Get Your Applicator's License 3: Safety Third?

Safety third?

By Morgan Nilsen

Here we are at the start of the last presentation before the test

Your job is to pass the test and get your license

Lots of safety is common sense, what's left is a challenge to learn


The importance of safety should be an obvious concern for you when dealing with pesticides … but not knowing these specific regulations will likely ensure a low score on the test


it is a challenge to learn specific regulations: - who know how often to replace a respirator?- what things are required for notification of pesticides- Who has heard of Proposition 65?

Don't let questions like these catch you off guard. Be aware of the regulations

Studying, reason, and dedicationwill ensure your job at Pestec

It's time to get down to business and study safety in this order:


c


c


You will have to get usedto reading labels

It's important to follow the law

The EPA says it's a violation of the law to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label

DPR says follow these safety rules

1. Read the label every time and follow its directions 1. Be especially careful with pesticides before they are mixed with water.

2. Wear the right kind of protection.

If a pesticide can hurt you or harm you right away that's called acute

Examples of acute organophosphate is Parathion. It is absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes or harmful when swallowed.

It is also know as "Schwiegermuttergift" (mother-in-law poison in German).

Pesticides can make you sick by entering in your body 4 ways

Labels contain dense information

FRONT LABEL CONTENTSAloft = general pesticide for lawns (golf)

RUP (Restricted Use Pesticide, not general use)Product name / brand name / trademark Ingredient statement is very important because two different products could have the same active ingredient.Signal word:(Danger will have skull and crossbones)

Danger LD50 = 0 - 50Warning LD50 = 50 - 500

Caution LD50 = 500 - 5000(association “Death Will Come”)

Keep Out of Reach of Children statementNet contents

Back label includes:1 - Precautionary statement (which includes hazard to humans

and animals; keep out of reach)2 - User safety requirements (PPE)3 – Physical or chemical hazards 4 – Environmental hazards5 – directions for use6 – storage and disposal7 – warranty (if the producer wishes)

Another Example Back label includes:

- first aid statement- directions for use- includes methods of use + recommended use- storage and disposal- warranty (if the producer wishes)

Makers of the test care a lot about labels

Makers of the test care a lot about labels

Why? Well it may be that they have your best interest at heartOr, perhaps is just an arbitrary thing to be a stickler about So imagine these rules are like all the details you had to study about for your drivers test.

Whatever the case, we have to know some very specific things

Know the MEPs and what PPE you have to wear

Know the MEPs and what PPE you have to wear

You must use a respirator, clean coveralls (or clothing that covers all your skin) and clean place to store you other clothes.

It's better is to use a self-contained unit called a closed system

The law says the label must be present at all times

So what happens when the pesticide comes in small individual packages?

Well we have to be provided a supplementary

label that comes in the box. So a small sheet may be attached to each

individual package, or the label may refer you to a sheet that is included in the box.

Test may include Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act of

86

(Proposition 65) The California government is required to make a list of chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

If a pesticide you work with is on this list than your supervisor must warn you!

Records also must be kept for any application

Care for yourself and otherson the job should be obvious, right?

We need to know emergency procedures like first aid

What to do if someone collapses

Would this normally be from a chronic exposure? No, it's more likely a dangerous pesticide acute exposure.

First, get the person away from the pesticides (and be careful, there may be pesticides on the person).

Second, then get help right away, 911

What to do if someone collapses

Also, try to stop the pesticides from getting in the person's body.

If the person is not breathing, and you know how to, give CPR.

What to do if a person swallows a pesticide

Get help right away, 911 or poison control If the person is sleepy or unconscious and you

have no phone, take the person to the hospital right away. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Do not try to get them to vomit.

Some pesticides can be doubly harmful.If the person is still conscious

follow the instructions in the first aid section of the label.

What to do if you get sick

Stop work right away. You must stop working with the pesticide

Get help. Tell someone at work what happened

Ask to be taken to the doctor or the hospital

PPE is one way that we canprevent exposure and accidents

When should we be especially careful with pesticides?


