Kenneth
Rosenman
Michigan State University Extension
Risks
associated with pesticide handling are a combination of hazard
and exposure to the chemical. To minimize these risks, any
exposure to the chemical should be small or nonexistent. Taking
proper precautions to minimize risks can be applied to all
phases of pesticide applications, including mixing, loading,
application, and equipment cleaning and repair. This factsheet
covers only exposure risks to the applicator; physical equipment
hazards relative to operator safety are covered in other factsheets.
Applicators
face the greatest risk of chemical exposure while mixing and
loading pesticides. While there are numerous risks during
the application process, it is during the mixing and loading
process that the applicator is working with full-strength,
undiluted materials. Pesticides in the diluted, ready-for-application
stage are generally less toxic. Hazards associated with application
are increased when there are significant drift problems, equipment
failures, pesticide spills, or when appropriate safety and
application procedures are ignored. An often overlooked hazard
occurs when the farmer, family members or farm animals are
allowed to enter a treated area during the prescribed no-entry
period.
Thoroughly read the label and any supplemental information before
selecting or applying any pesticide. The pesticide label contains
all the information needed for proper and safe use of the chemical,
treatment for accidental exposure, and directions for appropriate
use and disposal of the pesticide container. For the safety
of the applicator and to reduce environmental risks, it is a
good practice to select the least toxic pesticide capable of
providing the desired pest control.
It is
important that you use only the pesticide for the purposes
listed on the label and to follow proper mixing, loading and
application recommendations. Based on the label information,
you can select a pesticide that is appropriate for use on
the host and pest to be controlled. Proper selection and use
are important for effective and economical pesticide performance,
protecting human and livestock health, and to reduce the impact
on the environment.
Care must be taken to ensure safe transport of pesticides; remember,
you are legally responsible for the safe transport of the chemicals.
It is advisable that you have the dealer deliver the pesticides
directly to your storage facility to reduce this liability risk.
If you must transport small amounts of pesticides, be sure all
containers are secured in an open area of the truck. Never haul
pesticides in the passenger compartment of a vehicle or in an
area where feed is being transported. Keep absorbent material
such as cat box litter readily accessible in the event of a
small spill. Use the litter to absorb the spill and then handle
the absorbed material and litter as if it were the chemical
itself. In the event of a large spill, build a dike of sand
or dirt around the spill and contact the fire department to
alert a professionally-trained chemical spill clean-up team.
Never hose down a spill as this may spread the contamination.
Proper
storage of pesticides is important for maintaining the quality
of the chemical and to protect you, your family, farm animals,
and the environment from any unnecessary exposure. It is advisable
that all farms have a separate structure for pesticide storage.
This building should be locked at all times and must provide
protection from temperature extremes, high humidity and direct
sunlight. The structure should be dark, cool, dry, well-ventilated,
insulated to prevent freezing, and constructed to state and
local fire codes for storing flammable/combustible materials.
Never store feed, seed, food or fertilizers in an area where
pesticides are kept.
Always wear protective clothing and equipment when handling,
mixing or applying pesticides, or when cleaning application
equipment. Protective clothing and equipment should also be
worn when entering a pesticide-treated area before the no-entry
period has passed. Basic protection includes a washable hat
or cap with a full-brim, firmly woven cotton long-sleeved shirt
and long pants, cotton underwear and socks, non-leather shoes,
and a non-leather belt. Leather shoes and belts must be avoided
because they cannot be washed. Additional protective clothing
and equipment includes a waterproof hood, a hard hat or rain
hat, a face shield with goggles and a respirator, cotton coveralls,
a waterproof apron, unlined liquid proof elbow-length gloves,
and lightweight unlined liquid proof calf-high boots. Specialized
clothing may be needed when handling liquid concentrates and
highly toxic materials, or when clothing may become wet from
spray drift. Refer to the pesticide label for recommended protective
clothing.
Minimizing
exposure to a pesticide goes beyond the use of protective
clothing and equipment. Daily washing of clothing worn by
the applicator will reduce the risk of pesticide buildup on
the clothing. Never wash clothing exposed to pesticides with
other household laundry. Clothing saturated with pesticides
should be disposed of properly.
Proper
hand and face washing minimizes the risk of pesticide exposure
when eating, smoking or touching the face. An enclosed tractor
cab with an air filtration system provides excellent operator
protection when applying pesticides.
Performing
mixing and loading operations on a concrete pad with a curb
and a drain to a holding tank minimizes the risk of environmental
contamination. Triple or pressure rinse all empty pesticide
containers, puncture and discard according to state and local
codes. Most pesticide containers are to be used only once
and then discarded. Never reuse a container; no matter what
cleaning procedure is used there is still a high risk of contamination.
Appropriate
preparation and planning are essential for the safe application
of pesticides. The general recommendations for pesticide applicator
safety in this factsheet are intended to provide you with
information about the important issues to be considered when
applying pesticides. Contact your local Cooperative Extension
Service for more specific information.
For more details and information about pesticide applicator
safety, refer to the following publications from the Michigan
State University Cooperative Extension Service:
- Choosing
Clothing for Pesticide Safety, Extension Bulletin E-2150.
- Reading
a Pesticide Product Label, Extension Bulletin E-2182.
- Commercial
and Private Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, Extension
Bulletin E-2195.
- Using
Pesticides Safely: A Guide for the Applicator, Extension
Bulletin E-2215.
- Washing
Pesticide-Soiled Clothing, Extension Bulletin E-2413.
- Rinsing
and Recycling Pesticide Containers, AM-95.
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
Michigan State University
Kenneth D. Rosenman, M.D., Occupational Medicine, Michigan State
University, 5/92. This information is for educational purposes
only. Funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health - #UO5/CC-4506052-01. Reviewed by Dr. Larry Olsen,
Pesticide Education Coordinator, Michigan State University.
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