Pesticide safety is not just an exam topic -- it is a daily practice that protects you, your coworkers, the public, and the environment. Here are the essential safety principles every certified applicator should follow.
1. Always Read the Label First
The label is the law. Before any application, read the entire label including signal words, precautionary statements, PPE requirements, REI (Restricted Entry Interval), and application rates. Using a pesticide inconsistent with its labeling is a federal violation under FIFRA.
2. Wear Proper PPE
At minimum, wear chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes with socks. For more toxic products (DANGER or WARNING labels), additional PPE such as respirators, chemical-resistant coveralls, and face shields may be required. Always check the label for specific PPE requirements. Remember: dermal exposure (through the skin) is the most common route of exposure for applicators.
3. Mix and Load Safely
- Mix pesticides outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
- Never use your mouth to siphon or blow out clogged nozzles
- Use anti-backflow devices when filling from water sources
- Stand upwind when opening containers and mixing
- Have clean water available for immediate decontamination
- Never mix pesticides in food or drink containers
4. Prevent Drift
Spray drift can damage neighboring crops, contaminate water, and harm people and wildlife. To minimize drift: use low operating pressure, select nozzles that produce larger droplets, spray close to the target, avoid windy conditions (over 10 mph), use drift-reducing adjuvants, and maintain proper buffer zones around sensitive areas.
5. Store Pesticides Properly
- Store in a locked, well-ventilated area away from food, feed, and water
- Keep pesticides in their original labeled containers
- Store herbicides separately from insecticides and fungicides
- Keep a fire extinguisher and spill cleanup materials nearby
- Post warning signs on storage areas
- Check containers regularly for leaks or deterioration
6. Know Spill Response Procedures
For small spills: contain the spill with absorbent material (kitty litter, dry soil, or commercial absorbents), prevent runoff to water sources, and dispose of cleanup materials as pesticide waste. For large spills or those threatening water sources, contact your state environmental agency and the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802).
7. First Aid Basics
- Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water for 15-20 minutes
- Eye contact: Flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes
- Ingestion: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically directed
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Call 911 if breathing difficulty
- Always have the pesticide label or SDS available when seeking medical treatment
8. Protect the Environment
Maintain buffer zones around water bodies, wetlands, and endangered species habitats. Calibrate equipment regularly to avoid over-application. Triple-rinse empty containers before disposal. Follow label instructions for disposal of excess pesticide and rinse water. Never pour pesticides down drains or into waterways.
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