Introduction
Pesticide Storage
Storing pesticides properly protects
human and animal health,
safeguards wells and surface
waters, and prevents unauthorized
access to hazardous chemicals.
Proper pesticide storage and
inventory practices will prolong the
shelf-life of pesticides and make it
easier to track your pesticide usage
so that you can plan purchases for
future years.
Reducing the amount of pesticide you store lowers the risk of chemical fires,
explosions, or spills that contaminate well water, surface water or the soil. Make
every effort to limit storage by buying only the amount of pesticide that you
need for a specific job or for the current growing season. Purchase pesticides in
refillable containers that can be returned if this can be arranged with your
pesticide dealership.
The pesticide label is the best guide to storage requirements for every product.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides additional information on
normal appearance and odor as well as flash point, fire control
recommendations, boiling point, and solubility. Labels and Material Safety Data
Sheets for most pesticides are available on-line at http://www.cdms.net and
http://www.greenbook.net
REFERENCES CITED:
Store Pesticides Safely, Pesticide Information Program Information Sheet, PIP37. R.G. Bellinger. Sept. 2001. Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Service. http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/saftyed/PIP37sto.pdf.
Pesticide Storage Facilities, FS603. G. M. Ghidiu and G. C. Hamilton. Aug. 2001.
Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension.
http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS603
Compiled
Introduction
Pesticide Storage
Storing pesticides properly protects
human and animal health,
safeguards wells and surface
waters, and prevents unauthorized
access to hazardous chemicals.
Proper pesticide storage and
inventory practices will prolong the
shelf-life of pesticides and make it
easier to track your pesticide usage
so that you can plan purchases for
future years.
Reducing the amount of pesticide you store lowers the risk of chemical fires,
explosions, or spills that contaminate well water, surface water or the soil. Make
every effort to limit storage by buying only the amount of pesticide that you
need for a specific job or for the current growing season. Purchase pesticides in
refillable containers that can be returned if this can be arranged with your
pesticide dealership.
The pesticide label is the best guide to storage requirements for every product.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides additional information on
normal appearance and odor as well as flash point, fire control
recommendations, boiling point, and solubility. Labels and Material Safety Data
Sheets for most pesticides are available on-line at http://www.cdms.net and
http://www.greenbook.net
REFERENCES CITED:
Store Pesticides Safely, Pesticide Information Program Information Sheet, PIP37. R.G. Bellinger. Sept. 2001. Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Service. http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/saftyed/PIP37sto.pdf.
Pesticide Storage Facilities, FS603. G. M. Ghidiu and G. C. Hamilton. Aug. 2001.
Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension.
http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS603
Compiled
Storage Conditions
Wayne Buhler
Storage Conditions
Most pesticide labels call for storage
in a "cool, dry" place. For your
safety, always provide adequate
ventilation and light.
Temperature. The temperature
inside the storage area should not
get below 40 F or over 100 F. Some
pesticides will freeze when they get
too cold and the container may crack
and leak. Freezing temperatures may
cause some formulations to separate. Some pesticides expand when they get very
hot. High temperatures also cause plastic to melt or become brittle and may cause
a build up of pressure that may break glass containers or cause the chemicals to
volatilize or spill out when the container is opened. Excessive heat may cause
explosion or fire. Exhaust fans will reduce temperatures. Minimize fire hazards if
you provide supplemental heating to the storage area.
Humidity. Keep the storage area dry. High humidity causes some dry formulations
to cake, clump, breakdown, or dissolve, and release pesticide, making them
unusable and dangerous. Humidity also weakens paper and cardboard containers,
and will eventually rust metal containers. It may cause labels to peel off or become
unreadable.
Ventilation. The storage building needs constant ventilation to prevent the buildup
of toxic fumes and to reduce humidity. Install louvered air intake vents low on the
wall with the entrance door or in the lower part of the door and an exhaust fan or
louvered air vents high on the opposite wall. This allows vapors to flow away from
anyone entering or inside the storage unit and provides a continuous flow of air
when the door is open. An exhaust fan removes fumes, excess heat, and humidity
better than passive airflow. Vent exhaust air from the storage room directly to the
outside. Do not exhaust the air from a storage area into other rooms. Ventilation
may be reduced in the winter so heat can be added to maintain 40oF in the storage
facility.
