chapter 7 safe handling: the application process 1. integrated pest management 157 chapter 7 safe...

Chapter 1. Integrated Pest Management157

Chapter 7 Safe Handling: The Application ProcessPesticides must be managed safely from the point of purchase to application to the disposal of container—and at all points in between—to protect applicators, other people and the environment. This Chapter takes the applicator from transporting, mixing, loading, storing, applying, and disposing of empty containers and waste pesticides to preparing for emergencies such as spills and fires involving pesticides.

Applying pesticides responsibly requires proper planning and safe handling. Photo: National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, NASDARF

Chapter 7. Safe Handling: The Application Process

PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING MANUAL 19th Edition158

Notes Page


Section 1: Safe Handling during Transportation, Storage, Mixing, Loading, and ApplicationWhen applicators mix and load pesticides, they are handling the pesticide in its most concentrated form. It is during this process that they face the greatest risk of exposure and the greatest potential for environmental contamination. Handling diluted pesticides is not without hazard, and applicators still must take care to reduce exposure and protect the environment. This Section describes precautions applicators can take to ensure safe handling.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain why following Universal Precautions is important when handling any pesticide.

2. List common hazards that occur during pesticide transportation.3. List the steps to take in preparing the vehicle for transporting

pesticides.4. Describe how to secure pesticides in a vehicle.5. Explain why applicators should avoid transporting pesticides in the

passenger compartment of a vehicle.6. Describe the information and items a vehicle operator should have

before transporting pesticides. 7. List the contents of a spill kit for transporting pesticides.8. Explain what should be done with pesticide containers without

attached labels.9. Describe the features of a well-designed pesticide storage area.10. List the items that should be stored outside but near a pesticide

storage area.

Terms to Know:

w Air gap w Backflow w Closed handling systemsw Manifestw Placarding



Note: Universal Precautions werefirstdevelopedin health care as a way to protect employees from blood-borne pathogens. Health care workers were taught to assume that all blood is contaminated and safe handling practices must always be followed.

Universal Pesticide Precautions1

Most pesticide applicators understandably want to know which pesticides medical research says are most toxic or have the most serious health risks, so they can either avoid using those pesticides or take extra precautions when using them. But we know that being careless with low toxicity pesticides increases the chances of being exposed to harmful levels of chemicals. So all pesticides and other chemicals, no matter how “safe” they may seem, should be treated with respect.

Recent research, especially the on-going Agricultural Health Study2, has made this very clear—the best way an applicator can reduce potential health risks from pesticides is consistently to use practices that reduce exposure to all pesticides. This does not require applicators to identify the most dangerous pesticides or understand complex medical research. It simply requires applicators to follow Universal Precautions when handling any pesticides:

w Read labels and follow directions.w Maintain application equipment.w Use personal protective equipment and clothing.w Prepare for emergencies—have a plan and clean-up supplies.

This is the easiest and cheapest way to protect applicators from both acute and chronic pesticide exposure and the health problems that can arise from exposure.

Transporting PesticidesThere are a number of special hazards associated with transporting pesticides. Careless handling of containers, incor rectly maintained equipment, and unforeseen incidents may lead to pes ticide leaks and spills during transport, endangering people and the environment. The fact that some pesticides are highly flammable naturally increases the danger while they are in transit.

The first line of defense for pesticide applicators is to know how to prevent transportation mishaps. When mishaps occur, however, initiating the appropriate response could mean the dif ference between a minor inconvenience and a community-wide disaster.

1 Neal Holtan, M.D., M.P.H., Marion Warwick, M.D., M.P.H., and Bruce Bomier, M.P.H., “What Physi-cians Can Do to Reduce Occupational and Incidental Pesticide Exposure: A Guide to Best Practices,” Minnesota Medicine, September 20, 2008.2 National Institutes of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agricultural Health Study, http://aghealth.nic.nih.gov/


VehiclesA poorly maintained vehicle is, by itself, a safety risk; adding pesticides to the picture increases the potential risk of injury or contamination should a mishap occur. Transport vehicles should be in good mechanical condition, including power train, chassis, and any on-board bulk tanks and associated fittings. In particular, make sure safety and control components such as brakes, tires, and steering are in good working order.

Regularly inspect any appli cation equipment being transported. Look for structural defects in the equipment, such as cracks, punctures, and other potential causes of leaks or failure during transportation. Always carry equipment needed to make repairs, in case a problem occurs while the vehicle is in transit.

Never carry pesticides in the pas senger compartment of a vehicle. Spilled chemicals and hazardous fumes can seriously injure the occupants. Spilled pesticides can be difficult or impossible to remove completely from the vehicle’s interior, leading to long-term exposures.

The Cargo AreaThe cargo area must be able to securely hold containers and provide protection from tears, punctures, or impacts that could lead to container damage. Before loading, clean out the cargo area, removing nails, stones, or sharp objects, and repair any sharp edges that could damage containers. For transporting pesticides, metal beds are pref erable to wood because they are more easily cleaned if a spill should occur.

Unsecured pesticides transported in a truck can shift, collide, or fall out after a sharp turn. Photographer: Dwight Seal Institution: NCDASource: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)



Enclosed cargo boxes provide the greatest protection, but are not always available. Cargo boxes also offer the added benefit of security from curious children, careless adults, or vandals.

Open truck beds are convenient for loading and unloading. Take precautions on open truck beds to minimize the possibility of theft or container shifting or loss. Using a synthetic liner or water proof tar paulin large enough to cover the floor and sides of the cargo area allows for easier cleanup of spilled mate rials.

Organize the load to maximize stability, while main taining access to containers for ease of unloading. The fewer times containers are handled, the less likely they are to be damaged. Never stack pes ticide containers higher than the sides of the vehicle. Make sure flatbed trucks have side and tail racks, and tie-down rings, cleats, or racks to simplify the job of securing the load. Secure the load with tarps, ropes, brace bars, or other appropriate devices to prevent containers from shifting.

Stabilize other cargo in the vehicle that could move and damage a con tainer during transport. Also secure application equipment, such as hand sprayers, backpack sprayers, spreaders, spray tanks, and mini-bulk containers.

