Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the county sheriff, city police, or fire department. These authorities are trained
for such emergencies and will be able to assist in the cleanup. Many local and
state authorities require
that you notify them of a pesticide spill.
If you suspect that a large spill is flammable, call the fire department for
assistance. However, do not let them hose down the spill unless an authority
directs them to do so.
If the spill may expose the public to pesticides or pesticide residues, con-
tact public health officials. If anyone is poisoned by contacting the spill or if
you suspect that an exposure may lead to poisoning, call the hospital emer-
gency room and provide them with the brand name, active ingredients, and any
other labeling information about human health hazards, signs and symptoms
of poisoning, and antidotes.
5. Labeling Statements about Spill Management
Typical pesticide labeling instructions about spill procedures include:
•
If container is broken or contents have spilled, clean it up immedi-
ately. Before cleaning up, put on full-length trousers, long-sleeved
shirt, protective gloves, and goggles or face shield. Soak up spill
with absorbent media such as clay, sawdust, corn cods, or other suit-
able material and dispose of waste at an approved waste disposal facil-
ity.
•
If the container is leaking or material is spilled, carefully sweep the
mat erial int o a pil e. Refer to Precauti onary Statemen ts on lab el
for hazards associated with the handling of this material. Do not
walk through spilled material. Keep unauthorized people away.
•
Contact the emergency response team or your response contractor for
decontamination procedures.
6.
Spill Kit
Keep a spill clean up kit immediately available whenever you handle pes-
ticides or their containers. If a spill occurs, you will not have the time or the
opportunity to find all of the items.
The kit should consist of:
•
telephone numbers for emergency assistance
•
chemical-resistent gloves, footwear, and apron, suit, etc.
•
protective eyewear
