Pesticide Safety For the Landscape (Landscape Safety Series)

RECAUTIONS WHEN PURCHASING PESTICIDES

• Identify the pest and then choose the safest product that will control it.
• Be sure you are properly licensed for the pesticide you will be using. Do not buy or accept any pesticide in a damaged or leaking container or without a label.

HANDLING AND STORING PESTICIDES

• You must comply with the Hazard Communications law. The law requires a written communication plan, material safety data sheets for all hazardous substances, and an employee training program.
• Keep pesticides away from human and animal foodstuffs at all times.
• Always store pesticides in a locked building or cabinet in their original containers.
• Store pesticides out of reach of children.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Wear long-sleeved, one-piece coveralls over your regular clothing.
• Use chemically resistant gloves with your sleeves over the gloves for normal mixing and application operations.
• If working vertically with your hands place sleeves inside the gloves and tape in place.
• Wear a chemically resistant hat and apron to protect your head and body.
• Protect your feet with chemically resistant boots or footwear. Make sure boots are under pant legs.
• Protect the eyes with goggles or a face shield.
• Wear a suitable respirator for breathing protection.

MIXING PESTICIDES

• Read the label carefully and mix exactly according to the directions.
• Mix only enough to do the job.
• If mixing inside a building be sure that you have adequate ventilation.
• When mixing outside stand upwind.
• If mixing with water keep the hose at least six inches above the container to prevent back siphoning pesticide into the water system.
• Do not mix pesticides without another adult in the area in case of an accident. Have soap, towels, and water hose available for clean-up.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while mixing or applying pesticides.

APPLYING PESTICIDES

• Always wear personal protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check the sprayer, duster, or spreader to see that it is in good operating condition. If not, clean and/or repair before using.
• Avoid using backpack-type equipment that might leak and contaminate the operator.
• Carefully calibrate the equipment to ensure that it delivers the correct amount.
• Use large, low-pressure nozzles and apply the pesticide when the air is calm, to prevent drift.
• Keep children and pets away from the spray area.

AFTER APPLYING PESTICIDE

• Spray any leftover pesticide onto another crop or dilute with water and spray onto the ground around the crop.
• Wash application and mixing equipment with water and detergent. Rinse at least three times.
• Dispose of empty pesticide containers by triple-rinsing first and then taking to a sanitary landfill. All rinsate should be sprayed on a safe crop or disposed of in an otherwise suitable manner -- never into a drain or septic system.
• Wash all clothing and equipment with water and detergent.
• Personal clothing should be washed separately from other laundry. The washer should be run through an empty cycle completely to remove any pesticide from the machine.
• The operator should shower and shampoo completely after applying pesticides.
• Warning signs should be posted around the treated area. Children and pets should be kept away until the area is safe for reentry.
• Save the container label and record the date and time of application for future reference.

Publication #: 8831-I

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