1. Turfgrass Pest Management (Category 3A)

Pesticide Safety

Chapter 6

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. In the eyes of the law, ignorance is no defense. It is your responsibility to keep current with changing pesticide regulations.
3. 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.
4. As an applicator you risk of exposure to pesticides is greater than others. It is wise and legally required that you wear personal protective equipment recommended on the label. Purchase and properly maintain PPE. Do not attempt to make do with ill-fitting gear or gear inn disrepair. Frequently wash residues off equipment exposed to pesticides.

You may chose to wear more protective gear than the label requires. This is a good idea if:

-you are exposed to pesticides on a regular basis, or

-if you have a naturally-low cholinesterase level.

5. the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) provides protective equipment guidelines. Note that PLCAA recommendations may be more strict than those on product labels.

PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations for:

Filling and Mixing

Dry fertilizer only: Disposable dust mask or respirator with dust filter.

Pesticides: Goggles or face shield; head gear; coveralls or apron; boots; gloves; full respirator with dust filter when using powders.

Hand Cans: Wear gloves for all materials.

6. PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations:

During an Application-

Fertilizer only: Boots; gloves

Insecticides or liquid

Slow-release nitrogen: boots; gloves; goggles (when high-pressure spraying)

7. PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations for:

Handling Spills:

Wear all protective clothing and equipment recommended for the material applied.

8. Cholinesterase is an essential chemical in the nervous system of animals. Cabamate 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 your normal level of cholinesterase (the baseline level) in the off-season. If your cholinesterase level drops significantly below your baseline, avoid further exposure to insecticides until you have recovered. Many commercial companies have in-house cholinesterase monitoring as part of their safety programs.
9. The Professional Lawn Care Association of America has developed guidelines for cholinesterase exposure and testing. Consults PLCAA or your doctor for more specific information concerning cholinesterase testing.
10. Most pesticide poisonings result form 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.
11. 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
12. Have on hand and know how to use first-aid and safety materials.

First Aid and Safety Materials

*Pesticide label *Change of clothing

*MSDS *Spill absorbent

*Syrup of Ipecac *Fire extinguisher

*First aid kit *Poison control phone number

*Eye wash *Hospital contact

*Detergent -phone number

*Clean water -doctor

*Extra rubber gloves -directions

13. being prepared means you need to be familiar with the common pesticide poisoning symptoms. Poisoning symptoms vary with the type of pesticide, type of exposure, 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.
14. the symptoms of pesticide poisoning are similar to those of other ailments including heat exhaustion, asthma, and food poisoning. Remember, alcohol intensifies the effect of pesticide poisoning and should be avoided whenever pesticide overexposure is suspected.
15. Those exposed to pesticides on a regular basis should know the symptoms of poisoning for fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides.
16. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

Fungicides- general

- headache

- skin irritation

- sweating

- muscle twitching or fatigue

- nausea, diarrhea

- coughing, hoarseness, chest pains

- burning sinuses, throat or lungs

17. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

• muscle twitching or weakness

1. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

Aesenical Herbicides

(cacodylic acid, DSMA,MSMA)

-mild skin irritation

-ingestion may result in burning of the throat, stomach irritation, vomiting and bloody diarrhea

2. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

Insecticides-general

-headache

-visual disturbances (blurred vision)

-abnormal eye pupils (dilated or pinpoint)

-greatly increase sweating, salivation, tearing or respiratory secretions

3. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

Cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides

(Betasan, Dursban, Dizinon, Dylox, Orthene, Aspon, Sevin, Oftanol)

Mild Poisoning

-fatigue

-headache

-dizziness

-blurred vision

-excessive sweating and salivation

-nausea and vomiting

-stomach cramps or

-diarrhea

4. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

• unable to walk
• weakness
• chest discomfort
• pinpoint pupils

1. Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

• unconsciousness
• sever pinpoint pupils
• muscle twitching
• secretions from mouth and nose
• breathing difficulty
• coma

1. Because of their widespread use and high acute toxicity, organophosphates are responsible for more pesticide poisonings than any other class of pesticides. Small doses of organophosphates "add up" in the nervous system during the spray season and may result in poisoning without obvious symptoms.
2. An applicator who is ill after handling pesticides is not necessarily poisoned. IF you have poisoning symptoms and believe the cause may be from pesticide exposure, see your doctor. Let you doctor decide if pesticide poisoning has occurred.
3. First aid treatment is different for each type of exposure. Review the appropriate first aid measures before beginning pesticide applications. There will be little time or opportunity to look up first aid recommendations when you need them. Remember, poisoning symptoms may not be immediately evident. After severe exposure to pesticides, do not put off first aid until you feel bad. First aid is just that- the initial effort to help a victim while medical help is on the way.
4. When pesticide comes in contact with skin:

• remove contaminated clothing! Forget 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.

