1. Ornamental Pest Management (Category 3b)

Pesticide Safety

Chapter 4

2. Pesticide applicators are legally and socially responsible to safely handle pesticides. Failure to comply with federal and state regulations could result in injury, lawsuits, fines and imprisonment.
3. In the eyes of the law, ignorance is no defense. It is your responsibility to keep current with changing pesticide regulations.
4. By federal law, the pesticide label is a legal document that must include safety guidelines for use, storage and disposal of the product. Read the label before purchasing the pesticide. Review the label before opening, mixing, or applying the pesticide.
5. As the applicator, you risk of exposure to pesticides is high. Applicator safety is of primary concern, and it is the law that you comply with the label guidelines for protective gear. Purchase and properly maintain protective gear. Do not attempt to make do with ill-fitting gear, or gear in disrepair. Frequently wash residues off of all equipment exposed to pesticides.
6. Wear gloves, face and eye protection whenever mixing pesticide. Wear gloves, a respirator, goggles and a hat for overhead applications. You may choose to wear more protective gear than is required by the label if:

• You are exposed to pesticides on a regular basis, or
• If you have a naturally-low cholinesterase level.

1. Cholinesterase is an essential chemical in the nervous system of animals.

Carbamate and organophosphate insecticides fatally inhibit cholinesterase in insects. These insecticides also lower the applicator’s cholinesterase. If you are regularly exposed to cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides such as carbaryl, oxamyl, diazinon, dursban, malathion and acephate you should establish a testing program with your doctor. Determine you normal level of cholinesterase (the base-line) in the off-season. If your cholinesterase level drops significantly below your baseline, avoid further exposure to insecticides until you have recovered.

2. Most pesticide poisonings result from accidents or careless and ignorant use. However, even cautious applicators who follow the label, maintain equipment, and apply pesticides with safety in mind may experience overexposure to pesticides.
3. Should an accident occur, the best defense against serious harm is to be prepared. You should know at all times what chemical, formulation, and rate you are handling.
4. Have on hand and know how to use first-aid and safety materials.

First Aid and Safety Materials

*Pesticide label *Clean water

*MSDS *Extra rubber gloves

*Syrup of Ipecac *Change of clothing

*First aid kit *Spill absorbent

*Eye wash *Fire extinguisher

*Poison control phone number

*Hospital contact

-Phone contact

-Doctor

-Directions

5. Being prepared means you need to be familiar with the common pesticide poisoning symptoms. Poisoning symptoms vary with the type of pesticide, where exposed, the amount absorbed, and the general health of the individual. Be aware that while some symptoms begin immediately upon exposure, others are delayed for several hours or even days.
6. The symptoms of pesticide poisoning are similar to those of other ailments including heat exhaustion, asthma, and food poisoning. Remember, alcohol intensifies the effects of pesticide poisoning and should be avoided whenever pesticide over-exposure is suspected.
7. Anyone exposed to pesticides on a regular basis, or who lives or works with people who are exposed should know the symptoms of poisoning.

14. Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms

Headache Skin irritation

Sweating Muscle weakness or twitching

Coughing Respiratory irritation

Chest pain Pinpoint pupils

Blurred vision Nausea

Severe Poisoning

Panting or respiratory paralysis

Convulsions Intense thirst

Confusions Death

16. Remember, poisoning symptoms may not be immediately evident. After a significant exposure to pesticides, do not put off first aid until you feel bad. Take precautions early.
17. When pesticide comes in contact with skin:

-Remove contaminated clothing! Now is not the time for modesty

-Drench skin with water

-Wash thoroughly with soap

-Rinse completely

-Wash and rinse again

-Dry and cover up with a clean blanket or clothing

18. When pesticide in inhaled:

-Immediately get to fresh air

-Do not attempt to rescue someone in an enclosed area without a respirator

-Try to keep the victim quiet

19. When pesticide is inhaled:

-Prevent chilling without overheating

-Keep airway clear

-Resuscitate if breathing stops

20. If pesticide contacts the eyes:

22. Never induced vomiting if the:

1. Victim is unconscious
2. Victim is convulsing
3. Pesticide is formulated with petroleum products
4. Pesticide is corrosive
5. Label specifies not to induce vomiting

23. Preventing mishaps when applying pesticides is the most effect way to protect to

applicator, nontarget organisms, and the environment.

24. Routine inspection and maintenance of equipment will prevent common accident such as blown hoses and leaking tanks. Once a problem is detected, do not take repair "short cuts"
25. Mixing and loading concentrates are some of the most hazardous activities involving pesticides. Before opening the pesticide container, review the label. Put on personal protective equipment and mix in an area with plenty of light and ventilation.
26. When filling the spray tank, prevent contamination and back-siphoning. Do not allow the water pipe or hose to come in contact with spray solution. Fill-station pipes should be fitted with a back-siphoning valve.

Rinse off all measuring utensils into the spray tank, and keep them in the pesticide storage area. Triple rinse or power rinse pesticide containers as you empty them.

