Mixing & Loading Pesticides

Mixing and loading pesticides is a job that requires special care. Because pesticides that have not yet been mixed are often in a stronger concentrated form, they can be especially dangerous. When mixing and loading, follow the directions on the label, and take the following safety precautions:

• Protect yourself by wearing PPE.
• Use the label information to determine how much pesticide you will need based on the area that you will be treating and the size of the application equipment to be used.
• Carefully measure out the exact amount of pesticide that you need.
• Put the pesticide container on a flat surface and open it carefully, using a sharp knife or scissors labeled "For Pesticide Use Only"; wash the knife or scissors before using it again.
• Pour the pesticide carefully to avoid splashes onto you or any other surface.
• When you add water to the mix tank or spray tank, do not let the pesticide mix run backwards through the hose and into the water source.
• Never mix, load, or clean equipment near ponds, streams, wells, or ditches.

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