Pesticides and agrochemicals are toxic to humans and animals and, if safety regulations are violated, can cause poisoning. It should be remembered that the health of not only those working with pesticides and agrochemicals, but also the entire population depends on the correct execution of work with them. Therefore, everyone must be well aware of all the technological and sanitary regimes of the work performed.
Pesticides and agrochemicals are toxic to humans and animals and, if safety regulations are violated, can cause poisoning. It should be remembered that the health of not only those working with pesticides and agrochemicals, but also the entire population depends on the correct execution of work with them. Therefore, everyone must be well aware of all the technological and sanitary regimes of the work performed.
Business entities are obliged to inform the public about the time and place of pesticide treatment operations (4-5 days in advance) through radio, television, newspapers, announcements in settlements, and other media. For the public, uniform safety signs are posted at the boundaries of the treated areas. During ground spraying with pesticides (plant protection products), agrochemicals, and mineral fertilizers, sanitary buffer zones from settlements, sources of drinking and domestic water use, places of public recreation, and areas for manual agricultural crop maintenance work must be at least 50 meters.
When carrying out "protective" work, the "wind rose" and the possibility of changes in air flow direction must be taken into account in order to prevent pesticide contamination of the atmospheric air, water bodies in places where people stay (residential areas, recreation areas, summer health resorts, water supply sources for the population).
Production training on working with pesticides is conducted by a plant protection specialist or agronomist. All personnel working with pesticides and agrochemicals must undergo a medical examination. The purpose of medical examinations is an in-depth assessment of health status and the issuance of a conclusion on the suitability of the examined individuals for agricultural work. They are not permitted to work without medical examinations or if there are medical contraindications. Children and adolescents, as well as women of childbearing age, are not permitted to work with pesticides and agrochemicals.
Personnel directly involved in the organization and execution of
for the application, transportation, storage, and sale of pesticides and
agrochemicals, must have special hygiene training. They must also
undergo safety training with registration in a special logbook.
The head of the business entity is responsible for organising staff training.
Rest and meal areas shall be organised no closer than 200 metres from the boundary
of the treated area and other pesticide application sites. Rest and meal areas
shall be equipped with a drinking water dispenser, a washbasin with soap,
a first-aid kit, and individual towels. During work, it is prohibited to eat,
drink, smoke, or remove personal protective equipment.
Individuals inspecting the effectiveness of pesticide application (after treatment)
must wear personal protective equipment.
Pesticides must be transported in specially
equipped vehicles in secure, intact containers. The accompanying person is
permitted to stay only in the vehicle's cabin. Other goods must not be transported
along with pesticides, and stopping the vehicle in populated areas is prohibited.
If the container integrity is compromised during transit, spilled or leaked
pesticides must be neutralised.
Pesticides may only be stored on farms in specially
constructed warehouses or adapted premises, located in dry areas away from
residential premises, water sources, and livestock farms. The premises must have
at least 2 compartments: one for storage and dispensing, and another for storing
workwear and personal protective equipment; this compartment shall contain a
washbasin, soap, towels, and a first-aid kit.
Warehouses must be equipped with basic firefighting equipment.
The primary measure for preventing pesticide poisoning
is adherence to personal hygiene rules. Before eating, workwear and personal
protective equipment must be removed, and hands and face washed, and the mouth
rinsed. Workwear must not be used at home (i.e., taken home).
It is recommended that individuals working with
pesticides consume a diet rich in proteins and vitamins (cottage cheese, meat,
vegetables, fruits). Meals should be taken at least 3 times a day. On days when
working with pesticides, staff shall receive milk or equivalent food products
for preventive purposes in accordance with legislation.
Warehouses – store on pallets and shelves. Pesticides must not be storedin bulk. Each packaging unit must have a shipping label. Liquid and powdered preparations shall be stored separately. Premises – ensure cross-ventilation. Bags with treated grain shall be marked "Treated". Machinery – before departure, check the correct assembly of machine units, test the machine in working condition using clean water as the working solution. It is forbidden to operate without personal protective equipment. Machinery must be equipped with a water tank, soap, and a first-aid kit.