15 Follow us on Twitter: @PrairieFarming Better Farming | March 2024 PESTICIDE SAFETY As the 2024 growing season approaches, many producers are thinking about what is needed to make this year’s crop the most successful yet. This includes planning to manage weeds, insects, and fungus in the fields. Prairie growers should also remember to focus on safety when handling and spraying pesticides. “Safety when handling pesticides is always important,” says James Dyck, engineering specialist of Crop Systems and Environment at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “It needs to be the first thought. You are dealing with a chemical that is designed to control pests and weeds, and it is a hazardous material that needs to be treated with respect and caution.” Each pesticide is different, so farmers should be familiar with the safety protocols specific to the products they are using. While the greatest risk of exposure is for the operator of the sprayer, it’s also critical that operators communicate with those around them. What do farmers need to know to keep themselves safe while keeping their crops healthy? The risks Dean Anderson, a board member of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association who recently retired from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, says that being secretive while spraying is not safe. “The biggest thing is to make sure people around you know what’s going on. Don’t be secretive because you don’t want people to get sprayed,” says Anderson. Rob Forrest, regional sales manager, Prairies West for Nufarm, adds, “When you are spraying, you are in control of the product and should be familiar with it, but the people around you might not know what to do.” Anderson explains that while everyone in the area needs to be informed of what is being sprayed, the biggest risk is personal exposure for the operator. “Applicators need to be really cautious and read the label. If you have 2,000 acres to spray every year with the same herbicide, over 10 years and 20,000 acres you are getting more exposure compared to a worker in a barn who is milking cows,” says Anderson. Insecticides present the greatest risk as their target is an animal and the mode of action is more likely to impact humans. Herbicides, which target plants rather than animals, tend to present a lesser risk but there is a potential for latent issues resulting from long-term exposure. It is important that applicators follow instructions to avoid exposure every time the product is handled, not just when there is a perceived immediate risk. Exposure can occur a few different ways. “The most obvious are contact with the skin or eyes,” says Forrest. “You also have to worry about inhalation and absorption. The risk is not only getting splashed, but also the vapours and potential drift that comes off when handling those products. The No. 1 thing farmers should do is understand the product they are handling.” Spills also pose a risk to the surrounding environment. Preparation and training are the best way to avoid spills and minimize their impact when they do happen. Each product has a label that will describe the risks for the specific chemical and will explain how to minimize that risk. Read the label “Read the label. That’s everything you need to know about the product,” explains Anderson. The label should be included with every box or tote of product and is also available from the manufacturer. It will detail mixing and application instructions, as well as listing all safety precautions. The label will tell producers how the product should be transported and stored, what PPE they need, what to do in the case of a spill, and what to do if they are exposed. Producers should also review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of each product to educate themselves about the potential hazards. “The label is the law,” says Dyck. “You need to follow the label, including handling, transport, and storage. If you don’t, technically you are not following law.” If a product is commonly used on the farm, Dyck suggests obtaining an additional copy of the label to be stored in a safe place in the farm office. If it is easily accessible and everyone knows where to find it, it can be reviewed quickly in the case of an accident or simply if the operator needs a reminder on the protocols. Anderson suggests that farmers keep a label in their pickup truck as well. “Often there’s a paper label on the side of the jug. Take one and put it in the truck so it’s not smeared in water and mud, and you can read it. And then if someone goes in the truck, they know what you’re spraying as well,” explains Anderson. He also suggests that producers review the label for products at least once annually, as they can change from year to year. Be prepared Preparation is the best way to avoid costly mistakes and reduce the risk of exposure or spills. Reading the label should always be the first step before handling products, but there are additional ways that sprayer operators can plan ahead. “Preparation is the best risk prevention in chemical handling,” says Forrest, who recommends that producers take their time when handling chemicals, review the label, and set out all necessary supplies in advance. “Always know what you’re handling, how to do it safely, who’s responsible for it, and who could be affected by your actions.” All farm staff should be trained in safe pesticide handling, and the relevant contact details and all safety equipment must be easy to access for
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