In case of a pesticide spill, follow the “Three C’s” – control, contain, and clean up. Control the spill immediately to prevent further spillage. Contain the spill by diking the spill with absorbent material or sorbent pads to keep it out of the water and prevent environmental contamination. Clean up the spill. Use absorbent material […]
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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 […]
Spill Kit Contents
Spill kits should be labeled and designated for use in handling pesticide spills only, and should be strategically placed where spills are most likely to occur. The label should list the contents, and the kit should be sealed to discourage item loss. Shop kit Vehicle kit 1 instruction sheet 1 55-gallon open-head drum 4 pairs […]
Spill Cleanup
Proper cleanup of the spillage is essential to remove all health and environmental hazards created by the spill. Use the buddy system when cleaning, and do not work alone. Everyone must be wearing the proper PPE. Assure that there is good ventilation when cleaning and decontaminating the site. Dry spills. (granular, dust, wettable, dispersible, and soluble […]
Spill Crisis Management
When a spill occurs, you will need to focus on several things, individuals’ safety, spill containment and cleanup, and who to call for assistance. This is not the time to be learning what to do. Train everyone working with pesticides (transport, storage, mixing/loading, application) in the emergency procedures that must be followed. Know whether you […]
Notifying Officials of a Pesticide Spill
When does a spill need to be reported? Federal law applies when a spill happens under uncontrolled conditions, such as on the ground or street, and the quantity of the spill is equal to, or more than, the reportable quantity (RQ) or Part 117 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) or Part 302 of the […]
Spill Contingency Planning
Contingency plans prepare your response to an emergency such as a spill. These plans should be site-specific for storage, transport, and mixing areas. The plan should outline specific procedures to be followed when a pesticide spill occurs, and clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each individual involved. This plan, coupled with employee training, will […]
Spill Prevention
The first steps in preventing pesticide spills are education and planning. Most pesticide spills occur in areas where the concentrated product is handled. Areas such as loading docks, storage, and mixing areas are high risk zones. Concentrate your precautionary measures on providing adequate storage facilities, instituting monthly inspection of pesticide storage, stocking emergency equipment for spill […]
Introduction to Spill Management
What is a Pesticide spill? A pesticide spill refers to any unplanned spill or leakage into the environment that occurs during storage, use, transport, or disposal of a pesticide. For example, a spill can be caused by a single container falling off a truck, or a 55-gallon barrel punctured by a forklift. A serious spill […]