The Three E’s of Nursery and Greenhouse Safety
Environment: Pesticide Safety
[1] Opening
This video will focus on potential
dangers related to use of Chemicals.
Workers at a nursery or greenhouse
may be required to dispense various
chemicals such as pesticides,
fungicides and herbicides.
[2]
Let’s review techniques of proper
chemical use and steps you can take
to ensure safe application of
chemicals you are required to
dispense.
[3]
It is important to note that this
training is intended as re-fresher or
supplemental training and does not
replace formal pesticide applicator
training.
[4]
Chemicals should be stored in a safe,
secure and well-identified place.
[5]
They should be stored in properly
labeled containers with the label
clearly visible.
[6]
Never store chemicals in old
containers where it is unclear what
chemical is actually in the container.
[7]
Storage containers should be tightly
sealed. Check the containers
regularly to make sure they have no
leaks, breaks or tears.
[8]
The building, room or structure
where chemicals are stored should
be clearly marked with appropriate
warning signs and should provide
some level of protection from
freezing temperatures or extreme
heat.
[10]
[11]
There is one fact regarding chemical
safety that must be known: the Label
is the Law, and it must be followed.
[12]
Labels explain how to safely apply
chemical products.
[13]
Before applying chemicals, make
sure you have read the label.
[14]
The chemical formulation, signal
word, precautionary statements,
personal protective equipment
requirements, application method,
and the projected length of exposure
are indicated on the label.
[15]
By reading and understanding the
label, these products can be mixed,
applied, stored and disposed of
safely and correctly.
[17]
The label will list information related
to the chemical formulation of the
product. The common brand name,
chemical name, manufacturer and
ingredients are all listed in the label.
[18]
A signal word will be listed on the
label. This is one word that can help
identify the toxicity of the chemical.
[19]
The signal words that are used on
product labels are:
[20]
Danger – Highly Toxic
Warning – Moderately Toxic
Caution – Low Toxic
None – No signal word
indicates a relatively nontoxic chemical
Precautionary statements will
include items such as why the
chemical is dangerous, adverse
effects, the level of personal
protective equipment required, and
disposal directions.
[21]
You may also find a ‘re-entry
statement’. This defines the time
that must pass before a person can
enter an area treated with a
particular chemical.
[22]
Generally, all the information you
need to stay safe when working with
chemicals can be found on the
product label.
[24]
Additional information about the
specific chemicals used in these
products can be found on the
Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS.
[25]
IF you don’t know where to find the
MSDS for the chemical product you
use, ask your supervisor.
[26]
[27]
Before you mix any chemical, Read
the product label.
[28]
You should be sure to wear all
personal protective equipment,
required on the label.
[29]
Make sure that items such as gloves
or goggles are not damaged.
[30]
When working with chemicals, you
are at most risk when mixing and
pouring.
[31]
Remember, at this point, they are in
a concentrated state.
[32]
Be sure to only use the amount of
chemical specified on the label. In
most cases, more is not better.
[33]
Chemicals should be mixed in an
area with good light and ventilation.
When possible stand up-wind to
minimize exposure.
[35]
Check your equipment for leaks.
Look for loose fittings, hoses, and
nozzles.
[38]
Any leaks should be repaired or
reported to your supervisor.
[40]
If required, place warning labels or
signs in the areas to let others know
that chemicals are being applied.
[41]
Check the weather conditions before
applying chemicals. Never apply a
chemical if the wind will cause the
product to drift out of the area to be
treated.
[42]
Food can absorb film or residue that
could make you sick,
[44]
so do not eat or drink while working
with plant chemicals.
[45]
There are four ways that plant
chemicals can enter the body:
through the skin, the mouth, the
eyes and the nose.
[46]
Personal Protective Equipment such
as coveralls, boots, aprons, gloves,
respirators, and goggles protect you
from exposure to these chemicals.
[47]
Make sure to wear your personal
protective equipment at all times
when working with chemicals. Most
cases of chemical poisoning come
from absorption through the skin.
[51]
Exposure to the skin can happen
when you aren’t even applying
pesticides. Be careful when cleaning
out clogged nozzles.
[49]
If a chemical enters your mouth, it
can cause serious illness or even
death.
[52]
This is why it is important to keep
chemicals in properly labeled
containers and never put them into a
used bottle or ‘food’ container.
[53]
Also, you should be sure not to eat
or drink after working with
chemicals, until you have left the
sprayed area and washed yourself
thoroughly with soap and water.
[54]
Our eyes are especially vulnerable to
chemical damage. When specified
on the product label, wear your eye
protection at all times when working
with pesticides.
[56]
When applying certain chemicals,
you may be required to use a
respirator. The most important thing
to remember is selection of the
proper respirator for the application.
[57]
If you are using a chemical that is
labeled as an irritant to your eyes,
nose or throat, you should use a full
face respirator.
[59]
If an air-purifying respirator is
required,
[60]
the filter or cartridge must be
approved by NIOSH/MSHA for use
with the chemical you are applying.
Be sure to read the product label for
directions on which type of
respirator to use.
[61]
This is Critical! Use of the wrong type
of respirator can be the same as
having no protection at all.
[62]
To better ensure that your respirator
is working properly, you should clean
your respirator regularly.
[63]
After cleaning, give the unit a
thorough inspection.
[64]
Look for any damaged or worn areas
that might cause failure.
[65]
A damaged respirator should not be
used and should be reported to your
supervisor.
[66]
All respirators should be inspected
before each use to ensure
cleanliness and that all components
are present and in good working
condition.
[67]
Proper storage of your respirator can
prolong its life and usefulness. Be
sure to protect it from excessive
exposure to dust, sunlight, excessive
moisture or extreme temperatures.
Most of the time, the best choice is a
resealable plastic bag or container
with a tight fitting lid.
[68]
When using a respirator, remember
that breathing may require more
effort than normal breathing.
[72]
Only a snug fit protects you, so make
sure you have the right size
respirator for your face. Your
supervisor will provide a size that
best fits your face.
[74]
When properly fitted, air should not
leak around the sides or edges.
[77] Exposure
The product label will tell you what
to do in case off accidental exposure.
The key thing to remember is timing.
It is critical that exposure be dealt
with immediately.
[78]
Contaminated clothing should be
removed immediately.
If required to wash a contaminated
area with water, whether skin or
your eyes, make sure to do so for the
recommended time.
[81]
The longer a pesticide remains on
your skin or in your eyes, or the
longer you inhale it, the greater the
damage that is likely to occur.
[83]
Also, make sure you report any spills
or accidental exposure to your
supervisor.
[84]
[85] Summary
To review, store chemicals in a safe,
secure, well-defined place away from
freezing temperatures or extreme
heat.
[86]
Make sure all containers can be
tightly sealed and clearly labeled.
[87]
Never store chemicals in old
containers where it is unclear what
chemical is actually in the container.
[88]
Never store chemicals in containers
that could easily be mistaken as food
containers for people or animals.
Always wear proper personal
protection equipment.
[89]
Make sure this equipment fits and
works correctly.
The label is the law; read the
directions and always follow them.
[90]
Always mix and apply chemicals
according to label directions.
[91]
Harmful chemicals can enter your
body through your skin, mouth, eyes,
and nose.
[92]
Wear the proper equipment and
follow the proper procedures to
minimize your risk of exposure.
[93]
Following these guidelines can help
keep you safe from harmful
exposure to agricultural chemicals.
[94]