1. When pesticide is 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.
• Prevent chilling without overheating.
• Loosen tight clothing .
• Resuscitate, if necessary.
• Keep air passages clear.

1. If pesticide contacts the eye:

• Act immediately; a delay of only a few seconds can mean injury.
• Hold eyelids open and rinse eyes with clean water.
• Use large amounts of water.
• Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes.
• Do not use medications; use pure water.
• Seek medical attention.

1. If pesticide has gotten into your moth, but has not been swallowed, rinse thoroughly with large amounts of water. When a pesticide is swallowed, read the label to determine if vomiting should be induced.

30. 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.

31.Do not waste time inducing vomiting—get to the hospital.

39. What happens to the pesticide you applied? Ideally, all of the pesticide applied is in place, and completely breaks down after pests are controlled. Unfortunately, even when used properly, some pesticide will have undesirable effects.
40. Pesticides may harm thatch decomposers and other beneficial organisms in turf. This compromises the pesticide application by reducing natural pest control and turf vigor. Be aware of the potential impact of pesticides on people, pets, the applicator, and wildlife as well.
41. Almost every insecticide used on turf is highly toxic to fish, waterfowl, and songbirds. Wildlife exposed to pesticides may outright die, or any suffer form illness and reproductive failure. Wildlife, and people, are indirectly exposed when they eat food contaminated with pesticides. Even today, trout in the Great Lakes have one billion times more DDT in their bodies than can be found in the surrounding water.
42. Since most turf stands are in areas frequented by people, it is especially importatn for Category 3A applicators to be safety conscious. People depend upon you to protect them, their children and pets from pesticide spray and residue.
43. Before the application carefully inspect the targeted and nearby areas. Be sure to check over fences. Have clients close house windows and move cars out of the spray area. Remove from the area, cover, or wash off tay, swing set and other play equipment, pet dishes, swim gear, small pool, hanging laundry, bird feeders, bird baths and ornamental fish ponds. Beware of food plants near target plants. Before leaving the property, be sure to inform clients about the reentry period.
44. Application equipment is attractive and highly dangerous to children. Do not leave operating equipment unattended, even for a short break. Equipment that is no in use must be stored in a safe and secure manner.
45. Storing hazardous materials poses a great potential for liability. Limit the amount of pesticides stored through careful planning and application.
46. It is good policy to inform your local fire department about your facility. Because chemicals you are storing. Check with Michigan Department of Natural Resources or MSU Extension about SARA Title III requirements.

• not near a well
• secure area well (fences, locks, barred windows)
• good ventilation
• post area with highly-visible warnings
• use fire-proof construction
• install a secondary containment structure to catch large spills
• provide a separate storage area for volatile herbicides.

48. 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.

48. Know that pesticide storage regulations may change and that it is your responsibility to learn about and comply with new regulations. Contact the Micihan Department of Agriculture or MSU Extension for assistance.

50. Safety guidelines for pesticide containers include:

• Keep pesticides in the original container.
• Protect labels.
• Do NOT use anything resembling food containers to carry pesticides.

51. - 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.

51. Improper disposal of pesticides can cause environmental damage, and health risks to humans. Limit the amount of pesticide waste you create by adopting these practices:

• 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.

51. Pesticide wastes are classified as hazardous. Contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources (now DEQ), about the legal responsibilities of pesticide disposal.

• 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. Apply activated charcoal to clean up minor spills.
• Report the spill; large spills must be reported immediately. To determine if spills are reportable quantities contact MDA, MSU Extension, or DEQ.

55. 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:

• Posting

55. Being an experienced, or even a certified, applicator does not make you a professional. In addition to being knowledgeable about turfgrass, pests, and pesticides, you must:

• Communicate with 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 and act professionally.

55. Clients often equate gallons of pesticide sprayed with your value as an applicator. Help the clients realize that your knowledge and monitoring skills are valuable services.
56. For successful turf management, you must help clients understand the importance of proper watering, mowing and fertilizing practices. As a professional applicator you will spend part of your workday explaining and answering questions. It can be a difficult task, but help clients to understand that:

1. Most insects, fungi, etc. are not pests!
2. Turfgrass cannot be both pest-free and benefit from natural controls.
3. There are specific times to implement pest management tactics. Outside of this window, management efforts are wasted.

55. #4. Turf must be regularly inspected for damage and to determine the best timing for various management tactics.

5. Apply pesticides selectively. Often only limited areas of turf require treatment.

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

56. Because most pesticide application problems are within the control of the applicator they are best resolved by improving operational practices. Be educated, up to date, and safety conscious – be a professional pesticide applicator.