Extension Extra 8109 April 1995 Plant Science
by Jim Wilson, Extension pesticide education coordinator,
SDSU Plant Science Department
Time spent reviewing your pesticide handling methods and planning ahead for potential pesticide spills can be invaluable when an emergency arises. How and where you handle pesticides and the supplies you have on hand may insure your own safety and greatly reduce the risk of pesticide contamination.
Do not mix or transfer pesticide near a well or water source. When possible,
mix in the field at various locations. Small quantities of pesticide spilled
over a period of time in one area may accumulate and cause a potential
contamination. If filling from a water system, leave an air gap between
the hose and the tank or use a back flow prevention device. Do not put
the filler hose into the pesticide mixture. These measures will prevent
the pesticide from siphoning out of the tank if the water system allows
draining.
Consider using a portable water supply tank. Not only will this allow mixing
in the field, but it also may speed the time required to refill pesticide
tanks.
Whatever system you use, do not leave a pesticide tank unattended when
filling.
If purchasing new pesticide handling equipment, consider a closed handling
system or a direct injection system. This may minimize pesticide exposure
and reduce the potential for major spills.
Many pesticides are now available as dry formulations or pre-measured packets.
Using dry formulations may reduce dermal exposure. However, take care to
protect against inhaling the dust which may be found in some products.
Spills of dry products also may present less of a containment and cleanup
problem.
Set up a mental inspection list of sprayer equipment. Frequency of inspections
depends upon individual preference and equipment demands. A quick daily
inspection is recommended. Check over hoses, fittings, valves, and tanks
on sprayer equipment for leaks or signs of failure.
Keep a supply of "critical" parts (parts that commonly fail)
on hand and readily available in the event a leak develops.
Remember: Always wear proper protective clothing when
repairing equipment to reduce exposure to pesticide residues.
Rinse pesticide residues from application equipment before storage and
before extensive repair. Rinse equipment at different locations in the
field (over a labeled site).
When handling pesticide containers of liquid products, triple or pressure
rinse at the mixing site before disposal or recycling. Do this as soon
after emptying the container as possible. Add rinse water (rinsate) to
the sprayer tank and spray it out over a labeled site or use it to mix
the next load.
Evaluate pesticide storage and transportation methods. Store pesticides
in a locked storage area with an impervious floor, such as concrete, to
help contain leaks or spills. Locate this area away from other activity
and use only for pesticide storage. Locking the storage area will reduce
the risk to children, as well as the potential for theft or misuse of the
products.
Keep a current inventory of pesticides in storage and use the oldest products
first. Not only will this help to keep products from going out of condition,
but an inventory may be invaluable during an emergency situation such as
managing a fire or cleaning up after a natural disaster.
Keep absorbent materials on hand, such as cat litter or sawdust, to clean
up pesticide spills in storage areas. When transporting pesticides, have
a shovel available to form a dike for containing spills and keeping pesticide
from running into drainage areas. Have plastic sheeting and heavy plastic
bags to hold pesticide and contaminated materials during cleanup.
Remember: Always put on the proper protective
clothing before stopping or containing any spill.
Consider putting together a "spill response kit," and keep it handy. This kit could contain such things as:
Have several empty drums or others containers available in case a sprayer
tank needs to be drained.
When a spill occurs, follow this procedure:
South Dakota Division of Emergency Management, 773-3231;
South Dakota Department of Ag, 733-4432;
or
South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 773-3153.
This procedure not only will meet spill reporting requirements, but
these agencies will provide technical assistance in cleaning up the spill.
If there is a question whether the spill is large enough to report, report
it anyway. It is better to report a spill than ignore it and find that
it should have been reported.
If the spill is not within a pesticide containment area (mixing/loading
pad), contaminated soil generally will need to be removed and, depending
upon quantity, stored for testing and later disposal.
For small spills, shoveling the contaminated material into heavy plastic
bags may be sufficient. For large spills, a loader or backhoe may be needed
to move contaminated dirt. Know where such equipment is readily available.
The sooner the spill is cleaned up, the less soil may need to be removed.
Current regulations will often allow the contaminated material to be disposed
of by spreading it on a labeled site at no more than a labeled rate. Check
with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture for specific requirements.
Since May 1, 1995, all certified pesticide applicators have been required
to have a written plan outlining proper pesticide handling procedures and
spill response procedures appropriate for each individual's operation.
The plans are to be kept current and available for inspection by the South
Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Review the plan at least annually and provide new employees with training
on the details of the plan within three days after beginning pesticide
handling tasks.
Include the following information in the plan:
While no standardized form is required, example Pesticide Handling and
Discharge Response Plans that may be adapted to fit your operation are
available from your local county Extension office or the South Dakota Department
of Agriculture.
An example of a Pesticide Handling and Emergency
Discharge Response Plan is included here.
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