Plant protection products are chemical substances which are used to protect plants from pests. They are commonly called pesticides and can have serious consequences for the health if not handled properly. As from November 2015, Italian law requires any person who purchases and/or uses chemical products professionally, including unclassified products and those classified as irritant, to be certified and be in possession of a pesticide license. As from November 26, 2015, all plant protection products are labelled “for professional use” and “non-professional use” where the latter can only be used in domestic flower or vegetable gardens.
How to load and unload pesticides properly?
To load and unload pesticides properly the first thing to do is to arrange the containers according to the instructions on the labels affixed to the outside of the packaging. If products of different types are being loaded, it is advisable to place the liquid products at the bottom and the solid ones on top. Another recommendation is to always place the heavier and the highly toxic products at the bottom. Furthermore, the product containers are to be secured with straps and hooks to prevent them moving around during transport.
If product containers and/or packaging is damaged during transport resulting in spills or leakage of the chemical substances, Personal Protective Equipment needs to be donned before cleaning up:
- Gloves are essential and should be used during loading and unloading operation as well;
- Helmets protect the head and skin from contact with the hazardous substances;
- Protective eyewear shields the eyes from particles;
- Face masks protect the nose and mouth from toxic fumes.
After having donned the required Personal Protective Equipment clean up the spills and leaks by spreading absorbent material such as sand over the contaminated area. Once the spill or leak has been absorbed, sweep up the absorbent material and place in a hermetically sealing steel or fibre drum duly labelled with “DANGER” signs and list of contents.
If you suspect that chemical substances could have contaminated the environment, alert the competent authorities and call the fire brigade.
Clean any vehicle and equipment thoroughly after transporting pesticides even if spills or leaks have not occurred.
Kasco produces various types of PPE for use during the loading and unloading of plant protection products.
Aug 23 2016
What to do when loading and unloading pesticides?
Plant protection products are chemical substances which are used to protect plants from pests. They are commonly called pesticides and can have serious consequences for the health if not handled properly. As from November 2015, Italian law requires any person who purchases and/or uses chemical products professionally, including unclassified products and those classified as irritant, to be certified and be in possession of a pesticide license. As from November 26, 2015, all plant protection products are labelled “for professional use” and “non-professional use” where the latter can only be used in domestic flower or vegetable gardens.
How to load and unload pesticides properly?
To load and unload pesticides properly the first thing to do is to arrange the containers according to the instructions on the labels affixed to the outside of the packaging. If products of different types are being loaded, it is advisable to place the liquid products at the bottom and the solid ones on top. Another recommendation is to always place the heavier and the highly toxic products at the bottom. Furthermore, the product containers are to be secured with straps and hooks to prevent them moving around during transport.
If product containers and/or packaging is damaged during transport resulting in spills or leakage of the chemical substances, Personal Protective Equipment needs to be donned before cleaning up:
After having donned the required Personal Protective Equipment clean up the spills and leaks by spreading absorbent material such as sand over the contaminated area. Once the spill or leak has been absorbed, sweep up the absorbent material and place in a hermetically sealing steel or fibre drum duly labelled with “DANGER” signs and list of contents.
If you suspect that chemical substances could have contaminated the environment, alert the competent authorities and call the fire brigade.
Clean any vehicle and equipment thoroughly after transporting pesticides even if spills or leaks have not occurred.
Kasco produces various types of PPE for use during the loading and unloading of plant protection products.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •