Farming is a risky job, but you can reduce risk by carefully handling chemicals. The effects of farm chemicals can happen within minutes or over the course of years. Danger is going to depend on how harmful the pesticide is and how long you’re exposed to it. Jordan Kampa, Interim Program Manager with the pesticide applicator training program at the UW-Madison Division of Extension, educates on limiting risk by safe chemical handling.
1. Read the label
The label on the chemical is a legally binding document. It’s the main form of communication between the manufacturer and the applicator, holding key information. This includes specific first aid information on how to identify if someone has been exposed to the pesticide, how to treat it in the field, and when to seek medical attention.
The label also tells you what the minimum requirement is for personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s illegal to wear less PPE than it says. For example, the label may tell you to wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves. That’s the minimum amount of PPE. Use your best judgement if wearing more than what is listed on the label is smart, such as adding eye protection. Oftentimes pesticides are very harmful to humans, so taking that extra step is important for our health.
2. Watch the forecast
When it’s windy outside, you shouldn’t be applying pesticides. It could blow off target to other people’s property, and it could blow on you. The label will tell you what type of environmental conditions to look for. For example, a temperature inversion.
A temperature inversion is when a layer of warm air sits above cooler air. It can trap pesticide spray droplets in the lower layers of the atmosphere, leading to drift and potential damage to non-target areas.
Consider ventilation when applying chemicals. When it comes to masks, a dust mist mask is recommended to protect yourself from pesticide particles. Respirators are also useful.
3. Store & mix with caution
When storing chemicals on the farm, keep them in the same container they were purchased in with the label on, so it’s clearly identified what the product is. Don’t put it into an empty soda bottle or coffee canister as it could easily be mistaken for something else.
The label will tell you what products work well together. If the label does not state whether or not you can mix products together, perform a jar test to see if they are physically compatible (i.e. not gelling up and ruining equipment). Spray it on a test plant to see how it reacts to determine chemical compatibility.
4. Provide employee training
Anyone directing the use of pesticides to an employee needs to be certified, as well as anyone on the farm using a restricted-use pesticide.
It’s important to ensure those who can apply pesticides but aren’t certified are safe.
- Familiarize them with the equipment they’re going to be using.
- Walk through the pesticide label with them.
- Teach them how to protect themselves from the actual pesticide product.
- Post signage that will give helpful tips to employees about how to keep themselves safe and how to properly wear PPE.
- Keep the line of communication open so employees can ask questions and feel confident in what they’re doing.
5. Keep chemicals safe while transporting
As you’re traveling to do fieldwork, don’t put containers of pesticides with active ingredients in the cab with you. Keep the pesticides safely away from you while driving, as they add an extra layer of danger should an accident occur.
- If you’re applying a product and not close to running water, carry a jug of water to clean yourself off in case you spill.
- Pack items in case you need to respond to a spill such as absorbent material, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher.
As Wisconsin’s number one farm insurer, we believe it’s important to educate farmers about the risks they face so we can help prevent accidents and protect them. Talk with your local Rural Mutual agent about how we can protect your farm.
