OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Security and Storage Joanne Kick-Raack Ohio State University Extension

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storing Pesticides Safely Properly storing pesticides makes good business sense. Protects people & animals Protects the environment

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Security Increased vigilance after September 11 th events

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide security should always be important Potential for harm to humans, especially children (who should not have access) Environmental harm, vandalism, and theft with possible misuse of products and the potential for use by terrorists. *Some pesticides have highly visible effects on human health.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Potential Harm Rapid, visible effects to human –Ex. Organophosphates, fumigants, paraquat Eye, skin and respiratory irritation –Ex. Many herbicides Disrupt infrastructure or cause panic –Even low toxicity pesticides –Introduce into water supplies—exceed legal limit –Spray over populated areas

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Ventilate the storage area properly, but do not use structures with windows large enough for someone to enter. Dogs can be effective deterrents against criminal activity.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Maintain a separate location for the storage of pesticides. If the storage area is located within a larger structure, provide access through a separate outside door. Keep the storage area locked. Do not allow unauthorized access.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Post the name, address, and telephone number of at least one contact person at the primary entrance to the storage area. Establish contact with local law enforcement and fire authorities. Post emergency numbers (Poison Control, police, fire department) in the storage area.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Limit access to storage Besides locking—consider locked fence, Consider security lighting and/or alarm

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Maintain an updated inventory of products. List at least the product name, date of purchase, quantity, and location within the storage area. Store the inventory list separately from the storage area. Inspect the storage area regularly and maintain a log of inspection.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Make sure that products identified for disposal are kept locked in the storage area until they are disposed of. Keep pesticide application equipment secure. Never leave ignition keys in application equipment.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Lock pesticide transport vehicles whenever the driver is away - prevent unauthorized access Be aware of the potential for siphoning or otherwise stealing from filled tanks such as mini-bulk equipment.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Security Do not sell or give pesticides to someone you do not know. If you do sell some pesticides, make sure the buyer has appropriate documentation.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Storage Systems

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Protect: The environment Family, friends and others

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Be: Separate building or cabinet Well identified with signs

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Provide: Low runoff potential Adequate lighting Clean water source

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Be More than 100 ft. and downslope from surface waters and wells, animal feeding stations, food/feed storage and dwellings In site with little runoff as possible Tied down if portable, to prevent tipping or moving off site

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Post the storage area appropriately to deter accidental exposure: Example “Danger--Pesticides--Keep Out” Also post “No Smoking” signs and do not allow smoking near the storage area.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Include: Moisture controls Separate areas for herbicides & insecticides

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Include: Temperature control avoid freezing or excessive heat Storage for volatile products

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Storage Areas Should Provide: Non-porous flooring & shelving Tools for spill management Safety equipment

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Emergency Situations: Post emergency numbers Identify storage area Have building maps and product lists easily accessible

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Safety Data Sheets Keep with labels Make available to emergency personnel like firefighters Important to protect first responders May help you save your building

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know SARA Title III Federal Law –1986 Mandates program to give local officials and citizens information about hazardous chemicals

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SARA Title III Farmers are required to: Report stored chemicals if: – those listed on “ hazardous substances” list –Amounts above the “threshold planning quantity” Provide information to LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) Report spills—Federal, state, local –Ohio EPA 24hr. Hotline (800)

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Containers: Keep pesticides in original container Keep label firmly attached Check for damaged containers

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Labels: Read for safety instructions Read for storage instructions Make sure labels are legible

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Containers Use sturdy stainless steel shelves Store liquids below dry products Store glass on bottom Use foil “turkey roasters” for containment

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Reduce Contamination: Never store by livestock or pet feed Store pesticides away from fertilizer Never store by household products Store protective clothing separately

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION State Storage Regulations: Store pesticides separately from Commercial fertilizer Animal feeds Bulk storage equivalent to 55 gallons liquid 100 net pounds dry matter

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION State Storage Regulations: On-farm bulk storage exempt if mobile containers are used Non-mobile containers defined as having fixed plumbing attached and refill directly from a tank truck

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Remember: Proper storage of pesticides is as important as using them safely on site.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Pesticide Education Program Ohio State University Extension