Protect pesticides from tem perature extremes and moisture during transit. Extremely low or high tem peratures (below 40 degrees F or above 110 degrees F) can alter the stability or effectiveness of some pesticide formu-lations. Moisture can destroy paper and cardboard pesticide containers. Securing a waterproof cover over the load can provide protection from the elements, including the hot summer sun.

Never allow people, pets, or live stock to ride in a cargo area loaded or contaminated with pesticides. Separate food, live stock feed, seed, veterinary supplies, and plant materials from pesticides, because contamination may render them unusable or result in a poisoning incident. Transportation SecurityTransport pesticides in a locked compartment or container whenever possible. If you use an open vehicle to transport pesticides, never leave it unattended. Remember, you will be held responsible if a curious child or careless adult is poisoned, or if environmental contamination occurs because of you do not the care needed to transport pesticide safety. Take all appropriate steps to reduce the chance of vandalism or theft.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) categorizes various materials as hazardous and has laws that require the safe transportation of those products. Included in these DOT regulated hazardous materials are some pesticides; fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia or ammonium nitrate; fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and propane; and explosives such as

Keep pesticides under lock and key during transport and storage. Photo: Microsoft Office


dynamite and detonators. Manufacturers make sure that the containers of these materials meet DOT packaging standards.

A shipping paper, also called a vehicle manifest, may be required for certain products regu lated as hazardous materials under DOT regulations. The regulatory section of a Materials Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) lists whether or not the pesticide is a DOT-regulated product.

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials also require placarding, specific signage identifying the hazardous material during transportation. Placards provide emergency responders with the information necessary to quickly assess an accident situation from a distance, reducing the possibility of someone approaching the accident site without wearing the proper protective clothing or equipment.

Though few pesticides require placarding, it is important to ask retailers whether the product you are buying requires placarding during transport. (See three examples of placards at right.) Most retailers furnish placards, if you are required to place them on your transportation vehicle. Persons (including farmers) who ship or transport placarded hazardous materials may need to meet additional hazardous material driver and vehicle licensing requirements. For further details on these requirements, contact the Hazardous Materials Information Center (see box below for contact information).

Hazardous Materials Information Center

1-800-HMR-4922 http://hazmat.dot.gov/infocent.htmApplicators may need to become familiar with DOT state and federal requirements. The DOT guidebook, Guide to Developing an Effective Security Plan for the Highway Transportation of Hazardous Materials, is a useful reference for transporters of pesticides (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/hazmat/security-plan-guide.htm).

DANGEROUS

4

OXIDIZER

5.1

INHALATIONHAZARD

2

Illustration: National Pesti-cide Applicator Certification Core Manual, NASDARF

Vehicle OperatorThe vehicle operator may be the only person capable of reacting to a spill and, in some instances, may need to assist first response emergency personnel as they arrive on the scene. At a bare minimum, the vehicle operator must understand the nature and hazards of the pesticides being transported and know what to do in an emergency, including vehicle accidents and pesticide spills. (See Section 3 in this Chapter for more on incident response.) Both the owner and the operator of the transport vehicle can be held accountable for any injuries, con tamination, or damage resulting from a chemical release that may occur.



Carrying a cell phone pre-programmed with emergency phone numbers is a good idea for those who routinely transport pesticides. Photo: Microsoft Office

Before departing from the pesticide pick-up area, make sure that the technical data for all pesticide products and emergency information for spill response are in the vehicle. Also be sure you have any required shipping papers and vehicle placarding. Product labels and MSDS contain information about the proper storage and handling of products. Having all this information in the vehicle helps emer gency personnel respond quickly to a pesticide release. It is also a good idea to have emergency phone numbers programmed into your cell phone or pager. (See page 149.)

In addition to a cell phone, carry a spill kit. It is easy to put one together: a shovel and broom, absorbent material, and PPE are the backbone of a spill kit.

Be familiar with the travel route, so you can anticipate and avoid problems such as construction delays. If a pesticide release occurs, a traffic jam only further complicates cleanup and places more people at risk of exposure.

Inspect containers before loading to be certain they are in good con dition. Look for legible and attached labels, tight closures, and pesticide-free outside surfaces. Handle containers carefully during loading to avoid rips and punctures.

Storing Pesticides

Deciding how and where to store pesticides can be as important as how and where pesticides are used. By storing pesticides and application equipment properly, you avoid damaging containers, letting product deteriorate, polluting wells and water supplies, and exposing children, pets and livestock to concentrated pesticides. It is a good management practice to limit your pesticide inventory by buying only what you need and taking delivery close to when you plan to use the pesticide.

After purchasing the pesticide, read the label to see if any special precautions should be taken for safe storage. Store the material in a secure area, away from feed, food, water supplies, or drains. Legal requirements for pesticide storage areas may change, and additional requirements pertain to storage of bulk pesticides. Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) for current storage regulations.

Storage ContainersStore pesticides in the original containers and make certain the labels are intact. Don’t put pesticides in other containers, especially not in used food or feed containers! If you have any old, unlabeled containers with contents, safely dispose of the contents as waste pesticides, even if you think you know what the contents may be. You can’t expect to remember contents, directions, precautions, and antidotes for an unlabeled container of pesticide. Others will have no idea what is in an unlabeled container.

Note:Never store pesticides with food, feed, seed, planting stock, fertilizers, veterinary supplies, clothing, respirators, or other protective equipment.


Check periodically for leaking containers. If a container is defective, it should be repaired. If this is not possible, then place the leaky container in a larger container, keeping the label intact. If you need to put a pesticide into another container, make sure that the label is transferred to the new container.

After August 16, 2011, all portable refillable containers must meet new requirements. Farmer-owned containers are not exempt from this requirement. Each refillable container must have a unique ID, such as a bar code or serial number. Refillable containers must meet DOT packaging requirements, have seals that meet specifications, and undergo periodic pressure testing. Pesticide distributers and manufacturers will provide you with information on their refillable containers.

Storage AreasThe storage facility can be in a separate building or in a separate area within a building. Store pesticides in a locked storage room, cabinet, or secure area to prevent access by children, animals, or other unauthorized persons. Post a sign on the door that indicates it is a pesticide storage area, and that no food, drink or tobacco products can be used.

