DEPARTMENT OF
www.chemicalservices.nt.gov.au
PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
Biosecurity and Product Integrity
Chemical Services
CS Robinson Building
Berrimah Farm
Web: www.chemicalservices.nt.gov.au
GPO Box 3000
DARWIN NT 0801
Tel: 8999 2344
Fax: 8999 2111
Email: chemicals@nt.gov.au
CODE OF PRACTICE
FOR
THE HANDLING OF PESTICIDES
Work Practices and Procedures
Standard precautionary measures must be adopted and followed during all phases of pesticide
operations – ie during preparation, application and at completion or disposal.
Preparation
1.
Persons suffering from ill health – especially respiratory and heart diseases should not be
involved in applying pesticides.
2.
Identify the pest, and assess how much damage is really being done.
3.
Use pesticides only when really needed.
4.
Seek advice on the proper method of control.
5.
Use only the recommended pesticide for the problem.
6.
READ THE LABEL BEFORE OPENING THE CONTAINER, (including the small print). Do
not use any pesticide if doubt exists as to its content eg label missing.
7.
Make sure the appropriate protective clothing is available and is used, and all people
concerned with the application understand the recommendations.
8.
Check application equipment for leaks and ensure it is in proper working order. Calibrate with
water alone.
9.
Check that plenty of water is available with soap and towel and that a change of clean clothing
is available.
10.
Avoid inhaling pesticide mists or dusts, especially in confined spaces such as the pesticide
store.
11.
Warn neighbours of your spray program, especially if they have apiaries, aviaries and fish
ponds.
12.
Take only sufficient pesticide for the day’s application from the store to the site of application.
NEVER transfer pesticides into other containers, especially drink bottles.
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13.
Wear appropriate protective clothing. If it is contaminated, remove and replace with clean
clothing.
14.
Never work alone when handling fumigants such as methyl bromide, or where there is a risk of
asphyxiation.
15.
Never allow children or other unauthorised persons near the mixing or spraying operation.
16.
Re-check the instructions on the label.
17.
Avoid contamination of the skin, especially the eyes and mouth. Liquid formulations should be
poured carefully to avoid splashing. Avoid powder formulations puffing up into the face. If
contaminated with concentrate, wash immediately.
Application
1.
Never eat, drink or smoke when mixing or applying pesticides.
2.
Always have plenty of water available for washing.
3.
Always stand upwind when mixing.
4.
Make sure pesticides are mixed in the correct quantities.
5.
Avoid inhalation of chemical, dust or fumes. Take particular care when working in confined
spaces.
6.
Take care when applying pesticides indoors that no foodstuffs can be contaminated.
7.
During outdoor spraying, operators start near the downwind edge of the area and proceed
upwind so that operators move into unsprayed areas.
8.
Avoid spray drift – DO NOT spray if wind conditions cause drift. It is your responsibility to
ensure that spray drift does not affect sensitive areas including public places, schools, houses,
rivers, waterways, etc.
9.
NEVER blow out clogged nozzles or hoses with your mouth.
10.
NEVER leave pesticides unattended.
11.
Provide proper supervision of those applying pesticides and allow adequate rest periods.
Clean Up
1.
RETURN unused pesticides to the store.
2.
Safely dispose of all empty containers and residual mixtures.
3.
NEVER leave pesticides in application equipment. Clean equipment and return to store.
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4.
Remove and clean protective clothing.
5.
Wash well and put on clean clothing. When there is a considerable amount of spraying, the
operators should be provided with a shower room if possible.
6.
Keep a record of the use of pesticides.
7.
Do not allow other persons to enter the treated area for the required period if restrictions apply
to the pesticide used.
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