1. Pesticide Storage
A PowerPoint Presentation for the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Website
Created by: Wayne G. Buhler, Ph.D.
Pesticide Safety Education Specialist
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC

2. Proper storage protects…
People
Animals
Environment
Proper storage of pesticides protects people, animals and the environment from accidental exposure.

3. It also prevents… Damage to the pesticide and its container
Theft , vandalism, and unauthorized use
It also prevents damage to the pesticide and its container, prevents theft, vandalism, and use by unauthorized people.

4. Always read and follow the label
Before purchasing the product make sure that you can meet the minimum requirements for safe storage.
Look for statements under “Storage and Disposal”, “Note”, or “General Instructions”.
The pesticide label is the best guide to storage requirements for every product. Make sure that you can meet the minimum requirements before purchasing the product. Look for statements under “Storage and Disposal,” “Note” or “General Instructions.”

5. Label statements Mostly general Some specific
“store in cool, dry area”
“Keep out of reach…”
Some specific
Temperature and humidity restrictions
Allow for state and local laws to be stricter
Some label instructions are fairly general, such as store pesticides in a cool, dry place. Others are more specific, such as store at temperatures above 32°F. You need to be aware of state and local laws that may be more strict that the label statements.

6. Material Safety Data Sheet
Available at dealerships or on-line
Lists physical and chemical properties
Identifies hazards and first aid
Provides additional handling and storage information
The Material Data Safety Sheet or MSDS provides specific information on the physical and chemical properties of a pesticide. It includes additional information on handling and storage. Ask for it when you purchase a pesticide at the dealership. You can find the MSDS for most pesticides on the Internet, as well.

7. Educational module outline
Storage building and location
Key features of all storage facilities
Safety requirements and guidelines
Planning for emergencies
Ways to reduce storage
This educational module will help you recognize proper practices and guidelines for storing pesticides used on your farm or in your business. Guidelines addressed in this module are organized by the following topics:
Storage building and location
Key features of all storage facilities
Safety requirements and guidelines
Planning for emergencies
Ways to reduce storage

8. Choosing a location
Consult with local fire marshal for codes and regs.
Locate in an area where flooding is unlikely
Maintain a ft. distance from wells, surface waters, (downwind from) animal feeding stations, and dwellings.
When choosing a location for a pesticide storage facility, you should first consult with your local fire marshal to be made aware of local fire and building codes. Storage buildings should be located in an area where flooding is unlikely. Choose a location that is at least 50 feet from a well head and 100 feet from a public water supply (some states may require a greater setback distance). Position storage units at least 100 feet away from surface waters, animal feeding stations and dwellings.

9. Storage building Several options to explore
High volume of pesticides should be stored in their own facility
Plans available in print or on-line
Many plans have engineering specs for mix/load area with storage and cleanup facilities
Several options can be explored for storing pesticides. Large quantities of pesticides should be stored in a building designed specifically for that purpose. Building plans can be found in print or on-line.
J. Moody, NCCES

10. Size depends on need Storage shed Portable storage unit
Designated area inside another facility
T. Bowman, NCDA&CS
Moderate amounts can be stored in a shed, portable storage unit, or a designated area within a building. Do not store pesticides in a basement or other area likely to flood.
T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

11. Cabinets for small amounts
Small amounts of pesticides can be stored in lockable cabinets.

12. Key features of all storage facilities
Prevent unauthorized access
Protect the environment
Maintain appropriate conditions
The facility wherein pesticides may be stored must be able to prevent unauthorized access, protect the environment, and maintain appropriate storage conditions.

13. Keep it secure Make sure all entrances are locked when not in use
Gated entrances should be locked as well
Limit access to keys
No one except you and your authorized employees should have access to the storage area. Keep the storage unit locked at all times, except when it is under the direct supervision of a person authorized for entry. For extra security, install a fence around the storage area and lock the gate.

14. Security lighting helps deter crime
Consider installing security lighting and an alarm system.

15. Post warning signs at entrances
Signs indicating “Danger Pesticides – Keep Out” should be placed at all storage entries. Consider posting signs in a second language, such as Spanish. Some state laws require additional signage indicating who is responsible for the pesticide storage and who to call for emergencies.
T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

16. Protecting the environment
Floors should be made of non-porous material, free of cracks
Allows for easier cleanup
Construct floors with 2- to 4-inch lip or recess below the level of the doors to contain large spills
To protect the environment, the floor of the storage area should be made of sealed concrete or another non-porous material that is free of cracks. This will prevent any spilled pesticides from seeping into the ground and will make cleanup of spills easier. Construct the floor with a continuous 2- to 4-inch lip or recess below the level of the doors to contain large spills.

17. The problem with drains
Existing floor drains must be sealed unless connected to a tank that can be cleaned out
Outflow must be captured and disposed as hazardous waste
NCDA&CS
Floor drains must be sealed unless they are plumbed to a separate, external holding tank. Any outflow must be captured and disposed as hazardous waste.

18. Non-absorbent shelving material
Metal shelves with lip to contain spills
Wooden shelves coated with epoxy paint or plastic
Containment trays or pans
Store pesticides on metal shelves with a lip or on wood shelves covered with plastic or chemically-resistant epoxy paint. Leak-proof trays or pans work well as secondary containment.

19. Proper Conditions: Ventilation and Humidity
Constant ventilation needed to remove vapors, excess heat, and humidity
Provides safe conditions for workers and extends shelf life of pesticides
Use exhaust fans or passive vents
Exhaust air directly to outside
May be reduced in winter
The storage building needs constant ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful vapors, excess heat, and excess humidity. An exhaust fan will remove fumes, heat and humidity better than passive air flow. Exhaust air from the storage room should be vented directly to the outside. Ventilation may be reduced in the winter to help maintain heat in the storage facility.
NCDA&CS

20. Proper Conditions: Temperature
Maintain temps between 40 and 100 degrees F.
Freezing may cause chemical separation and container failure
Excess heat may cause explosion or fire
Minimize fire hazards if you provide heating
The temperature inside the storage area should not get below 40°F or over 100°F. Temperature extremes can cause problems with the chemicals in the pesticide as well as with the container. Keep pesticides a safe distance away from heaters.

21. Consider spark-proof electrical fixtures and controls
Because of the volatility of some pesticide formulations, consider using spark-proof electrical fixtures and controls.

22. Which one of the following is not an important feature of a storage facility?
Locked entrances
Ventilation
High-peaked roof
Warning signs

23. Which one of the following is not an important feature of a storage facility?
Locked entrances
Ventilation
High-peaked roof
Warning signs
The answer is c.

24. The minimum distance between a storage facility and a well is:
25 feet
50 feet
75 feet
100 feet

25. The minimum distance between a storage facility and a well is:
25 feet
50 feet
75 feet
100 feet
The answer is b.

26. A practical temperature range to maintain inside storage facilities is:
40 to 100 degrees F
60 to 80 degrees F
30 to 90 degrees F
50 to 110 degrees F

27. A practical temperature range to maintain inside storage facilities is:
40 to 100 degrees F
60 to 80 degrees F
30 to 90 degrees F
50 to 110 degrees F
The answer is a.

28. Storage rules Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the storage area.
Do not store pesticides in a way that could contaminate seed or animal feed.
There are important rules to follow in and around storage areas. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the storage area. Do not store pesticides in a way that could contaminate seed or animal feed.

29. Storage rules
Never store pesticides in milk jugs, soft drink bottles, fruit jars, or medicine bottles.
Do not keep gasoline or other combustibles with pesticides.
Never store pesticides in milk jugs, soft drink bottles, fruit jars, or medicine bottles. Do not keep gasoline or other combustibles with pesticides.

30. Safe storage practices/rules
Use original labeled container
If container is damaged, transfer to a container suitable for the pesticide
If product label is damaged or becomes unreadable, print the following minimum information on container or tag
Common name
Percentage of each active ingredient
EPA registration number
Signal word
Use classification (restricted or general use)
NCDA&CS
Keep pesticides stored in their original, labeled container. If the container is damaged, transfer the pesticide into another container that originally held the same pesticide and still has its label, or transfer the pesticide to a sturdy container that can be tightly closed and transfer the label from the damaged container to the new one. If the pesticide label is damaged or becomes unreadable, make sure the following minimum information is printed directly on the container or a tag attached to the handle:
Common name
Percentage of each active ingredient
EPA registration number
Signal word
Use classification (restricted or general use)

31. Safe storage practices
Keep storage area organized and clean of debris
Inspect containers regularly
Keep metal containers and bags off the floor
Place heavier containers and liquids on lower shelves.
Keep the storage area organized and clean. Inspect containers regularly for leaks. Metal containers and bags should be kept off the floor on pallets. And heavier containers and liquids should be placed on lower shelves.
T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

32. Safe storage practices
If practical, store highly flammable/ volatile pesticides separately
Designate a bin or area for containers prepared for recycling
Consider storing highly flammable and/or volatile pesticides separately and designating a bin or other area for containers that are rinsed and ready for recycling.
T. Bowman, NCDA&CS

33. Be prepared for mishaps
Provide clean water in case of contact with skin or eyes
If running water not practical, store water in a large container
Keep a first aid kit nearby
Always be prepared for mishaps by having a supply of clean water in the event that pesticide comes in contact with your skin or eyes. If running water is not available nearby, store water in a large sealable container. Refill the container often to keep the water as fresh as possible. Keep a first aid kit nearby.

34. Spill cleanup
Spill kit: absorbent, broom, shovel, and a container with lid
More supplies may be needed for high storage volumes
Check MSDS for materials needed to deactivate spills
You should also keep spill cleanup materials nearby. A spill kit should include absorptive materials such as non-chlorinated cat litter or vermiculite, a broom, a shovel, and a container with a lid for storing contaminated material. Refer to the MSDS for the types of chemicals that may be needed to deactivate spills.

35. Personal Protective Equipment
PPE should be kept nearby, but not in the storage room to prevent contamination
May be needed to respond to spills before entering storage area
Personal protective equipment should be kept nearby, but not in the storage building or room. You may need a respirator, gloves, eye protection and a protective suit before entering the storage area, particularly if a spill or other accident has occurred.

36. Plan for emergencies
Train workers on how to respond to spills, fires and other emergencies
Keep a fire extinguisher that is approved for chemical fires nearby
Inspect the extinguisher on a regular basis
Your workers should be trained on how to respond to spills, fires and other emergencies. Keep a fire extinguisher that is approved for chemical fires nearby, or near each exit within the storage building. Fire extinguishers need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

37. National Fire Protection Assoc. sign
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 sign alerts first responders to the hazards associated with short-term exposures that may occur as a result of fire, spill, or similar emergency. The 704 standard is applicable to commercial facilities that manufacture, handle, or store hazardous materials. Check with your local Fire Dept. for more details.
‘704’ sign alerts first responders to hazards of storage contents
Check with your local Fire Dept. and building code

38. Pre-fire plan Develop emergency response plan with fire dept.
Invite emergency personnel to the facility
Pre-fire plan available at:
Commercial storage or restricted-use pesticide storage facilities should have written response plans for managing fires. A document entitled “Fire and Spill Emergency Pre-Plan for Handling Agricultural Chemicals” is available on-line. The plan provides grids for drawing the property site and drainage routes, list of emergency contacts, fire fighting tactics and location of available resources. The plan should be updated yearly and reviewed with your local Fire Dept.

39. Keep records
File pre-fire plan and storage inventory (include labeling information)
Save at more than one location
Keep copies of your storage location map, storage unit floor plan and current or seasonal inventory in a secure place away from the storage unit. Keep copies of labels and MSDSs for every chemical in storage. Consider keeping a copy at the storage site and another one filed at the office for use by emergency responders.
NCDA&CS

40. The best way to store pesticides is in:
Any empty pesticide container
Glass bottles
Any unbreakable container
The original, labeled container

41. The best way to store pesticides is in:
Any empty pesticide container
Glass bottles
Any unbreakable container
The original, labeled container
The answer is d.

42. When a pesticide label gets unreadable:
Throw the container away following state regulations for proper disposal
Write the important information on the container with permanent marker
Request that the pesticide company send you new product
Use the pesticide immediately

43. When a pesticide label gets unreadable:
Throw the container away following state regulations for proper disposal
Write the important information on the container with permanent marker
Request that the pesticide company send you new product
Use the pesticide immediately
The answer is b

44. Ways to reduce storage
Track your pesticide usage so that you buy only the amount you need for a season
Purchase pesticides in returnable, refillable containers
Return unopened containers to dealer
Write purchase date on all containers and use on a first-in, first-used basis (helps track shelf life, as well)
Accept delivery shortly before application
Reducing the amount of pesticide you store lowers the risk of chemical fires, explosions, or spills that can contaminate well water, surface water, or the soil. Consider the following ways to reduce pesticide storage: 1. Make every effort to limit storage by buying only the amount of pesticide that you need for the current season; 2. Purchase pesticides in refillable containers that can be returned if this can arranged with your pesticide dealership; 3. If possible, return unopened containers to the dealer; 4. Write the purchase date on all containers and use pesticides on a “first-in, first-used” basis; 5. Accept delivery of pesticides shortly before they are needed; and, 6. Check with your state regulatory agency to see if it coordinates a pesticide disposal assistance program to which you can take outdated or cancelled pesticides.

45. Key points Choose location wisely Keep storage area secure
Maintain appropriate conditions
Store containers safely
Be prepared for mishaps and emergencies
Recognize your responsibility
In summary, remember these key points to proper pesticide storage.
Choose the location wisely.
Keep storage area secure.
Maintain appropriate storage conditions.
Store containers safely.
Be prepared for mishaps and emergencies, and
Recognize that storing pesticides properly is your responsibility.
For more information about storage regulations in your state, contact your state’s department of agriculture, natural resources, pesticide regulation or environmental protection.

46. Acknowledgements
Thank you to Tom Bowman, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Rick Johnson, Penn State University, and Jerry Moody,
NC Cooperative Extension Service for providing some of the images
used in this presentation.
Appreciation is also extended to Candy Orr, NC State University Field Labs
Health and Safety Coordinator, and Robert Bradley, NC State University
Grounds Manager for providing access to storage facilities photographed on
the campus of NC State University.
The use of brand and company names and any mention or listing of commercial products
or services in this module does not imply endorsement by the author or NC State University
nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.