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F O C U S O N S A F E T Y SAFE HERBICIDE HANDLING by Terry Jobson, Corporate Safety Specialist 8 Utility vegetation managers and foresters use a variety of measures to control undesirable brush, trees and other plants along their right-of-ways. One method is the use of herbicides. When used correctly, herbicides can safely and effectively add another weapon to the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) arsenal. IPM involves combining various control tactics including mechanical, natural and chemical control into a single plan to reduce pest plants to an acceptable level. Risk versus Rewards While it’s true there are some risks associated with herbicide use, it’s also true that there are risks in many of the activities we undertake, such as driving a car or simply walking down a street. On the other hand, there are some serious risks associated with not controlling undesirable plants, such as power outages in utility line corridors. Also, most risks involved with herbicides can be prevented by following label directions, using proper PPE and handling directions. Governmental Oversight The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a department of the Federal Government and has oversight of all herbicides used within the United States. To receive EPA approval, the active ingredients in herbicides undergo over 100 different studies. From the time an herbicide is formulated in the laboratory to the time it receives a Specimen Label from the EPA can take between four and ten years. These herbicides are then under constant evaluation. Additionally, each state has to review the product for use in their geographical regions. Individual states can also put restrictive uses on products. The enforcement “arm” of the EPA at the state level is the Department of Agriculture. It is generally the Department of Agriculture that issues licenses to applicators and businesses within each state. Procedures for training, testing and licensures vary greatly from state to state. Specimen Label & MSDS The EPA approved Specimen Label explains a product’s safe handling requirements and is extremely important. It should be read and completely understood prior to using any herbicide product. An herbicide Specimen Label is much more than a label on a container. The actual Specimen Label for an herbicide is typically a multi-paged document that contains important directions for the use of the product. It is a legal document, and failure to follow it can result in serious legal consequences. Some of the items included in the Specimen Label are: where the herbicide can be used, the methods for mixing and applying it, plants controlled by the herbicide, ingredients, precautionary statements (hazards), first aid directions, environmental concerns and PPE requirements. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that supplements the Specimen Label.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y The MSDS expands on first aid guidelines, fire fighting measures, handling and storage, exposure guidelines, toxicology, conditions to avoid, ingredients, environmental fate (how the product breaks down and how long it will take), spill control and disposal methods. Transporting Herbicides People transporting herbicides are required to carry current copies of Specimen Labels and MSDS sheets with them. Moving herbicides without these documents can result in citations and fines especially if there is an accident involving the herbicides or if there’s an inspection by the Department of Agriculture or OSHA. The following precautions should be considered whenever herbicides are being transported: • Have a spill control plan in place, and make sure everyone knows how to use it. • Know your emergency contact numbers. • Always have a spill kit on hand. The kit should include a minimum of a large plastic bag, “kitty litter” for absorption, a shovel and a broom. • Before herbicides are loaded, inspect all containers for leaks. • Try to transport only enough herbicides for one day of use. The less carried the less potential for a serious problem in the event of an accident. • Never transport herbicides inside a truck cab. • Secure all containers during transport. • Avoid driving across private property whenever possible and never without the landowner’s permission. • Never leave herbicides in an unattended vehicle that cannot be fully secured especially in areas where there may be children. • Try to park transport vehicles and spray trucks in the shade. Heat from the sun can cause volatile herbicide gases to expand in their containers with the potential to spew out when opened. Nelson utilizes returnable/refillable barrels. Some of the benefits from this system include much less exposure of products to employees and a reduced risk of spills. Also, this system is very kind to the environment. Storage Herbicides should be stored in a secure, cool and dry place with plenty of ventilation, and the floor should be solid. All containers must be labeled properly, and the labels should be facing outward for easy identification. NEVER store herbicides in containers designed for other products such as used gas cans, bar/chain oil containers, antifreeze containers, etc. Approved temporary containers other than those provided by the manufacturer are also required to have descriptive labels on them. At a minimum, these labels should include the common name of the product or products in the container (i.e. Accord, Arsenal, Garlon 4). Stored containers should be checked frequently for leaking. Spill control items should be kept on hand, and any spills or leaks should be absorbed with kitty litter, saw dust or other absorbent material. continued on page 10 9
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