Before Using Pesticides
- Planning and Preparation:
- Determine the exact size of the area to be treated and carefully follow the instructions on the pesticide label to mix only the necessary amount of formulation for a single application. This minimizes waste and reduces the risk of leftover pesticide requiring disposal.
- For dilutions, thoroughly drain containers and measuring vessels used for the concentrate and then triple-rinse them with the appropriate diluent. Add these rinsing to the final mixture.
- Safety Precautions:
- Be aware of the inherent hazards of pesticides, which can range from corrosiveness and flammability to toxicity and environmental harm. Certain pesticides may pose fire risks if used near open flames or ignition sources, so extinguish all pilot lights and disconnect electrical appliances as necessary.
- Never use a pesticide on humans, pets, or livestock unless the label explicitly states that it is safe for such use.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), even when handling small quantities. Consult the label or SDS for specific recommendations, which may include gloves, masks, respirators, boots, and protective clothing.
- Keep a first-aid kit readily available in case of accidental poisoning.
- Notifications and Warnings:
- If applying pesticides on a farm, issue timely warnings to relevant parties, such as government departments, farm workers, and neighbors. This is particularly crucial for severely toxic pesticides, where warning notices should be posted in multiple languages.
- For soil fumigation, take additional precautions. When using a gaseous fumigant, estimate the required number of gas-proof sheets and fumigant mass. For bromide fumigation, ensure the soil temperature is above 8°C at a depth of 100 mm.
During Pesticide Application
- Minimizing Exposure and Drift:
- When working indoors, ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors. For space sprays, vacate the treated area immediately and allow for the recommended ventilation period.
- When working outdoors, take precautions to prevent pesticide drift onto people, animals, crops, water sources, and public areas. Suspend spraying operations in windy conditions to avoid contamination.
- When treating buildings, remove or securely cover food, feed, and livestock.
- Specific Application Guidelines:
- For gardens and greenhouses, water plants thoroughly the day before treatment to reduce susceptibility to phytotoxicity. Keep greenhouse entrances closed to maintain temperature and humidity during treatment.
- When treating trees, apply pesticides from an upwind direction. For herbicide application, exercise extreme care to prevent contact with susceptible plants.
- Bait Placement:
- Position bait in locations that are inaccessible to children and animals. Replenish bait as needed and remove it once pest activity ceases.
After Pesticide Use
- Decontamination:
- Thoroughly wash all protective garments with soap or detergent and water after each use.
- Wash hands and any exposed skin with soap and water immediately after handling pesticides.
- Collect and clean all protective clothing and equipment at the end of each day or operation. Do not reuse contaminated items without proper cleaning.
- Container Management:
- Never reuse empty pesticide containers for any purpose other than to hold the same product.
- If not reusing the container, triple-rinse it with water and render it unusable to prevent accidental reuse. This can involve shattering glass containers, puncturing plastic and metal containers, or crushing them.
Pesticide Storage
- Secure and Designated Storage:
- Store pesticides and application equipment in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important for highly hazardous pesticides.
- The storage area should be well-ventilated, cool, and dry. Ideal locations include a locked cupboard, a dedicated pesticide storeroom, or a purpose-built storage facility.
- Separation and Segregation:
- Keep pesticides separate from food, feed, drinking water, and other household items.
- Store flammable liquids in a separate, well-ventilated area, clearly marked with hazard warnings.
- Separate and segregate pesticides based on their properties and hazards. For example, store flammable pesticides away from toxic pesticides to reduce fire risks.
- Inventory and Labeling:
- Maintain a detailed inventory of all stored pesticides, including product names, batch numbers, supplier information, quantities, and dates received.
- Ensure that all containers have clear and legible labels. This includes original product labels, as well as appropriate hazard class diamonds and warning notices.
Pesticide Disposal
- Responsible Disposal Options:
- Prioritize returning pesticide waste and empty containers to the supplier or a registered disposal company.
- Alternatively, triple-rinsed empty containers (except for plastic drums) can be sent to a registered reprocessing company.
- On-Farm Disposal:
- In certain cases, pesticide waste and punctured containers can be disposed of in a designated hazardous waste landfill site on the farm. However, this site must be registered with the relevant authorities.
- General Disposal Guidelines:
- Never pour pesticides into sewerage systems or any water sources.
- Do not burn combustible containers, as this can release harmful vapors and pose explosion risks.
- When disposing of pesticides on a designated farm site, select a high and flat location, or one that slopes away from water sources. Excavate a pit, line it with lime, dilute the pesticide to the lowest recommended concentration, and cover it with ash and soil.
- Additional Considerations
- Check with your local municipality or environmental agency for specific regulations and disposal options in your area.
- Some communities may have hazardous waste collection events or designated drop-off points for pesticide disposal.
- Consider exploring alternative pest control methods to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
By following these guidelines, pesticide users can contribute to a safer and more sustainable approach to pest management, protecting human health and the environment.