The storage area should be used only for pesticides and pesticide equipment. A pesticide storage facility should never be used for other purposes. Never store pesticides with food, feed, seed, planting stock, fertilizers, veterinary supplies, clothing, respirators, or other protective equipment.

The storage area should be well-lit, well-ventilated, and well-insulated against extremes in temperature. Locate the storage building downwind and downhill from sensitive areas, such as houses, recreational areas, schools, or barns.

The storage area should have a non-permeable floor, such as sealed concrete, that will not let fluids pass through and is easy to wash. Shelving should be made of plastic, metal, or other non-absorbent material for easier cleanup.

Ideally, the structure should be fire-resistant. As an extra precaution, let your local fire department know that you are storing pesticides and give them the location and information about the kind of pesticides. Post warning signs and contact information for firefighters and emergency responders outside the storage area.

Extremes of temperature can affect both the safety and effectiveness of stored pesticides. Never allow pesticides to become overheated. Some pesticide formulations combust if they heat to above a specific temperature. Protect pesticides, especially liquids, against freezing. The labels of most liquid products state the lowest temperatures allowed for safe storage.



Store dry formulations packaged in sacks, fiber drums, boxes, or other water-permeable containers on pallets or metal shelves. Do not store dry materials below shelves containing liquid material—if the liquids leak, they could contaminate the dry formulations. Place metal pesticide containers on pallets or shelves to help reduce container corrosion.

It is important to have certain materials available outside, but near, the storage area for reference, normal use, or spill/fire response:

w Copies of MSDS and labels for pesticides stored,w Emergency telephone numbers and other contact information,w Personal protective equipment needed to handle pesticide

containers,w Detergent,w Hand cleaner,w Water,w Absorbent material (such as “floor dry,” sawdust, or vermiculite) to

soak up spills,w Shovel, broom, and dustpan, andw Fire extinguisher rated for ABC fires.

How Long Can Pesticides Be Stored?Pesticides’ shelf life is difficult to predict; manufacturers usually recommend that pesticides be stored no more than one or two years. Once a container is opened, the shelf life is greatly reduced.

P a

This pesticide storage facility properly secures pesticide products. Photographer: P.A. HipkinsInstitution: Virginia TechSource: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)


Reporting of Pesticides Stored on FarmsUnder the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, persons storing certain hazardous substances, even for a few hours, must notify the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) agency’s Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act Program.

Notification is required if large enough amounts of pesticides and anhydrous ammonia and are stored on a farm at any one time. This notification will help state and local emergency response personnel to plan and respond to fires, spills, and accidents where hazardous materials may be present. More information on when and how to notify emergency planners about pesticide storage can be found at the HSEM website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/epcra/Pages/regulated-facilities.aspx.

Mixing and Loading PesticidesTaking precautions before, during, and after mixing and loading pesticides will ensure safety, but also save time, misapplication, and accidents. The following precautions apply to most types of mixing and loading, greatly reducing the risk of exposure.

Basic precautions:

w Read the label. Be sure that you are thoroughly familiar with current use directions.

w Consider using formulations of pesticides that reduce applicator risk.

w Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides.w Do not handle pesticides if you are taking medication that

might make you dizzy. Actions taken while dizzy can cause accidents. Also, the dizziness could be mistaken for a symptom of pesticide poisoning.

w Don’t work alone if at all possible. Let someone—a spouse or a neighbor—know where you are spraying and which pesticides and chemicals you are using.

w Wear the right protective clothing and equipment (as suggested on the label or described in Chapter 8, Personal Protective Equipment).

w Don’t mix and load near a drain, but have clean water and detergent available in the mixing and loading area.

Mixing location:

w Work outdoors when pouring and mixing pesticides. If you must work indoors or at night, be sure you have good ventilation and enough light.



w Stand in the crosswind (if the wind is blowing) so that the wind blows across your body from either side. Don’t stand with the wind against your back or face.

w Have clean water and detergent available in the mixing and loading area.

During mixing and loading:

w Open pesticide containers carefully. Never tear them open—use a sharp knife. Clean the knife afterwards and do not use it for other purposes.

w Measure materials accurately. Use only the amount stated on the label.

w Add emulsifier or spreader-sticker shortly before the tank is completely full, if you use one. These materials tend to cause foaming.

w Keep the container well below eye level when pouring pesticides to protect your eyes and face from exposure.

w Keep an air gap (a gap between the water source and the tank) when adding water to mix a pesticide. This will help to prevent the pesticide from contaminating the water source. (See “Mixing Pesticides with Water” Section on the next page for more information about preventing contamination of water supplies.)

w Be extremely careful to avoid overflow. Never leave a spray tank unattended while it is being filled.

w If you splash or spill a pesticide while mixing or loading, stop what you are doing immediately and clean up the spill. Remove contaminated clothing and wash off any pesticide that has come into contact with your skin. Report pesticide spills to the Minnesota Duty Officer. Quick response minimizes lasting health and environmental impacts.

w Use a pump or threaded and valved piping if the concentrate has to be removed from a drum or other large container.

w Replace pour caps and close bags or other containers immediately and return them to the storage area.

After spraying:

w Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse empty metal or plastic containers, and empty the rinse water into the spray tank. Measuring cups should also be rinsed and the rinse water emptied into the spray tank.

w Clean all mixing and loading equipment thoroughly after each use. (See Chapter 9, Equipment: Selecting, Calibrating, and Cleaning for instructions on cleaning equipment.)

w Triple rinse and clean equipment in the field. Using a water tank and small pumping system in the field makes it easy to apply


rinsate to the target site and prevents build-up of pesticides near the farmstead.

w Before eating or drinking, always wash hands with soap and water—away from the house, if possible.

Closed Handling SystemsYou can reduce exposure to concentrated pesticides by using a closed handling system. Some pesticide labels require the use of closed handling systems or require less PPE when they are used.

Closed handling systems transfer pesticide from the original container to application equipment keeping the pesticide contained at all times to prevent spills or contact with the pesticide handler. They may consist of a series of interconnected hoses, pumps, pipes, or other equipment. Some closed handling systems are designed to rinse empty containers and transfer the rinsate into the spray tank. Other closed handling systems involve major changes in container design or packaging, such as water-soluble packets of pesticides that are dropped into sprayer tanks unopened. Closed handling systems are also being developed for mixing and loading dry products.

