Mixing Pesticides Most pesticide accidents occur during Mixing

Mixing Pesticides

Most pesticide accidents occur during Mixing! Perceived Less Risk ? Don’t wear PPE Concentrated Instability Attitude

First Step

Precautionary statements PPE Signal Word Safety Precautions 1 st Aid

PPE • When it says “must” its not just a suggestion! • More PPE may be necessary during mixing! • Example, waterproof apron, additional chemical-resistant coveralls

Label Mixing Instructions

Mixing and Loading • Never lift any open pesticide container higher than your chest. • Never work alone when handling “Danger-Poison” • Mix in a well ventilated area and…. . • Protect yourself!

Mixing and Loading Preventing Spills or Accidental Poisoning • Keep equipment in good repair • Secure pesticide containers • Use catch basins when mixing – Place all basins on a stable surface • Mark all basins, mixing jugs. . – ”For Pesticide Use Only” Using a catch basin

Don’t Poison Yourself or Others • Store pesticides in original containers • Don’t smoke, drink or eat when mixing – Move out of the are and wash your hands and face • Never wear leather or cotton gloves when mixing • Don’t use your mouth to siphon pesticides

Before Have detergent or soap & an adequate supply of water available.

Before Know the early symptoms of poisoning First aid procedures First aid materials and supplies available.

Be certain that materials are available to handle spills.

Signal Words • Danger-Poison (I) – could be lethal • Danger (I) - mainly related to eyes and skin • Warning (II) moderate toxicity • Caution (III) - least toxic compounds • Caution (IV)

Pesticide containers should be in a secure position when open. During Make sure the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn by all personnel involved. Wear More PPE!! Follow Label Mixing Instructions

Protecting Water Resources Prevent Back-siphoning

More face protection Pesticide into During water Head above and away No Higher than chest Wind

Use Nurse Tanks and …. During Never leave tanks unattended

Triple Rinsing When container is empty… 1. Let drain into tank for 30 seconds 2. Fill 1/3 to 1/4 full of water 3. Replace cap 4. Rotate container 5. Let drain into tank for 30 seconds 6. Repeat steps 2 -5 two more times Then…

Destroy the Container

In Montana… • Pesticide containers…. – Must be triple-rinsed within 48 hours – Not accepted at landfills unless triplerinsed – Cannot be burned! – Cannot be used for uses other than pesticides – Can be buried on private property if tripled-rinsed

Transportation

Handling Pesticide Spills --Storage-- Pump House Dirt Floor

Transportation Not in Here! • Secure containers • Secondary Containment Here!

Pesticide Spills • Stop the leak! Wear PPE • Keep people away • Confine the spill • Absorb the spilled pesticides • Collect the absorbed pesticides

Pesticide Spills Stop the leak! Clamp it! Rotate it! Seal it! Patch it!

• Keep people away • Confine the spill • Absorb the spilled pesticides

DISPOSAL? Apply to a labeled site > 5 gallons – Montana Dept. of Ag

Remember! Read That Label!

GLOVES CATCH BASINS CALIBRATE MIX CORRECTLY