North CarolinaDepartment of Agriculture and

Consumer Services

Pesticide SectionFood & Drug Protection Division

Pesticide ApplicationsPROTECTING YOU AND

THE ENVIRONMENT

I. Pesticide Mixing and Loading SitesII. PPE - Personal Protective EquipmentIII. Pesticide Container Disposal

HAZARDS TO CONSIDER•Water Contamination•Drains•Backflow Protection•Mix on site

I. MIXING AND LOADING SITES

•Wells•Creeks•Ponds•Water Sources

DO NOT Mix or Load Next To or Above:

KNOW WHERE THE DRAIN EMPTIES!

When Mixing, Loading, or Cleaning Pesticide Equipment

Over or Near Drains:

Proper Mixing and Loading Area

•Air Gap•Backflow Preventer

Use Backflow Protection

•Need for PPE•Knowing How to Use PPE

II. PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

TYPES OF EXPOSURE• Inhalation•Oral•Dermal•Ocular

PPE Protects You From Exposure When Working With Pesticides

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Label specific• May include:

• gloves• boots or shoe covers• coveralls• hood or wide-brimmed hat• apron• protective eyewear• respirator

•Long Sleeve Shirt•Long Pants•Shoes and Socks•Chemical Resistant Gloves

Review The Label For PPE Information

If Label Does Not Refer To PPE Use a Minimum of Protection Such As:

• NEVER Store With Pesticides• Respirator and Respirator Cartridges should

be Stored Separately• Clean Respirator after Each Use• Clothes Used While Applying Pesticides

Should be Washed Separately From Other Laundry

PROPER STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF PPE SHOULD

INCLUDE

• Dispose of Pesticide Containers In a Manner Which Will Not Contaminate Any Aspect of the Environment

• Pesticide Labels Have Specific Instructions on Proper Disposal Procedures

III. Proper Pesticide Container Disposal

• Triple Rinsing or Pressure Rinsing• Offer for Recycling Where Available• If Not…. Puncture and Place In Landfill

Proper Disposal of Pesticide Containers Includes:

• Let Container Drain or Drip Into Spray Tank For At Least 30 Seconds

• Fill Container 1/3 Full of Water• Replace Cap On Container and Rotate or

Shake to Rinse ALL Sides• Drain Rinse Mixture From Container Into

Spray Tank• Repeat Steps 2-4 Twice More Before

Disposal of Pesticide Container

Steps for Proper Triple Rinsing

• Let Container Drain or Drip Into Spray Tank For At Least 30 Seconds

• Insert Tip of P/N Through Side of Pesticide Container Near Base

• Spray Inside Container for 30 Seconds While Holding Over Tank

• Drain all Rinse Water from Container into Spray Tank

Steps for Correct Pressure Rinsing

Offer For Recycling

IF YOUR COUNTY DOES NOT OFFER PESTICIDE CONTAINER

RECYCLING, CONSULT FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL

AUTHORITIES FOR APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES.

NCDA&CS Pesticide Sectionwww.ncagr.com/fooddrug/pesticid

919-733-3556