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Mixing, Loading and Application

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.Dept. of AgronomyUniversity of Florida/IFAS

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Information that will be presented throughout this presentation is based upon Unit 9 in the Florida Core Manual, Applying Pesticides Correctly. You can purchase a copy to keep on hand for a reference from the IFAS Extension Bookstore.

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Research has shown that most application exposures to pesticides occur while mixing and loading.

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Safe site – pesticides should be mixed outside or in a well-

ventilated facility.

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Protect water sources – leave an air gap between the hose

and fluid mixture; the hose should not be in the tank!

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Protective equipment – if the label says to wear it, then wear

it!

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Opening containers – use a knife, don’t tear open bags of

dry formulations.

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Transferring – When transferring pesticides, keep the

container and pesticide below face level.

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Safe Mixing and Loading• Prevent spills – don’t leave a filling tank unattended.

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Container Management: Liquid Formulations

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Container Management – Liquid FormulationsPressure rinsing is also a viable option for properly

cleaning liquid containers.

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Container Management – Liquid FormulationsThere are several models of pressure rinse nozzles

that are commercially available.

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Container Management – Dry Formulations

Containers and bags should be thoroughly emptied.

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Combining Pesticides

• Legal – if label does not prohibit

• Not all pesticides physically or chemically mix – they are incompatible

• There is information available on which products are compatibly tank-mixed.

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Compatibility problems can result in a big mess to clean out of the spray tank!

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If you’re unsure of compatibility, always do a jar test.

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Jar Testing• Remember W-A-L-E

• Add some diluent first

• Add wettable powders and water dispersible granules

• Agitate thoroughly and add remaining diluent

• Add liquids – solutions, surfactants, flowables

• Add emulsifiable concentrates last

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If no compatibility problems are detected with a jar test, use the same w-a-l-e sequence when mixing pesticides into the spray tank..

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Personal Protective Equipment

This applicator should at least be wearing gloves.

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Hand-Carried Equipment

Consider wearing extra PPE where the equipment comes into bodily contact.

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Entering the Path of Released Pesticide

High boots when entering into pesticides.

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Entering Into a Just-Treated Area

PPE should be worn while in a freshly-treated site for activities such as equipment maintenance.

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High-Exposure Applications

Certain types of applications pose special exposure risk.

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Enclosed Space Applications

Applying pesticides within enclosed areas will often require a respirator even if not required for the same outdoor application.

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Adjusting Equipment

PPE should be worn while adjusting pesticide-contaminated equipment.

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Immersing Hands/Forearms

Some applications will expose hands and forearms; consider full front and arm protection.

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Applying in Air Currents

Extra PPE should be considered when pesticides can blow directly on the applicator.

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Applying Concentrates

Consider wearing extra PPE when applying concentrates.

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Application Procedures• Deliver the pesticide to the target

• Check the delivery rate

• Check for appearance

• Avoid non-target organisms

• Avoid non-target surfaces

• Operate equipment safely

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After Mixing, Loading and Applying

1. Clean application equipment

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After Mixing, Loading and Applying

2. Clean personal protective equipment

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After Mixing, Loading and Applying

3. Take a shower or wash with mild soap and change into clean clothing

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Always wash work clothes separately from the family laundry.

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Recordkeeping• Can be used to find errors

• Can save money

• Improves pest control efficiency

• Makes sense!

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Record Contents

• Applicator name• License number• Date and time of

treatment• Treatment location• Crop, commodity or

type of target site

• Total size of treated site

• Product brand name• Product EPA reg.#• Total amount of

product applied• Application method• Name of person

authorizing application

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Safety Systems

Closed mixing and loading system

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Mechanical Mixing and Loading Systems

• Gravity systems: aka “punch and drain”

• Suction systems: pump removes pesticide through probe inserted into the container

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Soluble Packaging

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Closed System PPE

• Clothing may be allowed to substitute for PPE – check the label

• Mixing/loading – may still require apron and gloves

• Pressurized system may require protective eyewear

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Enclosed Application Systems• Provide skin and eye protection

• Air-filtering system protects from inhalation plus skin and eye protection

• Enclosed cockpit provides skin, eye, and inhalation protection

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Pesticide Containment Systems

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Photo Credits• University of Missouri• Virginia Tech University• IFAS Communication Services• University of Georgia

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.Department of AgronomyUniversity of Florida/IFASCopyright 2005 University of Florida

Mention of trade names in this presentation is solely for providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer’s label.