Pesticide Use Safety Tips:

  • Users should always read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical they will be using. 
  • Keep pesticides off your hands: Always wash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using your phone, smoking, or going to the bathroom
  • Always read the label before applying a pesticide: IF YOU CANNOT READ IT, ask your supervisor for assistance
  • YOU MUST ALWAYS wear eye protection, even when using a closed system
  • In case of an emergency, DIAL 911 or the free phone number for the poison control center, 1-800-222-1222
  • YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR a respirator anytime the pesticide label or California's rules require one
  • ALWAYS tell your supervisor/manager if you or someone else gets sick or hurt at work
  • IT IS IMPORTANT to make sure that your body is exposed as little as possible to Minimal Exposure Pesticides (MEP)
  • DO NOT MIX CLOTHES with pesticides on them with other laundry.  They must be washed alone
  • HOW CAN I TELL WHICH PESTICIDES ARE MORE DANGEROUS? Most pesticide labels have a signal word ("DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION") on the front of the label.  These words tell you about the acute health effect of the pesticide

 

Proposition 65

In 1986, a law called the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65) was passed. It requires California to make a list of chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The Proposition 65 list contains many different chemicals, including dyes, solvents, pesticides, drugs, and food additives. 

You can find the list of pesticides that are on the Proposition 65 list and that might be used in California at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's Pesticides and Proposition 65 webpage. 

 

Employee Training

Employee's who use pesticides shall receive training prior to the handling, repeating on an annual basis there after.  Departments must document training using the below format or similar.  In addition, departments should cover the material provided with the Pesticide Safety Information Series (PSIS) leaflet for the correct workplace setting (Agricultural or Non-Agricultural).  If respirator use is required, contact your safety coordinator for respiratory protection training, medical evaluation, and fit testing. 

 

Resources and References