EP 1130-2-540
15 Nov 96
APPENDIX F
PREVENTIVE SAFETY MEASURES IN HANDLING OF PESTICIDES
F-1. Follow the label instructions on each container before using the contents. The
manufacturers are required by law to list recommended precautions.
F-2. Weather conditions are important. Winds would carry toxic sprays and dusts to areas not
under your control, causing accidental poisoning to the public or domestic animals.
F-3. Smoking, eating or drinking is not permitted while pesticides are being handled. It should
also be noted that rules of good personal hygiene will be practiced as well.
F-4. All pesticides must be handled in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of toxic
vapors.
F-5. Shower and washing facilities must be near pesticide mixing areas; drains should be separate
from the regular system.
F-6. Any contamination of skin, particularly with liquid concentrations or solutions, must be
immediately washed off with detergent and water.
F-7. Protective clothing and equipment should be used as recommended by the pesticide label.
Recommended articles of protective clothing are gloves, rubber aprons, coveralls, face shields,
safety shoes, hard hats and respirators. A lightweight water and chemical resistant throwaway
type protective clothing that is impervious to herbicides is now available.
F-8. Clothing contaminated by spillage must be removed immediately and properly disposed of
(TIM 21). Special care is required to prevent contamination of the insides of gloves. Gloves shall
be selected based on their resistance to chemical permeation by the pesticide to be applied.
F-9. Corps personnel handling, mixing, and applying pesticides requiring respiratory protection
shall be fully indoctrinated in the district respiratory protection program, including proper
selection, use, maintenance and storage of respiratory protective devices. Prior to use, they shall
be fit tested by a qualified person using either the qualitative or quantitative method (ER 385-1-
90). Respirators approved by MSHA/NIOSH for the use condition encountered must be worn as
required by the label while pesticides are being mixed, and when dusts or liquids are being handled
or sprayed. Filters or canisters must be changed after 8 hours use and more often if odor of the
pesticide is detected. (Always have extra cartridges available.)
F-10. Pesticide Storage, Mixing and Formulation Facilities.
a. All pesticides must be stored in a dry, well ventilated, separate room, building or
covered area not accessible to unauthorized personnel or the public and must be secured by lock
and key.
b. Identification signs should be placed on rooms, buildings, and fences to advise of the
contents and warn of their hazardous nature.
c. Where applicable, the outside of each storage area should be labeled with "Danger,"
"Poison," and "Pesticide Storage" signs.
F-1
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