SAFETY MEASURES IN STORAGE, DISPENSING TRANSPORTATION AND USE OF PESTICIDE

Pesticide are chemical designed to be harmful to a target pest and purposely introduced into the environment to control insects,
bacteria, weeds, rodents and pests
Safety is always an issue when using pesticides. Applicators, bystanders, and the environment can be harmed by exposure to
pesticide concentrates or vapour drift. Those who work with pesticides must know and follow safe practices to reduce risk.
Pesticide safety begins with choosing the correct product. Safety is important in pesticide storage, transportation, mixing, and
loading. Equipment cleanup and maintenance must be done safely. Unwanted pesticides and empty pesticide containers must be
properly disposed.
SELECTING THE RIGH PESTICIDE
Safe pesticide use begins with choosing and buying a pesticide. To ensure that a pesticide is safe to use, make sure that the:
• Pesticide is registered for the intended use
• Pesticide may be used in available application equipment
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE)is on hand
• Label shows the pesticide as approved for the intended use
• Pesticide can be used safely under site conditions (Impact on non-target life, people, and the environment should be
minimal.)
• Pesticide can be used in an integrated pest management program
• Amount of product needed is calculated accurately
• Label restrictions are known
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces the applicator’s exposure to pesticides. To give effective protection, PPE should be
chosen based on the information given on the pesticide label. This equipment should be able to handle the rigours of work and length
of pesticide exposure. A pesticide applicator should know how to fit, use, clean, and maintain all PPE. This equipment should not be
used for any other kind of work. The personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for a given pesticide depends on the risk associated
with its handling. Risk factors include:
• The pesticide’s properties
• Type of exposure
• Length of exposure
• Application method

Pesticide Properties

The toxicity, volatility, formulation, and potential type of exposure to the pesticide determine the PPE that is needed. PPE must protect
against all types of possible exposure (oral, ocular, dermal, or inhalation). Highly toxic pesticides pose a high risk of harm to
applicators and require the most PPE. The more volatile a pesticide, the greater the risk of inhalation. This creates a greater need for
a respirator. When smaller pesticide particles are created by application equipment, the need for PPE is increased. Smaller particles
are more prone to be inhaled into the lungs. The eyes are very sensitive to toxic chemicals. Eye protection should always be used
when mixing and applying pesticides with a ‘corrosive’ warning on the label. The need for PPE varies with the type of application
equipment being used. Hazard symbols and label information statements are key to determining the toxicity of a pesticide. They may
also tell what PPE is needed when handling or applying the pesticide.

Instructions and Warnings on the Label

The pesticide label gives information on the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for handling a pesticide. This information
appears under the precautionary statement on the secondary panel of the label. Always follow label directions. A label may not
mention each piece of PPE that is needed. It may just state the protection needed. Labels may have statements that indicate a
potential problem (e.g., “avoid breathing dust or fumes”, "avoid skin contact", or "keep product out of the eyes"). Use these
statements to decide which PPE to wear.

Dermal Protection
The skin is a major route for pesticides to enter the body.

Gloves
Most exposure of pesticides occurs to the hands. This is especially so during pesticide mixing and loading. By wearing gloves, an
applicator can almost eliminate pesticide exposure to the hands. Wear gloves when:
• Handling or applying pesticides
• Rinsing or disposing of pesticide containers
• Repairing contaminated equipment
• Washing contaminated application or personal protective equipment
Gloves should be:
• In good condition (no holes or rips)
• Clean
• Unlined
• Made of proper chemical resistant material for the pesticide
• Long enough to cover the wrist and lower forearm
• Replaced regularly, as some gloves will breakdown over time.
Gloves are the first piece of PPE to be put on and the last to be removed. Always use unlined gloves to reduce the risk of absorbing
pesticides through the skin. Always wash gloves before taking them off. That way they will already be clean the next time they are
needed. This avoids contaminating other equipment.

