Safe Handling of Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides

Safety: Apply It First

The do's and don'ts of handling pesticides:

DO read product labels before making applications. All products have different requirements.

DO call your sales representative or local extension agent with questions about safe product handling.

DO wear gloves and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whenever mixing and loading chemicals; repairing and cleaning equipment; and during pesticide applications (if required).

DO avoid getting pesticides on your skin or in eyes by wearing required PPE.

DO avoid breathing pesticides by wearing a respirator when required.

DO keep your Safety: Apply It First kit, emergency rinse water and an extra set of clothes in the cab in case of an accidental pesticide exposure.

DO realize that the potential risk of liquid organophosphates and carbamates is higher before they are diluted, so nondiluted chemicals need to be handled with extra caution.

DO follow reentry guidelines and post proper signage warning others as required.

DO affix Safety: Apply It First signs and stickers to your application equipment.

DON'T eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or use the bathroom after working with pesticides without washing your hands first.

DON'T wear clothing that has been exposed to chemicals into the home where you will come into contact with other people. Chemicals may rub off clothing onto household items, which could increase the risk of accidental exposure.

DON'T think that you know all there is to know about handling pesticides. There is always more to learn about safety

When is extra care needed in handling pesticides?

1. You're rushed.
   
2. Weather conditions are poor.
   
3. Equipment breaks down.
   
4. You're tired.
   

How Do I minimize pesticide exposure?

It is important to prevent overexposure to chemicals. This does not mean that chemicals should not be used, only that they should be used with caution. The first step to safe use is to be aware of the hazards and the precautions necessary to avoid contact. This means using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) indicated on the product label and being familiar with first aid meaures if unintended exposure does occur.

What do I do if I am exposed?

If a pesticide comes in contact with your skin, take the following actions immediately:

• Remove contaminated clothes.
  
• Put contaminated clothes in sealable clothing bag.
  
• Rinse body with emergency water.
  
• Lather with soap.
  
• Rinse.
  
• Call doctor if feeling sick.
  
• Wash contaminated clothes separately.
  

Remember to consult product label for specific emergency procedures.

How can I tell if I have been overexposed?

• Headaches, dizziness, confusion and/or weakness.
  
• Excessive sweating, chills, salivation and/or thirst.
  
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, muscle cramps or tremors.
  
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or stomach cramps.
  
• Pinpoint pupils (black portion of the eye shrinks and will not change size).
  

Why should I care about using chemicals safely?

Your health and the well-being of those around you are definitely worth a commitment to safety. Plus, in order to ensure that these important pesticides will be available to protect your crops in coming years, it is important that we all use them safely and responsibly.