Pesticide Storage & Cold Weather

DR. Ric Bessin

PRINCETON, KENTUCKY

Pesticides are a significant investment for many ag producers, and cold weather during storage can ruin some pesticides. Pesticides also must be stored properly and in a secured place to meet regulations and to keep persons and the environment safe.  Winter months are also a good time to make sure your pesticide inventory is up-to-date and complete. Here are a few guidelines to follow.

Specific storage needs for pesticides are usually found near the beginning of the label in the STORAGE and DISPOSAL section. You need to read this section and follow those requirements carefully.

Store pesticides in their original containers. Many dry materials should be stored in a cool, dry location, with good ventilation. Partially used bags of dry formulated pesticides can be stored in clear, sealable plastic bags to keep moisture out in order to avoid clumping or caking. Many liquid pesticides should be stored above a specific temperature to avoid crystallization, separation, or active ingredients from falling out of solution. It may not be possible to re-suspend these materials so they can be used in the future. These temperature requirements for storage are found on the individual pesticide labels and will vary by product.

Pesticides must be stored in a locked area, either a locked cabinet or room with signage indicating this is a pesticide storage area. This should be away from children, untrained adults, and animals. The area should be well lit and ventilated. I prefer to store pesticides in plastic bins so that if a jug ruptures or a bags tears, the pesticide spill would be contained. It is also good to store herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides separately, as well as dry materials separate from liquids. It also makes sense to keep combustible materials separate from non-combustible stored items. Keep a current inventory of your pesticides, this will let you manage ordering new products more effectively.

Standards for storage of pesticides as listed in 302 KAR 026.

• Sites for the storage of pesticides shall be of sufficient size to store all stocks in designated areas.
• Storage sites shall be cool, dry, and airy or have a ventilation system installed to reduce concentrations of toxic fumes and to regulate temperatures and moisture. If a ventilation system is installed to reduce fumes, heat, or moisture, the ventilation exhaust shall not connect with offices or other areas frequented by people.
• Storage sites shall be adequately lighted so that labels and label information can be easily read.
• Floor sweep compound of adsorptive clay, sand, sawdust, hydrated lime, or similar materials shall be kept on hand to absorb spills or leaks. The contaminated material shall be disposed of per label directions.
• Restricted use pesticides shall be located in designated and segregated areas apart from general use pesticides. These segregated areas may remain open if the entire storage area is locked while authorized personnel cannot control access to the area. Entrance to these segregated areas shall be plainly labeled on the outside with signs containing the words “pesticide storage area” and “danger” or “poison”.

Winter is a good time to also inspect your personal protective equipment (PPE) to make certain it is in good condition. Reusable PPE should be cleaned after each use and be air-dried before storage as well as stored in areas away from pesticides. Respirators can be stored in sealable plastic bags after they are thoroughly air dried to avoid mold. Check your inventory of respirator cartridges, gloves, and disposable suits for the coming season.