Precautions with Pesticides:
General Precautions

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Protect Yourself When You Use Pesticides
3. Protect Other People, Livestock, Pets, Water and Sensitive Crops
4. Precautions with Pesticide Tables
   • Pesticide Schedules in Ontario (Pesticide Regulations)
   • Safety Supply Companies in Ontario Providing Protective Clothing & Equipment (Table 1-1) (PDF file -18k)
   • Pesticides Act Storage Requirements (Table 1-2)
5. Other topics on Precautions with Pesticides
   • Pesticide Regulations
   • Certification and Training Requirements
   • General Precautions
   • Read and Follow Pesticide Label Information
   • Human Health
   • Protective Clothing and Equipment
   • Protect the Environment
   • Disposal of Pesticides and Empty Pesticide Containers
   • Storing Pesticides
   • Pesticide Spills
   • Application Procedures
6. Related Links

Introduction

Always read the label first!

• Before you buy a pesticide!
• Before you begin to use a pesticide!
• Before you store a pesticide or dispose of it!

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Protect Yourself When You Use Pesticides

• Make sure someone knows where you are working, what pesticides you are handling and how long you expect the job to take.
• Post emergency numbers, including the Poison Information Centre and Spills Action Centre near all of your telephones.
• Keep a list of the names and the Pest Control Products (PCP) Act Registration Numbers of all the pesticides you handle. Keep a file of the pesticide label booklets for all the products you use. Make sure that your co-workers and family members know where this list or file is in case of an accident.
• Have plenty of clean water, soap and paper towels and an extra set of gloves and coveralls nearby at all times in case pesticide contaminates your clothing or skin.
• Wear the correct protective clothing and equipment, and be sure that all items are clean and in good repair before you put them on.
• Never smoke, chew tobacco, eat or drink when you handle pesticides. Never carry tobacco or food in your clothes — and never leave tobacco, food or beverages in areas where you handle or store pesticides.
• Change your clothes and wash your hands and face before you eat, drink or smoke.
• Wash your hands before you use the toilet, as well as after. The skin in your groin area absorbs pesticides very easily.

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Protect Other People, Livestock, Pets, Water and Sensitive Crops

• Buy and store only what you need.
• Prevent drift.
• Keep pesticides out of water.
• Clean up spills quickly and safely.
• Dispose of containers and waste pesticide safely.

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Related Links

• Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control
• Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
• PMRA website

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