Owner`s manual

WATCH FOR PESTICIDE
POISONING
Be aware of any illness arising
after handling pesticides or
pesticide wastes. Acute
symptoms of poisoning
frequently include headache,
nausea, diarrhea, visual
disturbances, excessive
salivation or sweating, difficulty
in breathing, weakness, tremors
or convulsions. Acute symptoms
usually appear immediately or
within a few hours after
exposure. See a doctor
immediately or contact your
local poison control center if
symptoms appear.
Additional resources:
Your local emergency government
office, the Wisconsin Division of
Emergency Government, your county
agricultural agent
Related publications:
UW-Extension publication “Pest
Management Principles for the Private
Applicator.”
“SARA Fact Sheet for Farmers,”
available from the Wisconsin Division of
Emergency Government.
IF FLOODING HAS OCCURRED
If you suspect flooding of pesticide storage areas, use great caution in
investigating the immediate area — floodwaters may be contaminated with
pesticides. Wear appropriate protective clothing, particularly safety boots,
to avoid exposure.
If a release of pesticides has occurred, you are required by the Wisconsin
Spill Law to notify local and state authorities. Local authorities include
your Local Emergency Planning Committee. You can meet state reporting
requirements by calling the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Government
Spill Hotline at [phone]. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. The duty officer at the Spill Hotline or your LEPC can help
you determine if federal notification is needed.
Emergency hotline personnel will gather information about the pesticide
release and make response decisions. Emergency response professionals in
your area will be notified to serve as the first responders to the flood site,
as necessary. Some possible scenarios:
♦ For minimal flooding or leakage from paper containers, officials may
provide you with specific clean-up instructions. For example, you may
be asked to place the water-damaged pesticide into a secondary waste
container and to dispose of it at the next Agricultural Clean Sweep
event.
♦ If moderate flooding has occurred, containment and clean-up may be
feasible. Area emergency response professionals may be sent to the
site. Technical guidance from the DNR and the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will be
provided, as necessary.
♦ If major flooding has already occurred, containment may be
impossible and clean-up minimal. Check your storage inventory to
determine if product is missing. If so, inform your LEPC about types
of pesticides and approximate amounts removed by floodwaters.
CONTAIN THE AREA
Take steps to prevent further release of the pesticides if possible and
feasible. Put smaller containers that are leaking into larger containers.
Wear protective clothing and equipment so you do not needlessly expose
yourself to the material in the process of stopping the spill.
At the same time the leak is being controlled, contain the spill material to
the area; if possible, construct a dam to prevent the chemical from
spreading.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension