SAFE HANDLING OF PESTICIDES

The pesticides are poisons and hazardous to human beings and animals and are

likely to cause damage to the environment. The safe storage, transportation and

disposal of pesticides and their containers are integral to safe use of pesticides.

Therefore, a great care should be taken during Storage, transportation and pesticide

use.

A: In Storage

Pesticides are a source of protecting crop losses to the tune of approximately 44%,

but they may deteriorate and become useless and perhaps more hazardous if not

stored under proper condition. For proper storage the following precautionary

measures should be adopted:

1. The stores should be away from dense populations and source of water

supply.

2. The stores should be soundly constructed with good drainage, resistant to

fire, extremes of temperatures and chemical action.

3. The stores should be so designed as to contain spillage or leakage,

properly ventilated having adequate natural or artificial light and suitable

entrances/exits with fire resistant switches and doors.

4. Smoking and use of naked flame should be prohibited within stores.

5. The pesticides should always be securely stored to ensure that they are kept

away from children, unauthorized persons, animals, food stuffs and water

supplies.

6. The pesticide stores should be suitably marked with warning signs.

7. The stores should be built to accommodate adequate first aid and washing

facilities, fire precautions to handle emergency, proper clothing sufficient

accommodation for storage of pesticides and the empty containers.

B: During Transportation

During transportation of pesticides, a great care is needed to avoid some serious problems

like hazards to human beings and wastage of pesticides. In order to overcome these
problems, the following precautionary measures should be taken during the transportation

of pesticides:

1. Packing and containers should be of strong and tough material to avoid

puncturing and leakage.

2. Pesticides should be properly packed to withstand temperature and

humidity effects.

3. The packing should be proper, tight, and leak proof.

4. Weedicides should not be transported with other pesticides and fertilizers.

5. Vehicles should be provided with fire extinguishing equipment.

6. Keep pesticides isolated from passengers, livestock and food stuff.

7. Load and Un-load pesticide packages with care. Never place them under

other heavy items which may crush them nor allow to drop from the height.

8. During loading and unloading, wear gloves and protective clothing.

9. Outer surface of the container should not be contaminated with pesticides.

10. Lids of the containers should be tightly closed during transport.

11. Do not smoke, eat or drink during handling of pesticides.

C: Handling During Pesticides Application

There are a number of basic principles which enable the users to obtain most effective

results while safe guarding themselves, other people, livestock and the environment.

1. Do not apply pesticides without adequate training.

2. Never allow children to apply or to be exposed to pesticides. keep them

out of areas being treated.

3. Do not allow other workers in the field when pesticides are being applied.

4. Read and follow the label instructions or ask for advice regarding dose,

technique, protective clothing, timings, repeat applications and re-entry

period and pre-harvesting intervals.

5. Take heed of weather conditions particularly wind which may cause

drift. This may make the pesticides ineffective by blowing it away from

the target and it may be hazardous if it drifts on to the operators, other

crops, water, animals etc. Some pesticides are easily washed by rain so

do not apply pesticides when it is likely to rain.

6. Do not eat, drink or smoke with pesticides contaminated hands. Always

wash hands thoroughly after handling or use of pesticides.

7. Do not siphon the pesticide from the container with mouth.

8. Do not blow out closed nozzles with mouth. Clean them with water or soft

probe.

9. Never leave pesticide and equipment unattended.

10. Wash all clothing and equipment after spray operations.

11. In case of poisoning take antidote or consult the physician immediately.

D: Disposal of Pesticides Wastes and Empty Containers

After pesticide application the areas of operation must be left clear of any waste

product or containers and equipment must be emptied and cleaned. Do not use empty

pesticides containers for food or drinking water for people or animal. Following

guidelines should be adopted.

1. Metal canes and drums — wash, puncture and bury.

2. Plastic containers — wash, puncture and burn or bury.

3. Card board packaging — Burn.

The burning must take place away from dwellings and crops. Do not stand in the

smoke of such fires and also keep children away.