Mixing Pesticides with WaterMany agricultural pesticides are mixed with water before application. Water sources used to mix pesticides include private wells, city water systems, and surface waters. Proper precautions when mixing pesticides are important to protect these water sources.

When filling pesticide application equipment, pesticides may siphon back or backflow into the water source if water pressure drops unexpectedly due to electrical shut-down or pump failure. Such backflow could severely contaminate the water source, creating an immediate and direct health threat for everyone who uses the water for drinking, bathing, and cooking. Backflow into a pond, lake, or stream may pose a serious threat to the environment. Cleaning up water sources contaminated with pesticide is difficult and expensive. Therefore, Minnesota requires the use of one of four different methods to prevent pesticide backflow to water sources: maintaining an air gap, or installing a reduced pressure principle device, a pressurized vacuum breaker, or an atmospheric vacuum breaker in the water line.

One of these methods must be used whenever filling fertilizer or pesticide application equipment directly from a city water supply, a private well, or a surface water source. For more information about backflow prevention, see the MDA fact sheet on backflow prevention (www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/chemfert/bfprevent.pdf).



Setting up an air gap is very simple, while the other three methods use mechanical devices. Use of any of the mechanical devices must comply with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry plumbing requirements. Contact your local health department for specifications before installing any backflow prevention device. Note that requirements may vary depending on community ordinances or type of installation. To contact a plumbing standards representative from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry who serves your area, go to this website: www.doli.state.mn.us/pe_contactus.html.

Air Gap

An air gap is a physical separation, or gap, between the water source and the rim of the tank or container being filled. To meet state requirements for backflow prevention, the air gap must be at least two times the inside diameter of the water supply line.

Note:When rinsing empty pesticide containers, using an air gap is not an option, because water pressure is needed to remove pesticide residues.

An air gap must be at least two times the inside diameter of the water supply line. Photographer: M. J. WeaverInstitution: Virginia TechSource: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)

If you use a nurse tank (intermediate tank between the water source and the application equipment) to fill application equipment, a fixed air gap is needed either on the water supply line to the nurse tank or on the water line from the nurse tank to the application equipment.

An air gap can be as simple as fixing the end of a two-inch hose at least four inches above the rim of a tank. A person holding a water hose above the tank rim does not provide adequate safety or control to qualify as an air gap—the supply hose must be “fixed” or attached to something to hold it in place at the appropriate distance.

You can permanently fix the water supply line to create an air gap in many different ways. However, if the water line cannot be permanently fixed, then you must use one of the approved mechanical backflow prevention devices. A licensed plumber who will comply with the Minnesota Plumbing Code must install these devices.


Reduced Pressure Principle Device

If properly located and installed, the RPP or RPZ device can be used for prevention of backflow when filling pesticide application equipment and also used for rinsing or washing empty pesticide containers and application equipment.

A reduced pressure principle device (RPP or RPZ) consists of two independent check valves in the water supply line, with an automatic pressure differential valve located between the two check valves. If either check valve leaks, the relief valve will discharge to the atmosphere, preventing pesticides from backflow into the water source.

Installation of RPP or RPZ valves must be done by a plumber certified according to state plumbing code for installing such devices. RPP or RPZ valves also require periodic testing and inspection. Call the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at (651) 284-5889 for more information about the requirements for installing an RPP or RPZ.

Pressurized Vacuum Breaker

Pressurized vacuum breakers (PVB) stop backflow when a water line providing water under continuous pressure suddenly loses pressure. PVBs must be installed using standard plumbing practices.

The most common place to install a PVB is at an elbow in a vertical position of the water supply line, where the device is readily accessible for periodic inspection and service. PVB valves should not be located in concealed areas where water can cause damage, but should be visible and accessible to allow quick response to spills. If properly located and installed, the PVB can be used for prevention of backflow when filling application equipment and for rinsing or washing empty pesticide containers and application equipment.

Two independent check valves in the water supply line provide backflow protection. Photographer: M. J. WeaverInstitution: Virginia TechSource: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)



Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker

Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB) let air from the atmosphere into the water line to break the backflow siphon, in the event of pressure loss in the water line. An AVB must be installed, using standard plumbing practices, at least six inches above the overflow level of the pesticide application equipment being filled, with no shut-off valve downstream from the AVB.

This type of device can be used for backflow protection when filling application equipment. However, for rinsing pesticide containers and application equipment, an AVB requires an additional backflow prevention device on the faucet of the water source. Applying PesticidesApplicators have several important responsibilities when applying pesti-cides—protecting themselves, others, the environment, and making sure the pesticide is applied correctly. Applicators must be sure to use the proper PPE and follow the correct application procedures.

When Is Additional PPE Needed?By law, applicators must wear the personal protection equipment (PPE) and other clothing required by the pesticide labeling. Consider using addi-tional protection for some types of pesticide application tasks where there is greater risk of exposure. See Chapter 8, Personal Protective Equipment, for more information.

Hand-carried and Backpack Applications

Exposure is quite likely to occur when pesticides are applied using hand-held application equipment or dust shakers. Dripping or partially clogged nozzles, leaky hoses, or loose equipment connections are other potential sources of exposure. Consider wearing extra PPE to protect the areas of your body that will be in contact with equipment.

Many applications performed while on foot cause the applicator to walk into the path of the pesticide being applied. Whenever possible, apply pesticides so you are backing out of the treated area. If you must walk into the path of the pesticide, consider wearing shin-high or knee-high rubber boots, or other pro tective footwear with chemical-resistant pants. Wear appropriate PPE when entering treated areas to fix clogged nozzles or other malfunctioning equipment, too.

Backpack sprayer used on a miniature golf course. Photographer: Tom BowmanSource: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)


Airblast sprayer.Photographer: M. J. WeaverInstitution: Virginia TechSource: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)

High-exposure Applications

Certain types of pesticide applications pose a special risk because they may expose the applicator to large amounts of pesticide. These include:

w Mist blower or airblast sprayers, commonly used in orchards.

w Aerosol and fog generators.w High-pressure sprayers and

power dusters.w Equipment that directs applica-

tions over your head, such as to tree canopies or roof eaves.