Light. Make sure the storage area is bright enough so that pesticide labels can be
read easily. Do not store pesticides in direct sunlight because exposure to sunlight
may cause pesticides to break down and become unusable.
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler
Storage Safety and Security
Wayne Buhler
Storage Safety and Security
Secure the building and storage site. Only you and your authorized employees
should have access to the storage area. Keep the storage unit locked at all times,
except when it is under the direct supervision of a person authorized for entry. For
extra security, install a fence around the storage area and lock the gate. Consider
installing security lighting and an alarm system.
Basic Safety Guidelines:
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Never let anyone eat, drink, or smoke in the storage facility.
Store pesticides in their original, labeled containers. Never store pesticides in
milk jugs, soft drink bottles, fruit jars, or medicine bottles.
Do not store pesticides with or near food, medicine, cleaning supplies,
fertilizers, seed, or animal feed.
Do not keep gasoline, kerosene, or other combustible materials with the
pesticides.
Make sure pesticides are not kept near operations which present a fire hazard
such as burning and welding.
Do not leave any pesticide container in full sun or next to a heater.
Store pesticides on metal shelves with a lip or on wood shelves covered with
plastic or chemically-resistant epoxy paint. Leak-proof plastic trays on
shelves work well. Do not store pesticides on the floor. Use pallets under
large containers/bags.
Keep the storage area neat and clean at all times. Keep the area free of
debris such as waste paper, rags, or used cardboard boxes, which may
provide an ignition source. Clean up any spills immediately.
Store dry formulations on the highest shelves. Store liquids and glass
containers on the lowest level. This will prevent contamination in case a liquid
container leaks.
Warning/Emergency response signs. Place signs indicating "Danger PesticidesKeep Out- No Smoking" at all storage entries. Consider posting signs in a second
language, such as Spanish. Some state laws require additional signage indicating
who is responsible for the pesticide storage and who to call for emergencies. This
type of sign should have at least two emergency phone numbers: the owner should
not be the sole contact in an accident. The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 704 standard provides a way to communicate the potential hazards of
storing hazardous chemicals through the posting of a diamond shape or square-onpoint shape sign. The sign addresses the health, flammability, instability and
related hazards associated with short-term exposures that are most likely to occur
as a result of fire, spill, or similar emergency. The 704 standard is applicable to
industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities that manufacture, handle, or store
hazardous materials. For more details on this standard, refer to the following Web
site: http://www.nfpa.org/faq.asp?categoryID=928.
Inventory. Keep an up-to-date written inventory of all stored pesticides and save
a copy in a place away from the storage area. Some states require that this
inventory list be updated annually and sent to the local fire department (see Plan
for Emergencies). The inventory is very useful in a fire and flood emergency, in
settling insurance claims, and in estimating future pesticide needs.
Separation. Read the label or MSDS to find out whether a product interacts with
other materials and should be stored separately. Consider storing volatile
herbicides, especially some types of 2,4-D, separately from other pesticides.
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler
Container Care
Wayne Buhler
Container Care
Make sure the label on every container is clearly visible and readable. If
the label gets fragile or is destroyed, mark the container in permanent ink
with the trade name and common name of the product, the EPA
registration number, the percentage of each active ingredient, the signal
word (Caution, Warning, or Danger), and the use classification (restricteduse or general-use pesticide). Your state may require different information
on containers lacking labels (See Laws and Regulations link). You may
request a replacement label from a pesticide dealer or manufacturer.
Consider covering the label with transparent wrapping tape to protect it.
Write the date of purchase on all containers. Use older pesticides first so
that a disposal problem is not created with pesticides stored longer
than their shelf life. If you have questions about the shelf life of a product,
contact the dealer or manufacturer. Conduct regular inspections of the
storage facility and check containers for cracks, leaks, and deterioration.
If a container is damaged, you may use the pesticide immediately for uses
specified on the label or transfer it using one of the following procedures
and wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
1. Transfer the pesticide into another container that originally held the
same pesticide and that still has its label.
2. Transfer the pesticide to a sturdy container that can be tightly
closed. If possible, transfer the label from the damaged container to
the new one or make a temporary label (see minimum label
requirements listed above) until you can get a new one. Never use a
food, feed, or drink container.
3. Place the damaged container and its contents into a larger liquidproof container. Make a temporary label until you can use the
pesticide or dispose of it properly.
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler
Plan For Emergencies
Wayne Buhler
Plan for Emergencies
In addition to keeping an up-to-date inventory of stored pesticides, it is a good idea
to have a plan for handling spills, fires, explosions, or other emergencies. Make
sure workers are trained on how to keep the storage area safe and secure, and how
to respond to spills or other accidents. Post emergency telephone numbers nearby
and make sure workers know where these numbers are.
Stock each storage site with an immediate supply of clean water and soap in case
of pesticide contact with skin. If running water is not practical, use a large sealable
container with clean water. Change the water at least once a week so that it is safe
to use on skin and eyes. Keep an eye-wash dispenser immediately available for
emergencies.
Responding to spills: Keep emergency supplies and personal protective
equipment nearby, but not in the storage building or room. You may need a
respirator, gloves, eye protection, boots, and a protective suit before entering the
storage area, particularly if a spill or other accident has occurred. Keep spill cleanup materials nearby. A spill kit should include absorptive materials such as nonchlorinated cat litter, vermiculite, or activated charcoal, a shovel, and a drum with
a lid for storing contaminated material. Don't allow workers to take items from the
kit for other purposes. A clean, empty pesticide container may be used to capture
any pesticide that has not leaked from a broken container. Make sure this is labeled
appropriately before returning it to storage. Refer to the MSDS for the types of
materials that are needed to deactivate spills. Common decontamination materials
include hydrated lime, lye, ammonia, bleach, or detergent. Do not mix ammonia
with bleach. Call CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center, 1-800424-9300) or the chemical manufacturer for information on responding to large
spills.
Federal and state laws require reporting of spills involving pesticides that are
regulated as Hazardous Substances or as Extremely Hazardous Substances. Not all
pesticides meet these criteria. Pesticides that are on these lists have reporting
requirements based on the amount of active ingredient spilled, referred to the
Reportable Quantity (RQ). When in doubt, contact the appropriate agency (see
Laws and Regulations).
Documents to keep on file: Keep copies of your storage location map, storage
unit floor plan, and current or seasonal inventory in a secure place away from the
storage unit. Keep copies of labels and MSDSs for every chemical in storage.
Work with emergency responders: Notify local fire departments or other first
responders about the location and contents of your pesticide storage facility. You
may be required to notify your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) about
the contents of your storage building.
Large-scale commercial storage or restricted use pesticide storage facilities should
have written contingency plans describing the procedures for managing fires
involving pesticides. A document entitled "Fire and Spill Emergency Pre-Plan for
Handling Agricultural Chemicals" is available at:
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/pesticidesafety . The plan provides grids for drawing the
property site and drainage routes, list of emergency contacts, fire fighting tactics
and location of available resources. Update the plan yearly and review it with your
local Fire Department.
Fire extinguishers: Keep a fire extinguisher that is approved for chemical fires
nearby, or near each exit within the storage building. Read the labels to determine
what type of fire extinguisher(s) you may need. ABC classified extinguishers are
appropriate for most pesticides. Fire extinguishers need to be inspected and
maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good operating condition.
For information on the appropriate size, type, and inspection of fire extinguishers
for your pesticide storage facility, read the following fact sheet: Use, Placement,
Maintenance and Testing of Portable Fire Extinguishers. Lab Safety Supply, EZfacts
document number 135, http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf135.htm.
Remember that it is sometimes safer to let a chemical fire burn itself out than to
expose fire fighters to pesticides or to contaminate large quantities of water.
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler
Laws and Regulations
Wayne Buhler
Storage Laws and Regulations
For information about state-specific storage regulations, contact your state pesticide regulatory
agency by visiting the on-line directories of either the Association of American Pesticide Control
Officials (AAPCO) or the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). You can call AAPCO at 1302-422-8152, or NPIC at 1-800-858-7378.
Fact Sheets
Wayne Buhler
Pesticides and Their Proper Storage. F. Whitford, A. Martin, J. Boyer, and A.
Blessing. Purdue Pesticide Programs PPP-26.
http://www.btny.purdue.edu/pubs/PPP/PPP26.html
Pesticides and Container Management. 2006. F. Whitford, A. Martin, and J. Becovitz.
http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP-21.pdf
Storage and Display of Retail Pesticides. 2006. Lt. Col. Terry L. Carpenter. Armed Forces Pest
Management Board. Technical Guide No. 45. http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/tims/TG45/TG45.htm
Pesticide Storage, Handling and Application (On-line training manual). 2004. Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/pesticide/psha.htm
Store Pesticides Safely, Pesticide Information Program Information Sheet, PIP-37.
