Pesticide Storage and Handling - Perennia

Pesticide Storage & HandlingfactsheetThe storage and application of pesticides onfarms has the potential to contaminateground and surface water.A properly designed and constructedpesticide storage facility will:• reduce the risk of surface andgroundwater contamination,• protect nearby feed/food storages fromcontamination,• increase user safety and• restrict access to authorized persons.The freezer should have a plastic linercapable of containing a spill. The freezerdoor should be locked and a pesticidestorage sign should be posted.When large quantities of pesticides arestored, a separate storage facility should beconstructed (Figure 2).Those who keep or store pesticides shouldfamiliarize themselves with provinciallegislation governing the use of pesticides.The physical requirements for storages willvary with the quantity and type of materialstored.Storage StructuresWhen a farm stores small quantities ofpesticides (less then 25 L in liquid form or25 kg in solid form), an old householdfreezer will provide adequate storage(Figure 1).Figure 1: Freezer StorageFigure 2: Pesticide Storage BuildingSite SelectionThe pesticide storage facility should belocated on a site that meets the followingcriteria:• away from other buildings,• in an area not prone to flooding,• 30 m from wells and watercourses,• in accordance with local municipality’sseparation distances from property lines,homes, livestock facilities and fueltanks,• with access to electrical service,• in an area that is easily accessible but notsusceptible to vandalism.

Storage Organization• Pesticides should be stored off the flooron sturdy, steel shelves (Figure 4).Shelves should be made of a noncombustiblematerial that can be easilycleaned. All shelving should be attachedto the wall for stability.• Products should be organized in groups(i.e. herbicide, fungicide, insecticide).Safety and ProtectiveEquipment• First aid kit• Eye wash station• Fire extinguisher• Containment and/or clean-up materials(i.e. peat moss, cat litter, absorbentmaterials, etc.) should be available at alltimes to minimize the risk of watercontamination during a spill orunintentional release of pesticidesSignageFigure 4: Shelving and Organization• Metal containers should be handled in away that will prevent corrosion andleakage.• Opened containers should be re-sealedand stored upright.• Opened bags of dry pesticides should bestored inside a second clear bag to avoidmoisture damage and spillage. Ensurethe pesticide label is still visible.• Rodent baits should be stored away fromother pesticides.• Purchase pesticides by season and storeas little as possible.• Mark the product purchase date on allcontainers to ensure the oldest containersare used first.• Read and follow all label directionsregarding storage conditions.• Signs stating “WARNING CHEMICALSTORAGE – AUTHORIZRD PERSONNELONLY” and “NO SMOKING” should beposted at the point of entry.• Emergency numbers should be postednear the door of the building and thenearest telephone. The local fire brigadeshould also be made aware of thelocation, type and general quantity ofpesticides stored on the farm.MixingWater used for filling the pesticide sprayershould be supplied from a bulk water tank.If the sprayer is filled from a tap, ensure thetap is fitted with an anti-backflow device.Greenhouse operations with pesticidemixing units should have a check valveinstalled on the waterline.It is important to ensure that someone isconstantly watching the sprayer duringfilling to prevent overflows, as sometimesthe sprayer is not completely empty whenrefilling or pesticides are added duringfilling. Pesticides should be added to thesprayer at a location that is at least 30 metersfrom the nearest well, watercourse or pond.

HandlingDifferent precautions are required whenhandling various pesticides because theydiffer in toxicity. Hazard ratings inform theuser as to how each product should behandled.Hazard Ratings:Requires goggles,respirator, gloves andskin protection. Avoidfumes and spray mist.Requires goggles,gloves and skinprotection. Avoidfumes and spray mist.Requires gloves andskin protection. Avoidfumes and spray mist.If a hazard symbol does not exist on theproduct, it is likely of low toxicity tomammals. However, protective clothingshould always be used, even if there is nohazard symbol.If symptoms of illness occur during orshortly after pesticide use, the individualshould immediately get to a hospital orphysician. The container or product label ofthe pesticide that was in use should bebrought with them.Disposal of PesticideContainersEmpty pesticide containers are not reallyempty. As much as two to four ounces of thechemical can remain inside an empty, unrinsedcontainer. Rinse the containersimmediately after they are emptied. Emptythe container into a spray tank and let itdrain for 30 seconds. Fill the container atleast one-fifth full with clean water. Shakeor swirl vigorously to rinse all insidesurfaces. Empty the rinsate into the spraytank and let the container drain for 30seconds. Repeat the procedure two moretimes, then puncture the container.Plastic containers must be disposed of at acollection facility and unused product mustbe disposed of in a manner specified on thelabel. Empty pesticide bags can be placed inthe garbage.Disposal of PesticideSprayer RinsateRinsate can be sprayed over the field againonce the rinsing is complete. When a fieldhas already been sprayed at the full rateavoid covering the same ground againbecause of the risk of crop damage. Insteadthe rinsate can be sprayed along fieldborders, as long as they are not adjacent tosensitive areas.SummaryA properly constructed pesticide storagefacility will reduce the risk of surface andgroundwater contamination, increase usersafety, protect nearby feed/food storagesfrom contamination and limit access toauthorized persons only.Prepared in 2006 using: ACAE On-Farm PesticideStorage publication, Agdex No: 607/790