Ag' Chemical Safety

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Ag. Chemical Safety

• East Robertson High School
• Instructor
• Mr. Gregory

May 2007
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What is the WPS?

• Worker Protection Standard
• WPS is a law that sets the rules for proper use
  and disposal of chemicals.
• WPS determines the clothing and protective
  equipment needed for employees of agriculture
  operations.

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Types of Pesticides

• Insecticides- Kills Insects
• Miticides Kills Mites and Aphids
• Fungicides Kills Fungal organisms
• Herbicides Kills unwanted plants
• Rodenticides Kills Rodents
• Nematocides Kills Nematodes
• Molluscicides Kills Mollusks (snails, slugs)

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Ways Chemicals Enter The Body

• Oral Contact (by swallowing)
• Dermal Contact (by contacting skin)
• Inhalation (by breathing)

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Types of Toxicity

• Acute Toxicity the measure of how poisonous a
  chemical is after one exposure.
• Chronic Toxicity the measure of how poisonous a
  chemical is after a period of time or after
  repeated exposures.

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What must be on the Label

• Name and Address of Manufacturer
• Trade Name
• Active Ingredients
• Type of Pesticide
• Form of Substance (WP, D, E, ect)
• EPA Number
• Storage Disposal

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What must be on the Label

• Hazard Statement
• Directions for use
• Net contents
• WPS Regulations for that product

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What are the Signal Words

• Caution Slightly Toxic (1 oz 1 pint) LD.
• Warning Moderately Toxic ( 1 tsp 1 oz) LD.
• Danger Highly Toxic ( a few drops 1 tsp) LD.
  Will also have a skull and Crossbones on the
  label.

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Reentry time (Danger Poison)

• Chemicals carrying the word Danger Poison
  have a reentry time of 48 hours after
  application. This information should be posted
  for all workers or visitors to the farm or
  greenhouse. Do not enter these areas without
  proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during
  the time posted.

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Reentry Time (Warning)

• Areas treated with these agents should not be
  reentered for 24 hours after application. The
  owner/operator is required to post this
  information clearly.
• The Owner/Operator is responsible for any damages
  that occur as a result of the application.

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Reentry Time (Caution)

• People may reenter the area as soon as the dust
  or spray mist has settled in the area.
• Areas treated with chemicals that carry no label
  can be reentered immediately.

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What should you wear

• When applying chemicals you need to wear
  appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• The PPE should match the equipment that is
  recommended on the product label.

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What should you wear

• Respirator with the proper filters. Paint
  filters will not work for Ag Chemicals.
• Eye Protection to prevent chemical splashing into
  your eyes.

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What should you wear

• Chemical Suit made of a material that does not
  absorb chemicals.
• Rubber Gloves and Boots. The sleeve of the suit
  should go over the gloves and boots.

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What must the Employer provide

• 1. PPE
• 2. Water, Paper Towels, and Soap at worksite.
• 3. Phone number for emergency help and directions
  to the Hospital, Clinic, ect
• Training to employees on Chemical Safety and WPS.
• This must be provided in proper language.

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Chemical First Aid

• Read all Label instructions before use.
• If spilled on the skin wash with soap and water
  to dilute the chemical. Call Doctor have EPA
  registration number handy.
• Remove any contaminated clothing. Put on clean
  clothes or wrap in blankets. Cover any chemical
  burns with loose clean cloth.

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Chemical First Aid

• For eye poisoning, hold the eye open and flush
  for five minutes.
• For inhalation victims, carry them to fresh air,
  loosen clothes, and apply CPR if breathing has
  stopped.
• Always consult doctor as soon as signs of
  poisoning appear.

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How do I work Safely

• Wear PPE
• Have water and soap available to clean spills.
• Read label carefully.
• Use extra caution with concentrated chemicals.
• Only mix enough to do the job.

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How do I work Safely

• Protect against inhalation and splashes
• Consider the weather conditions.
• Store and dispose of chemicals properly.

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The End