Pesticides - Working Safely

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

• Use the right pesticide for the job. Make sure the label lists the pest you wish to control.
• Select the least hazardous pesticide that will still be effective.
• 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, and/or a respirator.
• Always read the label. Keep the label "intact" and make sure it is readable.
• 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.
• Clean up spills immediately and dispose of the waste according to directions on the label.
• Dispose of empty containers according to directions on the label.

DO NOT

• Do not use products for uses other than what they are intended for.
• Do not use more pesticide than is recommended (twice the product will not have more effect).
• Never burn pesticides or pour them down a drain.

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:

• Pesticides - First Aid
• Pesticides - General
• Pesticides - Labels
• Pesticides - Health Effects
• Pesticides - Re-Entry Time

DO

• Be sure there is good ventilation and lighting in the area where you are mixing the pesticide.
• Always mix the pesticide at the recommended rate and amounts. Do not "guess" with the measurements.
• Calculate how much product you will need ahead of time so you don't make too much. Apply the minimum amount of pesticide that is effective.
• Keep the container below your eye level to help avoid splashing or spilling the pesticide into your eyes and face.
• Many spray pesticides are flammable. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
• Have a knife or scissors that are used ONLY for opening pesticide bags.

DO NOT

• Do not create dusts or splashes when opening a container or pouring liquids. Do not tear bags open.
• Do not use the same knife or scissors to open the bags that you use with food.

DO

• Keep equipment in good working order. For example: do not use sprayers with leaking hoses or loose connections.
• Use the right sprayer equipment (calibrated droplet size/nozzle) that produces required spray quality and minimizes drifting.
• Post signs in areas where pesticides are going to be applied, and when re-entry is recommended.
• Schedule applications when other workers are least likely to be exposed - after hours or when people are not present - at the end of the day, or weekends.
• Always apply the pesticide at the recommended time and under favourable weather conditions (recommended: light to moderate wind (2 - 9.6 km/h), temperature lower than 25°C and humidity higher than 40%).
• Make sure the spray blows away from you or anyone else.
• Minimize drift by reducing the distance between the nozzle and the target area. Use the type of nozzle that gives the largest but still effective droplet size.
• Provide temporary extra ventilation, where necessary, to remove pesticide vapour or aerosol when spraying indoors.
• After applying, keep away until the pesticide has dried or until the "re-entry" time indicated on the label has passed.
• Always follow the recommended waiting time between pesticide application and the harvest (picking or eating) of fruits or vegetables.
• Clearly label treated surfaces where pesticide residues may remain.
• After spraying, all surfaces that may contact food must be washed and rinsed with water before re-use.

DO NOT

• Do not use your mouth to siphon liquids from containers or to blow out clogged lines, nozzles, etc.
• Do not mix, spray, or dust "into" the wind.
• Be careful when working or spraying near other people, livestock, other crops or when near streams, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. Pesticides can easily run off or drift into other areas.
• Do not spray near other people, pets/animals, children's toys, food, dining dishes, etc.
• Never spray on a very windy or a dead calm day. When there is no wind the finer droplets may remain suspended in the air until the wind picks up and they may be transported somewhere else.
• Never place rodent or insect baits and traps where children or pets can reach them.

DO

• Use the "buddy system" if working with highly toxic pesticides. Work with another person so they can watch for signs of any health effects.
• Wash your hands and face after working with the pesticide. Always wash before eating or smoking, before leaving for the day, or after using the toilet.
• Change your clothes after applying the pesticide. Wash your clothes in a separate load before wearing them again. Run an empty "rinse cycle" before washing other clothing.
• Leather boots, shoes, belts, watch bands or jackets splashed with pesticides cannot be decontaminated and must be discarded.

DO NOT

• Do not breathe in sprays or dusts.
• Do not eat, smoke or drink around 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.

• Isolate the spill area and ventilate if indoors.
• Wear the correct personal protective equipment - unauthorized people and those without protection should be kept out of the spill area.
• Use an absorptive material for liquid spills such as activated charcoal, or vermiculite.
• After a spill has been absorbed, the contaminated area should be scrubbed with a bleach/ detergent mixture at least two times.
• For specific clean up and disposal information, read the SDS. Contact the pesticide manufacturer if you need more information.

(Adapted from: WorkSafe Alberta - Using pesticides safely)