Keep Accurate Records And Handle Stock

Storage And Separation

The various different inputs should be separated within a store. Depending on the actual commodity being stored, the systems used in different stores may differ. In the case of pesticides, it is useful to separate the herbicides, fungicides and insecticides by placing them in different designated areas within the store. This will ensure that a herbicide is not accidentally taken instead of an insecticide. When stacking pesticides, the powder and granular formulation should always be stored away from the liquid formulations.

When shelves are used, the dry formulations should be kept on the upper shelves and liquids on the lower shelves. This ensures that should a liquid container leak, it will not contaminate the dry products. When stacking containers, there are a number of rules to be followed. These rules are set out in the table below.

Generally, a rule for storage systems should be flexible and adaptable.

Stacking Position and Heights

The stock should be arranged in such a way that the “old” stock is used first ("first in - first out" principle) to prevent obsolete stock from accumulating. Containers should be arranged to minimise handling and thus avoid mechanical damage giving rise to leaks. Floor spaces should be neatly marked and with (1-m wide) passages between shelves or stacks that permit easy inspection, allow free airflow and also enables immediate clean-up in the event of any leakage or spills which can be easily seen. Climbing on pesticide containers should not be permitted as damaged or corroded metal drums can easily give way under a person’s weight.

Containers should not be placed directly on the floor but rather onto pallets and the total pallet height should not exceed 107 cm. This will allow the identification of leaking or corroding containers. Dry formulations should be kept in boxes to avoid caking. When chemicals are packed in glass containers they should also be kept in boxes to prevent breakages.

Pesticide Ordering and Shelf-Life

The shelf-life and rate of use must be taken into account when ordering inputs. Do not order more than one year's requirement. The date of manufacture and shelf-life should be visible on the outside of the container. If a larger quantity is ordered than can be used during the period of shelf-life, outdated stocks will accumulate and present disposal problems.

Stock Inspection and Shelf-Life

Stocks in a store should be inspected regularly for signs of deterioration, such as caking of powders, sedimentation or clotting of liquids and discolouration through oxidation. Shelf-life declines rapidly after containers have been opened and left partially empty. Stock turnover must be organised to ensure that the contents of a container are used as quickly as possible once the container has been opened. Unsealed powder and wettable powder containers should not be kept for more than one year.

Containers are not only subject to deterioration caused by external factors (climatic, biological and mechanical), but can also be corroded internally through the action of the pesticides they contain. Emulsion concentrate formulations are particularly likely to affect weak spots, especially along seams or where there are imperfections on the internal coating of the container. Some pesticides increase in acidity during storage and this makes them more likely to corrode containers from within. Discolouration of a pesticide is a sign of corrosion and should be looked for during stock inspections.