| |
Safety Precautions
Purchase & Transport
Selecting the correct pesticides and quantities for your
needs, and transporting them safely to your farm helps protect
you, your family, and the environment. It also helps avoid
future disposal costs. Consider both safety precautions and
legal requirements when purchasing and transporting pesticides.
Purchasing the Proper Pesticide for the Pest
Problem [top]
Before purchasing a pesticide make sure the pesticide is the
right one for the pest situation on your farm. There are often
several different pesticides available to control a particular
pest. Some things to consider when selecting pesticides are
described below.
- Check the label to make sure the pesticide you have
chosen is registered to use both on the pest and the crop.
Accurately identify your pest, then match the pesticide with
the pest.
- A valid Pesticide Applicator Certificate
is required to purchase Restricted pesticides.
- Compare the costs of different products by comparing how
much it will cost to treat a given area. Remember different
rates or concentration of formulations can affect your cost
per area calculation.
- If possible, select the least toxic pesticide. These will
usually be safer for you to work with and less harmful to the
environment and non-target organisms. Consider the types of
sensitive areas (i.e. streams, schools, wetlands, etc) around
your crops.
- Only purchase the amount you can use up in one year.
- Select registered products which don’t harm the beneficial
organisms in your crop.
- Consider whether you can follow the label re-entry times
and restricted entry intervals.
- Pick products that help you minimize the development of
pesticide resistance.
- Choose a product that can be applied with your spray
equipment.
- Select a pesticide formulation that is easy and safe to
use. More pesticides are available as solubags and dry
flowables.
Transporting Pesticides [top]
Whether you're bringing pesticides home from the supplier or
driving out to the field, you are responsible for their safe
transport. Obey the legal requirements of transport and follow
the safety precautions below.
- The transport of pesticides is regulated by both federal
and provincial legislation. See the Laws &
Regulations section of this website for requirements and
exemptions.
- When purchasing pesticides ask the sales person whether
you need special shipping documents or vehicle placards to
transport the pesticides to your farm.
- The provincial Integrated Pest Management Act and
Regulations specifies that pesticide containers must be
secured during transport to prevent their accidental discharge
or unauthorized removal.
- Transport pesticide containers separately from food or
drink or other household materials in a manner that will
ensure these goods are not contaminated during transport.
- Containers should be inspected for defects prior to
transport. Do not accept materials in rusted, dented or
otherwise damaged containers. Make sure caps and plugs are
tightly closed and each container is clearly labeled.
- Secure all pesticide containers to prevent accidental
spillage. Prevent them from moving and being punctured or
broken. Be particularly careful with paper and glass
containers. A safe practice is to transport glass containers
in form-fitting, foam-lined shipping packages. Be especially
careful with liquid pesticides.
- Do not transport pesticides in the passenger compartment
of any vehicle. Do not allow anyone to ride in the back of a
truck together with pesticides. Harmful fumes may be released;
spills or residue from previous spills may cause injury.
- Lock up the pesticides if you leave your vehicle. You are
responsible if anyone is accidentally poisoned by pesticides
you have left unattended.
- Prevent contamination. Never transport pesticides along
with food, feed, fertilizer, clothing or consumer goods.
- Avoid transporting pesticides on wooden truck beds. If
your truck is provided with a wooden bed, use a storage box
made of non-absorbent material or spread heavy plastic
sheeting on the truck bed. Pesticides spilled on wooden truck
beds are almost impossible to clean and may cause
contamination of materials carried afterward in the truck.
- Protect wettable powders and dusts in paper or cardboard
containers from rain and moisture.
- Carry a spill clean-up kit that includes items such as a
shovel and chemical neutralizer. Ensure that the driver is
trained in emergency spill procedures.
Return to Safety Precautions or Pesticide Wise Home |
| |
 |
| |
