Pesticide Storage

1. Pesticide Storage An educational module for the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Web Site Created by: Wayne G. Buhler, Ph.D. Pesticide Safety Education Specialist North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC

2. Proper storage protects… • People • Animals • Environment

3. It also prevents… • Damage to the pesticide and its container • Theft , vandalism, and unauthorized use

4. Always read and follow the label • Before purchasing the product make sure that you can meet the minimum requirements for safe storage. • Look for statements under “Storage and Disposal”, “Note”, or “General Instructions”.

5. Label statements • Mostly general • “store in cool, dry area” • “Keep out of reach…” • Some specific • Temperature and humidity restrictions • Allow for state and local laws to be stricter

6. Material Safety Data Sheet • Available at dealerships or on-line • Lists physical and chemical properties • Identifies hazards and first aid • Provides additional handling and storage information

7. Educational module outline • Storage building and location • Key features of all storage facilities • Safety requirements and guidelines • Planning for emergencies • Ways to reduce storage

8. Choosing a location • Consult with local fire marshal for codes and regs. • Locate in an area where flooding is unlikely • Maintain a 50-100 ft. distance from wells, surface waters, (downwind from) animal feeding stations, and dwellings.

9. Storage building • Several options to explore • High volume of pesticides should be stored in their own facility • Plans available in print or on-line • Many plans have engineering specs for mix/load area with storage and cleanup facilities J. Moody, NCCES

10. Size depends on need • Storage shed • Portable storage unit • Designated area inside another facility T. Bowman, NCDA&CS T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

11. Cabinets for small amounts

12. Key features of all storage facilities • Prevent unauthorized access • Protect the environment • Maintain appropriate conditions

13. Keep it secure • Make sure all entrances are locked when not in use • Gated entrances should be locked as well • Limit access to keys

14. Security lighting helps deter crime

15. Post warning signs at entrances T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

16. Protecting the environment • Floors should be made of non-porous material, free of cracks • Allows for easier cleanup • Construct floors with 2- to 4-inch lip or recess below the level of the doors to contain large spills

17. The problem with drains • Existing floor drains must be sealed unless connected to a tank that can be cleaned out • Outflow must be captured and disposed as hazardous waste NCDA&CS

18. Non-absorbent shelving material • Metal shelves with lip to contain spills • Wooden shelves coated with epoxy paint or plastic • Containment trays or pans

19. Proper Conditions: Ventilation and Humidity • Constant ventilation needed to remove vapors, excess heat, and humidity • Provides safe conditions for workers and extends shelf life of pesticides • Use exhaust fans or passive vents • Exhaust air directly to outside • May be reduced in winter NCDA&CS

20. Proper Conditions: Temperature • Maintain temps between 40 and 100 degrees F. • Freezing may cause chemical separation and container failure • Excess heat may cause explosion or fire • Minimize fire hazards if you provide heating

21. Consider spark-proof electrical fixtures and controls

22. Which one of the following is not an important feature of a storage facility? • Locked entrances • Ventilation • High-peaked roof • Warning signs

23. Which one of the following is not an important feature of a storage facility? • Locked entrances • Ventilation • High-peaked roof • Warning signs The answer is c.

24. The minimum distance between a storage facility and a well is: • 25 feet • 50 feet • 75 feet • 100 feet

25. The minimum distance between a storage facility and a well is: • 25 feet • 50 feet • 75 feet • 100 feet The answer is b.

26. A practical temperature range to maintain inside storage facilities is: • 40 to 100 degrees F • 60 to 80 degrees F • 30 to 90 degrees F • 50 to 110 degrees F

27. A practical temperature range to maintain inside storage facilities is: • 40 to 100 degrees F • 60 to 80 degrees F • 30 to 90 degrees F • 50 to 110 degrees F The answer is a.

28. Storage rules • Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the storage area. • Do not store pesticides in a way that could contaminate seed or animal feed.

29. Storage rules • Never store pesticides in milk jugs, soft drink bottles, fruit jars, or medicine bottles. • Do not keep gasoline or other combustibles with pesticides.

30. Safe storage practices/rules • Use original labeled container • If container is damaged, transfer to a container suitable for the pesticide • If product label is damaged or becomes unreadable, print the following minimum information on container or tag • Common name • Percentage of each active ingredient • EPA registration number • Signal word • Use classification (restricted or general use) NCDA&CS

31. Safe storage practices • Keep storage area organized and clean of debris • Inspect containers regularly • Keep metal containers and bags off the floor • Place heavier containers and liquids on lower shelves. T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

32. Safe storage practices • If practical, store highly flammable/ volatile pesticides separately • Designate a bin or area for containers prepared for recycling T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

33. Be prepared for mishaps • Provide clean water in case of contact with skin or eyes • If running water not practical, store water in a large container • Keep a first aid kit nearby

34. Spill cleanup • Spill kit: absorbent, broom, shovel, and a container with lid • More supplies may be needed for high storage volumes • Check MSDS for materials needed to deactivate spills

35. Personal Protective Equipment • PPE should be kept nearby, but not in the storage room to prevent contamination • May be needed to respond to spills before entering storage area

36. Plan for emergencies • Train workers on how to respond to spills, fires and other emergencies • Keep a fire extinguisher that is approved for chemical fires nearby • Inspect the extinguisher on a regular basis

37. National Fire Protection Assoc. sign • ‘704’ sign alerts first responders to hazards of storage contents • Check with your local Fire Dept. and building code

38. Pre-fire plan • Develop emergency response plan with fire dept. • Invite emergency personnel to the facility • Pre-fire plan available at: http://ipm.ncsu.edu/pesticidesafety/

39. Keep records • File pre-fire plan and storage inventory (include labeling information) • Save at more than one location NCDA&CS

40. The best way to store pesticides is in: • Any empty pesticide container • Glass bottles • Any unbreakable container • The original, labeled container

41. The best way to store pesticides is in: • Any empty pesticide container • Glass bottles • Any unbreakable container • The original, labeled container The answer is d.

42. When a pesticide label gets unreadable: • Throw the container away following state regulations for proper disposal • Write the important information on the container with permanent marker • Request that the pesticide company send you new product • Use the pesticide immediately

43. When a pesticide label gets unreadable: • Throw the container away following state regulations for proper disposal • Write the important information on the container with permanent marker • Request that the pesticide company send you new product • Use the pesticide immediately The answer is b

44. Ways to reduce storage • Track your pesticide usage so that you buy only the amount you need for a season • Purchase pesticides in returnable, refillable containers • Return unopened containers to dealer • Write purchase date on all containers and use on a first-in, first-used basis (helps track shelf life, as well) • Accept delivery shortly before application

45. Key points • Choose location wisely • Keep storage area secure • Maintain appropriate conditions • Store containers safely • Be prepared for mishaps and emergencies • Recognize your responsibility

46. Acknowledgements Thank you to Tom Bowman, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Rick Johnson, Penn State University, and Jerry Moody, NC Cooperative Extension Service for providing some of the images used in this presentation. Appreciation is also extended to Candy Orr, NC State University Field Labs Health and Safety Coordinator, and Robert Bradley, NC State University Grounds Manager for providing access to storage facilities photographed on the campus of NC State University. The use of brand and company names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this module does not imply endorsement by the author or NC State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.