Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
i.
Consider Shelf Life
Mark each pesticide container with the date of purchase before it is stored.
Use older materials first. If the product has a shelf life listed in the labeling,
the purchase date will indicate whether it is still usable. Excessive clumping,
poor suspension, layering, or abnormal coloration may be indications that the
pesticide has broken down. However, sometimes pesticide deterioration from
age or poor storage conditions becomes obvious only after application. Poor
pest control or damage to the treated surface can occur. If you have doubts
about the shelf life of a pesticide, call the dealer or manufacturer for advice.
3.
Prevent Pesticide Fires
Some pesticides are highly flammable; others do not catch fire easily.
The labeling of pesticides that require extra precautions often will contain a
warning statement in either the "Physical/Chemical Hazards" section or the
"Storage and Disposal" section. Pesticides that contain oils or petro-
leum-based solvents are the ones most likely to contain these warning state-
ments. Some dry products also present fire and explosion hazards.
Store flammable and combustible pesticides away from open flames and
other heat sources, such as steam lines, heating systems, kerosene heaters or
other space heaters, gaspowered equipment, or incinerators. Do not store glass
containers in sunlight where they can focus the heat rays and possibly explode
or ignite. Install fire detection systems in large storage sites, and equip each
storage site with a working fire extinguisher that is approved for all types of
fires, including chemical fires.
If you store highly toxic pesticides or large amounts of any pesticides, in-
form your local fire department, hospital, public health officials, and police of
the location of your pesticide storage building before a fire emergency occurs.
Tell fire department officials what types of pesticides are regularly stored at the
site, give them a floor plan, and work with them to develop an emergency
response plan.
4.
Labeling Statements about Storage
Typical pesticide labeling instructions about storage include:
•
Store at temperatures above 32
0
F.
•
Do not contaminate feed, foodstuffs, or drinking water during storage.
•
Store in original container only.
•
In outside storage areas, store drums on sides to avoid accumulation
of rain water in top or bottom of recessed areas.