BODY COVERING
Once on the skin, pesticides can quickly be absorbed into the body. Skin should be covered to
reduce the risk of poisoning from dermal exposure. Protective clothing should include:
• A long-sleeved shirt
• Long-legged trousers or Coveralls
• Protective footwear
• Socks
• Disposable coveralls designed for pesticide use can be used in place of a long-sleeved shirt and long-legged trousers.
Clothes should be pesticide-free and made of tightly woven fabric. They should be waterproof if the pesticides handled are likely to
wet clothing. A liquid-proof, chemical-resistant apron should be worn over coveralls when measuring, mixing, or loading pesticides.
This should cover the front of the body from chest to boots. It can be made of rubber or synthetic material. This will prevent absorption
of any concentrated pesticide spilled.

Boots/Protective Footwear
Applicators should wear unlined boots when mixing pesticides or walking through a treated area. These should be made of a
chemical-resistant material (e.g., neoprene, nitrile, or polyvinyl chloride). The boots should reach above the ankle and be covered by
the pant leg. This prevents liquid pesticides from running down into the boots and being absorbed through the skin.

Head Protection
A wide brimmed hat should be worn when handling pesticides. This should be made of a non-absorbent
material (e.g., rubber or plastic) for ease of cleaning. The head and neck area can absorb pesticide easier than other parts of the body.
Every time cloth or straw hats are worn the head is exposed to the pesticide.

Eye and Face Protection

Goggles
The eyes can absorb and be harmed by pesticides. To protect the eyes, wear clean goggles with a rubber or plastic
headband. Goggles should fit so that they form a seal around the eyes and have no air vents. Because eyeglasses
do not provide complete protection, always wear goggles that fit completely over glasses. Do not wear contact lenses when handling
pesticides because they can absorb the pesticide and keep it in contact with the eyes/

Face Shield
A face shield can protect the entire face from spills or splashes when mixing and loading pesticides. Goggles should be worn under
the face shield to protect the eyes from mist and volatile pesticides.
Respiratory Protection
A respirator that covers the mouth and nose should be used to prevent pesticide exposure through inhalation. Pesticide spray
droplets, particles, and vapours will be kept from entering the lungs when a properly fitted respirator (approved for pesticide use) is
worn. Respiratory protection is important because pesticides can
enter the bloodstream rapidly and fully through the lungs. If enough is inhaled, pesticides can damage the nose, throat, or lungs, or
cause damage to other organs of the body.

Respirators should fit properly, be clean, and have cartridges that can remove pesticides from the air that passes through them. The
cartridge or canister should be approved for pesticide use. Respirators must be worn when called for on the label. They should also
be worn if there is risk of exposure to harmful levels of pesticides in the air (e.g., during mixing, loading, or cleaning up a spill).

Respirators come in many shapes and sizes. Select one that fits properly. A proper fit may not be possible if the wearer has a beard,
facial hair, scarring or ridges. Hair prevents direct contact between the face and the edge of the [Link] the manufacturer's
guidelines for respirator fit

CLEANUP AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT

Care of Personal Protective Equipment

Properly fitted should be ;
• Properly cleaned after use
• Maintained
• Replaced regularly

Gloves
Clean gloves as follows:
1. Leave gloves on while taking off and cleaning other personal protective
equipment.
2. Wash gloves in soap and warm water before taking them off.
3. Check gloves for leaks. Roll the glove from the wrist to trap air in the fingers. Immerse the glove in water.
4. Discard leaky gloves.
5. Replace gloves on a regular basis.
Body Covering
Clean body covering as follows:
1. Wash off waterproof clothing before taking it off.
2. Discard heavily contaminated clothing.
3. Use disposable plastic garbage bags for storage of slightly contaminated
clothes before washing.
4. Wash clothing after each day of use.

To wash clothes:
􀂃 Use chemical resistant gloves to handle contaminated clothing.
􀂃 Use a pre-wash treatment on contaminated areas.
􀂃 Pre-soak and launder separate from normal laundry.
􀂃 Avoid overloading the washing machine.
􀂃 Pre-rinse clothing using the pre-soak cycle.
􀂃 Use either heavy-duty detergent, bleach, or household ammonia. Do not mix these cleaners.
􀂃 Repeat wash cycles as needed for complete cleaning of contaminated clothing.
􀂃 Run the empty washing machine through a full cycle after use. Use hot water and detergent to rinse it.
􀂃 Set the machine for:

• A normal wash cycle

• A full water level
• Hot water wash and rinse
􀂃 Hang clothes to dry. This prevents possible contamination of the dryer.
Throw out clothing that has been heavily contaminated. Place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it with empty pesticide containers.

Boots, Head Protection, Goggles, and Face Shields

Boots, head protection, goggles, and face shields should be washed with soap and warm water after each day of use. They should be
checked regularly for leaks or damage. Discard them when they can no longer provide the protection needed.

Respirators
Pre-filters and cartridges/canisters should be removed after each day of use. The respirator face piece should be washed in warm
water and mild detergent, then rinsed well. Place cartridges in a clean, sealed plastic bag or in a clean airtight container. This prolongs
cartridge life by stopping further uptake of vapours. Even moisture from the air can reduce the ability of a respirator cartridge to work
properly. Respirators should be checked regularly for damage. Make sure that all valves, mechanical pre-filters, and charcoal
cartridges are positioned and sealed. Cartridges should be
changed:
􀂃 At the start of each year (as a minimum)
􀂃 If breathing through the respirator becomes difficult
􀂃 Immediately if a smell or taste of pesticide is noted while wearing a fitted respirator
􀂃 When indicated in the respirator manufacturer’s guidelines for changing pre-filters and cartridges/canisters

STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Do not store personal protective equipment in a pesticide storage area, or with regular clothing. A cool, dry storage area extends the
life of personal protective clothing. Keep waterproof clothing (e.g., gloves, boots, splash apron, etc.) away from sunlight to extend its
life. Keep charcoal cartridges/canisters in clean airtight containers.

Application Equipment
Proper maintenance of application equipment extends its life, saves on replacement costs, and promotes environmental and
personal safety. Regularly inspect application equipment for wear and replace all worn or damaged parts. Lack of maintenance can
cause accidents, spills, damage to non-target sites, or non-uniform pesticide application rates. Application equipment should be
shut off before making repairs or adjustments.
Application equipment should be emptied and cleaned after each day of use, when changing pesticides, and before storage at the
end of the use season. Do not leave pesticides in application equipment for a long time. This may:

􀂃 Allow pesticide to eat into hoses, gaskets, and plastic

􀂃 Cause corrosion
􀂃 Reduce pesticide effectiveness
􀂃 Allow suspensions to settle out (This can create mechanical problems.)
􀂃 Allow granules to absorb moisture and form lumps (often making
them unusable)
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when cleaning application equipment. Clean application equipment
away from wells, surface water, and groundwater. This avoids contamination. Follow guidelines for taking off PPE. Shower before
eating, drinking or smoking. Wash the body, hair, and under the fingernails. Cleaning under the fingernails removes pesticide residues
that can pose a risk.

Transportation
Moving pesticides from one site to another requires care. Containers must be packaged and secured to prevent spillage during
transport. When transporting pesticides, pack pesticide containers securely to prevent
movement or breakage. Follow federal and provincial transportation laws. Take care when transporting liquid pesticides because a
spill may contaminate other containers and the transport vehicle. Ensure that containers are stacked securely to reduce the chance
of breaking or spilling. If a spill does occur, do not use the contaminated packages. Return them to the manufacturer for disposal or
repackaging. Clean the vehicle to prevent further contamination.
To avoid cross contamination, never transport pesticides with:
􀂃 Human or pet food
􀂃 Livestock feed
􀂃 Fertilizer
􀂃 Clothing
􀂃 Household goods

The above commodities must be kept separate from pesticides. Never leave pesticides unattended in a vehicle, unless they are
locked in a compartment separated from the passenger area.

Pesticides should be transported in containers that are in good condition, with an approved and intact label. Never buy or off-load
broken or leaky containers. Pesticides should be repackaged or disposed of if paper or plastic bags are broken.

