Do’s and Don’ts in safe use of pesticides by the farmers while purchasing and using

Purchasing

Do’s
Purchase pesticides/bio-pesticides only from Registered pesticide dealers having valid License
Purchase only just required quantity of pesticides for single operation in a specified area.
See approved labels on the containers/packets of pesticides.
See Batch No., Registration Number, Date of Manufacture/Expiry on the labels.
Purchase pesticides well packed in containers.
Don’ts
Do not purchase pesticides from foot path dealers or from un-licensed person
Do not purchase pesticide in bulk for whole season.
Do not purchase pesticides without approved label on the containers.
Never purchase expired pesticide.
Do not purchase pesticides whose containers are leaking/loose/unsealed.

Storage

Do’s
Store the pesticides away from house premises.
Keep pesticides in original containers.
Pesticides and weedicides must be stored separately.
Where pesticides have been stored, area should be marked with warning signs.
Pesticides be stored away from the reach of the children and live stocks.
Storage place should be well  protected from direct sunlight and rain.
Don’ts
Never store pesticide in house premises.
Never transfer pesticides from original to another containers.
Do not store insecticides with weedicides.
Do not allow children to enter the storage place.
Pesticides should not be exposed to sunlight or rain water.

Handling

Do’s
Keep pesticides separate during transportation.
Bulk pesticides should be carried tactfully to the site of application
Don’ts
Never carry/transport pesticides along with food/fodder/other eatable articles.
Never carry bulk pesticides on head, shoulder or on the back.

Spray Solution

Do’s
Always use clean water.
Use protective clothings viz., hand gloves, face masks, cap, apron, full trouser, etc. to cover whole body.
Always protect your nose, eyes, ears, hands, etc. from spill of spray solution.
Read instructions on pesticide container label carefully before use.
Prepare the solution as per requirement.
Granular pesticides should be used as such.
Avoid spilling of pesticides solutions while filling the spray tank.
Always use recommended dosage of pesticide.
No activities should be carried out which may affect your health.
Don’ts
Do not use muddy or stagnant water.
Never prepare spray solution without wearing protective clothings.
Do not allow the pesticide/its solution to fall on any body parts.
Never avoid reading instructions on container’s label for use.
Never use left out spray solution after 24 hours of its preparation.
Do not mix granules with water.
Do not smell the spray tank.
Do not use overdose which may affect plant health and environment.
Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew during whole operation of pesticides.

Application

Do’s
Apply only recommended dose and dilution.
Spray operation should be conducted  on cool and calm day.
Spray operation should be conducted on sunny day in general.
Use recommended sprayer for each spray.
Spray operation should be conducted in the wind direction.
After spray operation, sprayer and buckets should be washed with clean water using detergent/soap.
Avoid the entry of animals/workers in the field immediately after spray
Don’ts
Never apply over-dose and high concentrations than recommended.
Do not spray on hot sunny day or strong windy conditions.
Do not spray just before rains and immediately after the rains.
Emulsifiable concentrate formulations should not be used for spraying with battery operated ULV sprayer.
Do not spray against wind direction.
Containers and buckets used for mixing pesticides should never be used for domestic purpose even after thorough washing.

After Spray

Do’s
Left over spray solutions should be disposed off at safer place viz. barren isolated area.
The used/empty containers should be crushed with stone/stick and buried deep in soil away from water sources.
Wash hands and face with clean water and soap before eating/smoking.
On observing poisoning symptoms give the first aid and show the patient to doctor. Also show the empty container to doctor.
Don’ts
Never enter in the treated field immediate after spray without bearing protective clothings.
Left over spray solution should not be drained in or near ponds or water lines etc.
Empty containers of pesticides should not be re-used for storing other articles.
Never eat/smoke before washing clothes and taking bath.
Do not take the risk by not showing the poisoning symptoms to doctor as it may endanger the life of the patient.

Toxicity label

Toxicity labels are mandatory labels employed on pesticide containers in India identifying the level of toxicity (that is, the toxicity class) of the contained pesticide.

The square set at an angle of 45º (diamond shape), shall be divided into two equal triangles, the upper portion shall contain the symbol and signal word specified in sub-rule (4) and the lower portion shall contain the colour specified in sub-rule (5) of the Insecticides Rules, 1971 made by the Central Government, after consultation with the Central Insecticides Board.

 Level of toxicity:
Slightly Toxic
 Level of toxicity:
Moderately Toxic
 Level of toxicity:
Highly Toxic
 Level of toxicity:
Extremely Toxic