MSU Extension Pesticide Education Turfgrass Pest Management (Category 3A) Pesticide Safety Chapter 6

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Contact the MDA or MSU Extension to keep current with changing pesticide rules and regulations!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Read the label before selecting and applying any pesticide.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Applicator Safety n You must comply with label guidelines n Clean, service or replace gear regularly n Wash gear and yourself n Wear more gear with frequent applications or if pesticide-sensitive –Minimum: gloves, face and eye protection when mixing, plus hat and respirator for overhead applications.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations n Filling and Mixing: –Dry fertilizer only F dust mask or respirator with dust filter –Pesticides F goggles/face shield, head gear, apron, boots, gloves, full respirator with dust filter when mixing powdered pesticides –Hand cans F gloves

MSU Extension Pesticide Education PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations n During Application: –Fertilizer only: F boots, gloves –Insecticides or liquid slow release N: F boots, gloves, goggles (when high pressure spraying)

MSU Extension Pesticide Education PLCAA Protective Gear Recommendations n Handling Spills: –Wear all protective clothing and equipment recommended for the material spilled.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Applicator Cholinesterase Level n For users of carbamate and organophosphate insecticides n Off-season baseline level required n Testing program implemented by a doctor

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Review PLCAA Cholinesterase Testing Recommendations for more specific information. Talk to your doctor or medical advisor.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Most poisonings result from accidents, careless or ignorant use! But even careful applicators may be exposed!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education The best defense against harm is to be prepared!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education First Aid & Safety Materials n Pesticide label n MSDS n Syrup of Ipecac n First aid kit n Eye wash n Detergent n Clean water n Rubber gloves n Change of clothing n Spill absorbent n Fire extinguisher n Poison Center phone # n Hospital contacts –phone # –doctor –directions

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Poisoning Symptoms n Vary with: –type of pesticide –where exposed –amount absorbed –health of individual n Onset of symptoms can happen: –suddenly –slowly

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Remember, poisoning symptoms can be similar to other ailments such as heat exhaustion, asthma or food poisoning. *Never give alcohol!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Fungicides- general: –headache –skin irritation –sweating –muscle twitching or fatigue –coughing, hoarseness, chest pains –burning sinuses, throat, lungs

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Phenoxy herbicides: –skin or eye irritation –mouth/throat irritation –abdominal pain, vomiting –diarrhea –chest pain –muscle twitching or weakness

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Arsenical herbicides –mild skin irritation –ingestion may result in burning of the throat, stomach irritation, vomiting and bloody diarrhea

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Insecticides- general: –headache –blurred vision –abnormal eye pupils –greatly increased sweating, salivation, tearing, or respiratory secretions.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Insecticides- cholinesterase inhibiting: –Mild poisoning: F fatigue, headache F dizziness, blurred vision F excessive sweating, salivation F nausea, vomiting F stomach cramps, diarrhea

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Insecticides- cholinesterase inhibiting: –Moderate poisoning: F unable to walk F weakness F chest discomfort F pinpoint pupils F earlier symptoms become more severe

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning n Insecticides- cholinesterase inhibiting: –Severe poisoning: F unconsciousness F severe pin point pupils F muscle twitching F secretions from mouth and nose F breathing difficulty F coma, death

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Small doses of organophosphates “add up” in the nervous system. Poisoning may result without obvious symptoms. Let your doctor decide whether pesticide poisoning has occurred.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Applicator and Doctor

MSU Extension Pesticide Education First Aid Procedures n Varies according to the type of exposure. n Symptoms may not occur immediately. n After severe exposure DO NOT put off first aid until you feel bad - Act immediately!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Dermal Exposure n Remove contaminated clothing n Drench skin with water n Wash with soap n Rinse completely n Wash and rinse again n Dry, wrap in blanket or clean clothing.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Inhalation Exposure n Get to fresh air n Don’t attempt rescue in enclosed area without proper respiratory gear n Keep victim quiet n Prevent chilling, don’t overheat n Loosen tight clothing n Resuscitate, if necessary n Keep air passages clear