When transporting liquid formulations, make sure caps and plugs are tightly closed and containers are arranged in an upright
position. Protect paper and cardboard containers from moisture (e.g., rain, snow, humidity). Never transport pesticides in the
passenger compartment of a vehicle or let people or animals ride in the same compartment with pesticides (e.g., the back of a truck).
Harmful fumes can be released and spills can cause poisoning or vehicle contamination. Do not transport pesticides on a wooden
truck bed because wood absorbs spilled pesticide and may contaminate future cargo loads. Pesticide containers should be placed
in an enclosed metal or plastic storage box. If this isnot possible, place pesticide containers on a waterproof tarp. Storage boxes or
bulk pesticide containers must be secured to the transport vehicle. Carry personal protective equipment and spill clean-up
equipment (e.g., a shovel and chemical
neutralizer) to safely collect pesticide in case of a spill.

Storage
Correct storage of pesticides can reduce the risk to humans, animals, and the environment

A storage facility should be:

􀂃 Separate from work areas, living areas, and areas where animals are kept
􀂃 Away from wells, ditches, or water bodies Away from porous soil and areas where flooding can occur
􀂃 Away from areas used by the public, children, and animals
􀂃 Ideally located 50 metres away from homes, hospitals, schools, and occupied buildings
􀂃 Accessible by road to emergency personnel

The storage facility should:

􀂃 Be used only for storing pesticides
􀂃 Be locked to prevent entry by unauthorized persons
􀂃 Be built to protect against adverse weather
􀂃 Be made of fire resistant materials
􀂃 Have a floor that does not allow seepage (with a curb to retain spills)
􀂃 Not have floor drains, unless self-contained (e.g., leading to a holding tank)
􀂃 Be well ventilated in all weather conditions
􀂃 Be well lit
􀂃 Have shelves made of materials that do not absorb pesticides
􀂃 Have proper electrical wiring
􀂃 Have proper fire extinguishers outside the storage facility
Have easy access to emergency equipment and personal protective
clothing outside the storage facility
􀂃 Have a warning sign on the entrance that indicates:
• Pesticides are stored there
• Flammable materials are present
• No smoking

Application

The careless or improper application of pesticides may risk exposing people or nearby property. Exceeding label rates or applying
pesticides in unsuitable weather can contaminate surface or groundwater. Failure to handle pesticides safely can put the applicator
at risk from spills and exposure. Before and during a pesticide application, applicators should practice the following:
􀂃 Read the label
􀂃 Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
􀂃 Use clean water
􀂃 Prevent contamination
Before a pesticide application begins, cover or remove all items that may become contaminated (e.g., animal feed, water containers,
toys, food utensils, etc.). Remove livestock and pets from the area if there is a risk of exposure. Make sure that proper warning signs
are posted at points of entry to the treatment area. Before application, consult provincial laws/municipal by-laws for specific signage
regulations. Prevent contamination by following buffer zones and re-entry times, as indicated on the label and/or provincial laws
􀂃 Mix and apply safely
Pesticides should be mixed and used at rates called for on the pesticide label. Only
use outdoor pesticides under favourable weather conditions.
􀂃 Never work alone
􀂃 Calibrate equipment
Use calibrated application equipment that is suited to the type of application, as
stated on the label. Make sure that the equipment is in good working order. Use
and maintain the settings (speed, pressure) chosen during calibration.
􀂃 Plan the pesticide application

Plan a travel route that will avoid passing through airborne spray or freshly treated areas. Stop the pesticide application when passing
through an area that does not require treatment. For example, shut off spray nozzles on a boom when turning or crossing a grassed
waterway.
􀂃 Apply granular pesticides correctly Soil-incorporated granules should be properly mixed into the soil and covered during their
application
􀂃 Repair equipment malfunctions safely

Pesticide Drift
Pesticide drift can damage non-target crops, landscape ornamentals, and lawns. It can pose a health hazard to people and damage
the environment (e.g., water, wildlife, aquatic habitat, etc.). To reduce pesticide drift:

􀂃 Use the lowest possible application rate.

􀂃 Deliver the spray as close to the target area as possible.
􀂃 Select the slowest speed possible for motorized application equipment.
􀂃 Use nozzles that reduce fine droplets (e.g., large nozzle orifice, low
pressure).
When working with sprays:
􀂃 Use an anemometer (wind meter) to measure wind speed and direction.
Keep a record of this.
􀂃 Do not apply when wind speeds exceed provincial regulatory requirements
or the label maximum.
􀂃 Do not apply pesticides when the temperature exceeds 250 C. The release
of vapours by pesticides increases as the temperature rises.