R.G. Bellinger. Sept. 2001. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/saftyed/PIP37sto.pdf.
Pesticide Storage Facilities, FS603. G. M. Ghidiu and G. C. Hamilton. Aug. 2001. Rutgers Cooperative
Research & Extension. http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS603
Compiled by Dr. Wayne Buhler
Storage Checklist
Pesticide Storage Checklist (pdf)
A useful one-page storage checklist for printing.
Wayne Buhler
Pesticide Storage Checklist
Inspect your pesticide storage area regularly. If you answer “no” to any statements below, take
immediate steps to correct the situation.
Date of Inspection:
___________
Safety
Storage room locked.
Storage area signs posted with emergency
contact information.
No Smoking signs posted.
Personal protective equipment stored
nearby.
Clean up supplies stored nearby.
Inventory is up to date and stored
separately.
_________
__________
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
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Labels and MSDS on file
Fire extinguisher in good working order
Storage Area
Ventilation system is working.
Area is clean with no debris or
combustibles.
Floor is clear of spills or leaks.
Pesticides stored off floor
Storage area contains pesticides only--no
feed, fertilizer or other materials.
Container Inspection
Labels readable and attached to containers.
Containers marked with purchase date.
Dry formulations stored above liquids.
Container caps are tightly closed.
Used containers are rinsed and punctured.
Adapted from “Pesticides and Their Proper Storage” Purdue Pesticide Publication PPP-26
Storage Assessment
Wayne Buhler
Read all the statements in each set and select the one that best describes your storage
conditions. The responses, in order from first to last, have a high, medium, or low (zero or
negative) point value. Your goal is to score the highest number of points (maximum = 26) by
applying as many low risk practices as you can.
1. You usually store:
_____ no more than 1 gallon or 10 pounds of each pesticide. (2)
_____ more than 1 gallon or 10 pounds, but less than 55 gallons or 50 pounds of each
pesticide. (1)
_____ more than 55 gallons or 50 pounds of each of several pesticides. (0)
2. Your pesticide storage area:
_____ is a roofed building with a waterproof (sealed or coated) concrete floor and curb
to contain leaks and spills. (2)
_____ is roofed with a concrete floor and no curb (1)
_____ has a gravel or dirt floor or it is in the open. (-1)
3. Your pesticide storage area:
_____ has an active (electrical) ventilation system. (2)
_____ has a passive ventilation system (holes or vents to provide cross ventilation). (1)
_____ has no ventilation. (-1)
4. Your pesticide storage area:
_____ is more than 100 feet (horizontally) from a public water supply or surface waters
and more than 50 feet from a private water supply well. (2)
_____ is within 100 feet of a public water supply or surface waters or within 50 feet of
a well. (1)
_____ is in your well house or in a facility containing an unsealed well. (0)
5. Your pesticide storage area:
_____ is locked or secured and separated from other activities (2)
_____ is secured, but sometimes open to activities that could damage containers or spill
pesticides. (1)
_____ is not secure and is open to theft, vandalism, and children or other unauthorized
persons. (-1)
6. Your pesticide storage area:
_____ is used for pesticides only. (2)
_____ is sometimes also used for seed, fertilizer or other nonfood/nonfeed products. (1)
_____ is used to store human food or animal feed products. (-1)
7. Unusable or cancelled pesticides:
_____ are kept separately in the pesticide storage area until safe disposal through your
state’s pesticide disposal assistance program. (2)
_____ are kept with other pesticides in clearly marked containers. (1)
_____ are buried on the farm or dumped off the property. (-1)
8. Your pesticides are:
_____ in plastic or metal containers. Containers in poor condition are placed inside
another liquid-proof container. (2)
_____ in some metal containers that are deteriorating. (1)
_____ in metal containers with holes or weak seams that may leak or are stored in
containers that have previously been used for food, feed, beverages,
or medicine. (-1)
9. You have pesticides:
_____ stored in clearly labeled original containers. (2)
_____ that have been transferred to another container with the following labeling
information: common chemical name, percentage of each active ingredient, EPA
registration number, signal word (Caution, Warning or Danger), and use
classification (restricted-use or general-use). (1)
10. Pesticides are:
_____ store with liquids on lower shelves below dry pesticides and herbicides
separated from insecticides and fungicides. (2)
_____ store with liquids below dry pesticides, but there is no separation of herbicides
from insecticides and fungicides. (1)
_____ store without sorting for liquids or type of pesticide. (0)
11. Your pesticide storage area has:
_____ warning signs posted on all entrances to the storage area which read “Danger –
Pesticide – Keep Out – No Smoking” (or similar wording). (2)
