If a pesticide handling and storage facility exists or is proposed, it must be carefully assessed to determine its suitability. Particular attention should be given to the potential harm to humans and almacenamiento de plaguicidas and the environment resulting from spills, contaminated runoff, or fires. The storage of pesticides should be limited to a first-floor room or area with direct access to the outside. Basements should not be used to store pesticides. Pesticides should not be stored outdoors, either.
There should be a minimum distance of four hundred feet between the area and drinking water supplies and two hundred feet from surface water. A storage site should not be located close to areas prone to flooding almacenamiento de plaguicidas. Sand soil and fractured bedrock require greater separation from water resources. Runoff from adjacent areas should be diverted around the facility in the event of a 25-year storm lasting 24 hours.
As an emergency occurs, the site should be easily accessible. The pesticide storage area should not be exposed to direct sunlight, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat. To minimize the distance that chemicals are carried, the mixing area should be located close to the storage facility. When choosing a storage site, it is also important to consider the additional area required by a mixing pad.
A pesticide should not be stored near fertilizer, food, feed, potable water, veterinary supplies, seeds, or personal protective equipment to avoid contamination. NFPA Hazardous Rating Placards should be displayed at the entrances to the pesticide storage facility, along with signs stating, “Pesticide Storage Area.” These ratings can be found on Material Safety Data Sheets.
An emergency responder will have an assessment about how to respond to an incident based on this placard. The storage facility’s exterior should display a list of the products it stores. Besides keeping Material Safety Data Sheets available adjacent to the storage facility, keeping them in an outside location is also a good idea.
Store pesticides in their original containers according to their label instructions with their label visible. In the storage area, temperatures should be kept between 40F and 100F unless indicated on the pesticide label. The containers should always be kept off the ground to prevent water from accumulating in or under them. It is important to separate pesticides based on their hazards and functions.
Fireproof cabinets are recommended for storing flammable and non-flammable pesticides. To prevent cross-contamination and accidental misuse, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides should be stored separately. Keeping dry pesticides separate from liquid pesticides will prevent them from becoming wet from spills. Particular care should be taken if storing phenoxy herbicides as they are volatile.
