Agriculture (0600) | The use of farm chemicals

The Use of Farm Chemicals: Safety First!

Hello future agriculturalists! This chapter is all about one of the most important aspects of crop protection: using chemicals safely. Farm chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides, are powerful tools that help us grow healthy crops and feed the world. However, because they are powerful, we must treat them with extreme care and respect.

Failing to follow safety rules can lead to harm to the farmer, damage to the environment, and contamination of food. Don't worry if this seems technical—we will break down the rules for safe handling, application, and storage step-by-step!

5.4 (a) Safe Handling and Application of Farm Chemicals

The syllabus requires you to understand the methods used to protect yourself and the environment when applying chemicals. Think of this as the "How-To Guide" for responsible spraying.

1. Personal Safety: Protective Clothing (PPE)

Protective Clothing, also known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is essential. These items create a barrier between you and the chemical, preventing absorption through the skin, eyes, or lungs.

• Specifically Designed Protective Clothing: Always wear full coveralls or waterproof clothing over your normal clothes.
• Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves are a must. They must cover your wrists.
• Eye Protection: Use goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from splashes and spray drift.
• Foot Protection: Wear rubber boots (tucked under the trouser leg).
• Respiratory Protection: Use a respirator or face mask when required, especially when mixing powders or spraying in enclosed spaces.

Analogy: Just like a scientist wears a lab coat and goggles, a farmer must wear their PPE armor when using chemicals!

2. Correct Dilution and Mixing

Chemicals usually come concentrated, meaning you need to mix them with water before use. Correct dilution is vital for two reasons:

1. Effectiveness: If you use too little chemical (under-dilute), it won't kill the pest or weed.
2. Safety & Cost: If you use too much chemical (over-concentrate), you waste money and risk damaging the crop (phytotoxicity) and harming the environment.

Step-by-Step Mixing Procedure:

1. Read the chemical label carefully to determine the correct ratio (e.g., 10 ml of chemical per litre of water).
2. Measure the required amount of chemical accurately using a dedicated measuring jug (do not use household containers!).
3. Pour the required amount of water into the sprayer tank first, then slowly add the measured chemical.
4. Mix thoroughly using a stick or paddle, ensuring even distribution.
5. Precaution: Always mix chemicals in a well-ventilated area, and wear your PPE during the entire mixing process.

3. Precautions Before, During, and After Application

Before Application:

• Check Equipment: Ensure the sprayer is clean, calibrated correctly, and has no leaks.
• Check Weather: Never spray in strong winds (causes drift) or heavy rain (washes chemical away). Check the temperature—some chemicals are ineffective or damaging in high heat.

During Application:

• Maintain a steady pace and pressure to ensure even coverage.
• Avoid spraying into water sources, residential areas, or nearby crops not intended for treatment (avoidance of pollution).

After Application:

• Ensure the spray tank is empty (use all the diluted mixture on the target area).
• Wash yourself thoroughly (including hair) immediately after removing your PPE.
• Wash the protective clothing separately from regular laundry.

4. Avoiding Pollution When Cleaning Spraying Equipment

The residues left in a sprayer are still powerful chemicals and must not be allowed to pollute water sources (rivers, ponds) or harm non-target organisms.

Cleaning Procedure to Prevent Pollution:

1. Rinse the Sprayer: Add clean water to the tank.
2. Apply Rinse Water: Instead of pouring this dirty water down the drain, spray the rinse water onto the treated area or a dedicated area of non-crop land, allowing the chemical to degrade safely in the soil.
3. Rinse the tank and hoses thoroughly at least two more times, applying the rinse water safely each time.
4. Clean nozzles and filters separately.

Key Takeaway: Safe application requires careful planning, proper protective gear, accurate measurement, and responsible disposal of waste water.

5.4 (b) The Importance of Safe Storage of Farm Chemicals

Chemicals must be stored safely to protect people, livestock, pets, and to ensure the chemical remains effective for future use. Storage rules differ slightly depending on whether the chemical is primarily toxic or flammable.

1. Safe Storage of Toxic Chemicals (e.g., Herbicides, Insecticides)

Toxic chemicals are poisonous and include agents like herbicides (weed killers) and insecticides (insect killers).

• Security is Priority: Chemicals must be kept in a locked cabinet or building (a secure store) that is inaccessible to children and unauthorized personnel.
• Original Containers Only: Never transfer chemicals into unlabelled containers, especially not food or drink bottles, as this is a major cause of accidental poisoning.
• Labeling: Ensure all containers are clearly labeled with their contents, instructions, and warning symbols.
• Separation: Store chemicals away from food, animal feed, drinking water, and living quarters.
• Conditions: Keep the store cool, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent the chemicals from degrading or causing fumes.
• Spill Management: Keep absorbent materials (like sand or kitty litter) and protective gear nearby in case of spills.

Did you know? Chemicals stored in hot, damp conditions can break down quickly, making them ineffective or even changing them into more dangerous compounds!

2. Safe Storage of Flammable Chemicals (e.g., Fuels)

Flammable chemicals, such as fuels (diesel or petrol) used for farm machinery, pose a serious fire risk.

• Ventilation: Store fuels in a separate area from toxic chemicals, preferably in a well-ventilated structure, to prevent the build-up of explosive fumes.
• Ignition Control: The storage area must be kept strictly away from any potential sources of ignition, such as naked flames, electrical switches, sparks, or smoking materials.
• Fire Safety: Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers (e.g., foam or powder types) are readily available near the fuel storage area.
• Container Integrity: Use appropriate, sealed, and approved containers designed for fuel storage.

Summary of Storage Importance

Safe storage achieves three main goals:

1. Human & Animal Safety: Prevents accidental ingestion or contact with highly toxic substances.
2. Environmental Protection: Prevents spills from contaminating soil or water systems.
3. Product Quality: Keeps the chemicals in optimal condition (cool, dry) so they work effectively when needed.

Key Takeaway: Store toxic and flammable substances separately, securely locked, and clearly labeled, far away from anything they could contaminate or ignite.