For many, spring is an opportunity to deep clean and organize homes, offices and other areas that have become cluttered over the winter and previous year. Your pesticide storage areas shouldn’t be overlooked. A well-organized and maintained pesticide storage area will help to save time and money during the busy application season.
Start the process by inspecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), first aid kits, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and emergency spill kits. Replace any worn-out, expired, or missing items as soon as possible. First aid kits and PPE should be stored separately from pesticides, but in a nearby location easily accessible. Emergency spill kits should include PPE, a broom, a shovel, heavy-duty plastic bags, and absorbent material such as clay, pet litter, fine sand, activated charcoal, or vermiculite.
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the spilled product will list any additional or specific substances needed to clean up the material. Pesticide storage areas should be used for pesticides and pesticide equipment only. Food, feed, fertilizers, seeds, veterinary medicines, and other non-pesticide-related products should not be stored with pesticides.
Inspect and inventory all pesticides. A well-maintained inventory helps save money and avoid waste by preventing over-purchasing products and loss due to expired products. Check all containers for corrosion, leaks, and loose or broken caps. If containers are damaged, transfer any remaining pesticide to a similar container along with the label. NEVER transfer pesticides to containers meant for food or drinks. All pesticide containers should have an attached complete, clean, and legible label. Contact your pesticide dealer or manufacturer to replace missing or damaged product labels.
Check to see if the pesticide is still within its shelf life. Unusable or unwanted products should be stored separately from usable ones until they can be disposed of accordingly. Avoid waste by writing the date of purchase directly on the pesticide container. Use the oldest inventory first. Update and maintain an easily accessible log of all pesticides, including copies of labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Organize the storage area by product, container type, and container size. Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other pesticides should be grouped and stored in separate locations within the storage area. This will help to prevent contamination or confusion between products with similar containers. Highly toxic products require additional precautions when handling and should be kept apart. When possible, pesticides should be stored low to the ground, but off the floor. Large drums or heavy bags should be stored on plastic pallets. Other products should be stored on sturdy metal shelving with the heaviest containers and liquid products on the lower shelves.
Finally, check to see that the storage area is safe and secure. Designated storage areas for pesticides should be labeled at every entrance or window with highly visible, weatherproof signs stating Danger- Pesticides- Keep Out! or a similar warning. Storage areas should remain locked at all times, and access should be restricted to those who have an active role in the application of pesticides.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Travis Cleveland provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on plant pathology. He provides diagnostic support the U of I Plant Clinic and he coordinates the Home, Yard and Garden Pest Newsletter.