_____ warning signs posted, but they have become weathered and are difficult to read.
(1)
_____ no warning signs. (0)
12. Your local fire authorities:
_____ have a copy of your pre-fire plan for handling agricultural chemical fires at your
storage area. (2)
_____ are aware of your pesticide storage facility. (1)
_____ do not know about your pesticide storage facility and have not visited your site.
(0)
13. Your inventory of pesticides in storage:
_____ is up-to-date, has Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product, and is
kept at a central location. (2)
_____ is not kept up-to-date (pesticides placed in storage in the last 6 mos. to a year are
not recorded). (1)
_____ is out-of-date or does not exist. (0)
Storage Education Module
Wayne Buhler
Test your knowledge of pesticide storage by choosing the best option to complete each
statement or answer a question below. The correct choices are given below the final question.
1. A practical temperature range to maintain inside pesticide storage facilities is:
a. 60 to 80o F
b. 40 to 100o F
c. 30 to 90o F
d. 50 to 110o F
2. The best way to store pesticides is in:
a. any empty pesticide container
b. glass bottles
c. any unbreakable container
d. the original, labeled container
3. Which of the following is the LEAST important reason for proper ventilation of pesticides in storage?
a. it prevents pests from entering the facility
b. it prevents the buildup of vapors
c. it helps reduce temperature and humidity in warm months
d. it helps to preserve labels on pesticide containers
4. A pesticide storage facility should be:
a. at least 50 feet from a wellhead.
b. always located at the top of a hill to prevent flooding.
c. always in the basement.
d. located upwind from animal feeding stations.
5. The floor of a pesticide storage facility should be:
a. unfinished wood because it is easier to sweep up spills.
b. compacted soil
c. concrete, plastic, or epoxy covered metal.
d. made of any material since pesticides are stored on pallets and not directly on the floor.
6. Pesticide storage buildings should be well-ventilated, lighted, and protected from ___________
extremes.
a. pH
b. solar
c. temperature
d. moisture
7. When a pesticide label gets unreadable:
a. throw the container away following state regulations for proper disposal.
b. write the important information on the container with a permanent marker.
c. request that the pesticide company send you new product.
d. use the pesticide immediately.
8. Writing the date of purchase on all pesticide containers is useful because
a. you can always use the freshest product for maximum control.
b. it fulfills Federal labeling laws.
c. it helps you track inventory.
d. you can use the oldest material before it goes out of date.
9. Putting warning signs on the entrance to a pesticide storage facility is:
a. a bad idea because kids might get curious about the chemicals and might break in.
b. a good idea to protect firefighters or emergency workers in case of a fire.
c. required by Federal law.
d. a bad idea because it would upset environmentalists who might take you to court.
10. It is a good idea to ventilate pesticide storage facilities
a. constantly.
b. ten minutes before entering the area.
c. just in the summer to prevent overheating.
d. not during the winter to keep liquid formulations from freezing.
11. Portable buildings used for pesticide storage
a. are a good idea because you can carry them from place to place.
b. should be securely anchored using tie-downs of some sort.
c. don’t need warning signs since most of them are blue.
d. are not adequately ventilated.
12. Baits for rodents, birds, slugs, or insects
a. should be stored away from other pesticides.
b. always should be stored on a bottom shelf or on the floor.
c. are harmless to humans so they can be kept in the home or office.
d. should be kept in full sun or next to a heater to keep them from clumping.
13. Which of the following is NOT a good method to determine if a pesticide kept in storage for a long
time is still effective?
a. contact the manufacturer
b. test a small amount by applying it to a labeled site
c. look for changes in color or consistency
d. open container and breathe in vapors.
Answers: 1) b, 2) d, 3) a, 4) a, 5) c, 6) c, 7) b, 8) d, 9) b, 10) a, 11) b, 12) a, 13) d
Storage slide presentation
Pesticide Storage Slide presentation
Open this slide presentation in PowerPoint
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