Pesticide Storage

Photo credit: Robert G. Bellinger

Storage Index 1.  Storage of Pesticide in Quantity - SCPCA definition. 2.  PIP-37 Store Pesticides Safely 3.  Selected Pesticides and Storms web sites and publications Return to Pesticide Education Topics

Storage of Pesticide in Quantity

Storage of pesticides in quantity (both general use (except for bleach products, disinfectant products, pet animal and tropical fish treatment products, sink drain and toilet bowl products, and paint products other than TBT paints) and restricted use items) by certified applicators, wholesalers, dealers and retailers must comply with the following:

1. All pesticides stored in quantity must be stored in securely locked well ventilated rooms, well away from all food or feed items. The pesticides should be stored in such manner as to prevent fumes from contaminating food or feed.
2. Pesticides should be separated during storage, preferably in bins, depending upon the type of pesticide. Each type of pesticide, i.e., herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc., must be stored separately from each other.
3. Herbicides must not be stored in a bin on top of, or located above, any other type of pesticide, to preclude accidental contamination of other pesticides by leakage or spillage.
4. Any pesticide container which is leaking or otherwise damaged must be immediately removed to an area where its contents will be fully contained in the event that its condition deteriorates further. The use of "overpack" containers or similar devices is sufficient to meet this requirement. Any pesticide material spilled or otherwise allowed to move outside of the container must be immediately cleaned up by an appropriate decontamination method. The location where any pesticide material has been spilled must likewise be immediately decontaminated by a method appropriate to the material spilled.

Selected Pesticides and Storms web sites and publications:

• PIP-41 Pesticides and Storms, What to Do About Your Pesticides Before a Storm - Clemson University Pesticide Information Program information sheet.
  
• Storm-Damaged Agrichemical Facilities - IFAS, University of Florida. This fact sheet provides guidelines useful for persons or organizations needing to secure pesticides and other agricultural chemicals that have been subjected to severe storm conditions. Again, I hope this provides guidance that won't be needed.
  
• Department of Pesticide Regulation - has a complete DIRECTORY of phone numbers on their web site. The numbers of individual offices are also in the phone book under 'Clemson University'.

Selected Pesticide Storage web sites and publications:

1. Handling and Storing Pesticides - An environmental self-assessment from the South Carolina Farm-A-Syst Program. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service Water Quality Letter 17 (WQL 17). February 1996. 15pp (PDF).
   
2. Pesticide Shelf Life and Safe Storage - Shelf life for about 20 pesticides, some pesticide safe storage tips. Cornell University Pesticide Management Education Program.
   
3. Pesticide Shelf Life - Autumn 1999, The Green Line, News on Gardening, Health and Nutrition from the University of Illinois Extension Service.
   
4. Planning Emergency Response to Pesticide Spills - (PDF) a pesticide stewardship publication from Croplife Foundation.
   
5. On-Farm Pesticide Storage and Disposal Assistance - (PDF) pesticide stewardship publication from Croplife Foundation.
   
6. Storing Pesticides for Next Season - From the Ohio State University Extension Service.
   
7. Improving Storage and Handling of Pesticides - From the North Carolina State University Farm-A-Syst Program.
   
8. Storm-Damaged Agrichemical Facilities - This fact sheet provides guidelines useful for persons or organizations needing to secure pesticides and other agricultural chemicals that have been subjected to severe storm conditions. PI-9, Pesticide Information Office, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published as AS054: April, 1993. Revised: April, 1998. Thomas W. Dean and O. Norman Nesheim. UFl/IFAS.
   
9. Temperature Effects on Storage of Greenhouse, Ornamental and Turf Pesticides - University of Missouri Extension Publication IPM1012 by Fred Fishel. Lists storage temperature label statements for many fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. (updated Apr 2002)
   
10. Security Considerations for Agricultural Aircraft Operators - Prepared by the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA). The NAAA reminds all agricultural aircraft operators to maintain, and where necessary, improve aircraft and operations security.