27. Properly rinse pesticide containers are non-hazardous. Studies have shown that at least 14.2 grams of active ingredient remains in an empty, unrinsed 5-gallon container. While 14.2 grams seems insignificant, 25,000 unrinsed containers contains 780 pounds of active ingredient! As the bar graph shows, even one rinse greatly reduces residue in the container, and the third rinse essentially eliminates residue.
28. Since ornamental plants are in areas frequented by people, it is especially important for Category 3b applicators to be safety conscious. Before the application carefully inspect the area and remove, cover or wash off:

-Pet dishes -Play equipment -Toys

-Hanging laundry -Bird feeders -Lawn furniture

-Bird baths -Small pools -Sandboxes

-Check over fences as a part of your inspection!

-Have clients shut their windows and move cars.

-Beware of food plants near target plants.

29. Be sure to inform clients about the reentry period. Application equipment is attractive, and highly dangerous, to children. Do not leave operating equipment unattended, even for a short break.
30. Storing hazardous materials poses a great potential for liability. Also, stored pesticides degrade or are banned for use, and packaging and labels deteriorate. Limit the amount of pesticides stored through careful planning and application.
31. Because chemical fires produce extremely toxic smoke, you may be required to report the chemicals you are storing. Check with Michigan Department of Natural Resources or MSU Extension about SARA Title III requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32. There are numerous guidelines for establishing a safe, secure pesticide storage area. To summarize the guidelines provided in the core manual:

Exterior pesticide storage:

-Not near a well.

-Secure area well (fences, locks, barred windows).

-Good ventilation.

-Post area with highly visible warnings.

-Use fireproof construction.

-Install a secondary containment structure to catch large spills.

-Provide a separate storage area for volatile herbicides.

33. The interior of a well-designed pesticide storage facility includes:

-Updated inventory sheet

-Moderate temperatures to prevent explosions or degradation

-NO SMOKING signs

-Fire extinguisher rated for chemical fires

-Chemical spill adsorbent material

-Metal shelving

-Emergency phone numbers

34. Know that pesticide storage regulations may change and that it is your responsibility to learn about and comply with new regulations. Contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture or MSU Extension for assistance.
35. Safety guideline for pesticide containers include:

-Keep pesticides in the original container

-Protect labels with lacquer

-Attach the label to any container used to carry pesticide

-Do NOT use anything resembling food containers to carry pesticides.

36. -Securely reseal or bag opened pesticide containers.

-Use old or damaged containers of pesticides first.

-Mark mixing containers and utensils with "poison" or "danger."

-Triple rinse and puncture containers as you empty them.

-Buy refillable or recyclable containers when possible.

37. Improper disposal of pesticides can cause environmental damage. Chemicals are interesting to children. Prevent unfortunate events by limiting the amount of pesticide waste you create, and adopting these practices to reduce the need for disposal:

-Do not stock up on pesticides; purchase them as needed.

-Mix only what can be used per application or day.

-Apply any leftover pesticide solutions according to the product label.

-By the season’s end, use up all opened containers of pesticide.

38. Whenever possible, return leftover pesticides to the dealer or manufacturer, or offer them to another certified applicator. Disposing of pesticide wastes classified as hazardous requires special practices. Contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources DEQ, about the legal responsibilities of pesticides disposal.
39. A "pesticide spill" includes the small amount of concentrate that escapes as you mix, a leaking container, or an overturned spray rig. Your goal is to promptly and effectively:

-Stop the spill; replace or repair faulty equipment; place leaking pesticide containers into a larger container.

-Contain the spill; use a dam and absorbent material to contain liquid spills.

-Clean up the spill; wear protective gear while removing pesticide from washable articles. Apply activated charcoal to clean up minor spills. Refer to the label for decontamination solutions to neutralize spilled pesticides.

-Report the spill; large spills must be reported immediately. To determine if spills are reportable quantities contact MDA, DEQ or MSU Extension.

40. Applicators are expected to conduct themselves professionally and with safety consciousness. In 1990-91, the Michigan Department of Agriculture created Regulation 637 as a response to public concern over commercial pesticide applications. Regulation 637 governs the following work of commercial applicators:

-Spray contracts -Drift management

-Integrated pest management -Use standards

-Protective gear -Mixing and loading

-Notification registry -Washing equipment

-Posting

It is vital that you have a current copy of Regulation 637 and understand what you must do to comply with Michigan law.

41. Just being an experienced, or ever certified, applicator does not make you a professional. It is not enough to know how to safely and effectively use pesticides. Professional applicators apply that information on a daily basis. In addition to being knowledgeable about ornamental plants, pests, and pesticides, you must:

-Communicate with the public and clients.

-Keep up to date with pest problems, pesticides, and management techniques.

-Train employees. There is a direct relationship between the experience and training of an applicator and the number of problems that can be expected on the job.

-Look an act professionally.

42. Clients often equate gallons of pesticide sprayed with your value as an applicator. Help the client realize that your knowledge and monitoring skills are valuable services.
43. Educating clients can be difficult and time consuming, but is essential for successful pest management. As a professional applicator you will spend part of your workday explaining and answering questions. Help clients to understand that:

1. Not all insects, fungi, bacteria, etc. are pests!
2. A landscape cannot be simultaneously pest-free and benefit from natural controls. Erradication of a pest is not only impossible, but undesirable.
3. Aesthetic injury is not necessarily health-threatening to the plant.
4. There are specific times to implement pest management tactics. Outside of this window, management efforts are wasted.

1. Pesticides are by no means the only and best method of pest management.