Pesticides
10001a. Pesticide Storage
A variety of pesticides are used and stored in college/university campus facilities for pest control. Other institutions may utilize third-party contractors to provide pest control activities. For those facilities using and storing pesticides, a number of practices are provided to assist in the safe storage of these materials. Also refer to Hazardous Materials Storage/Use.
BMP
- Store herbicides separately from pesticides.
- Store in a separate room, building, or covered area that is dry and well ventilated, is equipped with fire protection, where flooding is unlikely and runoff will not contaminate any water system.
- Follow manufacturer's label information for storage and use practices.
- Always store pesticides in their original containers with the original legible labels attached. Date and rotate inventory.
- When storing 2, 4 –D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), storage areas should be maintained above 40° F and below 100° F.
- Signs are posted on doors to storage area that read "Danger: Poison, Pesticide Storage."
- Store in an area secured by a fence with locking gate or locked doors. Keep storage area doors and windows locked at all times.
- Keep the telephone number of your area Poison Control Center near your telephone.
- Store protective equipment and clothing in a nearby location that is accessible and clearly identified.
P2
- Secondary containment is provided for all solid and liquid materials.
- Containment basins are provided for all materials.
- Floor drains in storage areas are sealed or bermed/diked.
- Don't buy more pesticides than needed.
- The most effective way to reduce risks posed by pesticides is to use non-chemical control methods to reduce or eliminate pest problems.
- Establish a documented spill containment and cleanup procedure (absorbent material and/or approved hazardous material containers) that is reviewed yearly with in-house staff and local fire department codes.
- IPM (Intergraded Pest Management) Systems should be considered.
10001b. Pesticide Use, Mixing and Handling
BMP
- Do not transport, mix or use agricultural chemicals unless you can summon help, if needed.
- A clean area to dress should be available.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling pesticides.
- Read pesticide labels carefully. Do not use products for plants that are not indicated on the label, and don't use more pesticide than directed on the label. Follow the label directions when mixing, applying, storing, or disposing of pesticides.
- Wear personal protective equipment to prevent dermal, inhalation, and mucous membrane exposure. Change clothes and wash your hands immediately after applying or handling pesticides.
- Do not apply pesticides when rain is imminent or if wind could affect the spraying area.
- Always handle pesticides downhill from wells, cisterns, sink holes, ditches, or standing water.
- If using a commercial applicator or lawn care service, ask for information about potential risks and safety precautions to take. Check all pesticide equipment before you use it to ensure proper working condition.
- Triple rinse spray equipment and empty containers. Apply the rinse water to the treated field.
- Properly dispose of empty containers.
- MSDSs should be maintained on site and available.
- The state license is readily available.
- Keep an ample supply of water nearby to flush exposed areas if a spill occurs.
- Cleaning agents for personnel use are readily available.
- Observe assigned reentry intervals. Always wear the appropriate protective clothing when entering fields before the reentry date.
- Ventilation is available.
P2
- The floor is sloped to the sump.
- A containment berm is present.
- Sink drains to a sump.