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Eye Exposure n Act immediately! n Wash eyes with a gentle stream of water. Use large amounts of water. Continue washing for 15+ minutes. n Use pure water only. n Get medical attention if there is pain or reddening of the eye

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Oral Exposure n If pesticide has entered mouth, but not swallowed: –Rinse thoroughly n If swallowed: –Follow label directions on whether to induce vomiting

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Never induce vomiting if Victim unconscious 2. Having convulsions 3. Petroleum based product 4. Corrosive pesticide 5. Label specifies not to induce vomiting

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Don’t waste time, get to the hospital ASAP! Do not attempt to administer antidotes!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Safe Pesticide Handling Preventing accidents when handling pesticides is the best way to protect: - the applicator - the environment - nontarget organisms

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Equipment Safety n Check for: –Worn hoses –Leaks –Applicator accuracy –Truck and trailer safety BrakesBrakes LightsLights TiresTires

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Mixing and Loading Pesticides n Mixing and loading pesticide concentrates are some of the most hazardous activities for the applicator and environment.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Mixing Safely n Wear protective clothing. n Do not eat, smoke, chew gum. n Lighted, well ventilated area, shelter from wind. n Attend tank while filling. n Follow label directions.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Backflow prevention device.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Mixing Pesticides Safely n Keep fill hose out of solution. n Anti-siphon valve. n Pour below eye level. n Measure accurately. n Rinse measuring tools. n Triple rinse containers immediately.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Triple Rinse & Pesticide Removal

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide Fate?

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticides: Undesirable Effects n Suppression of thatch decomposers n Destruction of predator & parasites n Risk to applicator n Exposure to people and pets

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticides: Undesirable Effects n Effect on wildlife n Runoff to streams, ponds n Groundwater contamination

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Since most turf stands are in areas frequented by people, it is especially important for 3A applicators to be safety conscious. People depend on you to protect them from pesticide residues.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Applying Pesticides Safely n Check over the fence. n Clients should: –move cars, close windows n Remove, cover or wash –pet dishes, toys, bird feeders, etc. n Be aware of food plants n Explain reentry intervals

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide application equipment is attractive to children. Never leave equipment unattended!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Storing hazardous materials poses a great potential for accidents and liability. Limit the amount of pesticides kept in storage.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Chemical fires can be toxic. You may need to report storage of certain chemicals. Check with MDNR (MDEQ) or MSUE about SARA Title III requirements.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Exterior Pesticide Storage n Not near well n Secured n Ventilated n Posted n Fire-proof n Secondary containment n Separate storage for volatile herbicides

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Interior Pesticide Storage n Inventory sheet n Moderate temperatures n NO SMOKING n Fire extinguisher n Spill kit n Metal Shelving n Protective clothing n Emergency telephone numbers

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Storage regulations may change. Contact MDA or MSUE for updates. Storage

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide Containers n Keep in original container n Protect labels n Label all containers n Do NOT use food containers!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide Containers n Reseal open packages n Use old or damaged first n Mark mixing containers n Triple rinse and puncture n Buy refillables or recycle

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide wastes can be a problem. - don’t stock up - mix only what is needed - apply leftovers according to the label - use material in open containers

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide waste disposal is regulated. Contact the MDNR (MDEQ), MSUE or MDA for assistance.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Pesticide Spills n Control and stop the spill n Contain the spill n Clean up the spill n Report the spill –Contact MDA, MSUE, MDEQ for procedures.

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Regulation 637 n Contracts n IPM n Protective gear n Notification registry n Posting n Drift management n Use standards n Mixing and loading n Washing equipment

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Professional Applicator n Communicate n Keep up to date n Train employees n Look and act professionally

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Sell your skills and knowledge... consult! Educate your customers!

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Educate Customers n Not all organisms are pests n Natural control allows some pests n Aesthetic or health threatening n Timing for pest management

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Educate Customers n Inspect turf regularly n Targeted control tactics n Pesticides may or may not be the best method of pest management

MSU Extension Pesticide Education Professional Applicator