precautions while using pesticides

Before application, make sure that the treatment area is clear of all unprotected people. Many states require that all persons in the intended treatment areas, or even in adjacent areas, be informed about pesticide applications before the pesticides are applied. This warning is referred to as prenotification. Prenotification of a pesticide application is intended to protect others from exposure to pesticides. Check with your state pesticide regulatory agency or your local Cooperative Extension agent for the prenotification procedures required by your state. While you are applying pesticides there are many safety precautions to follow. You are responsible for the protection of not only yourself but other people, domestic animals, and the environment as well. You cannot afford to be careless!

Moderately toxic chemicals can be poisonous to you when they are used day after day. Pesticides can contaminate clothing and may soak through to your skin. Do not work in drift, spray, or runoff unless you are properly protected. If pesticides spill on your gloves, be careful not to wipe your hands on your clothing. Work in pairs when you are dealing someone else is doing repair work on equipment that has not been cleaned, warn them of possible hazards. Do not allow children, pets, or unauthorized people near the pesticide equipment. If you are working some distance from your equipment or at the end of a long spray hose, have someone keep watch near the sprayer so that no one gets injured by the machinery.

Try to use all the pesticide in your tank. If you have some left at the end of the job, use the remainder on other target locations at the recommended dosage. Clean the equipment and put it away immediately after use to prevent accidents. Do not leave pesticides or pesticide containers out in the field or at the application site. Be sure to account for every container used. Safely dispose of empty containers. Do not reuse pesticide containers for any purpose. NEVER give them to children for any use. Partially used pesticides should be stored in their tight original containers in a locked building. Keep children and uninformed people away from the storage area.

Mixing, loading, and application equipment must be cleaned as soon as you are finished using them. Dont buy more pesticides than you will need. If you have leftover pesticides, check with your local government to determine whether your community has a household hazardous waste collection program or other program for disposing of pesticides. If no community program exists, follow label directions and any state or local regulations regarding disposal.

Unprotected people should wait until the proper time to enter an area that has had a pesticide application. The entry restriction is the period of time that should pass between treatment and returning to a treatment area. Entry restrictions may be found on some pesticide labels.

Carelessness in transporting pesticides can result in broken containers, spills and contamination. Once pesticides are in your possession, you are responsible for safely transporting them. Accidents can occur even when transporting materials a short distance. If a pesticide accident occurs, you are responsible. Do all you can to prevent a transport problem, but be prepared in case an emergency should arise. The safest way to carry pesticides is in the back of a truck. Flatbed trucks should have side and tail racks. Steel beds are preferable since they can be more easily decontaminated if a spill should occur. Never carry pesticides inside your car, van, or truck cab. Pesticides may cause injury or death if they spill on you or your passengers; hazardous fumes may be released.

Protective gear is especially important when you mix and load pesticides in their undiluted, concentrated forms. Studies show that you are at a greater risk of accidental poisoning when handling pesticide concentrates. Pouring pesticide concentrates from one container to another is the most hazardous activity. That is why it is important that you wear protective clothing and equipment before you handle pesticides.

Avoid spraying near houses, schools, playgrounds, hospitals, bee hives (apiaries), lakes, streams, pastures, or sensitive crops. If you must spray near sensitive areas, never spray or dust outside on windy days. Even with low winds, always apply downwind from any sensitive area. Plan your applications for times when people, animals, pets, and nontarget pests (such as honey bees) will not be exposed. Notify residents and beekeepers when you plan to spray in their areas and urge them to take appropriate precautions. Never spray directly into or across streams, ponds, or lakes without first checking with authorities regarding appropriate procedures or necessary permits. Completely cover or remove toys and pet dishes, as well as close all of the windows. Be sure that children and pets are not present in the area of the pesticide application. Avoid sensitive indoor areas such as infants rooms, food preparation and storage areas, heating and air conditioning systems, and also be familiar with pet and fish tank locations.

Pesticides that fall anywhere but on the target area can injure people, crops, and the environment. Choose weather conditions, pesticides, application equipment, pressure, droplet size, formulations, and adjuvants that minimize drift and runoff hazard. Spills can be avoided by taking simple precautions.

Properly maintained and carefully used equipment contribute to safe pesticide application. Poor maintenance and careless use of equipment add to the hazard posed by pesticides. Be sure to turn off your machinery before making any adjustments or repairs on it. If someone else is doing repair work on equipment that has not been cleaned, warn them of possible hazards. Do not allow children, pets, or unauthorized people near the pesticide equipment.