Pesticide Storage and Security

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Pesticide Storage and Security

• Cecil Tharp
• Montana State University
• Pesticide Safety Education Program

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Why Secure Ag. Products?
Ryder truck filled with about 5,000 pounds of
explosives, including ammonium nitrate, diesel
fuel and nitromethane.
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Oklahoma City BombingApril 19th, 1995168 Died,
19 children


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Are we safe now?
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Shortly following the events of 9/11, The
Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) asked
farmers to identify specific threats posed by
terrorists. A few selected responses include
How likely do you think it is that an
agricultural, food, or water bioterrorist attack
will take place somewhere in the USA? Likely to
very likely 81 Unlikely to very unlikely
19 Do you feel that you are properly prepared
for agroterrorism or some other security-based
event against your operation? Yes 14 No
51 Don't know 35
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What are all the threats?

• Terrorists / Theft
• Children accessing pesticides
• Environmental Consequences

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Identify the Hazards

• Are containers worn or leaky?
• Are containers of hazardous substances secured
  and stored properly?
• Are you giving away pesticides or selling
  illegally?
• Are you recording your inventory?
• Do you have suspicious individuals hanging
  around, working for you or wishing to purchase
  chemicals?

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1 Dispose of leaky or worn containers. -Use
pesticide product on a site written on the
pesticide product label. or -Transport
pesticide product into secondary container which
has a complete pesticide product label
attached. or -Contact MDA [phone] to
access the pesticide disposal program.
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2 Securing the Storage Area

• Maintain a separate location for the storage of
  pesticides.
• If the storage area is located within a larger
  structure, provide access through a separate
  outside door.
• Keep the storage area locked.

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Securing Storage - continued

• Ventilate the storage area properly, but do not
  use structures with windows large enough for
  someone to enter.
• Store pesticides away from food, feed, seed, and
  fertilizer.

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Securing Storage POSTING

• Post the storage area
• Example Danger--Pesticides--Keep Out
• Also post No Smoking signs and do not allow
  smoking near the storage area.

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Securing Storage Posting

• Post the name, address, and telephone number of
  at least one contact person at the primary
  entrance to the storage area.
• Post emergency numbers (Poison Control, police,
  fire department) in the storage area.
• Large Spills contact Montana Department of
  Agriculture [phone].
• National Poison Center 1(800)222-1222
• Chemtrecs 1(800)424-9300 ? industry experts

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3 Dont Give Away Pesticides

• Do not sell or give pesticides to someone you do
  not know.
• If you do sell some pesticides, make sure the
  buyer has appropriate documentation.

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4 Record Inventory

• Maintain an updated inventory of products.
• List at least the product name, date of purchase,
  quantity, and location within the storage area.
• Store the inventory list separately from the
  storage area. Update periodically.
• Record all pesticide applications (Restricted Use
  Recordkeeping).

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5 WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR

• Are unauthorized people allowed on the premises?
• Are background checks performed on employees?
• Are employees aware of the security risks
  associated with the storage of agrichemicals and
  other hazardous substances?

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WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR DEALERS

• Watch for unusual or suspicious behavior by a
  purchaser or other individuals who
• acts nervous, seems uneasy or vague, and avoids
  eye contact
• demands immediate possession of purchased
  material instead of future delivery

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Contact Information

• Cecil Tharp
• Pesticide Education Specialist
• 406-994-5067
• ctharp_at_montana.edu
• www.pesticides.montana.edu