Plant Pathology: Extension

Disclaimer

Any information available from this Web Site was prepared for use in Georgia and is not intended to be applicable in other states. Trade and brand names are used only for information. Neither the Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The University of Georgia nor any other agency of the State of Georgia guarantees nor warrants the quality of fitness for use intended of any product mentioned; neither is there any expressed or implied approval of any product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable.

PESTICIDE PRECAUTIONS

Pesticides are poisonous chemicals that can damage or even kill man, animals and plants if they are handled improperly. Pesticides can be used with little risk to man or the environment if eight general principles are observed.

Apply pesticides only when they are needed. Properly identify the pest and evaluate whether it will cause enough damage to justify a pesticide application.
Choose the correct pesticide. Make sure it is labeled for the pest and site you wish to treat.
Observe all directions, restrictions and precautions on the pesticide label. It is dangerous, wasteful, and illegal to do otherwise.
Store pesticides behind locked doors, in original containers with labels intact, away from food, feed and clothing, and out of the reach of children, irresponsible people, and animals.
Use pesticides at labeled dosages and intervals to avoid excessive residue and injury to nontarget plants and animals.
Avoid drift of pesticides into areas where they could harm man or the environment or cause illegal residues. Crops that receive frequent pesticide applications should be planted in non-sensitive areas. Apply pesticides only when there is little or no wind.
Dispose of surplus pesticides and containers according to label instructions to avoid contaminating water and other hazards.
After using a pesticide, shower thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hair and clean under your fingernails. Do not wear contaminated clothing until it has been laundered.

Selecting and Purchasing the Pesticide

Identify the pest and decide if it is likely to cause enough damage to justify the use of a pesticide.
Select the pesticide that best fits your needs considering such things as effectiveness, hazard, restrictions on use, your knowledge and experience, and the clothing and equipment needed to apply the product properly and safely.
You may not purchase or use a restricted use pesticide unless you or your supervisor are properly certified.

Transporting the Pesticide

Fasten down pesticide containers in the back of a truck to prevent breaks and spills.
Keep pesticides away from food, feed, and passengers.
Transport pesticides in properly labeled packages. Keep cardboard or paper packages and labels dry.
Do not leave accessible pesticides unattended.
Clean up any spills using the correct procedure.

Storing the Pesticide

Store pesticides in a locked and posted place that is accessible only to qualified personnel. Keep pesticides out of reach of children, unqualified people, or animals.
Store pesticides in their original containers with intact labels. Never place a pesticide in a food or beverage container.
Do not store pesticides with food, feed, or seed.
Make sure the storage place is fire-resistant (including a concrete floor), well ventilated, well lighted, locked, dry, protected from direct sunlight, and insulated against temperature extremes.
Check containers frequently for leaks or breaks. Transfer the contents of a damaged container into a labeled container that held exactly the same pesticide.
Immediately clean up any spills using the correct methods.

Mixing and Loading Pesticides

Keep people, pets, and livestock out of the mixing area.
Work in a well lighted and well ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Do not work alone.
Wear pants and a shirt of tightly woven material with legs and sleeves extending over liquid-proof boots and gloves. Wear a liquid proof apron or raincoat, a wide-brimmed liquid-proof hat, goggles, and any other protective clothing or equipment that is specified on the pesticide label. Use common sense, and consider the toxicity of the pesticide and your working conditions as you decide the type of protection you need.
Read the directions on the pesticide label for amounts and methods before you open the container. Measure carefully and mix only the amounts you intend to use.
Keep the container below eye level to avoid splashing pesticide into your eyes. Close it immediately after use.
When you are mixing or loading, stand so that the wind does not blow pesticide on you.
If you spill any pesticide on yourself, remove the contaminated clothing and wash the affected area immediately with detergent and water. Clean up the spill immediately.

Applying the Pesticide

Wear protective clothing and equipment as specified on the label.
Clear the area of people, pets, and livestock.
Check your application equipment for leaks and faulty nozzles.
Make sure your equipment is delivering the proper amount of water, dust, or granules. Calibrate spray equipment before you add pesticides.
Avoid drift. Spray only when there is little or no wind. Use the lowest spray pressure and largest nozzle orifices that are practical.
Check the label to determine what precautions, if any, must be taken before people can re-enter the area after a pesticide application.

Cleaning Equipment

Thouroughly clean mixing, loading, and application equipment inside and out after each use.
Wear protective clothing while you are cleaning equipment or repairing it during use.
Clean equipment in an area where drainage will not endanger man or the environment.

Disposing of Excess Pesticides and Empty Containers

Use excess pesticides according to label directions if possible. Otherwise follow label instructions for disposal.
For metal, plastic or glass containers, drain and rinse them three times or equivalent before disposal. At each rinsing, fill each container one-fifth to one-fourth full of water, seal it tightly while you shake it, then drain it completely. Pour rinse water into the spray tank.
Read label instructions for disposal instructions.

Cleanup of Spills

Keep people away from the spilled chemical and give first aid if the chemical was spilled on anyone.
Confine the spill with sand or soil dikes.