Pesticide exposure is quite likely whenever you are working in these situations. Therefore, consider wearing a chemical-resistant suit with a hood and gloves, footwear with sealed cuffs, and a full-face respirator or half-face respirator with sealed goggles for these high-exposure applications, even if they are not required by the label.

Applying pes ticides in enclosed spaces, such as inside barns or greenhouses, increases the risk of inhalation and dermal exposure. Consider using a respirator and addi tional protective clothing even if you would not need it for the same appli cation outdoors.

Application ProceduresTo ensure pesticides are being applied properly, follow these basic pro cedures:

1. Before applying a pesticide, clear all people and pets from the area. This might seem obvious, but may be overlooked during busy times. In areas adjacent to treated sites, remove toys and pet dishes. Cover nearby garden furniture, swimming pools, and birdbaths.

2. If the label does not include specific restricted-entry statements, keep people and non-target animals out of the treated area until the spray has dried or the dust has settled.

3. Check hoses, valves, nozzles, hoppers, and other equipment parts often before and during the appli cation.

4. Be certain that the pesticide is reaching the surface or area toward which you are directing it.

5. Apply the pesticide evenly and in the correct amounts. Be especially careful in areas where you turn your equipment or pause.



You may have to shut off your equipment in these areas. After the pesticide is applied to the first part of the target site, check to be sure the correct amount of pesticide has been used. Application equipment for field crops changes rapidly. Newer equipment using global positioning systems (GPS) can shut off spray at field ends or adjust spray output across the boom to ensure even application to the soil during turns.

6. Turn equipment off when you pause for any reason. Agitation must be maintained if the spray mix is a suspension of particles (such as wettable powders, flowables, or dry flowable for mulations). When you stop an application for any reason, depressurize spray tanks. Turn off the main pressure valve on the tank and release the pressure remaining at the nozzles.

7. Ensure that the pesticide is uniformly mixed and consistent in appearance during the application. Several pesticide formulations mixed with liquid require agitation to remain in suspension. Granules and dusts should appear dry and not form clumps on the target site.

8. Follow label directions for any post-ap plication requirements, such as incorporating the pesticide into the soil.

Section 2: Disposing of Pesticide Wastes and Empty ContainersWhen a pesticide application is done, waste pesticides and empty containers remain—and must be managed safely. This Section describes how to handle unused pesticides, as well as procedures and programs that will help applicators appropriately dispose of waste.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the different kinds of pesticide wastes.2. List ways you can prevent creating pesticide waste.3. Identify the two legal ways to dispose of waste pesticides.4. Describe how to dispose of excess pesticide mixtures and rinsate

from cleaning equipment and containers.


Unwashed empty pesticide containers pose a hazard.Institution: Environmental Protection Agency Source: pesticidepics.org (Virginia Tech)


Terms to Know:

w Pressure rinse w Triple rinsew Waste pesticide

Disposing of Pesticide WastesWaste pesticides are those that you cannot use as originally intended, old pesticides that may no longer be effective, or pesticides you no longer need or want. Other pesticide wastes include empty pesticide containers and materials containing pesticide residues, such as no-longer-usable clothing, disposable PPE, and other pesticide-contaminated materials. If not managed properly, these pesticides wastes may harm people, livestock, and the environment.

The best way to deal with waste pesticides is to create as little waste as possible:

w Use Integrated Pest Management practices, as described in Chapter 1, to avoid unnecessary pesticide use;

w Buy only the amount of pesticides you need to use. Most pesticides have a set shelf life and may become ineffective over time;

w Mark the date of purchase on containers and use older products first;

w Follow Universal Precautions and safe-handling practices to reduce the chance of spills, contaminating items, and other problems;

w Protect your pesticides and containers through good storage and handling practices—don’t let them freeze or heat up;


w Store leftover pesticides in the original containers with the original labels; and

w Store all pesticides and waste containers in a locked and secured area.

Waste PesticidesWaste pesticides are those that are no longer usable or wanted. Here are some reasons why a pesticide can no longer be used:

w The government has banned the use of the pesticide,w The pesticide has been stored too long and may have lost its

effectiveness or changed in other ways so it no longer works, w The pesticide is left over or you no longer need or want it, andw The pesticide container is unlabeled and it is considered a waste

because it is no longer possible to know what pesticide the container holds.

Do not pour waste pesticides down the drain, dump them into ditches, put them into compost piles, or place them in the trash. Do not apply waste pesticides to sites, plants, or crops not listed on the label. These activities are illegal and result in pesticide contamination. Improper disposal may harm you, your family, other people, or wildlife; may contaminate water; and is very expensive to clean up.

It is illegal to bury, burn, or discard a pesticide or its container in a manner inconsistent with instructions found on the label. The only legal way farmers, licensed applicators, homeowners, or anyone else can dispose of waste pesticides in Minnesota is to use them up according to label directions or participate in a waste pesticide collection program. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) helps Minnesota farmers and households to safely dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides through the Waste Pesticide Collection Program. The program provides an environmentally sound option to dispose of unusable and unwanted pesticides. For more information about the program, contact the MDA or see www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/wastepesticides.aspx.

Another disposal option for smaller quantities of waste pesticides is a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. Contact your local county facility, find out if agricultural wastes are accepted, and make an appointment for proper disposal. Some HHW facilities may charge a small administrative fee, and all HHW facilities may limit the amount of waste accepted. For more information, contact Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (or see www.pca.state.mn.us/index/php/household-hazardous-waste.html).

Note:Unknown and unlabeled pesticides constituteasignificantpercentage of the waste pesticides brought to household hazardous waste or waste pesticide collection programs.


Here are some guidelines for disposing of waste pesticides:

w Follow the same safe handling, storage, and transportation practices for waste pesticides as you do with usable pesticides.

w Contact the waste pesticide collection program or HHW facility ahead of time and ask about requirements for disposing of pesticides, including the registration process, fees, and other information.

w Make a detailed list of the waste pesticides you have for disposal and bring the list to the collection site or facility.

w Store and transport pesticides in the original containers. w Do not mix different waste pesticides together.w If a container is unreliable or may leak, place the pesticide (in its

original container) into a larger, sturdy leak-proof container.w Never transport pesticides in the passenger compartment of a car or

truck.

Excess Pesticide Mixtures

Another form of pesticide waste that requires management is excess pesticide mixtures or solutions, including:

w Leftover solutions after spraying is done,w Rinsate, the water used to wash the outside or rinse the inside of the

sprayer or pesticide containers,w Spray left in the boom or hoses,w Haul-back solutions from a spraying job interrupted by weather or

equipment breakdown, andw Small quantities of material spilled during mixing.

Excess pesticide mixtures should be collected and used again. These solutions can be used on a crop or other site listed on the label or stored for mixing future solutions of the same pesticide. To make it easy to collect these excess pesticide mixtures, mix pesticides and clean equipment on an asphalt or cement pad equipped with an above-ground tank to hold runoff.

Dilution is not the solution to pollution. Diluting the pesticide will not make the hazardous waste responsibilities of the applicator any easier. In fact, it can make it worse. Ten gallons of hazardous waste diluted with 90 gallons of water creates 100 gallons of hazardous waste. Likewise, mixing hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste makes the whole mixture hazardous.

Other Pesticide Waste Materials

Other types of pesticide waste materials that must be disposed of properly include:

w Contaminated material from the cleanup of spills,w Clothing on which liquid concentrates have spilled,w Pesticides that have been damaged by fire, water, or other substances,



Contaminated clothing and similar small items, such as worn-out gloves and other PPE, should be cleaned (see Chapter 8, Personal Protective Equipment for cleaning information), placed in a plastic bag, and thrown into the garbage. For other pesticide materials, check with the MDA on the proper method of disposal. The MDA may recommend that these materials be used in some way that is acceptable according to the label. If the MDA finds that the contaminated material cannot be reused, then it will be considered a pesticide waste.

Management of Empty Pesticide ContainersPesticide containers that are 2 ½ gallons or smaller are called “one-way containers.” These containers are not designed to be refilled or reused for any other purpose. After these containers are empty, puncture them so that they are not useable. Do not use the empty pesticide containers to hold waste oil, antifreeze, water, or other material. Do not place empty pesticide containers on posts to mark drain tile inlets or other outdoor locations.

Preparing pesticide containers for disposal begins at the time you load pesticides into your application equipment. Containers made of glass, plastic, and other hard materials must be triple rinsed or pressure rinsed before they are offered for recycling or disposal at a sanitary landfill. Triple rinsing involves partially filling the empty pesticide container with water, replacing the lid, shaking the container, and pouring the rinsate into the spray tank, repeating the process three times. Pressure rinsing involves rinsing the empty pesticide container with a high-pressure nozzle and pouring the rinsate into the spray tank. Rinsing of pesticide containers at the time they are emptied removes most pesticide residues.

After rinsing the container, make sure no visible pesticide residue remains inside or on the outside of the container, and check that all the rinse water has drained out.

Pour the collected rinse water from containers into the sprayer tank to be used as part of the spray mixture and applied according to label directions. This is the only legal way to dispose of pesticide container rinsate.

Pressure Rinsing Containers

In pressure rinsing, a special nozzle attached to the end of a hose forces the remaining pesticide from the container. Pressure rinsing, which may be faster and easier than triple rinsing, can be used for plastic and non-pressurized metal pesticide containers.

To pressure rinse containers:

1. Empty contents of the container into the spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain for an additional 30 seconds.

Note:Pesticide residues left in a container may harden over time and become difficultorimpossibleto remove. Contaminated containers will not be accepted for recycling and their disposal may be expensive.


2. Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.

3. Hold the container so the opening can drain into the spray tank.4. Force the tip of the pressure nozzle through the lower portion of the

container side closest to the handle.5. Connect the nozzle to a clean water source of at least 40 psi. Turn

the nozzle inside the container to ensure good coverage of all sides, including the handle.

6. Rinse for at least 30 seconds.7. Drain all rinse water into the spray tank.

Triple Rinsing Containers

Rinse the container three times. Triple rinsing can be used with plastic, non-pressurized metal, and glass containers.

To triple rinse containers:

1. Empty contents of the container into the spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle is allowed to flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, allow the container to drain for an additional 30 seconds.

2. Immediately begin rinsing procedures or the product may become difficult to remove.

3. Fill the empty container one-fourth full of water.4. Replace the cap on the container. With the container opening

facing left, shake the container left to right over a distance of four to six inches.

5. Shake the container about twice per second for 30 seconds.6. Drain rinse water into spray tank as described in step 1.7. Fill the container one-fourth full with clean water a second time.8. Recap the container. With the opening of the container pointed

toward the ground, shake the container as described in step 4. Then drain the rinse water into the spray tank.

9. Finally, fill the container one-fourth full with clean water a third time.

10. Recap the container. With the container in the normal, upright position, shake the container as you did before. Shake with a four- to six-inch vertical motion, twice per second for 30 seconds.

11. Pour the rinse water into the spray tank. Carefully rinse any spray residue from the outside of the container.

For more information about how to rinse empty pesticide containers, see the University of Minnesota Extension fact sheet “Rinsing Pesticide Containers”: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC3771.html



Disposal of Containers

The most environmentally sound method to dispose of rinsed smaller pesticide containers made of hard materials (plastic, glass, or metal) is through a recycling program set up for pesticide containers. Anyone may participate in these recycling programs. Plastic pesticide containers (agricultural, home, or garden) should not be recycled in household plastic-recycling programs. Pesticide containers should only be recycled through programs designed for pesticide containers. Requirements for storing empty pesticide containers vary, depending on a number of factors:

w Unrinsed empty pesticide containers must be stored in the same way as containers with pesticides are stored. Replace the cap and store unrinsed, empty pesticide containers upright in a roofed or covered, secure, locked area on an impervious (liquid proof) surface.

w Store rinsed punctured containers indoors to prevent water, rain, snow, or dirt from getting into the containers. Remove the caps to allow the containers to completely dry during storage.

