Safe Operating Procedures for Pesticides
Purpose
To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs
employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and
controls to remember when handling, using and storing pesticides, fungicides or
herbicides.
Background
Pesticides can provide numerous benefits to the overall maintenance and condition of
golf courses and its facilities however, they must be well respected and handled
appropriately by users to minimize chemical/biological hazard exposure to not only
humans, but also to adored animals, plants and the delicate environment. Improper and
overextended use can cause occupational injury due to the toxicity and persistence of
such products so it is very important to inform, instruct, and train employees on how to
use them effectively and efficiently to minimize overexposure.
Although legislation relating to the safe use of pesticides does fall to some extent under
the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Regulation 860 for Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), it is important to be familiar with
other legislation that applies to its use such as the Pesticides Act. The Pesticides Act is
administered by the Ministry of the Environment and is concerned about not only
protecting the individuals who work with these products but also with protecting the
environment. According to the Pesticides Act, the application of many common pest
control products requires the user to have successfully completed the Ontario Pesticides
Safety Course. To determine if [Employer/Organization Name] employees need to
attend such a training program, please contact your local Ministry of Agriculture and
Food office. This procedure provides a generic synopsis on the safe use, storage and
handling of pesticides.
Personal Protective Equipment
Pesticides can enter the body via absorption through the mouth, skin, eyes or through
inhalation or a combination thereof. Prior to handling or storing pesticides, an employee
shall be provided information, instruction, and proper training in the use of such
products. Where so prescribed, [Employer/Organization Name] will ensure that the
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used for the application of
pesticides is provided in good condition and that the employee is instructed and trained
on the use of the PPE. Pesticide users and their supervisors should reference the
pesticide container product label as well as its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to
determine what PPE is required. Below are some general tips regarding PPE and
pesticide use:

Use chemical protective clothing when there is a chance of spilling or
splashing pesticides or when there is a chance that you may come in contact
with a pesticide during spraying. Make sure this clothing is free of holes and
wear a size larger than you would usually wear to reduce the chance of
seams being stretched and therefore exposing inner layers of clothing and
skin.

If wearing a pair of protective pants, ensure that they are secured outside of
the boots. Boots should be made out of a chemical protective material.

If an apron is worn when mixing or loading pesticides, ensure that it extends
below boot tops.

Determine if using the pesticide will require you to wear respirators for
inhalation hazards. If so, determine in conjunction with your supervisor what
type of respirator you need based on the chemical and the concentration of
the pesticide and also ensure that the respirator fits and contains proper
purifying cartridges (if applicable) for the type of chemical that you are using.
If a respirator is required, the user shall be instructed and trained in its use
and shall also be fitted to use the respirator as per CSA Standard Z94.4.

Wear waterproof, washable, CSA approved headwear when necessary.

Wear chemical goggles and a face shield when mixing or spraying pesticides.

Wear durable, chemical protective gloves that extend up and past the
forearm.

Ensure that contaminated PPE and/or clothing is cleaned or disposed of
properly.
Safe Operating Procedure

Ensure that the correct pesticide for the job has been chosen and ask for
assistance if necessary in determining the concentration and quantity of the
pesticide to minimize overexposure and overuse of the product.

Ensure that the appropriate PPE is available for your use and that it is in
satisfactory condition prior to donning the equipment.

Know your organization’s emergency contact and first aid procedures in case
on an emergency. Be informed on what symptoms will be present if
overexposed or poisoned by the pesticide. Stop work and seek medical
attention immediately if you think that you or a co-employee has become ill
due to exposure to the product.

Follow the precautions that appear on the container’s label and ensure that
the container is not leaking prior to handling it.

Locate the closest washing facilities and emergency eyewash and shower
prior to using the pesticide. Make all attempts to mix and load pesticides in
close proximity to these facilities.

Always wash face and hands thoroughly after mixing, handling or loading
pesticides, especially if the user is just about to eat, drink, smoke, or use the
restroom facilities.

Change clothes daily and wash contaminated clothing separately from other
laundry.

Familiarize yourself with proper disposal of the product prior to its use
Handling
While handling or transporting pesticides, ensure that the following requirements are
met:

Ensure that you have the appropriate tools, equipment and, containers for
mixing and handling pesticides. Any containers used for this purpose should
be reserved solely for pesticide use. Ensure that areas where pesticides are
mixed are well ventilated; away from waterways and water drainage sources
and; designed to contain a spill for cleanup.

Use proper nozzles and well maintained, calibrated equipment for pesticide
application. When working with pesticides outside, stand upwind to ensure
chemicals are blowing away from you (attempts should always be made to
not use pesticides when winds are strong (i.e. greater than 8 kilometres/hour
or if air temperature is above 30°C).

Check hoses and connections for leaks and secure the sprayer lid before
lifting.

Ensure that the apparatus used to manually carry the pesticide for application
is in good condition and does not consist of parts that easily absorb
chemicals.

Never estimate mixing rates and never stir pesticides with your hands.

Ensure that the pesticides do not come into contact with your mouth or eyes
indirectly such as through contact with your hands, arms, or articles of
clothing.

Handle holding containers delicately and if transporting pesticides in a vehicle
drive carefully to ensure that no spillage/contamination occurs. Never
transport more than 500 litres of pesticides on public roads unless the vehicle
is placarded with a chemical warning sign.
Storage
Pesticide container labels as well as MSDS should always be reviewed prior to storage
to ensure that all safety precautions are followed. Some other safe practices for the
storage of pesticides are:

If at all possible, keep pesticides in their original, labelled container.

Do not keep pesticides stored in the same areas where food, beverages,
animal feed, cups or cutlery are stored.

Insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides should be stored separately from
each other.

Storage area must be well ventilated to the outside environment.

A warning sign identifying the building/shed as a chemical storage unit must
be conspicuously placed on the door entering the facility.

Only authorized and trained employees shall enter the storage area. The unit
shall be locked for this reason

Measures must be taken to ensure that any spills do not release into the
natural environment and are contained and disposed of as per the Ministry of
Environment.

A spill kit must be made available to handle any spills regardless of size.

Storage areas shall be cool and dry.

Soap and water along with a wash area must be at or in close vicinity to the
storage area.

Any personnel required to clean up or maintain the storage area or a spill
shall be properly trained to do so.

Emergency phone numbers must be posted in a conspicuous location for
quick reference and include at a minimum contact phone numbers for:
Legislative Reference
Pesticides Act
Additional Resources
Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in
Ontario
Document Management
Effective Date:
Revision Date: