable
manner -- never into a drain or septic system.
- Wash
all clothing and equipment with water and detergent.
- Personal
clothing should be washed separately from other laundry.
The washer should be run through an empty cycle completely
to remove any pesticide from the machine.
- The
operator should shower and shampoo completely after applying
pesticides.
- Warning
signs should be posted around the treated area. Children
and pets should be kept away until the area is safe for
reentry.
- Save
the container label and record the date and time of application
for future reference.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This document
is
8831-I
,
a series of the the College of Agriculture, the University
of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication date: May 1989.
Lance
Fluegel, Safety Coordinator and Bradley Rein, Engineering
Specialist, the College of Agriculture, University of Arizona,
Tucson AZ 85719.
|