Ag. Chemical Safety

1. Ag. Chemical Safety East Robertson High School Instructor Mr. Gregory May 2007

2. What is the WPS? • Worker Protection Standard • WPS is a law that sets the rules for proper use and disposal of chemicals. • WPS determines the clothing and protective equipment needed for employees of agriculture operations.

3. Types of Pesticides • Insecticides- Kills Insects • Miticides – Kills Mites and Aphids • Fungicides – Kills Fungal organisms • Herbicides – Kills unwanted plants • Rodenticides – Kills Rodents • Nematocides – Kills Nematodes • Molluscicides – Kills Mollusks (snails, slugs)

4. Ways Chemicals Enter The Body • Oral Contact (by swallowing) • Dermal Contact (by contacting skin) • Inhalation (by breathing)

5. Types of Toxicity • Acute Toxicity – the measure of how poisonous a chemical is after one exposure. • Chronic Toxicity – the measure of how poisonous a chemical is after a period of time or after repeated exposures.

6. What must be on the Label • Name and Address of Manufacturer • Trade Name • Active Ingredients • Type of Pesticide • Form of Substance (WP, D, E, ect…) • EPA Number • Storage & Disposal

7. What must be on the Label • Hazard Statement • Directions for use • Net contents • WPS Regulations for that product

8. What are the Signal Words • Caution – Slightly Toxic (1 oz – 1 pint) LD. • Warning – Moderately Toxic ( 1 tsp – 1 oz) LD. • Danger – Highly Toxic ( a few drops – 1 tsp) LD. Will also have a skull and Crossbones on the label.

9. Reentry time (Danger – Poison) • Chemicals carrying the word “Danger – Poison” have a reentry time of 48 hours after application. This information should be posted for all workers or visitors to the farm or greenhouse. Do not enter these areas without proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during the time posted.

10. Reentry Time (Warning) • Areas treated with these agents should not be reentered for 24 hours after application. The owner/operator is required to post this information clearly. • The Owner/Operator is responsible for any damages that occur as a result of the application.

11. Reentry Time (Caution) • People may reenter the area as soon as the dust or spray mist has settled in the area. • Areas treated with chemicals that carry no label can be reentered immediately.

12. What should you wear • When applying chemicals you need to wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). • The PPE should match the equipment that is recommended on the product label.

13. What should you wear • Respirator with the proper filters. Paint filters will not work for Ag Chemicals. • Eye Protection to prevent chemical splashing into your eyes.

14. What should you wear • Chemical Suit made of a material that does not absorb chemicals. • Rubber Gloves and Boots. The sleeve of the suit should go over the gloves and boots.

15. What must the Employer provide • 1. PPE • 2. Water, Paper Towels, and Soap at worksite. • 3. Phone number for emergency help and directions to the Hospital, Clinic, ect… • Training to employees on Chemical Safety and WPS. • This must be provided in proper language.

16. Chemical First Aid • Read all Label instructions before use. • If spilled on the skin wash with soap and water to dilute the chemical. Call Doctor have EPA registration number handy. • Remove any contaminated clothing. Put on clean clothes or wrap in blankets. Cover any chemical burns with loose clean cloth.

17. Chemical First Aid • For eye poisoning, hold the eye open and flush for five minutes. • For inhalation victims, carry them to fresh air, loosen clothes, and apply CPR if breathing has stopped. • Always consult doctor as soon as signs of poisoning appear.

18. How do I work Safely • Wear PPE • Have water and soap available to clean spills. • Read label carefully. • Use extra caution with concentrated chemicals. • Only mix enough to do the job.

19. How do I work Safely • Protect against inhalation and splashes • Consider the weather conditions. • Store and dispose of chemicals properly.

20. The End