Safety precautions when applying pesticides 2024

All workers in the field of pest control, whether agricultural or public health pests, must have full knowledge of safety precautions when applying pesticides, both in theory and in practical application

Safety precautions required before using and handling pesticides

Safety precautions required during the use and application of pesticides:

• Safety equipment and protective clothing when using pesticides.
  Methods of pesticide impact and personal safety rules and protective clothing.
• Procedures in case of pesticide poisoning.
• Procedures in case of suspected animal poisoning.
• General considerations to be taken into account when applying and using pesticides.

Improper use of pesticides, and not taking all precautions and instructions for handling and applying pesticides, have a significant negative impact on humans, animals, the environment, and the ecological system as a whole.

The negative impact of pesticides is not limited to non-target organisms such as beneficial insects like bees and biological enemies, and the negative impact on the aquatic environment and the killing of fish and aquatic organisms, or the contamination of surface water such as rivers and lakes, or the arrival of pesticides in groundwater due to their vertical movement in the soil, and killing beneficial microorganisms in the soil and polluting groundwater.

It can also lead to the death of farm animals, or cause poisoning and harm to humans, and may result in death if not promptly treated in the correct way.

Safety precautions when applying pesticides before use

• Make sure the pesticide is registered within your country before use.
• Read the instructions on the package label and follow them before opening the package and using the pesticide.
• Ensure the validity of the pesticide, the method of use, the recommended dosage, and the safety period.
• Make sure the pesticide is effective against the pest it will be applied to and the crop recommended for use with it.
• Do not use household pesticides for trees and plants, as aerosols used may cause burns in plants due to the concentration of organic solvents carrying the active ingredient.
• Close all bee colonies and do not release them to the field except after a suitable period depending on the type of pesticides used and the guidance of the agricultural advisor.

Safety precautions when applying pesticides during use

• Do not try to open the pesticide package and sniff it to determine the type of pesticide.
• Do not attempt to mix pesticides together without knowing the possibility of mixing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Know the period during which the treated crop cannot be harvested, and harvesting fruits is not allowed during this period, which is considered forbidden (safety period).
• Do not use pesticides at higher concentrations than those specified on the package and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not spray at times when the temperature is high and the wind speed is high.
• It is preferable to spray in the morning after the dew has evaporated or at sunset, and spray in the direction of the wind so that the person spraying is not affected by the pesticide carried by the wind.
• Wear protective coats, head and nose covers, goggles, gloves, and non-penetrable footwear, and follow the safety precautions specified by the manufacturer and the agricultural engineer.
• Do not spray during the flowering period.
• Use a good quality sprayer that operates under pressure and can control the size of the sprayed pesticide particles.
• It is preferable to spray plants and their leaves when they are dry and not covered in dew.
• Spray plants with an appropriate amount of pesticide for full coverage when using non-mechanical pesticides.
• Use a sprayer with a long nozzle for spraying trees or use a ladder for tall trees and avoid sitting under trees during spraying to avoid pesticide risks.
• Use the appropriate pesticide container for a single spray.
• Wash hands with water and soap several times after mixing and filling and after finishing the spraying process, and it is preferable to shower.