Now More Than Ever,
Keep Pesticides Secure

This article appeared in the December 2001 issue of “The Grower.”

eeping pesticides in a secure place became high priority nationwide following the September attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.

“The FBI discovered that terrorists involved in the hijacking had visited small, rural airfields to obtain information on crop-dusting airplanes and equipment,” says Fred Fishel director of the University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management Program. “Taking measures to keep pesticides secure, to avoid misuse or vandalism, takes on a new meaning in light of these events.”

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has a safety and security alert to the pesticide industry and related businesses. The EPA stressed that companies should take extra precautions in hiring, securing equipment, and protecting confidential information.

For example, sprayer tanks should be empty when left unattended in a field or barnyard area, says Missouri’s Fishel. Vandals could target pesticides left in sprayer tanks overnight in open areas. “Good storage management is the best way to overcome a lot of these concerns,” says Ralph Peck, director of Montana’s Department of Agriculture. “Make sure you keep a complete inventory of what you have.”

Phone numbers and web sites can help you follow precautionary measures. If you suspect any terrorist activity related to crop dusting, the EPA suggests calling one of these phone numbers:

The Chicago office of the FBI (312) 431-1333

The National Response System of the EPA (312) 353-2318

The National Pesticide Telecommunication System (800) 858-7378

The EPA’s Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act hotline (800) 424-9345

The EPA’s information about chemical safety accident prevention is at

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/pubs/scale.pdf

Security recommendations are at

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/psmall.htm#alerts

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/

PESTICIDE SECURITY CHECKLIST

Always store pesticides in a locked, secure facility.

Limit access to pesticide storage. Be aware of who has keys and access to pesticide storage areas, and take necessary steps to keep unauthorized people away from the storage area. Commercial pesticide applicators should be aware of who has access to pesticide storage areas during business hours.

Post all storage areas (for example, “Pesticides - Keep Out”).

Post emergency contact names, addresses, and telephone numbers at the primary entrance to the storage area. List at least two people, if possible.

Inspect storage facilities at least once a week and maintain an inspection log.

Secure pesticide application equipment to prevent unauthorized access.

Keep an inventory of pesticide products updated and readily available. Check it at least once a week. Immediately notify local law enforcement of missing chemicals.

Do not keep excess inventory. Purchase only what you can use in the next week or month.

Keep your storage facility cool, dry, and well ventilated. Make sure it is away from areas likely to flood.

Post the storage facility with signs to let emergency personnel and fire fighters know that they may encounter toxic fumes. Make sure that pesticide labels and Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) are available on all stored pesticides.

Store pesticides on a sealed concrete floor to prevent spills from reaching groundwater supplies.

Store products by category - keep herbicides separate from insecticides.

Store liquid formulations below dry formulations. Keep glass containers on the lowest level. Keep all containers off the floor.

Keep all pesticides in their original containers with their original labels. Never store a pesticide in a food or drink container.

Never store feed, seed, fertilizer, veterinary supplies or medications or business products in a pesticide storage facility.

Never let anyone eat, drink or smoke in a storage facility.

Never store personal protective equipment inside a pesticide storage facility. Keep emergency PPE in another nearby room in case of a spill.

Keep spill clean-up kits in storage facilities.

Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers readily available, including fire, law enforcement, and medical contacts.

Protect confidential information, including information stored on computers, with contingency planning for power losses, secure access ports, passwords, and backup procedures, and maintain access by authorized personnel only.

All employees who handle pesticides should have the necessary training to handle pesticides safely. Background checks are necessary on employees who have access to secure areas.