Since pesticides contain chemicals that can be poisonous to humans, animals and the environment, it’s important to make sure you take adequate safety precautions when using them. We’ve compiled a checklist to ensure you use your herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, or other Imtrade product, safely, correctly and effectively.
Is the Pesticide Suitable for Its Required Purpose?
First and foremost, check the label to see what pest or insect the product kills. There are hundreds of different chemicals and you want to be sure you are choosing the right treatment for the pest you want to target. If you fail to identify the right product for the job, not only will you be wasting time and money, you may cause unnecessary damage to your crops, other organisms and the environment.
How Much Do You Need?
Ensure you mix the right amount to avoid unnecessary storage and waste of a toxic substance. Remember that you will have to dispose of any leftovers safely, so be sure to calculate the correct amount of chemical required for the job to avoid unnecessary risk.
Is the Formulation the One You Want?
Consider the strength of the chemical you are spraying. You will need to adjust your calculations based on how much active ingredient is in the formulation. You may also want to consider the type of formulation and whether it can be safely stored, e.g., is the same active ingredient available in a granule instead of an EC which may provide better storing capabilities..
What’s the Weather Forecast?
It is important to check the weather forecast before you prepare the pesticide for application. You may need to avoid spraying some products on a windy day because of the risk of spray drift.. Some pesticides must not be applied if rain is expected within one hour of application. Check the label for more information.
What Critical Considerations Must Be Taken into Account?
Make sure you know how and when you must apply the product. For example, on the Imtrade Para-Trooper Herbicide label for applications to prevent annual ryegrass toxicity; ‘spray must be applied within 10 days after emergence of the first ryegrass seed heads’ Read all Critical Comments on the label.
What Safety Precautions Must You Take?
Pesticides can be absorbed very quickly through the eyes and skin, particularly the forehead and forearms. The label will tell you what safety precautions you must take for your own personal safety and for the safety of other people and animals you don’t want to target. Safety precautions include what protective clothing and equipment you need, such as gloves, boots, overalls, hats, goggles and respirator. Also, you may be advised to not eat, drink or smoke while using the product and to wash your hands and the equipment thoroughly after use.
How Do You Prepare and Apply the Pesticide?
Make sure you know how to mix the product to achieve the correct strength, when to prepare it, and how to apply it. Prepare the pesticide in an area that is well-ventilated and where you can stand the product on a stable surface to avoid any spills. You might also want to choose an area with water, soap and towels so you can wash your hands immediately after handling the product.
What Must You Do after Treatment?
You will need to take certain steps after application to avoid contaminating clothing and equipment. The label will tell you how to dispose of any leftovers. After using Imtrade Jetti Duo Herbicide, you must triple or pressure-rinse containers before disposing of them and add the rinsings to the spray tank. The label says that if you are not recycling the packaging, you must break, crush or puncture it and take it to an approved waste management facility for disposal. If an approved waste management facility is not available, you must bury the empty packaging 500mm below the surface in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose.
Do You Know Where the First Aid Advice Is?
Always check the first aid instructions on the label or at least be aware of where they are in case you need to refer to them in an emergency. Instructions will include what to do if you splash the product on your skin or inhale the spray mist or vapour. Want to know more about Imtrade’s herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other products? Contact us here for help and advice.
