SAFETY

Application, Use and Storage of Pesticides

Application

• Use correct equipment for applying pesticides
• Ensure that pesticides do not go onto yourself, your clothing and in the soil and water
• DO NOT spray pesticides on a windy day.
• Find out the wind direction using a handkerchief to find out wind direction and ensure that spraying and that the wind is hitting your back.
• Ensure when spraying pesticides that windows are closed, no children in vicinity, animals or water sources are nearby and anything else that can be contaminated.
• Only apply pesticides early in the morning or in the late afternoon – never during mid day, especially when it is hot.
• Do not enter a sprayed field until all the plants and soil is no longer wet from pesticides.
• Cover your hand with a glove or plastic bag when spraying (throw away used the bag to avoid contamination) to avoid skin contact with poison.
• Use a mask to avoid breathing in the spray mist from the can.

After Use

• Wash you body and equipment after using pesticides and wash pesticide clothing after each use.
• Do not wash pesticide contaminated clothes along with non-pesticide clothes.
• NEVER pour pesticides or put empty containers down the drain or into the toilet or into storm water drains or rivers, reservoirs or dams.
• Let everyone around you know when you are using pesticides so they can protect themselves.
• DO NOT REUSE PESTICIDE CONTAINERS FOR APPLICATIONS SUCH AS STORING WATER
• IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO BURN or BURY EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINERS. Burning can release toxic fumes and burying contaminates water source.

Storage

• Store pesticides in a locked room that is not part of your home and ensure children or others cannot
  open the room or find the key.
• Do not leave pesticides, sprayers or containers lying around – lock these away.