The advertisement, sale, supply, storage and use of all pesticides, chemicals and veterinary medicines are strictly controlled under current UK legislation   Read more...

Handling chemicals safely

 

  

Key issues for working with chemicals, pesticides and veterinary medicines

• Storing and transporting pesticides
• Using pesticides safely
• Using veterinary medicines, including sheep dips

Pesticides may be hazardous substances under the COSHH Regulations.

Veterinary medicines may contain substances that are potentially harmful to human health. The use of these products will be subject to COSHH Regulations.

Pesticides form a wide group of products including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, growth regulators, rodenticides and wood preservatives. If you use pesticides as part of your job you should read the Code of Practice for using plant protection products [3]  which tells you safe ways to store, transport, handle and use pesticides.

Only buy pesticides that have been approved for storage and use in the UK. Look for the MAFF, MAPP or HSE approval number on the label on the container. Beware of all offers of cheap pesticides, as these may be illegal unapproved products. You can find lists of approved products on the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) [4] website. (CRD is an agency of HSE.)

Using pesticides safely

The decision to use pesticides should not be taken lightly, and should form part of a thorough risk assessment. You may need expert help.

Failure to use pesticides correctly can put people and the environment at risk.

• Always read and make sure you understand the instructions on the label and in any leaflet supplied with the product. Failure to follow these instructions may be an offence and may lead to prosecution.
• The code of practice for using plant protection products [6]  gives advice and guidance on how to take all reasonable precautions when storing, handling, using, keeping records and disposing of pesticides and pesticide waste.  Make sure you follow the advice in the code.  Failure to do so is not an offence in itself, but the code is statutory and can be used in evidence against you if there is a prosecution.
• Make sure you use any personal protective equipment identified in the instructions.
• Only spray when weather conditions are suitable to reduce spray drift.
• Try to avoid walking through treated areas.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when applying pesticides.
• Wash off splashes from the skin and clothing immediately, and wash before eating, drinking, smoking or taking a rest break.
• Do not use faulty application equipment.
• Do not overfill sprayer tanks and secure all caps and lids before use.
• Keep a record of all pesticide use.

Using veterinary medicines, including sheep dips

When you need to administer veterinary medicines to livestock, you will need effective control measures to reduce the risks to human health, for example:

• Select a less hazardous veterinary product, eg a water-based vaccine instead of an oil-based one.
• Use a safer application system, eg a pour-on or injectable product may be safer for the operator rather than plunge dipping for sheep.
• Provide effective engineering controls, eg properly designed dipping facilities with splash screens around the dip bath.
• Provide facilities to ensure animals are properly restrained.
• Ensure operators are properly trained and competent to safely use the product. Work with veterinary medicines should only be done by competent persons who have received adequate instruction, information and training. It is an offence to use sheep dip unless this is done by, or under the supervision and in the presence of, a person who holds a nationally recognised Certificate of Competence.
• Dispose of any surplus concentrate or dilute product safely.
• Store securely all medicines and application equipment such as syringes and needles, where children cannot get at them.
• Always follow the label or package instructions carefully, especially those relating to personal protective equipment.
• Wash off splashes from the skin and clothing immediately, and wash before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Report all suspected cases of poisoning or other adverse reactions, so they can be thoroughly investigated.

For courses in this area search our CourseFinder facility