Disposal

Risk of human exposure or environmental contamination must be minimized when cleaning and disposing of empty pesticide
containers and excess pesticides.

Container Cleaning and Disposal

Containers should be cleaned when emptied. This removes pesticide residues before they dry. When emptying a pesticide container:

􀂃 For liquids, drain the pesticide into the spray tank or mixing tank until no drips are visible.
􀂃 For solids, gently shake the bag into the tank or hopper until no loose pesticide remains.
􀂃 Triple rinse or pressure rinse metal, plastic, or glass containers, unless otherwise indicated on the label.
􀂃 Gently single rinse bags if possible, unless otherwise indicated on the label.

Empty pesticide containers should be properly cleaned and disposed of because:

􀂃 Improperly rinsed containers cannot be recycled.
􀂃 Pesticide residues can be hazardous to humans. Children playing around containers could be poisoned.
􀂃 Pesticide residues can contaminate the environment. For example, rain could wash residues into a stream and kill fish.
􀂃 Poor container disposal creates a bad public image. Customers who see poor disposal may refuse future business.
􀂃 Poor disposal practices waste pesticides and money.

To Triple Rinse an Empty Pesticide Container:

1. Fill the empty container to at least 10% of its volume with a diluent (usually water) and recap. The amount of rinse water required
may vary.
2. Shake or roll the container, and make sure that inside surfaces are well rinsed. Pour the rinse water into the spray tank. Repeat the
process twice more. If pressure-rinsing equipment is used, rinse the container for 60 seconds. Pour the rinse water into the spray
tank.
3. After cleaning, make the empty container unusable by cutting, puncturing, and/or crushing plastic, metal, or paper containers.
Break glass containers in a plastic bag. This prevents future uses such as for water buckets, harvesting containers, or sand pails.
4. Cap and properly dispose of the container. Plastic containers can often be returned to vendors or depots for recycling/disposal.. If
you cannot dispose of cleaned, empty containers immediately, return them
to locked storage.

Pesticide Disposal
Disposal of Concentrated Pesticide
Planning your pesticide purchases will minimize excess pesticide concentrates left over after an application or use season. Review
records of prior applications. Use the pesticide that is on hand before buying more. Contact the pesticide manufacturer or a local
vendor to be sure that old stocks are still effective. The safest way to dispose of pesticide concentrates is to use them according to
label directions. If this is not possible, unopened containers may sometimes be returned to the manufacturer or local dealer.
Applicators can also contact the provincial pesticide regulatory body for advice on proper disposal of unused pesticides.
Disposal of Surplus Tank Mixture
Applicators can avoid large amounts of surplus tank mixture before mixing by:
􀂃 Accurately measuring the area to be treated
􀂃 Confirming application rates
􀂃 Calibrating application equipment
If there is tank mix remaining at the end of an application, use it according to label directions on another area that requires the same
pesticide. If this is not possible, contact the provincial pesticide regulatory body for advice.

Re-entry
Humans risk being exposed to pesticides if they enter treated areas too soon after an application without wearing proper personal
protective equipment (PPE). Levels of exposure in freshly treated areas can be as high as during application. Re-entry times are stated
on some pesticide labels. If these times are not given, exposure can be minimized by following provincial re-entry guidelines or waiting
until liquid pesticides dry. Observe the re-entry time before going into a treated area without wearing proper PPE. If you need to re-
enter a treated area before the re-entry time has passed, wear appropriate PPE. Make sure that all who may enter a treated area are
aware of the re-entry time by posting signs.

Ecological Effect of Pesticide use

Threats to Biodiversity The threats associated with the use of uncontrolled use of these toxins cannot be overlooked. It is the need of
the hour to consider the pesticide impact on populations of aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals and birds. Accumulation of
pesticides in the food chains is of greatest concern as it directly affects the predators and raptors. But, indirectly, pesticides can also
reduce the quantity of weeds, shrubs and insects on which higher orders feed. Spraying of insecticides, herbicides and fungicide
have also been linked to declines in the population of rare species of animals and birds.

