Download - Safe use of pesticides (by mercycops)
SAFE USE OF PESTICIDESBY
J.CHIPOMHO
WHAT IS AN AGROCHEMICAL?
Synthetic chemical (not naturally occurring) used in agricultural production.
CHEMICALS WHICH ARE USED IN CROP PRODUCTION?
Agrochemicals can be grouped according to their functions:Insecticides HerbicidesFungicidesNematicidesPlant growth regulators
DANGERS IN AGROCHEMICAL USE: WHO IS AT RISKTo Environment/Fish
Animal/ Victims Primary / Secondary
Users
PESTICIDE POISONINGHow pesticide poisoning takes place
Pesticides enter the body throughEyes contactInhalation Ingestion Skin Contact
PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning Acute poisoning Sub-chronic poisoning Chronic poisoning
1. Acute poisoning Takes place when a large amount of
chemical is taken up in a short period of time (Accident)
PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning2.Sub-chronic poisoning Caused by repeated intake of
fairly large amounts of pesticide
PESTICIDE POISONINGTypes of poisoning
3. Chronic poisoning Due to repeated intake of small
amounts of chemical over a long period of time
CHOICE OF PESTICIDESAnyone handling pesticides must first recognize the
pest & decide when control is needed
Right Product Right Source Right Amount Right time
Recommended products and their hazards Time and frequency of application Dose rates and dilutions Method of application Observing the post harvest spray period (PHI) Precautions to be taken
HANDLING PESTICIDESBEFORE USE – READ THE LABELIdentify the name of the pesticideIdentify the formulation of the pesticideIdentify the strength of the formulationIdentify the coloured triangleCheck the applicability to the pest problemIdentify the application rate (dosage)Identify the application methodCheck for compatibilityIdentify safety precautions to be followedIdentify first aid treatment
HANDLING PESTICIDESWARNING SIGNS
PURPLE TRIANGLE: Very dangerous poison
RED TRIANGLE: Dangerous poison
AMBER TRIANGLE: Poison
GREEN TRIANGLE: Harmful if swallowed
MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDESThis is where there is the greatest risk
of more serious accidents because one will be dealing with a concentrated chemical
Concentrates may also be corrosive
Mixing :- Chemical Formulations There are different types of formulations:Some are liquidSome are solidsSome are ready to useSome need to be diluted, usually with water
MEASURING & MIXING PESTICIDESPREPARING TO MIXA. Read the product labelB.Select best mixing methodC. Use the correct equipmentD.Select a safe mixing placeE. Measure accurately F. Clean up utensils G.Correct disposal of empty containers
APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY Dos and Don'ts:- of Pesticide
use 1. Do not spray against wind2. Read and follow label instructions3. Never allow children or pregnant
women to apply or be exposed to pesticides
4. Do not eat, drink or smoke while applying pesticides
APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY 6. Cleaning blocked nozzle 7. No workers in the field being sprayed 8. Keep animals out of crops which have
been sprayed9. Never leave pesticide open and
equipment unattended
APPLYING PESTICIDES SAFELY
10.Safe disposal of empty containers 11.Personal hygiene after spraying
SUMMARY: PESTICIDES SAFELY Safety Precautions After
Pesticide Use1. Personal hygiene2. Cleaning of equipment3. Disposing of wastes4. Re-entering treated crops5. Waiting periods before harvesting
crops
Protective Clothing and Equipment It is important to know what
protective clothing to wear for the different colour triangle pesticides
Examples include: Waterproof jacket with long sleeves Waterproof trousers Rubber boots Rubber or plastic coated gloves Hat Face masks
Protective Clothing
General points concerning protective clothing 1. Overalls or long trousers must be
worn OUTSIDE of rubber boots2. Spraying suit must be kept only for
this purpose3. Protective clothing can be very
uncomfortable in hot weather. It is better to apply pesticides in cooler weather.
PESTICIDES STORAGE Storing Pesticides Safely Accidental poisoning usually due to
improper storage Pesticides should always be under
lock and key Kept in a separate building, Out of reach of children and animals
PESTICIDES STORAGE Storing Pesticides Safely
Always store pesticides in their original containers
Do not store pesticides in empty drink bottles or old food containers
PESTICIDES STORAGE Dealing With Pesticides Spills
Spillage must be safely disposed of: Keep people away Use soil to soak up spilled liquids (clay
soils are best) Bury the soil or the solids in the ground far
away from water sources Wash down any surface Wear protective clothing during the exercise
FIRST AID Easy to prevent poisoning than to treat it,
so always handle pesticides carefully Speed is essential in the treatment of
pesticide poisoning. Immediately call a doctor or take the
patient to a hospital Show the doctor the label of the pesticide
container & report how the poisoning occurred
Antidotes must only be given by qualified persons
FIRST AID cont… Common signs of mild pesticide
poisoning are:- sickness- dizziness- headache- diarrhoea- irritation of skin, eyes and
nose
FIRST AID cont… Serious symptoms of poisoning
include:- stomach cramps- rapid pulse- difficult in breathing- trembling- vomiting
FIRST AID cont…While waiting for medical assistance, the victim can be helped as follows:1. Remove contaminated clothing and wash
contaminated skin and hair2. Pesticides splashed or dusted into the
eyes must be washed immediately. 3. Never give alcohol or milk when
poisoning is suspected4. Keep victim calm and comfortable
recovery position 5. After recovery, victims should not handle
pesticides for several weeks