Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2022 - 143

PESTICIDE TRANSPORT
Containers must be well-secured to prevent breakage or
spillage. An adequate supply of absorbent material, a shovel, and
a fire extinguisher must be available. While under transport, pesticides
must be stored in a separate compart ment from the driver.
All pesticide containers and equipment must be secured to the
vehicle so as to prevent removal by unauthorized person(s) when
the vehicle is unattended. The door or hatch of any service vehicle
tank containing a pesticide must be equipped with a cover
that will prevent spillage when the vehicle is in motion.
The above requirements do not apply if the pesticide is being
transported within the application equipment tank.
For additional information on pesticide transport, contact
your state Pesticide Control Program office, Department of
Transportation, or your States Pesticide Safety Education Program.
DISPOSAL
Pesticides
should not be disposed of in sanitary landfills or
by incineration, unless these locations and equipment are especially
designed and licensed for this purpose by the state.
The best method to dispose of a pesticide is to use it in accordance
with current label registrations. The triple rinse-anddrain
(see below) procedure or the pressure-rinse procedure
(see below) is the recommended method to prepare pesticide
containers for safe disposal. This method can save money as
well as protect the environment.
Crush or puncture the container for disposal in a sanitary
landfill or deposit in landfills that accept industrial waste, or
deliver the intact container to a drum reconditioner or recycling
plant. Check with the landfill operator prior to taking empty containers
for disposal. For additional information on the disposal of
pesticides themselves or unrinsed containers or rinsate, call the
state agency responsible for hazardous wastes. See back cover
for telephone numbers.
Triple Rinse-and-Drain Method. To empty a pesticide container
for disposal, drain the con tainer into the spray tank by holding
the container in a vertical position for 30 seconds. Add water to
the pesticide container. Agitate the container thoroughly, then
drain the liquid (rinsate) into the spray tank by holding in a vertical
position for 30 seconds. Repeat two more times. Puncture or
otherwise create a hole in the bottom of the pesticide container
to prevent its reuse.
Pressure Rinse Method. An optional method to rinse small pesticide
containers is to use a special rinsing device on the end of
a standard water hose. The rinsing device has a sharp probe to
puncture the container and several orifices to provide multiple
spray jets of water. After the container has been drained into the
sprayer tank (container is upside down), jab the pointed pressure
rinser through the bottom of the inverted container. Rinse
for at least 30 seconds. The spray jets of water rinse the inside
of the container and the pesticide residue is washed down into
the sprayer tank for proper use. Thirty seconds of rinse time is
equivalent to triple rinsing. An added benefit is that the container
is rendered unusable.
2022 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT
* Do not burn pesticides. The smoke from burning pesticides
is dangerous and can pollute air.
* Do not dump pesticides in sewage disposal or storm
sewers because this will contaminate water.
* Avoid using excess quantities of pesticides. Calibrate
sprayers to make sure of the output.
* Adjust equipment to keep spray on target. Chemicals
off-target pollute and can do harm to fish, wildlife, honey
bees, and other desirable organisms.
Keep pesticides out of ponds, streams, and water supplies,
except those intended for such use. A small amount of drift can
be hazardous to food crops and to wildlife. Empty and clean
sprayers away from water areas (such as ponds, lakes, streams,
etc.)
Protect bees and other beneficial insects by choosing the
proper chemical and time of day for application. See additional
precautions in section " Protecting Our Groundwater. "
MINIMIZE SPRAY DRIFT
* Avoid spraying when there is strong wind.
* Use large orifice nozzles at relatively low pressure.
* Use nozzles that do not produce small droplets.
* Adjust boom height as low as practical.
* Do not spray at high travel speeds.
* Spray when soil is coolest and relative humidity is highest.
* Use nonvolatile pesticides.
* Use drift control additives when permitted by the pesticide
label.
* Always take a copy of your pesticide label and SDS
(Safety Data Sheet) when seeking medical assistance.
PESTICIDE POISONING
If any of the following symptoms are experienced during or
shortly after using pesticides: headache, blurred vision, pinpoint
pupils, weakness, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and discomfort in
the chest, seek medical assistance immediately. Be sure to take
a copy of the pesticide label. For minor symptoms, call the appropriate
Poison Control Center in your state. See back cover for
emergency telephone numbers. Prompt action and treatment may
save a life.
IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Remove the person from exposure:
* Get away from the treated or contaminated area
immediately
* Remove contaminated clothing.
* Wash with soap and clean water.
* Call a physician and the state Poison Control Center
or Agency. See back cover for emergency telephone
numbers.
* Be prepared to give the active ingredient name (common
name)
143
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