 |
 |
|||
 |
||||
 | ||||
PESTICIDE STORAGE John W. Bartok, Jr. Extension Agricultural Engineer
Joseph J. Maisano, Area Horticultural Agent
A properly designed pesticide storage area is important for the safety of the user and the environment. It is also required to meet federal and state regulations. Specific storage requirements for each pesticide are given on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDA) and on the pesticide label. Good storage practices are important to be able to locate materials when they are needed, to keep unauthorized persons from having access to the chemicals and to avoid deterioration and effectiveness of the pesticides. Storage problems can be minimized by purchasing only what you expect to use for a specific crop. Environmental Requirements Light Light and Temperature - Exposure to sunlight may cause chemical breakdown reducing the effectiveness of the pesticide. Therefore, pesticide containers (especially glass and aerosols) should never be placed in front of windows. High temperatures can cause liquid pesticides to expand causing increased pressure within the container. Under these conditions an explosion may occur or the pesticide may leak from the container. Freezing temperatures may cause some pesticides to separate or break down chemically and containers may crack. Store pesticides at temperatures above 40 F and below 90 F. Follow the label directions for further requirements. Humidity - Excess moisture may cause caking or degradation of dry formulations making them useless. Metal containers will eventually rust and may develop leaks. The strength of paper bags may be reduced. Never store food, feed or fertilizer in the pesticide storage area as it may become contaminated. Contamination - Within the storage the different groups of pesticides (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, rodenticide, etc.) should be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination. Special precautions must be taken when storing herbicides (weed killers), especially those containers that have been opened and reclosed. The phenoxy herbicides, like 2,4-D are among the most volatile and their fumes can temporarily contaminate soils, fertilizers, flats, pots, etc. thus injuring plants. Volatile fumes can build up in a closed area and follow air currents. Metals shelves are advisable when storing pesticides because they are much easier to decontaminate than wooden shelves. Leak proof plastic trays placed on the shelves will contain spillage. Shelves, pallets and drums should be placed along the walls of the shed; allowing the aisle to be kept clear. Safety Requirements - Storage doors and windows should be kept locked at all times. Weatherproof signs, stating "Danger - Pesticides--Keep Out!" or a similar warning should be posted on each door of the facility and over all windows. In some cases it may be advisable to post the warning signs in more than one language. Fire Safer - Whenever large quantities of pesticides are stored, fire detection sensors and fire fighting equipment must be provided. A fire extinguisher Type ABC should be located near the door. In addition no smoking signs are required. A floor plan showing location and the specific pesticides stored should be filed with the local fire department. Storage of Personal Protective Equipment - Gloves, aprons and respirators should be stored nearby but not inside the pesticide storage area. A source of clean water should also be provided in this area for clean-up. Storage Facility Construction Storing Small Quantities A steel cabinet works well for storing the quantities of pesticides used in small operations. Locate the cabinet along an outside wall in an area away from extreme heat and freezing temperatures. Pesticides should be separated by type and stored on shelves in plastic leakproof trays. The cabinet should be locked at all tees and identified as a place of pesticide storage. Cabinets designed for chemical storage are available from several manufacturers and suppliers (See Appendix). Storage Inside an Existing Building The storage area should be adjacent to an outside wall away from the office, utility room and lunch room (Figure 1). windows should be covered to eliminate sunlight. A separate area away from the storage is desirable for weighing and mixing pesticides. It should contain a sink and counter space. Walls can be constructed of 2"x 4" lumber with a polyethylene vapor barrier on the room side. Insulation should be added if the building is unheated. Wall and floor surface should be finished with a chemical resistant paint such a polyester or epoxy. An electric heater or other heat source may be needed to keep the temperature above 40 F during the winter. [EDITOR'S NOTE: TO USE A HEATER, GOOD VENTILATION MUST BE REQUIRED BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL OF EXPLOSIVE VAPORS BEING PRESENT] Volatile fumes escaping from pesticide containers can build up in a storage area threfore ventilation is necessary. A continuously operating exhaust fan located in an outside wall should be sized to provide one volume air Change every 6 minutes. When the room is occupied the fan speed should be increased to provide approximately one air change every 3 minutes. The high speed on the motor should be connected to the room light switch. Volume in cubic feet is calculated by multiplying length x width x height. For example, a room having the dimensions 10' x 12' x 8' high has 960 cubic feet. As this volume needs to be exchanged in 6 minutes a fan capacity 960/6 = 160 cubic feet per minute (cfm) is needed. The high speed should have a capacity of 960/3 = 320 cfm. The fan should be rated at 0.125 inches of water static pressure (wsp) to overcome the fresh air intake louver losses. The make-up air louver can be located in the door or wall. Locate a 10 pound Type ABC fire extinguisher near the door. A lock and proper identification should be provided. Separate Storage Building A free standing building should be considered where larger quantities of pesticides need to be stored. Locate the building at a distance downwind and downhill from sensitive areas such as houses, play areas, wells, gardens and ponds to minimize pesticide exposure, especially in the event of a fire. To reduce the possibility of contaminating surface and groundwaters, select an area where flooding is unlikely. Figure 2 shows a separate building for pesticide storage. It is important that the storage building can be constructed on a 4-inch thick, smooth-finished concrete slab to resist chemical action and facilitate decontamination in the event of a pesticide spill. The foundation and walls should be constructed to contain any spills or water from a fire. The door sill should be raised approximately 6" above the floor. An alternative method is to construct a berm around the outside of the building to contain any contaminated water. Both cost reduction and improvement in security are achieved by constructing a windowless structure which will prevent pesticides from breaking down when exposed to sunlight. Doors on opposite ends of the shed will provide easy access and an escape route in case of an emergency. Standard exit locking hardware (which automatically locks from the outside when closing) is required for each door to insure that the building is secured when left unattended. The walls should be insulated to avoid temperature extremes. A polyethylene vapor barrier placed on the inside covered with exterior type plywood or gypsum board and painted with a chemical resistant paint makes a good wall surface. Minimize toxic or flammable vapors and dust buildup by using a forced-air ventilation system. Install louvers near the ceiling just above the front entrance of the building and a two-speed electrically shielded centrifugal fan above the back entrance. The system should provide approximately six air changes per hour at all times. When the interior lights are switched on, it is important that the fan speed increase to give approximately 20 air changes per hour, thus assuring a safe working environment. Install a deluge shower and eye wash fountain for emergency use. Always maintain access to safety equipment by keeping the surrounding area clear. Vacuum breakers or back flow preventers must be installed on the water supply to prevent contamination of potable water. A stainless steel wash basin and drain board should be located within the building. This area should be used for weighing and initial mixing of pesticides and for washing utensils. Wherever large quantities of pesticides are stored, a fire or smoke detection system should be installed. An automatic sprinkler system hung from the ceiling of the building will give additional protection in the event of fire. For nursery, vegetable, orchard, golf course operations a sprayer washdown area is desirable. This can be a concrete slab, six inches thick and sloped 1/4" per foot to a drain. It is used as an area to complete the preparation of the pesticide spray mixes and for washing equipment used in the spray operation. Its size will depend on the needs and type of equipment. Spray rigs and other pesticide application equipment should be washed down in the area (field) where the application was made. Incorporate a waste system to collect all materials from the interior sink, and the exterior wash area. A waste system collection tank (of up to 1000 gallons capacity) is used to store pesticide solutions generated as a result of washing application and safety equipment. However, it should not be used for storing excess pesticides or tank mixes. Waste water can be pumped to a pesticide evaporation and degradation system (Plan #6409) or used as part of the next spray application. If both pesticides and herbicides are used, separate tanks should be installed with a means of separating the water flow. If proper equipment calibration is done, very little excess pesticide mix will be left in the tank when done spraying. Other Considerations Safety Equipment All protective clothing and masks should be cleaned after use and stored outside the pesticide storage and mixing areas. Record Area An area outside the pesticide storage area should be maintained for reference files, spray records, safety data sheets, emergency numbers, first aid equipment, etc. Decontamination Material Pails or containers of absorbent materials (Kitty litter, vermiculite, absorbent pillows, etc.), lime and charcoal should be kept inside the pesticide area in case of a spill. Collection bags, shovels, and brooms should also be kept on hand for emergency use. A properly designed and maintained pesticide storage area is necessary for all agricultural producers. It protects workers and the environment. Operation The following checklist will help you maintain a better storage operation and improve your pesticide handling practices. ___ The windows and doors are kept locked. ___ There are warning signs on the door. __ Metal and paper bag containers are stored off the floor. ___ Chemicals are stored in their original containers. ___ Bags are tightly sealed. ___ Stock is labeled as to date purchased. ___ Oldest stock is rotated so it will be used first. ___ Storage and application records are kept up to date. ___ Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDA) for all chemicals stored are on file. ___ Poison Control Center and other emergency phone numbers are posted. ___ Herbicides are stored separately from other chemicals. ___ Sawdust, vermiculite, kitty litter or other absorbent is on hand to soak up spills. ___ Empty containers are disposed of properly. ___ The storage and work areas are kept clean and clear of clutter. ___ Location of pesticide storage and contents on file with Fire Department. APPENDIX Pesticide Storage Cabinet and Building Suppliers Horticultural Automation Industrial Safety & Security Co. Lab Safety Supply Safety Storage, Inc. %f TITLE;PESTICIDE STORAGE |