Threats to Aquatic Biodiversity Pesticides enter the water via drift, by runoff, leaching through the soil or they may be applied directly
into surface water in some cases such as for mosquitoes’ control. Pesticide-contaminated water poses a great threat to aquatic form
of life. It can affect aquatic plants, decrease dissolved oxygen in the water and can cause physiological and behavioural changes in
fi sh populations. Pesticides which are applied to land drift to aquatic ecosystems and there they are toxic to fi shes and non-target
organisms. These pesticides are not only toxic themselves but also interact with stressors which include harmful algal blooms. With
the overuse of pesticides, a decline in populations of different fish species is observed.
Aquatic animals are exposed to pesticides in three ways
Dermally : Direct absorption via skin • Breathing : Uptake via gills during breathing • Orally : Entry via drinking contaminated water
About 80 % of the dissolved oxygen is provided by the aquatic plants and it is necessary for the sustenance of aquatic life. Killing of
aquatic plants by the herbicides results in drastically low O 2 levels and ultimately leads to suffocation of fish and reduced fish
productivity.
. Generally, levels of pesticides are much higher in surface waters than groundwater probably because of surface runoff from
farmland and contamination by spray drift. However, pesticides reach underground through seepage of contaminated surface water,
improper disposal and accidental spills and leakages.

Threats to Terrestrial Biodiversity

Pesticide exposure can also cause sub-lethal effects on terrestrial plants in addition to killing non-target plants. Drifting or
volatilization of phenoxy herbicides can injure nearby trees and shrub. Herbicide glyphosate increases susceptibility of plants to
diseases. Even low doses of herbicides, sulfonylureas, sulphonamides and imidazolinones have a devastating impact on the
productivity of nontarget crops, natural plant communities and wildlife.
Pesticides have not even spared the terrestrial animal populations. Populations of beneficial insects such as bees and beetles can
significantly decline by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides such as carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids. Insect
population has also been found to be greater on organic farms compared to non-organic ones. Synergistic effects of pyrethroids and
triazole or imidazole fungicides are harmful to honey bees.

Pesticide Impact on Human Health

Pesticides have improved the standard of human health by controlling vector-borne diseases, however, their long term and
indiscriminate use has resulted in serious health effects. Human beings especially infants and children are highly vulnerable to
deleterious effects of pesticides due to the non-specific nature and inadequate application of pesticides. As the pesticide use has
increased over the past few decades, the likelihood of exposure to these chemicals has also increased considerably.

Pesticides enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation or penetration via skin. But the majority of people get affected via the
intake of pesticide contaminated food. After crossing several barriers, they ultimately reach human tissues or storage compartments.
Although human bodies have mechanisms for the excretion of toxins, however, in some cases, it retains them through absorption in
the circulatory system. Toxic effects are produced when the concentration of pesticide in the body increases far more than its initial
concentration in the environment. The effects of pesticides on human health are highly variable. They may appear in days and are
immediate in nature or they may take months or years to manifest and hence are called chronic or long-term effects.
Acute Effects of Pesticides Immediate effects of pesticide exposure include headache, stinging of the eyes and skin, irritation of the
nose and throat, skin itching, appearance of the rash and blisters on the skin, dizziness, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and
vomiting, blurred ision, blindness and very rarely death.
Chronic Effects of Pesticides Chronic effects of pesticides are often lethal and may not appear even for years. These are long term
effects that cause damage to multiple body organs. Pesticide exposure for prolonged periods of time results in following
consequences:

Pesticide exposure can cause a range of neurological health effects such as loss of coordination and memory, reduced visual ability
and reduced motor signaling.

Long-term pesticide exposure damages the immune system and can cause hypersensitivity, asthma and allergies
Pesticide residues have been found in the bloodstream of cancer patients compared to normal individuals. Pesticides have been
associated with leukaemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, cancer of the breast, prostate, ovaries, and testes.
The presence of pesticides in the body for a longer time also affects reproductive capabilities by altering the levels of male and female
reproductive hormones. Consequently, it results in stillbirth, birth defects, spontaneous abortion and infertility
Long-term exposure to pesticide also damages liver, lungs, kidneys and may cause blood diseases.