16 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | March 2024 PESTICIDE SAFETY anyone involved. “Farms with multiple staff should take time to remind each individual about safe handling of pesticides,” says Forrest. “Make a checklist with steps for safe handling and preparation of commonly used products so everyone is aware. Make sure the necessary phone numbers are easily accessible and known to everyone if a spill were to occur, and that staff know who should be called. Not only should the business owner know, but also the people who are out in the field doing it.” Dyck also recommends keeping a spill kit handy in pickup trucks and in the sprayer. “Farmers can carry a spill kit in their sprayer and pickup truck. You can buy pre-made kits or assemble one yourself. It should have a shovel or broom and dustpan, a hazardous waste bag, a warning sign, extra PPE, and absorbent material,” says Dyck. “Then if there were a spill, you would have everything you need to get started on clean-up.” Record-keeping is another good way for producers to be prepared when handling chemical. “Keep good notes. It doesn’t have to be in a computer database, but keep something that you can refer back to,” explains Anderson. “Record the temperature, daylight, dew, what you mixed, and the rate you sprayed it at. Know what you sprayed and write it down. It’s your best defence if something goes wrong.” Farmers should assess if the spill is small enough to contain itself if the worst does occur. If so, stop the source of the spill, ensure that people and animals are kept away from the area, and contain its spread with absorbent materials and barriers. If the spill is too big to handle, it’s important that operators know the numbers to contact for direction on how to clean up the spill and decontaminate the area. Here are the numbers to contact: Alberta: Environmental Response Line 1-800-222-6514 Saskatchewan: Spill Control Centre 1-800-667-7525 Manitoba: Environment, Climate and Parks Department 1-204-944-4888 PPE and staying clean Personal protective equipment (PPE) needs to be worn every time chemical is handled to reduce the risk of exposure. The product label should detail which specific PPE items are needed. “What you should wear and which safety gear you need – goggles, gloves, a respirator, or a Tyvek suit – should all be on the label,” says Anderson. Forrest adds, “At minimum, make sure to cover as much exposed skin as possible and cover your eyes.” Producers should always take time to put on goggles, which seal around the eyes, as opposed to glasses, and rubber gloves that will not absorb the Use any 'waste spray' you have left on the field before you finish up. Tracy Miller photo
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