1 Mixing, Loading and Application Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Dept. of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS

2 Information that will be presented throughout this presentation is based upon Unit 9 in the Florida Core Manual, Applying Pesticides Correctly. You can purchase a copy to keep on hand for a reference from the IFAS Extension Bookstore.

3 Research has shown that most application exposures to pesticides occur while mixing and loading.

4 Safe Mixing and Loading Safe site – pesticides should be mixed outside or in a well-ventilated facility.

5 Safe Mixing and Loading Protect water sources – leave an air gap between the hose and fluid mixture; the hose should not be in the tank!

6 Safe Mixing and Loading Protective equipment – if the label says to wear it, then wear it!

7 Safe Mixing and Loading Opening containers – use a knife, don’t tear open bags of dry formulations.

8 Safe Mixing and Loading Transferring – When transferring pesticides, keep the container and pesticide below face level.

9 Safe Mixing and Loading Prevent spills – don’t leave a filling tank unattended.

10 Container Management: Liquid Formulations

11 Container Management – Liquid Formulations Pressure rinsing is also a viable option for properly cleaning liquid containers.

12 Container Management – Liquid Formulations There are several models of pressure rinse nozzles that are commercially available.

13 Container Management – Dry Formulations Containers and bags should be thoroughly emptied.

14 Combining Pesticides Legal – if label does not prohibit Not all pesticides physically or chemically mix – they are incompatible There is information available on which products are compatibly tank-mixed.

15 Compatibility problems can result in a big mess to clean out of the spray tank!

16 If you’re unsure of compatibility, always do a jar test.

17 Jar Testing Remember W-A-L-E Add some diluent first Add wettable powders and water dispersible granules Agitate thoroughly and add remaining diluent Add liquids – solutions, surfactants, flowables Add emulsifiable concentrates last

18 If no compatibility problems are detected with a jar test, use the same w-a-l-e sequence when mixing pesticides into the spray tank..

19 Personal Protective Equipment This applicator should at least be wearing gloves.

20 Hand-Carried Equipment Consider wearing extra PPE where the equipment comes into bodily contact.

21 Entering the Path of Released Pesticide High boots when entering into pesticides.

22 Entering Into a Just-Treated Area PPE should be worn while in a freshly-treated site for activities such as equipment maintenance.

23 High-Exposure Applications Certain types of applications pose special exposure risk.

24 Enclosed Space Applications Applying pesticides within enclosed areas will often require a respirator even if not required for the same outdoor application.

25 Adjusting Equipment PPE should be worn while adjusting pesticide- contaminated equipment.

26 Immersing Hands/Forearms Some applications will expose hands and forearms; consider full front and arm protection.

27 Applying in Air Currents Extra PPE should be considered when pesticides can blow directly on the applicator.

28 Applying Concentrates Consider wearing extra PPE when applying concentrates.

29 Application Procedures Deliver the pesticide to the target Check the delivery rate Check for appearance Avoid non-target organisms Avoid non-target surfaces Operate equipment safely

30 After Mixing, Loading and Applying 1.Clean application equipment

31 After Mixing, Loading and Applying 2. Clean personal protective equipment

32 After Mixing, Loading and Applying 3. Take a shower or wash with mild soap and change into clean clothing

33 Always wash work clothes separately from the family laundry.

34 Recordkeeping Can be used to find errors Can save money Improves pest control efficiency Makes sense!

35 Record Contents Applicator name License number Date and time of treatment Treatment location Crop, commodity or type of target site Total size of treated site Product brand name Product EPA reg.# Total amount of product applied Application method Name of person authorizing application

36 Safety Systems Closed mixing and loading system

37 Mechanical Mixing and Loading Systems Gravity systems: aka “punch and drain” Suction systems: pump removes pesticide through probe inserted into the container

38 Soluble Packaging

39 Closed System PPE Clothing may be allowed to substitute for PPE – check the label Mixing/loading – may still require apron and gloves Pressurized system may require protective eyewear

40 Enclosed Application Systems Provide skin and eye protection Air-filtering system protects from inhalation plus skin and eye protection Enclosed cockpit provides skin, eye, and inhalation protection

41 Pesticide Containment Systems

42 Photo Credits University of Missouri Virginia Tech University IFAS Communication Services University of Georgia Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Department of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS Copyright 2005 University of Florida Mention of trade names in this presentation is solely for providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer’s label.