Safety during application of pesticides

  A. Precautions to be taken during handling & mixing

• Read the label & leaflet of the pesticides carefully & follow the instructions.
• Select the required equipment along with protective clothing & other safety devices.
• Calibrate the equipment before use.
• While opening the containers do not spill contents on to the body. Care should be taken to use safety goggles.
• Mix the chemicals in an open & well-ventilated area.
• Always stand with the wind on your back while mixing & filling the pesticides.
• Never eat, drink, smoke or rub your eyes or face while working with pesticides.
• Never leave pesticides unattended in the field. It can be toxic to inquisitive animals or children.
• Never allow children to handle or mix pesticides.
• Measure & mix pesticides accurately to avoid wastage.
• Clean up spills immediately. If the body is accidentally contaminated wash immediately with plenty of water & change clothes if required.

  B. Precautions to be taken while applying pesticides

• Wear personal protective clothing & other aids like goggles mask, gloves etc. while spraying.
• Check the equipment for leaks to avoid contamination.
• Never spray against the wind.
• Ensure that there are no animals or person in the down wind direction.
• Apply pesticide only when needed. Do not drag sprayer on roads, pathways etc.
• Do not blow out blocked nozzles with the mouth.
• Always apply the correct dosage to avoid wastage & phytotoxicity.
• Apply at the correct stage for efficacy & to avoid residue problems in the harvested produce.
• Use properly maintained & functioning equipment. Repairing defective equipment in the field increases the time of exposure to the pesticide.
• While applying pesticides care should be taken not to contaminate any nearby streams, ponds or other water sources.
• Do not eat, smoke or chew tobacco while spraying.
• If a person feels ill while spraying, work should be stopped immediately & medical attention should be sought.

 C. Precautions to be taken after spraying pesticides

• Never leave used spray equipment unattended.
• Decontaminate the equipment, buckets, measuring cups etc. to aviod accidental poisoning.
• Take bath with plenty of clean water & soap.
• Wash the contaminated clothes separately.
• Never empty the unused spray solution into irrigation canals, waterways, ponds or wells.
• Mark the sprayed field & avoid unauthorized entry into the treated area, immediately after spraying.