When you are ready to bring rinsed empty pesticide containers for recycling, remove the caps (they cannot be recycled) and any labels, plastic sleeves, or wrappers attached to the containers. Anyone distributing or selling pesticides in Minnesota is required to accept properly rinsed and prepared empty pesticide containers from the end user, if no organized empty pesticide container recycling program is available in the county. Minnesota has a program to collect and recycle empty and rinsed pesticide containers. Collected containers are chipped and made into products that do not come into contact with humans or animals. For more information about the pesticide container recycling program, contact the MDA, visit the MDA website for recycling information (www.mda.state.mn.us/en/chemicals/pesticides/emptycontainer.aspx), or contact your county solid or hazardous waste office. Private applicators who cannot recycle rinsed containers should bring the containers to a permitted sanitary landfill for disposal.

Remember: It is illegal to burn pesticide containers in Minnesota or to bury them outside of sanitary landfills. If you cannot recycle rinsed, empty pesticide containers, contact your county solid waste office before putting them in the trash or a landfill. Also contact the county solid waste office about disposing of pesticide paper or paper/plastic bags.

Recycling Larger Pesticide Containers

Plastic 30- or 55-gallon barrels used for pesticides are sometimes refilled and at other times recycled. Properly rinsed containers may be recycled. Large pesticide drums may be returned to the manufacturer or to drum reconditioners. Rigid plastic containers with dry flowable pesticide should also be rinsed when empty. Contact the pesticide distributor for information about recycling.

Note:Landfilloperatorsare not required to and may not accept pesticide containers. Landfilloperatorsare legally liable for environmental problems that may occur because of unrinsed containers or paper and plastic pesticide bags in the landfill.


If you are using containers designed to be refilled (mini-bulk, totes, etc.), be aware of changes in regulations effective August 16, 2011. Refillable containers will need to meet increased integrity standards. The refillable containers will have one-way valves and will need to meet vent, gauge, and shut-off standards and periodic pressure testing. They must also be properly labeled for tracking and to indicate that they meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) transportation standards.

Changes in standards for refillable containers will mainly affect pesticide distributers and manufacturers. Private applicators should be aware that some containers that were once considered refillable may not meet the new standards and will have to be recycled or disposed of. Disposing of Flexible Paper, Plastic, or Composite Containers

Before disposing of paper, plastic, and composite pesticide bags, make sure they are completely empty. Thoroughly empty the contents into application equipment. If you are not sure whether you should rinse a container, check the label. Then dispose of the bag at an approved sanitary landfill.

Flexible containers can deteriorate after becoming wet. Photographer: P.A. Hipkins

Institution: Virginia TechSource: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)


Section 3: Responding to a Pesticide Fire, Spill, or Other IncidentPesticide spills can be a serious threat to humans, livestock, and the environment. This Section provides information about how to prepare for and respond to pesticide incidents. By knowing in advance what to do when a pesticide spill or fire occurs, you may reduce the danger and minimize the damage. Many of these procedures will also apply to fertilizer spills, too, making them doubly important.

Learning Objectives:1. List the contents of an Incident Response Plan.2. List the various emergency and incident response telephone numbers.3. Describe how to report a pesticide spill or other pesticide incident.

Terms to Know:w Pesticide Incident w STARR


Incident Response PlanNo matter how safe the pesticide, careful the application, fine-tuned the equipment, or pleasant the weather at the outset, “Expect the unexpected.” By developing an emergency response plan detailing how to respond before a pesticide spill or incident happens, the chances of having a successful and safe response increases. Fire, flood, tornado, vandalism, equipment failure, or other events can also lead to an unintentional release. Make sure everyone working with pesticides knows what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency. Doing so can save important seconds and prevent the incident from becoming a catastrophic event.

Photo: National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, NASDARF

“Incident” Defined by Minnesota State LawMinnesota defines an “incident” as a flood, fire, tornado, transportation accident, storage container rupture, portable container rupture, leak, spill, emission, discharge, escape, disposal, or other event that releases or immediately threatens to release an agricultural chemical, accidentally or otherwise, into the environment and may cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. An incident does not include a release resulting from the normal use of a product or practice in accordance with the law.

Minnesota requires certain pesticide facilities and applicators to have formal Incident Response Plan. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has a two-page page “short version” fact sheet describing the parts of such a plan, available at: www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pesticides/impacts.aspx.

While Minnesota does not require private applicators to keep a formal Incident Response Plan, doing so is a good idea. The MDA’ s short version Incident Response Plan fact sheet is a good place to start for private applicators to create an emergency response plan for your farm or operation. The plan should be updated every year and contain:


w Emergency response contact list that can be posted next to farm phones and can be programmed into cell phones. Include family members and farm personnel

w Emergency assistance contacts, such as 911, Poison Control Center (800-222-1222), Minnesota State Duty Officer (800-422-0789), fire department, and emergency and medical facilities

w Product labels, including a complete copy for each pesticide and fertilizer product stored at the facility.

w Product material safety data sheets (MSDS), a complete copy for each pesticide and fertilizer product stored at the facility. Emergency responders will ask for MSDS before responding.

w First aid information and location of the first aid kit.w Pre-fire planning information, developed after you contact the

local fire department and inquire what firefighters need to know about your facility. Provide the fire department with names and numbers of persons to be contacted in case of fire. Fire officials may want to stop by to familiarize themselves with your farm and its storage areas.

w Map, which should include:• Buildings;• Pesticide/fertilizer storage areas;• Mixing, loading and rinsate recycling areas;• Vehicle parking and washing areas;• Drainage information, including tile inlets and outlets;

sanitary sewer inlets, storm sewer inlets and outlets; and• Wells.

w Response procedures, including a description of how employee and family members should respond when a pesticide incident occurs. This includes how to contain a spill in the building or in the field, plus how the material will be disposed of after cleanup has been completed. Make sure phone numbers and pesticide inventories are kept up to date.

A good, concise Incident Response Plan is a guide best used for training employees and family on how to respond to a spill. It is also useful in making sure spill cleanup materials and PPE are available when needed. Report Pesticide SpillsIf there is a spill, first make sure that everyone involved is safe or getting proper medical attention. Then, in Minnesota, all pesticide incidents must be immediately reported to the Minnesota State Duty Officer, except for incidents which meet all of the following conditions:

w The responsible party or owner of real property is a licensed commercial or certified private applicator; and



w The total amount of pesticide involved in the incident at the site over the entire year is less than what can be legally applied (labeled rates) to one acre of agricultural cropland; and

w The incident was not into or near public water or groundwater.

According to state law, you must report incidents involving pesticides, even ones that you may consider minor. This includes leaking containers, spills, exposure, poisoning, motor-vehicle accidents, tornadoes, fires, and floods.

The Minnesota State Duty Officer is available 24 hours a day at:

w (800) 422-0798 (greater Minnesota)w (651) 649-5451 (Twin Cities Metropolitan area) w (651) 282-6952 (TDD)

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety provides the State Duty Officer as a single point of contact when hazardous or other harmful materials are spilled or released. This includes petroleum, fertilizer, manure, pesticides, and other spills.

When the State Duty Officer receives a call regarding a pesticide or fertilizer incident, he or she will notify the MDA. Trained staff at the MDA will talk with the person who called in the spill and instruct them to secure the site and to abate, recover, and remediate the incident.

When you telephone the State Duty Officer, you will be asked to give the following information:

w Your name,w Where you can be reached,w Location of the spill,w Type of pesticide,w Time the spill occurred,w The source of the spill,w How much material was spilled and for how long,w Whether the material is spreading, andw Whether the spill threatens nearby surface water or wells.

(see also the MDA web page: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/spills/minn-duty-officer.aspx)

Spilling a pesticide is not illegal. Not reporting the spill is!


Incident Response—What to DoMinnesota uses the “STARR” system—the five steps of incident response.

S T A R RClean Up the Spill The MDA can give you guidance and assistance on cleaning up a reported spill and handling contaminated materials. Cleaning up some spills may be easy. Other spills may require more complex procedures. The MDA will give you recommendations on each of these steps. The procedures will vary, depending on the following factors:

w The pesticide involved in the spill,w The extent of the spill,w The location of nearby wells, surface waters, and other

vulnerable sites,w Soil type, andw Materials contaminated.

In general, there are three steps in cleaning up pesticide spills:

w Remove the spilled pesticide.w Decontaminate the spill area.w Clean contaminated equipment.

It may be possible to reuse some of the spilled or contaminated materials. The MDA will provide information and recommendations on handling these materials.

The recommendations may include applying the materials to labeled sites at or below labeled rates for that pesticide. If the materials cannot be used, then they are considered waste and come under the jurisdiction of the


Secure: keep people, children, pets and other animals away from the site and wear personal protective equipment to protect yourself from exposure.

Telephone: call the State Duty Officer to report the incident.

Abate: control the source of the contamination and contain the contamination so it does not spread further.

Recover: collect the released chemical and any contaminated soil or other materials.

Remediate: dispose of recovered chemical and contaminated soil and materials.


Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA will provide information on how to dispose of these waste materials.

Clean up all vehicles and equipment involved in an accident or cleanup.Be sure to wear protective clothing as required by the pesticide label. Use a solution of liquid bleach and alkaline detergent (dishwasher detergent) to clean equipment. Porous material and equipment, such as brooms, leather shoes, and cloth hats cannot be decontaminated; they must be discarded or destroyed after clean up.

Minnesota’s Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement AccountThe Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) is a fund that provides partial reimbursement for clean-up costs for agricultural chemical incidents. To be eligible for ACRRA, the incident must be properly reported, work must be approved by MDA staff, and the facility should be in compliance with all relevant laws. The fund pays for corrective action costs to investigate and clean up an incident. Attorney fees and third-party review costs are not eligible. A surcharge is included on pesticide license fees to help fund ACRRA.

The fund can be used for new incidents or for historical incidents (those that are discovered after the fact). When a historical incident is discovered, a number of steps must be followed to comply with state and federal laws regarding agricultural chemical cleanup. If these steps are not followed, the responsible party may no longer be eligible for ACRRA reimbursement.

Respond to FiresMost of the active ingredients in pesticides are not flammable. But many of the solvents used in liquid formulations are highly flammable. All liquid pesticides and some wettable powders are potential fire hazards.

If you store large quantities of pesticides, it is recommended that you install fire detection devices and have fire extinguishers handy. Inform your local fire department about any large quantities of stored pesticides, so that responders know what to expect. This is an important safety precaution to follow in case a fire breaks out when you are not available.

As soon as you detect a fire, call the fire department. Tell firefighters what pesticides are involved and give specific information that may help fight the fire and protect responders and others from injury. They will guide you as to what to do. If the fire is small and contained, you may fight it with a fire extinguisher. Be aware that some pesticides may explode in a fire.


Fighting pesticide fires requires extreme caution. Remove all people from the area to a safe place upwind of smoke and fumes. Isolate the entire area. Keep spectators away. Be especially careful about using water to fight the fire. Contaminated runoff may create a more serious problem than the fire. It is sometimes better to simply let a fire burn in order to avoid massive problems with contaminated runoff. Whenever possible, use foam or carbon dioxide instead of water to extinguish the fire. If water is used, build dikes to prevent flow of contaminated runoff into lakes, streams, sewers, or other bodies of water.

SummaryBe especially careful when you mix and load pesticides. Pesticides in their most concentrated form can cause great harm if they splash or spill. Always stay with a spray tank while it is being filled. Do not let a spray mixture back siphon into the water supply by having an air gap or a backflow prevention device.

Thoroughly clean all mixing and loading equipment after each use to remove pesticide residues. Store your equipment where children cannot play on it.

Store pesticides in the original containers with the labels intact. Keep pesticides in a separate, locked storage area. Check stored pesticide containers regularly for leaks.

Disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers must be done according to federal and state regulations. Properly rinse empty plastic, glass, and metal pesticide containers and then either recycle them or dispose of them at an approved landfill. Collect all pesticide container rinse water to use again. Empty all paper containers before disposal.

If a spill occurs, you must control, contain, and clean it up immediately. Do not let it spread to any body of water. Keep people upwind and away from the area. In addition to calling 911, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at (800) 422-0789.

If a fire breaks out, inform the fire department of the type of pesticide involved. Protect people from smoke and fumes. Avoid using water to put out the fire because of the risk of contaminated runoff.


Even small spills can cause big problems, so prepare to respond in advance. Photographer: Dwight SealSource: pesticides.org (Virginia Tech)

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