The following points highlight the seven important measures to be taken for safety use of pesticides. The measures are: 1. Following Label Instruction 2. Wearing Protective Clothing 3. Avoiding Spilling and Drift 4. Use of Proper Applicator 5. Taking Correct Amount of Pesticide 6. Recording Application 7. Storing Pesticides.
Measure # 1. Following Label Instruction:
When using pesticides, safety is critical. Before application of a pesticide, reading and following the directions of pesticide label exactly is crucial. The label is a legal document. Using pesticides in ways other than listed on the label may result in legal action.
On the label special instructions are given for the following measures:
1. Plants that may be treated
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2. Application rates and timing
3. Application methods
4. Toxicity level warning, caution, danger
5. Precautions to take when applying
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6. Danger to other animals or nearby vegetation
7. Environmental concerns
8. Timing of application relative to harvest
9. Instructions to physicians when poisoning occurs
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10. Disposal and cleaning of clothing used during application, and
11. Disposal and storage of all pesticide chemicals.
Measure # 2. Wearing Protective Clothing:
Wearing of protective clothing when applying pesticides is must. This includes long-sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes, socks, rubber or neoprene gloves, protective eye gear and a respirator or dust mask when necessary. Clothing exposed to pesticides should be washed in detergent and hot water.
Measure # 3. Avoiding Spilling and Drift:
Spilled pesticides can be absorbed with kitty litter. If one is exposed to pesticides during mixing or application, he/she must wash it immediately and follow label instructions. Pesticides contacting the eyes, nose or ears should be rinsed with water. To avoid exposure to pesticides, application must be done when there is no wind to avoid PESTICIDE DRIFT.
Measure # 4. Use of Proper Applicator:
It is advised to find the correct applicator. The label on applicator will provide specific instructions. These applicators include compressed-air sprayers, trombone sprayers, hose-end sprayers and hand- dusters. A cultivator should have separate sprayer equipment for herbicides and insecticides. Herbicide residues in a sprayer used to apply insecticides or fungicides may damage plants.
Measure # 5. Taking Correct Amount of Pesticide:
Only the required amount of a pesticide should be prepared to complete the job. Mixing exposes the applicator to the most concentrated form of the pesticide. Carefully measure concentrates with measuring spoons or cups reserved and labelled for that use only. No chemicals should be mixed together unless the label says they are specifically compatible.
If more pesticide is mixed than that which is needed, it should be applied to plants that are on the label. Never pour a pesticide down the drain or storm sewer. Rinse the sprayer with freshwater, applying the rinse water to plants that are listed on the label. A second and third rinse is recommended.
Measure # 6. Recording Application:
Keep records of pesticide applications for reference, otherwise problems may arise. This helps one to remember the date of application for the days before harvesting of edible crops is to be undertaken.
Measure # 7. Storing Pesticides:
Pesticides should be stored in their original containers in a locked cabinet. The storage location should not be exposed to heat or cold. Liquid pesticides should never freeze.
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At this time there is no appropriate method for storing or disposing unused pesticides. Therefore, purchase of only required amount is suggested and will be used in only one growing season. Empty containers should be wrapped in several layers of newspaper and dumped in the trash.