Mixing Pesticides

General and Restricted Use Pesticides GENERAL-USE PESTICIDES Less likely to harm the user or the environment when used according label instructions. No certification required! 2,4-D, Banvel , Clarity , Weed Master , Escort , Curtail . RESTRICTED-USE PESTICIDES (RUP) Can harm the environment or the applicator when not used as directed. Certification Required Tordon 22K , Hoelon 3EC , Furadan , Warrior , Phostoxin  Mustang 

Most pesticide accidents occur during Mixing! Perceived Less Risk Don’t wear PPE Concentrated Instability Attitude ?

First Step

Signal Word 1 st Aid PPE Safety Precautions Precautionary statements

PPE When it says “must” its not just a suggestion! More PPE may be necessary during mixing! Example, waterproof apron, additional chemical-resistant coveralls

Liquids & MIXING HOW can you limit 90% of your exposure?

The bottom line! Cover Yourself!

Label Mixing Instructions

Mixing and Loading Never lift any open pesticide container higher than your chest. Never work alone when handling “Danger-Poison” Mix in a well ventilated area and….. Protect yourself !

Mixing and Loading Preventing Spills or Accidental Poisoning Keep equipment in good repair Secure pesticide containers Use catch basins when mixing –Place all basins on a stable surface Mark all basins, mixing jugs.. –”For Pesticide Use Only” Using a catch basin

Don’t Poison Yourself or Others Store pesticides in original containers Don’t smoke, drink or eat when mixing –Move out of the are and wash your hands and face Never wear leather or cotton gloves when mixing Don’t use your mouth to siphon pesticides

Have detergent or soap & an adequate supply of water available. Before

Know the early symptoms of poisoning First aid procedures First aid materials and supplies available.

Be certain that materials are available to handle spills.

Hoses Fittings Valves Tanks Check Equipment!! Checklist. A daily inspection. PMCS

Signal Words Danger-Poison (I) –could be lethal Danger (I) - mainly related to eyes and skin Warning (II) - moderate toxicity Caution (III) - least toxic compounds Caution (IV)

Do not work alone or be sure help is readily available. Signal Words! DANGER DANGER-Poison WARNING CAUTION PPE? Respirators? Proper fit? Correct canister or cartridge? Never eat, drink, smoke, or go the bathroom while working with pesticides, without first washing your hands.

Pesticide containers should be in a secure position when open. Make sure the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn by all personnel involved. During Follow Label Mixing Instructions Wear More PPE!!

How much to put in the tank? Must know GPA Acres x labeled rate = how much you add to a certain volume Gallons Solution Needed GPA = Acres 10 acres x 20 GPA = 200 gallons of water & herbicide.

How much to put in the tank! Sprayer = 30 GPA Have a 600 gallon tank but only want to apply 300 gallons of solution. Label = 1 pint per acre 300 gallons 30 GPA = 10 Acres 10 acres x 1 pint/acre = 10 pints

Unless the label says otherwise, mix pesticides as follows: Mixing Two or More Pesticide Together

1. Add water (or your desired diluent) to spray tank Fill it only half full and start the sprayer engine or engage PTO Check hoses, gauges, valves and ensure adequate agitation Then…….

2. Add different formulations in the following order Wettable Powders (WP) Dry Flowables (DF) Flowables (F) Liquids – 10 pints (example) Allow time for each product to mix and disperse before you add the next product Then……

3. Fill the tank to ¾ full and… Add any Emulsifiable (EC) concentrates at this time. Then…..

4. Add the following Crop Oils Surfactants Liquid fertilizers (if its not used as the diluent or carrier) Then….

5. Fill Tank to its final volume Add antifoaming agents anytime during mixing to reduce excessive foaming. Foaming will be more prominent once you add surfactants

Protecting Water Resources Prevent Back-siphoning

During No Higher than chest Pesticide into water More face protection Wind Head above and away

During Use Nurse Tanks and …. Never leave tanks unattended

When container is empty… 1. Let drain into tank for 30 seconds 2. Fill 1/3 to 1/4 full of water 3. Replace cap 4. Rotate container 5. Let drain into tank for 30 seconds 6. Repeat steps 2-5 two more times Then… Triple Rinsing

Destroy the Container

Pesticide containers…. –Must be triple-rinsed within 48 hours –Not accepted at landfills unless triple- rinsed –Cannot be burned! –Cannot be used for uses other than pesticides –Can be buried on private property if tripled-rinsed In Montana…

Transportation

Handling Pesticide Spills --Storage-- Pump House Dirt Floor

Secure containers Secondary Containment Transportation Here! Not in Here!

Stop the leak! Wear PPE Keep people away Confine the spill Absorb the spilled pesticides Collect the absorbed pesticides Pesticide Spills

Stop the leak! Pesticide Spills Clamp it! Rotate it! Seal it! Patch it!

Keep people away Confine the spill Absorb the spilled pesticides

DISPOSAL? Apply to a labeled site > 5 gallons – Montana Dept. of Ag

Protecting Water Resources Protect your well site. Make sure your well is properly sealed Keep a buffer zone and stay down hill Never leave a full sprayer unattended Be prepared for spills Keep a spill kit or shovel close by when mixing

Protecting Water Resources Install shutoff valves Know how to stop the pesticide flow –Emergency engine stop –Keep vice grips handy –Have a spill procedure

Remember! Read That Label!

GLOVES CATCH BASINS CALIBRATE MIX CORRECTLY