Operation – Important Safety Information (continued)
14
Chemical spills
Chemical spills must be quickly contained and properly cleaned up.
Refer to the chemical label for any specific clean-up instructions with
regard to the chemical spilled.
General procedures include:
1. Control the spill by stopping the source of the spill. If the source
of the spill is a container leak, place the leaking container in a larger,
watertight container. Keep unprotected people away from the spill
site.
2. Contain the spill so that it does not spread and get into water
sources. Use a shovel or other tool to make a dike around the spill
with soil, sod, or absorbent material.
3. Clean up the spill immediately -- Absorbent materials like ground
corncobs or pet litter should be spread on the spill area to soak up the
pesticide. The contaminated material should then shoveled into a leak
proof container. Do not flush the spill area with water until you
receive advice as directed below.
4. Seek additional advice from the chemical manufacturer and your
state’s pesticide regulatory agency regarding decontamination of the
spill site:
- Chemical manufacturer. The chemical label provides contact
information for the chemical manufacturer.
- State pesticide regulatory agency. In the U.S., call the National
Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 for assistance in
determining how to contact your state’s pesticide regulatory agency.
