Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 5:PESTICIDES AND HEALTH,SAFETY & THE ENVIRONMENTSTEP 3: Safe systems of work, the introduction of technical andorganisational measures and safe practices, and trainingHas the employer ensured that there is a safe system of work in place,as identified in the risk assessment? For example, are workers removedaway from areas before spraying begins? Are re-entry periods intotreated areas being observed?Is there effective supervision in place?Has the spray equipment been checked to see if it is in working orderand properly calibrated?STEP 4: Information and training Have workers using pesticides received specialised HS&E training?Operators on farms and holdings must have the correct training for thepesticides and equipment they handle, be well informed of the law andwhat constitutes good practice, and be supervised by someone who isalso trained Have other workers exposed to pesticides received basic training on thepesticide hazards and risk prevention and control measures?Hygiene and Health Surveillance Are good washing facilities provided both in the farm/plantation yardand in the field/glasshouse where the pesticide is being applied? Allusers should wash after spraying Is first aid equipment available where needed, including eye washes,and are there workers/staff trained in first aid use? Is health surveillance available when the product used could have aserious effect on health if control measures fail (for example, withorganophosphorus and carbamates)?Other information Does the pesticide(s) present unnecessary risks to livestock and the‘environment’ (bees, fish, etc)? Will it damage, directly or through leaching, any streams, rivers, or otherwater, whether surface or underground? Will it damage neighbouring crops? Are adequate precautions established to prevent either livestock, or thepublic, from coming in contact with the area to be sprayed (e.g. warningnotices on public footpaths, notice to beekeepers) In addition to specific precautions on each application, large pesticideusers, particularly on farms and plantations, must prominently displaytheir written plans for emergency procedures. Everyone on-site shouldbe familiar with the plan and have received training in itsimplementation251 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers