Safe Use of Pesticides

The taking of adequate precautions in the handling, storage, transport and use of pesticides to minimise the risk of harm to humans, wildlife and the environment.

The “Code of practice for using plant protection products” provides detailed guidance for all professional users of pesticides in how to use these safely. Some key features and actions are given below, with the main sections they relate to.

Dealing with a pesticide contamination (Sections A3 & A4)
• Don’t wash down any spillage into a watercourse.
• Keep people away from the contaminated area.
• Try and contain the spill and prevent it from contaminating water courses.
• Tell the Environment Agency if a water course is contaminated or for incidents involving fish.
• Soak up spilt liquids, for example with cat litter, sand or other inert material.
• Sweep up materials used to soak up spilt liquids.
• For leaking containers, either pour into a same labelled container, or place leaking container into a larger leak proof container.
• Dispose of all contaminated material legally and safely.
• If an animal is suspected of being affected, try and help the animal and contact the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS).

Receiving the correct training and certification (Section 2)
• Anyone who stores, uses or supplies pesticides must have an approved certificate of competence.
• Understanding the relevant legislation.
• Knowing the risks associated with pesticide use.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Know what health monitoring might be needed.
• Safe working practices must be well understood and applied: this includes correct handling, mixing, calibration, application, and storing of pesticides; the equipment is fit for purpose, having no leaks, nozzles of the correct type, is operated correctly, and is cleaned appropriately after use, with any unused pesticide being disposed of correctly.
• Keep appropriate records.

How to minimise risk (Section 3)
• Carry out and follow findings of a COSHH Risk Assessment.
• Select pesticide with lowest overall risk to human health, wildlife and the environment.
• Read and understand the product label.
• Calibrate correctly.
• Spray the correct area.
• Only apply in suitable weather conditions.
• Make others aware – inform them and put-up warning signs.
• Wash / clean down appropriately afterwards.
• Store pesticides appropriately.

What are the risks to the environment, wildlife and people from using pesticides?
• Contaminating other areas through misapplication.
• Polluting watercourses.
• Polluting soils.
• Negatively impacting on wildlife, e.g. pollinating insects;
• Harming habitats.

Working safely and responsibly (Section 4)
• Carry out pre-use checks.
• Minimise risk in accordance with requirements of Section 3.
• Safe handling.
• Transport carefully.
• Precautions when filling sprayer.
• Appropriate application method.
• Eliminate spray drift.
• Post application activities.
• Disposing of waste material.

Managing waste (Section 5)
• Reduce waste by challenging the need for the pesticide use; only purchasing, storing and mixing up what you need; using suitable sized containers.
• Dispose of unwanted pesticides by asking supplier to take them back; use a licensed waste disposal contractor and fill in waste transfer note, keeping for two-years.
• Dispose of diluted, unused pesticide by applying to a suitable surface so as not to go over maximum dose or store unused (contaminated) water for removal by licensed waste disposal contractor.
• Dispose of waste pesticide containers by rinsing at least three times, but following label instructions in first instance, then give to licensed waste disposal contractor or take to a licensed waste disposal or waste recovery site.
• Dispose of pesticide packaging, unwanted clothing, or equipment through a licensed waste disposal contractor.

Keeping appropriate records (Section 6)
• Training records (Certificate of Competence in the safe Use of Pesticides, and CPD records).
• Pesticide store record.
• The pesticide application record.
• Waste disposal.
• LERAP decisions.
• COSHH Risk Assessment.
• Environmental Risk Assessment.
• Records of monitoring exposure.
• Records of inspections and tests of engineering controls and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).