Cleaning Up Pesticides Spills

Pesticide spills can occur during any handler task. If a spill occurs, keep the following precautions in mind:

• Think first of protecting yourself, other people nearby, and the surrounding area - especially water sources.
• Never try to clean up a spill without the right PPE and cleanup materials.
• If you do not know what to do, call for help and wait until it arrives.
• Do not leave the area if no one else is there to warn others of the danger.

Practice the "three Cs" of spill management. First, control the spill - make sure the spill is stopped. For instance, this might require shutting off the mixing or application equipment if it is leaking; turning the container upright if it has fallen; or, if the container is broken or leaking, putting it inside another container. Second, contain the spill - stop it from spreading. Use a mound of dirt or other material to make a dike around the edge of the spill, and rope off the area so that others will not walk through it. Third, clean up the spill. Soak up liquid spills with special spill sponges or with soil, sawdust, clay, cat litter, or other absorbent materials - not water. If the pesticide or absorbent material is likely to blow around, moisten it very slightly with water or cover it with a tarp. Finally, sweep the spill and cleanup materials into plastic containers or special drums, and ask your employer what to do with the waste.

To learn more about Pesticide Handler Safety visit our Pesticide Handler Safety Online Training web page.