Appendix E to Part 273 - Preventive Safety Measures in Handling of Herbicides
33:3.0.1.1.15.0.1.10.12 : Appendix E
Appendix E to Part 273 - Preventive Safety Measures in Handling of
Herbicides
1. Follow the label on each container before using the contents.
The manufacturers are required by law to list recommendations and
precautions.
2. Weather conditions are important. Winds could carry toxic
sprays and dusts to areas not under your control, causing
accidental poisoning to the public or domestic animals.
3. Smoking is not permitted while herbicides are being
handled.
4. All herbicides must be handled in well ventilated areas to
minimize inhalation of toxic vapors.
5. Shower and washing facilities must be near herbicides mixing
areas.
6. Any contamination of the skin, particularly with liquid
concentrations or solutions, must be immediately washed off with
detergent and water.
7. Protective clothing is used in conjunction with respiratory
protective devices to prevent skin contact and inhalation of
herbicides. Recommended articles of protective clothing are rubber
aprons, coveralls, chemical splash goggles, safety shoes and hard
hats. A lightweight water and chemical resistant throw away type
protective clothing that is impervious to herbicides is now
available. In warm geographical areas this type of lightweight
protective clothing would be beneficial in reducing physical stress
to applicators. Additional protection is afforded by protective
skin cream.
8. Clothing contaminated by spillage must be removed immediately
and thoroughly laundered before wearing. Special care is required
to prevent contamination of the inside of gloves.
9. Approved respirators must be worn while herbicides are being
mixed, and when dusts or liquids are being handled or sprayed. Care
should be exercised when selecting the respirator type to insure
that it is designated specifically for the substance to be used.
Each canister must be labeled and approved by the Bureau of Mines
or HEW (NIOSH). Filters or canisters must be changed after 8 hours
use and more often if odor of the herbicide is detected. (Always
have extra cartridges available when needed.)
10. Herbicide storage, mixing and formulation facilities.
a. All herbicides must be stored in a dry, well ventilated,
separate room, building or covered area not accessible to
authorized personnel or the public and placed under lock and
key.
b. Identification signs should be placed on rooms, buildings,
and fences to advise of the contents and warn of their hazardous
nature.
c. Where applicable, label the outside of each storage with the
“Danger,” “Poison,” and “Pesticide Storage” signs.
d. Fire extinguishers must be installed near door of material
storage room. Diluted oil based herbicides are flammable and must
be stored separate from other materials.
e. All herbicide storage, mixing and formulation areas must have
adequate ventilation in order to reduce inhalation of toxic vapors.
Sparkproof lighting fixtures should be installed in closed storage
areas to eliminate ignition hazards.
11. Empty herbicide containers must be disposed of properly. Do
not burn them. When herbicides or defoliants volatize, the
resulting vapors may be poisonous to humans, and they may damage
nearby plants, crops or shrubbery; also, herbicides or defoliants
containing chlorates may be a serious fire hazard when heated.
12. Glass herbicide containers should be disposed of by
breaking. Chop holes in top, bottom, and sides of metal containers
or crush them so they cannot collect water or be reused. After
breaking or puncturing them, bury the containers at least 18 inches
deep in an isolated area provided for this purpose, away from water
supplies or high water tables. Records to locate such buried
herbicides within the landfill site should be maintained. Post
warning signs.
13. Safety programs developed for the safe handling and mixing
of toxic chemicals should be coordinated with the Safety Office
prior to implementation.