Herbicide and Pesticide Safety: Essential Workplace Precautions
- Cottingham & Butler
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Herbicides and pesticides effectively control unwanted pests and plants but pose significant health risks. Following proper safety protocols protects you, your coworkers, and your customers.
Read the Label First
Always read the product label before using any chemical. The label contains critical information about:
Exposure warnings and required protective gear
Proper application instructions and equipment needs
First-aid procedures for accidental exposure
Storage and disposal requirements
Taking time to understand these details prevents dangerous mistakes and ensures effective application.
Wear Proper Protection
Your best defense against chemical exposure is wearing the right protective clothing. Essential gear includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, non-absorbent gloves (avoid leather or fabric), rubber boots (not canvas or leather), and appropriate head protection, eye coverings, masks, and respirators as needed for the specific chemical.
Before beginning work, check clothing for defects that could allow chemical exposure. Never eat, drink, smoke, or use restrooms during application. Remain aware of others' locations during spraying and avoid application during winds stronger than 10 mph to prevent chemical drift.
Clean Up Thoroughly
After application, proper cleanup is essential for preventing continued exposure. Rinse tools and equipment three times, pouring rinse water into the pesticide container. Wash exposed body areas immediately and shower after completing cleanup procedures.
Treat all clothing used during chemical application as contaminated:
Remove all gear before leaving work
Place clothing in plastic bags and wash separately
Clean boots, gloves, and goggles before leaving the site
Store all equipment in designated clean areas
Store and Dispose Responsibly
Keep all chemicals in their original manufacturer's containers and store in designated areas only. Follow label instructions carefully for proper disposal. If you're uncertain about disposal procedures, ask for guidance rather than guessing. Improper handling creates environmental hazards and poses serious fire and health risks.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Cottingham & Butler, we prioritize employee and customer safety. Following these practices creates a culture of responsibility that protects everyone. Smart handling of chemicals demonstrates your commitment to workplace safety and shows you value the wellbeing of your team and customers.
Need to Strengthen Your Safety Program?
Contact our risk management team today for a workplace safety assessment and learn how our customized safety programs can protect your team and business.
[For general informational purposes only; not intended as medical or legal advice.]