A few weeks ago, Barry Weissman wrote about the benefits of organic gardening and described the PPE required for the green gardener. http://www.safetyxchange.org/article.php?id=509&cha_id=2 Barry's arguments against using pesticides were quite persuasive. Still, I suspect that some of your workers will use pesticides on their lawns and gardens. So I have a suggestion: Why don't you include information about the safe use of pesticides in your next newsletter or safety meeting? Here's something to get you started.

The Downside of Pesticides

Pesticides and herbicides are some of the most unpleasant and dangerous chemicals ever invented by mortal man. No pesticide is 100% safe; even common products like 2,4-D, malathion, benomyl and diazinon have been linked to a wide range of disorders, including an increased risk of cancer.

Pesticides aren't just noxious to people. They also kill beneficial insects. So, over time, pesticide use may actually make your garden or lawn more susceptible to disease. If you must use pesticides in your yard or garden, take the following precautions:

What to Consider When Buying Pesticides

Avoid Overkill. Identify the pest or disease you want to eradicate, and then choose a product designed for that problem. Ask your local cooperative extension agent or garden-supply dealer for advice.

Think Small. Buy only the amount you think you'll use in the next month or two. Long-term storage of pesticides is not recommended. Keep in mind that even well-sealed containers can leak, and any evaporation alters the pesticide's strength.

Handle with Care. Some weed killers, such as those that use sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate are explosive - particularly in the dry state. They may explode or cause fire if dropped or shaken violently. When transporting a pesticide home from the store, put it in the trunk of your car and make sure that it can't be knocked over if you should make a sudden stop.

Before You Use Pesticides

Read the Label First. Read the label carefully before buying a pesticide. Make sure it bears the manufacturer's phone number for emergency information.

Follow the Instructions. Be certain that you use the proper formulation for diluting a concentrated pesticide.

Don't Mix. Never experiment with pesticides. Don't mix products together to "kill two birds with one stone" - you may kill a lot more than two birds.

Preparations and Precautions before Use

Time it Right. Apply pesticides on a still day to lessen the chance that the wind will carry the chemical elsewhere, and warn your close neighbors before you spray.

Prepare the Area. Remove toys, lawn furniture and barbecue grills from the area, or carefully cover them with plastic. Also cover pools or ponds, especially ponds that contain fish. Close the windows of your house or car if they are near the area being treated. Avoid spraying near a well or other water supply.

9. Consider the Kids.Keep children indoors or send them elsewhere to play when the pesticides are applied. Check the instructions to see when the area will be safe for humans and pets - some products require only a few hours, but others are not safe until it rains.

Don Protective Gear.Wear rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat while applying pesticides. Choose rubber or vinyl shoes rather than those made of canvas, leather or other permeable materials. Wearing a mask and goggles is also a good idea.

What To Do After Pesticide Use

Clean your Tools. After applying the pesticide, thoroughly rinse the tools you've used.

Clean Yourself. If possible, remove outer clothing and shoes before entering the house, and wash them separately from other laundry. An extra rinse cycle will remove any residue from the washer. Discard clothing that is doused with the chemical. Then take a shower, carefully washing your skin and hair.

Watch the Leftovers.Be cautious when disposing of pesticides, even if the container is empty. The label will give you instructions, or you can contact you local health department. Never pour leftover pesticides down the sink or toilet, and never burn pesticide containers or place them in an incinerator.

Store It Safely. If you must store a pesticide, put it in a locked cabinet in an area away from food, first-aid supplies, and cleansers. Leave it in the original container; for extra protection against leakage, place the entire container inside an airtight plastic container. Save all instructions and warning labels.

Conclusion

As the weather gets warmer the couch gets colder and your employees will be out in their yards and gardens again. For many, its been a while since they worked with pesticides. So, even if you covered pesticide safety last year, now's the time for a refresher.

CATCH THE HAWK

Would you like to spend a day or two with Richard? His next public seminar is in Costa Mesa, California at the Costa Mesa Marriott. Date: May, 31 & June 1. (His last two sold out.) Here's the link to more details and registration information: http://www.adlassociates.com/pages/presentations/safety_register.php

MEMBER REPLY
The Difference Between 'Fumes' & 'Vapors'

Mr. Weinberg's article in last week's SafetyXChange, on "What Every Worker Should Know About Ammonia," http://www.safetyxchange.org/article.php?id=513,  uses the term "fumes" to refer to ammonia vapor or gas. This is inappropriate. Fumes are solid particle aerosols formed by condensation from the vapor state and apply to metal oxides such as would be found in welding fume. Ammonia does not emit fumes; it emits vapors.

Regards,
Richard Hirsh, CIH

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Look Up!

By Catherine Jones

Spring is a popular time for pruning trees, but it can also be a popular time to get zapped. Here are some tips to prevent electrocution while trimming trees:

• Never trim branches that are close to power lines.
• Never use a metal ladder near overhead wires.
• Call your local utility company to make it safe for you to prune.
• Watch for hidden wires before actually cutting branches.
• Hire a professional tree trimmer to do it safely.
• If you see lightning, stop pruning and get indoors.

Do you have a safety tip to share? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com.

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