Safe-Handling Of Chemicals

It is essential that the person responsible for mixing chemicals has a thorough understanding of the nature of the chemicals that will be handled, especially about the toxicity of the chemicals, to ensure that the correct safety precautions are taken.

The biggest risk to the person that handles and applies PPP’s is poisoning! The chemical can enter a person’s body in the following three manners:

• By way of the mouth (orally)
• Through contact with the skin (dermal contact)
• By breathing (inhalation)

The most common manner of poisoning is dermal contact.

Click here to download a handout that explains the risks associated with farm chemicals.

General Guidelines for Safe Usage

• Read the label or get someone to treat it for you before using any pesticide.
• Make sure you understand the health risks and precautions you need to take.
• Identify the colour code. How hazardous is the product you want to use? Can you protect yourself and others? If not, don’t use it.
• Never put pesticides in any other container than the one it came in and make sure the label is always on it.
• If you or someone else is poisoned, take the label with you and get medical help.
• Only use the pesticide for what it says it will kill.
• Keep pesticides in their original containers with the label and tightly sealed.
• Do not mix pesticides or use more than one at a time.
• Do not mix different pesticides together.
• Do not use things to mix the pesticides that come from your kitchen or home and make sure you mark the tool you use with a danger sign.
• Mix pesticides away from water sources, children, and not in any place people live in.
• Store pesticides away from children, animals and water sources.
• Do NOT transport pesticides next to the driver or passengers.
• Use the correct equipment for applying pesticides and make sure it does not leak on you or the soil.
• DO NOT spray pesticides on a windy day.
• Drop a leaf to find out the wind direction and make sure you spray so that wind is hitting your back.
• Make sure when spraying pesticides that house windows are closed and no children, animals or water sources are nearby and can be contaminated.
• Only apply pesticides early in the morning or in the later afternoon – never during the day, especially when it is hot. The pesticide can become more dangerous.
• Do not enter a sprayed field until all the plants and soil are no longer wet from pesticides.
• When using a pesticide can for spraying (e.g. Doom), cover your hand with a glove or plastic bag (throw the bag out after spraying where it won’t cause contamination) to avoid skin contact with the poison. Use a mask to avoid breathing in the spray mist from the can.
  • Never pour pesticides or put empty containers down the drain or into the toilet or into storm water drains or into rivers, reservoirs or dams.
  • Do not reuse pesticide containers.
  • It is against the law to burn or bury empty pesticide containers. Burning can release toxic fumes and burying contaminates water sources.
  • Take triple-rinsed containers back to where you bought them.

Click here to view a video that explains safe use of pesticides.

Protective Gear and Equipment

It is of utmost importance that the user is adequately protected when using plant protection products. Pictograms are displayed on product labels advising on the protective gear and safety equipment that are necessary when handling a chemical.

The following protective clothing must be available to those who use PPP’s to eliminate the risk of poisoning.

Click here to view a video that explains personal protective equipment for pesticide applicators.

Contact Details of Emergency Services

Contact details of emergency services must be readily available to all persons who use PPP’s. Display emergency telephone numbers close to the telephone so that they are easily noticeable and easy to find.

The following is a list of helpful numbers that should be available:

• Bateleur (a call centre that provides emergency advice)
• Poisons Information Centre (University of the Free State)
• Poisons Information Centre (Red Cross WMC Hospital)
• Tygerberg Pharmaceutical and Toxicology Consultation Centre
• Local doctor
• Local hospital
• Ambulance service