STORAGE OF PESTICIDES 



Gary L. Jensen 

 Asst. Professor of Entomology 

 University of Massachusetts 



Pesticides should always be stored in a locked dry cupboard 

 or storage shed away from food or feed, where people (especially 

 children), pets o"" livestock cannot come into unauthorized con- 

 tact with them. 



Always store the pesticides in their original, labeled con- 

 tainers. Pesticides stored in old bottles or food containers 

 might be mistaken for food or drink for humans or animals, or mis- 

 identified and improperly used as pesticides. 



Pesticide containers should be tightly closed when not in use 

 and should be periodically checked for leaks, tears, breaks, etc. 

 so that faulty containers may be disposed of or replaced before 

 they constitute a hazard. 



(Caution: Do not store weed killers, herbicides or defoliants 

 in the same room with insecticides. Volatile materials such 

 as 2,4-D and its derivatives can contaminate other pesticides. 

 Chlorate salts can create fire or explosion hazards.) 



Remove only the amount of pesticides needed for one day's op- 

 eration and be sure to return empty containers and any unused pes- 

 ticides to the storage area at the end of each day. 



Exhaust fans should be installed in storage sheds to provide 

 ventilation and hold temperatures down. Avoid working or engaging 

 in other activities in poorly ventilated storage areas. 



Many chemicals are extremely flammable and should not be stored 



near heat or open flames. When purchasing a pesticide, check the 



label for any warnings and store such chemicals in accordance with 

 directions . 



Fires involving organophosphorous and carbamate insecticides 

 are extremely hazardous to firemen and others in the vicinity. To 

 reduce such personal hazards the following recommendations are given 



1. Label plainly storage areas on all sides with such words 

 as "Danger", "Pesticide Storage" or "Poison" 



2. Locate such storage facilities as far away from dwellings 

 and populated areas as possible. 



3. Keep the storage facility locked when not in use, to re- 

 duce the possibilities of fires set by man. 