When mixing with water.Moving pesticides and hand pouring

pesticides are the two most dangerous parts of the job


When should we be especially careful with pesticides? When mixing with water

Moving pesticides and hand pouring pesticides are the two most dangerous parts of the job

Here are general things to remember when thinking about PPEYour company must provide clean clothing

any time you work with a pesticide labeled dangerous or warning.

Your company must also provide a place to store clothes and cleanup after work when working with a pesticide labeled dangerousor warning.

If the label says you have to work with a chemical suit then you cannot work in 80 during the day 85 at night.

Wear a respirator when the label says “avoid breathing vapor/mist”

Here's a little more about respirators:You must get training on how to use a

respirator and fit it properly.A proper one must say that it is approved by

the NIASH.You must use a special respirator if you have

a beard or lots of facial hair. If you smell or taste anything funny it's not

working. Also if it's hard to breath. Inspect for cracks or tears.

Filter must be replaced when label says, when you notice something funny, or at the end of each workday (which ever comes first)

Closed systems and Water-soluble packs are forms of extra protection

Lawmakers are trying to protect you

Proper training is your right

Your supervisor must know and help you to learn about the pesticides you use, how to safely use them, and protect yourself

Each year you must be told the ways a pesticide can hurt you and how to safely use one with extra training about respirators

All the information must be written down

Proper access to emergency care is also your right

Your employer must make emergency plans before you start working with a pesticide

You should see signs like “Emergency medical care is available at ...” every where.

You have the right to know when and where pesticides have been used where you work, even the EPA registration number.

You also have the right to know where records are kept.

You may be asked about the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

It is a program set up by the EPA to protect agricultural workers that deal with pesticides

Let's not forget the care of others

We have to handle and store pesticides correctly

Here are examples of suitable storage options

Optimal would be a fenced in area that is locked

Another could be a storage area that's lockedA truck or trailer with compartments

that can be locked

Let's go over the procedure for proper mixing again

What is the first step? Always read the label

Next, make sure you have the proper PPE (which will certainly include glasses&gloves) Then … let's say it's a liquid formation

Start with 70% waterThen add WP → DF / WDG → EC

Remember this is one of the most dangerous parts of the job

Common Pesticide Formulations

Here are the steps to proper disposal (triple rinse)

Wear all the required PPE (glasses / gloves min)

Fill container to ¼ water, seal and shakeTake that mix and add it to the mix tank

to be applied for the job.Repeat procedure 2x morePuncture the container so it's not used againProperly dispose of the container

What to do in case of a mess

Accidents do happen(including fires and explosions)

Accidents do happen

Patch the leaky containerClean with absorbent material (kitty litter)Place it all in a sealable container

(also with a proper label)The label / MSDS sheet will have

proper disposal info

Accidents do happen(including fires and explosions)

For fires and explosions:Inspect for potential hazards, ignition points

(like what? electrical motors, wall switches, appliances, or pilot lights)

Call 911 immediately and use extreme caution with pesticide fires. Be sure to tell them.

(Don't stand downwind)

Careful of others around you and what surface you are applying to

Follow the directions on the label.Porous surfaces like concrete

make the pesticide useless.Carpets / wall paper may stain.Dusts may leave a residue.Often says to test in a

small inconspicuous space

Careful of others around you and what surface you are applying to

Odors are strongest right after application. Apply when building is not occupied

(especially child/pets).

Prevent drift - Don't apply on windy days. Prevent run off - Avoid sidewalks.

What to include on the pesticide notification

- The pest to be controlled - Pesticides and active ingredients

And what to expect from them (odor)- Areas treated

State law requires some specific language:- CAUTION- PESTICIDES ARE TOXIC CHEMICALS...- If within 24 hours following application you experience symptoms...- For further information, contact any of the following...

3 most important things when handling or storing pesticides


Original container


Original container

Never use household containers


Original container

Never use household containers

Do not take pesticides home

So where have we come?

Lots of safety is common sense, but some will be a challenge to keep

We all want to wish you good luck!

Education

Get Your Applicator's License 3: Safety Third?