Articles

Safe Storage of Pesticides

Name: Safe Storage of Pesticides
SKU: ART-3215

Read the label for specific storage instructions and precautions.

Updated:

July 12, 2016

Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Store pesticides in a clean, cool, dry, and well-ventilated building. Always lock the area to prevent entry by children and untrained persons. Mark the storage facility with an appropriate warning sign.
Maintain proper temperature control. For example, if emulsion-type materials freeze, the emulsion may be destroyed, resulting in loss of effectiveness and possible serious plant injury.
To avoid the danger of cross-contamination, do not store herbicides with other pesticides.
Keep dry materials above liquid materials.
Do not store pesticides where food, water, feed, seeds, fertilizers, or personal protective clothing and equipment (such as respirators) can become contaminated.
Store pesticides in their original containers. Never store pesticides in any food or drink containers.
Do not remove the labels.
Keep lids tightly closed.
Check containers frequently for leaks.
Clean up spilled chemicals promptly and properly. Dispose of broken or damaged containers and any pesticide waste in an approved and safe manner as directed on the product label.
Keep an inventory of all chemicals. Mark each container with the year of purchase.
Inform your local fire department of any chemicals (including fertilizers) stored in large quantity.

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