LAWRENCE, Kan.-A landscaping and irrigation company was recently fined for storing pesticides in the same area as combustible materials-a decision that could have led to an explosion and fire.
Always follow government regulations and label requirements when storing pesticides. In the absence of more specific laws and label directions, here are some core principles:
1) Location. A separate building is preferred-away from people, animals and sensitive areas. If a separate building is not possible, specify one area on the ground floor for pesticide storage. Select a location that is not prone to flooding and not on the upslope from water sources that could be affected by a spill or leak.
2) Security. Keep the building, storage area or cabinet locked, and limit access to properly trained individuals. Post required signs-at minimum, "Pesticides - Keep Out" and "No Smoking Allowed."
3) Environment. The storage area must be well-lit, adequately ventilated and dry. The temperature range for liquid pesticides is usually 40 to 100 degrees F, but there are many exceptions. The Storage and Disposal section of the label will provide important information about storage temperatures. Pesticides should always be stored off the floor, with liquid and "Danger - Poison" formulations on the lowest shelves and with large bags on pallets.
4) Isolation. Do not keep food, feed, seed, personal protective equipment (PPE) or anything other than a pesticide in the pesticide storage facility. Seal any floor drains; in some cases, removable caps can be used when sealing drains is impractical.
5) Containers. Pesticides must be stored tightly closed in their original container. Consider putting a tray under liquid pesticides that can provide containment. A pesticide in a leaking container must be transferred promptly to a new container and affixed with the original label or with key identifying information. If the label becomes illegible for any reason, obtain a replacement label immediately from the dealer, retailer or manufacturer. Mark containers with the date of purchase, and use older inventory first.
6) Inspection. Check regularly for any problems with the facility, product containers or labels, and take all necessary steps to correct them promptly. Maintain a storage inspection log. "Astute inventory awareness can prevent over-purchase, lengthy storage, container deterioration and the need to locate suitable disposal sites," notes Whitford. Purchase only product quantities that you plan to use in a 12-month period.
7) Protection. Have personal protective equipment, a first aid kit, an eyewash dispenser, soap and clean water immediately accessible to workers and emergency personnel, but protected from possible pesticide contamination.
8) Preparedness. Maintain an up-to-date inventory, material safety data sheets and emergency phone numbers-all essential in the event of a fire, flood, spill or leak. A fire extinguisher approved for all types of fires must be easily accessible and inspected annually. A spill cleanup kit, absorbent material and written procedures must be readily available to control, contain and clean up a spill. The floor, shelves and pallets must be nonporous and easy to clean.
9) Assistance. Numerous resources exist to assist you in proper storage of pesticides. Your Cooperative Extension Service, state Pesticide Safety Education Program, and state regulatory agency can help. Use one of the various pesticide storage checklists that have been developed to help you review basic needs.
Some Resources on Pesticide Storage:
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/pest_ed/pdfs/pipsheets/pip37sto.pdf Clemson University
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ee0002.pdf Penn State University
http://www.ppp.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP-21.pdf Purdue University
http://www.ppp.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP-61.pdf Purdue University
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=IPM1013 University of Missouri
This is the ninth in a series on pesticide stewardship sponsored by the Weed Science Society of America. Next month: Preventing Pesticide Drift.
SOURCE: Weed Science Society of America