Pesticide Security and Storage

Joanne Kick-Raack

Ohio State University Extension

Storing Pesticides Safely

• Properly storing pesticides makes good business sense.

• Protects people & animals

• Protects the environment

Pesticide Security

Increased vigilance after September 11th events

Pesticide security should always be important

• Potential for harm to humans, especially children (who should not have access)

• Environmental harm, vandalism, and theft with possible misuse of products and the potential for use by terrorists.

* Some pesticides have highly visible effects on human health.

Potential Harm

• Rapid, visible effects to human– Ex. Organophosphates, fumigants, paraquat

• Eye, skin and respiratory irritation– Ex. Many herbicides

• Disrupt infrastructure or cause panic– Even low toxicity pesticides – Introduce into water supplies—exceed legal

limit– Spray over populated areas

Storage

• Ventilate the storage area properly, but do not use structures with windows large enough for someone to enter.

• Dogs can be effective deterrents against criminal activity.

Storage

• Maintain a separate location for the storage of pesticides.

• If the storage area is located within a larger structure, provide access through a separate outside door.

• Keep the storage area locked.

• Do not allow unauthorized access.

Security

• Post the name, address, and telephone number of at least one contact person at the primary entrance to the storage area.

• Establish contact with local law enforcement and fire authorities.

• Post emergency numbers (Poison Control, police, fire department) in the storage area.

Security

• Limit access to storage

• Besides locking—consider locked fence,

• Consider security lighting and/or alarm

Security

• Maintain an updated inventory of products.• List at least the product name, date of

purchase, quantity, and location within the storage area.

• Store the inventory list separately from the storage area.

• Inspect the storage area regularly and maintain a log of inspection.

Security

• Make sure that products identified for disposal are kept locked in the storage area until they are disposed of.

• Keep pesticide application equipment secure.

• Never leave ignition keys in application equipment.

Security

• Lock pesticide transport vehicles whenever the driver is away - prevent unauthorized access

• Be aware of the potential for siphoning or otherwise stealing from filled tanks such as mini-bulk equipment.

Security

• Do not sell or give pesticides to someone you do not know.

• If you do sell some pesticides, make sure the buyer has appropriate documentation.

PesticideStorageSystems

Storage Areas Protect:

• The environment

• Family, friends and others

Storage Areas Should Be:• Separate building or cabinet• Well identified with signs

Storage Areas Should Provide:

• Low runoff potential

• Adequate lighting

• Clean water source

Storage Areas Should Be

• More than 100 ft. and downslope from surface waters and wells, animal feeding stations, food/feed storage and dwellings

• In site with little runoff as possible

• Tied down if portable, to prevent tipping or moving off site

Storage

• Post the storage area appropriately to deter accidental exposure: Example

“Danger--Pesticides--Keep Out”

• Also post “No Smoking” signs and do not allow smoking near the storage area.

Storage Areas Should Include:

• Moisture controls • Separate areas for herbicides & insecticides

Storage Areas Should Include:

• Temperature controlavoid freezing or excessive heat

• Storage for volatile products

Storage Areas Should Provide:

• Non-porous flooring & shelving• Tools for spill management• Safety equipment

Emergency Situations:

• Post emergency numbers

• Identify storage area

• Have building maps and product listseasily accessible

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Keep with labels

• Make available to emergency personnel like firefighters

• Important to protect first responders

• May help you save your building

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know

SARA Title III• Federal Law –1986

• Mandates program to give local officials and citizens information about hazardous chemicals

SARA Title III

Farmers are required to:• Report stored chemicals if:

– those listed on “ hazardous substances” list– Amounts above the “threshold planning quantity”

• Provide information to LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee)

• Report spills—Federal, state, local– Ohio EPA 24hr. Hotline (800) 282-9378

Pesticide Containers:

• Keep pesticides in original container

• Keep label firmly attached

• Check for damaged containers

Labels:

• Read for safety instructions

• Read for storage instructions

• Make sure labels are legible

Pesticide Containers

• Use sturdy stainless steel shelves

• Store liquids below dry products

• Store glass on bottom

• Use foil “turkey roasters” for containment

Reduce Contamination:

• Never store by livestock or pet feed

• Store pesticides away from fertilizer

• Never store by household products

• Store protective clothing separately

State Storage Regulations:

• Store pesticides separately from• Commercial fertilizer• Animal feeds

• Bulk storage equivalent to• 55 gallons liquid• 100 net pounds dry matter

State Storage Regulations:

• On-farm bulk storage exempt if mobile containers are used

• Non-mobile containers defined as having fixed plumbing attached and refill directly from a tank truck

Remember: Proper storage of pesticides is as important

as using them safely on site.

Pesticide Education ProgramOhio State University Extension