FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2007
Jim Burnette, director
NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division
Use care when transporting pesticides
RALEIGH - As the 2007 planting season ramps up, Agriculture Commissioner
Steve Troxler reminds farmers to take precautions when transporting pesticides,
including properly securing them and not transporting them in the passenger
area of a vehicle.
"Traffic accidents can occur at anytime, even when you're traveling a
short distance, so it pays to use extra caution," Troxler said. "If pesticide
containers aren't properly loaded, they can fall off a vehicle or become
punctured or torn, which increases the potential for people, animals and
the environment to be exposed to these chemicals."
The following are important tips to keep in mind when transporting pesticides:
Always transport pesticides separately
from food, seed, grain, livestock feed, minerals and fertilizer.
Do not carry pesticides in the
passenger compartment of cars, vans or trucks. Vapors released from
pesticides can be hazardous to the driver and passengers, and the chemicals
can cause injury if spilled. The driver is responsible and potentially
liable if anyone is accidentally exposed to pesticides transported in
an unlocked truck compartment or open-bed truck.Whenever possible, safely
transport pesticides in locked compartments, and use two forms of containment
Never allow children, other passengers
or pets to ride with pesticides.
Keep a hazardous-material spill
kit in the vehicle, especially if you frequently transport pesticides.
These kits commonly contain chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, goggles,
shovel, dust pan, broom, absorbent pads and absorbent materials such
as non-chlorinated pet litter, heavy-duty plastic bags, and a temporary
storage container preferably made of plastic.
When possible, inspect all containers
at the time of purchase and before loading. Accept the product only
if labels are legible and firmly attached. Check all caps and tighten
them if necessary. Avoid tossing, sliding or dragging containers over
rough surfaces that could rip, tear or puncture. Never transport damaged
or leaking pesticide containers.
Secure all containers to the
vehicle to prevent load shifts and to reduce container damage. Containers
made of paper, cardboard or similar materials should always be protected
from rain or moisture. In addition, protect pesticides from extreme
heat and cold, which can reduce the effectiveness of the pesticide and
cause damage to the container.
Practice the same care when transporting
empty pesticide bags and containers. Residual exposure - whether by
dust, granules, powder or liquid - also poses potential environmental
hazards. For example, if an empty insecticide bag blows off a truck
and ends up in a lake, it could cause a fish kill.
Take the time to read and follow
the label carefully. It provides information about special hazards and
safety instructions for handling and disposing of pesticides.
If there is an accident that
involves a pesticide spill on a highway, contact the local sheriff's
office or the local police department, the local emergency management
services and the Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division of
the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (919) 733-3556.
Keep unauthorized people from entering the spill area until authorities