Self-Assessment of Personal Pesticide Safety Practices

The following pesticide safety practices apply to many pesticide products – how do you score?

• The entire label is read before purchase to make sure I can comply with all requirements.
• Pesticides are transported in the car trunk or truck bed.
• Pesticides are secured during transport so that they cannot move or tip over.
• Pesticides are stored in a secure area that children and pets cannot access.
• Pesticide bags or containers are kept tightly closed.
• Pesticides are not transferred to a secondary container or bag.
• The label is kept with the pesticide.
• Pesticides are stored away from ignition sources such as a furnace, car, or lawn mower.
• The entire label is read before preparing to apply the pesticide.
• Competent assistance is obtained if something on the label is not understood.
• The entire label is followed during and after application.
• The application is delayed or cancelled if the label cannot be followed.
• Sufficient untreated buffers, shielded sprayers or other modifications are used to prevent pesticide spray drift off the application site due to wind.
• Nonvolatile formulations are used when the vapor pressure of the pesticide favors off-site movement to sensitive plants.
• The pesticide storage cabinet or area is maintained at a temperature between 40 and 100F.
• The pesticide storage area is dry and well-lit.
• An absorbent material such as kitty litter is readily available in case of a spill.
• Only pesticides are kept in the storage cabinet or area.
• An approved fire extinguisher is kept in close proximity to the pesticide storage area and inspected and maintained on a regular basis.
• Pesticides are measured and mixed outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from children, pets, toys, and food.
• Pesticides are not mixed or applied near wellheads, stormwater drains, or bodies of water.
• Children are not allowed to apply insect repellents (or any pesticide).
• Pesticides are stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area that is protected from direct sunlight and freezing and extremely hot temperatures.
• Unwanted pesticides are taken to a hazardous waste collection program facility or event.
• Pesticide bags or containers are not stored on the floor of the basement or garage.
• The label is read before purchase, before each application, and when I am storing or disposing the pesticide.
• The signal words, precautionary statements, environmental hazards, directions for use, and first aid instructions are reviewed and understood before I purchase or use a pesticide.
• A pesticide is purchased only when I can follow all the label requirements.
• Children, pets, toys, and food are kept away from mixing and application areas.
• Long pants, long sleeved shirt, socks, closed shoes, and non-absorbent gloves are worn for mixing and applying pesticides when no specific clothing is listed on the label.
• Absorbent material, a shovel and sturdy plastic garbage bags are readily accessible in case of a small spill.
• Pesticides are stored in their original labeled containers.
• After spraying a pesticide, boots are rinsed and removed outdoors, gloves are washed with soap and water before taking them off, and slightly contaminated clothing is washed separately from other laundry as soon as possible.
• Rodent and insect baits are located in areas where small children and pets cannot reach them.
• All the instructions on cleaning, maintenance, storage and disposal of personal protective equipment are read thoroughly and followed.
• Sensitive areas adjoining the application site are identified and protected.
• Water that is collected from cleaning and rinsing application equipment is applied to the original application site.
• Pesticides are not applied right before rain or irrigation, or when the soil is saturated.
• The application is delayed if weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Left-over spray, rinse material, and contaminated clothing are handled as pesticide material.
• If possible, only the amount of pesticide needed for one season is purchased.
• Application equipment is calibrated to make sure it will apply the pesticide uniformly and at the correct rate.
• Pesticide containers are never reused for another purpose.
• Spills are immediately contained and cleaned up.
• Pesticides are stored away from food, animal feed, and medical supplies.
• Unused pesticides are not flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink.
• Pesticides are not sprayed when pollinators are present.
• Multi-purpose products like ‘weed & feed’ fertilizer/herbicide combinations are handled like other pesticides.
• All applicable regulations concerning pesticides are followed.
• When I don’t want all the responsibilities that come with using a pesticide, I hire a certified professional.

Download Self-Assessment Checklist