Guidelines for Safely Mixing and Loading Pesticides
Only authorized pesticide handlers or supervisors should be in the mixing and loading area. All handlers should be wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE). No other persons, and no animals, should be present.
To prevent spills, place pesticide containers in a secure position when you’re opening and handling them.
Read and follow label directions. Pay special attention to warnings and precautions.
Work only in a well-ventilated, well-lighted area.
Never stir pesticides with your hands. Use a stir-stick.
Use a catch basin–a container within a container–to prevent inadvertent spills. For example, a measuring jar can be placed inside a plastic tub. If the measuring jar happened to tip over, the spill would be conned to the tub.
Never pour pesticides at eye level. In fact, never lift any open pesticide container higher than your chest. Mix and pour concentrated pesticides no higher than waist level. A spill or splash could be disastrous.
If pesticides are spilled or splashed on you, remove your clothing immediately and wash yourself thoroughly within two minutes. Then wash your clothing.
Protect your eyes with splash-proof goggles.
Stand with your back to the wind so any fumes or dusts are blown away from you.
Never pour pesticide directly into a spray tank. Always mix and dilute the pesticide in a small container.
Pour the pesticide into water. Never pour water into the pesticide.
When pouring, keep your head well above and to one side of the spray tank opening. This will reduce the chance of your being splashed in the face.
Mix and load on a concrete slab where spills can be contained, or, if no slab is available, use a catch basin.
Avoid mixing or loading near surface water or a well head.
Do not leave a pesticide tank you’re filling unattended.
Read Also : Methods of Disposal of Waste Pesticide Containers
Never allow a spray tank to overflow. The cleanup could be a costly and dangerous all-day, all-night task.
In conclusion, although pesticides can be useful, they also can be dangerous if used carelessly or are not stored properly. The first step to the safe handling of pesticides is to always read the label and follow the directions to the letter, including all precautions and restrictions.
Pesticide handlers must be educated on the safety regulations guiding the design, construction of a pesticide store, as well as maintenance practices in the store. Extra precaution should be taken when dispensing pesticides because of the risk of exposure to the pesticide.
The necessary safety measured in the design and construction of a pesticide storage facility;
The safety precautions to be taken for secure storage of pesticides, and
How to dispense pesticides while keeping the handlers and the environment safe.
