Unit 5 Specific Safety Considerations Flashcards
What are some things you should know to plan a pesticide application?
First, evaluate the problem. Identify the pest causing it. Learn about this pest’s life cycle and act when control measures are most likely to be successful. Read labels and choose a product suited for the site, situation and pest. Be sure you have the equipment and expertise to use it as directed. Study the site before making an application.
Why should you study an area before you treat it with pesticide?
If you study an application area in advance, you can identify sensitive areas and situations. Observe if and when children are foraging wildlife visit the site. You can plan an application time and method that will reduce or eliminate exposure for yourself and others. Plans to prevent potential problems should be in place before application.
Describe some sensitive areas that call for extra planning and precaution when using pesticides in them?
An area may be considered sensitive for a number of reasons. One is because of who uses the site (children or elderly). Another is design features (airflow, enclosed space). Another is environmental factors like shallow water table or weather conditions that favor drift.
Why is mixing/loading operations potentially hazardous? How can you manage pesticides in the situation?
Mixing involves handling concentrate. Loading involves transfer of relatively large volumes of material. Most product labels require PPE for mixers/loaders. If the one you are using does not, consider wearing extra PPE when performing these chores. Alternatively, choose formulations that reduce or eliminate the amount of handling involved.
Why is using hand held equipment potentially hazardous and how can you manage pesticides in the situation?
Using hand held equipment means you are carrying pesticide. In addition, you are close to the material you are releasing. You can reduce exposure by ensuring your equipment is in good condition and by wearing extra PPE.
How is entering the path of a just released pesticide and/or walking into a recently treated area potentially hazardous and how can you manage pesticides in this situation?
Walking through just released pesticide or a treated area can result in exposure. It can also cause you to track or carry pesticide offsite. Plan your application to avoid or at least minimize walking through a just treated area. Choose extra PPE.
How is making an application that is directed upwards and overhead potentially hazardous and how can you manage pesticides in the situation?
Overhead spray applications may result in pesticide falling back to ground on the applicator. In addition there is an increased possibility of of drift. Again wear additional PPE to protect the upper body. Spray only when conditions do not favor drift.
How does applying fine particles like dusts or aerosols especially indoors potentially hazardous and how can you manage pesticides in that situation?
Fine particles pose an added inhalation hazard. IN addition they are more prone to drift. Wear extra respiratory protection. Apply fine particles only when environmental conditions do not favor drift.
