The transport and storage of pesticides is well regulated through legislation. These SOPs have been developed to include legislation as the minimum standard while reducing the risk of potential spills when transporting or storing pesticides.
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Hazard ratingsAll pesticides are given hazard ratings are based on their LD50 for a rat, administered both orally and through the skin.
LD50 for the rat (mg/g body mass)
Oral
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
Hazard Statement
Colour Bands
Extreme Hazardous < 5
< 20
< 10
< 40
Very Toxic
Red
Highly Hazardous 5-50
20-200
10-100
40-400
Toxic
Red
Moderately Hazardous 50-500
200-2000
100-1000
400-4000
Harmful
Yellow
Slightly Hazardous >500
>2000
>1000
>4000
Caution
Blue
Acutely Hazardous >2000
>3000
Green
As an industry, we endeavour to use only BLUE and GREEN label products. There are, however, incidences where YELLOW or RED label products are used. In the case of alpha-cypermethrin, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin, which are all YELLOW label products, certain companies have permission from FSC (a derogation) to use these products under very strict conditions. Paraquat is another exception which has either a YELLOW or RED label, depending on its formulation, where again certain companies have permission from FSC to use this under very strict conditions.
Local legislation governing spillsLocal legislation driven by international conventions, governs how storeroom and field spills are dealt with.
These local legislations include:
- Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002)
- Fertiliser, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies & Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947)
- Occupational Health & Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993)
- National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)
- NEM: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004)
- NEM: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008)
- Water Act (No. 3 of 1998)
What constitutes a disaster spill?An incident that has the ability to pollute, based on the concentration, sensitivity of the environment, and hazard value of the pollutant concerned:
- Any natural resource such as soil, water and air;
- Cannot be stopped from spreading within an hour;
- Causes death or disease;
- Damage to property and/or infrastructure;
- Causes significant disruption to the life of a community.
Submitting a spill reportSpills need to be recorded in the spill register for internal reconciling purposes, as per company protocol.
If a spill is ABOVE the ‘Disaster Spill’ threshold it also needs to be reported to the relevant Government Department, authority and/or affected people.
Depending on the nature of the spill these include:
- DEA – Department of Environmental Affairs
- DAFF – Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- DOL - Department of Labour
- SAPS – South African Police Services
- Fire Department
- Relevant catchment area or municipality
- Affected people
Treatment of spillsThe following minimum equipment needs to be available to deal with spills in storage and mixing areas:A suitable container with lid such as a Wheelie-bin filled with absorbent material (this can include absorbent pillows and sausages);
- Adequate quantity of bio-remediation agent;
- Squeegee & poly fibre broom;
- Flat scoop such as a dustpan with stiff poly fibre brush;
- Heavy duty plastic bin liners;
- Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to the label / MSDS including chemical resistant gum boots and PVC gloves;
- Demarcation tape.
Clean-up Procedures – on solid surface:
- Contain the spill by use of covering with absorbent material (or sausages);
- Work in and gather with the squeegee;
- Scoop into bin liners with dustpan;
- Gather fine sweepings with broom and scoop into bin liner;
- Tie bin liner closed and placed in waste bin;
- Wash floor with standard detergent.
Clean-up Procedures – on solid surface:
- Use bio-remediation agent as per instructions;
- Generally this will entail spreading the agent over the spill, working it into the soil, then left to remediate naturally. Some products require the addition of water.
Disposal of spillage residue material:
- An option is to deliver the filled bin liners to a Hazardous Waste collection point if available;
- Alternatively, a bunded area on an impervious surface may be used for bioremediation. The spillage residue material is spread in the bunded area and treated with a bioremediation agent according to the product instructions;
- Once remediated, the material can be safely disposed of.
click here to download SOP Spills infographic as a .pdf
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click here to download SOP Transport infographic as a .pdf
Referring to SANS 10231:2019 Edition 4.2
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD: Transport of dangerous goods by road — Operational requirementsWith reference to the exemptions
Exemptions related to the nature of the transport operation, as such, the requirements of this standard shall not apply to the following:
Point f: The goods transported by a bona fide farmer or an employee of the farmer and are intended for use in farming operations, provided that:- the goods are not used for resale either in their original form or in combination with any other substance,
- the journey does not exceed 250 km of which no more than 50 km shall be on a main arterial road designated with an N number,
- the quantity of classified dangerous goods in liquid form does not exceed 1 000 L
- the quantity of classified dangerous goods in solid form does not exceed 1 000 kg
- the quantity of classified dangerous goods transported in a mixed load containing goods in both liquid and solid form, in kilograms and litres, does not exceed 1 000.
NOTE These exemptions should not apply to class 1 and class 7 substances.
For any applicable exemptions, refer to the relevant national legislation. - Chemical storeroom - outside
Ideally a separate building or completely sealed off. Constructed elements of non-combustible materials, impervious to pesticide(s) and providing adequate protection against lightning. Designed and constructed to ensure that pesticides fumes are effectively ventilated in all parts of the store (naturally/mechanically), with all electrical equipment and fittings installed by a qualified electrician.
Easily accessible for a qualified first aider, deliveries, dispatch, fire fighting and adequately supervised.
Only purchase and store the minimum quantity of pesticides required for a single spray season, to be kept in the secure storeroom at all times when not in use.
The storeroom is to be managed by an appropriately trained, appointed and literate individual. Only the appointed person responsible for the store shall have access to the keys and be allowed access.
Record keeping (including copies of the SDS file and storeroom stock sheets) must be current and accurate.
Copies of the SDS files must be readily available.
At each entrance to the pesticide store (inside/outside) and on the fenceline surround it warning signs that meet minimum requirements set out SANS 10206-2010 Ed.2.2 are required.
- Signs must be clearly visible, not subject to misinterpretation or damaged.
- Staff undergo training to understand ALL signage.
- Warning notice should be in red writing on white background, letters 75mm height, in English and one language indigenous to the region.
Chemical storeroom - insideIMPORTANT: Pesticide storerooms should only contain PESTICIDES in their original packaging and if relevant, equipment used for the application of pesticides. NO FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. SDS SHEETS must be up to date and the storeroom kept tidy at all times.
One or more contractor/farm worker, properly trained in handling pesticides, shall be trained and made responsible for managing the store when the forester cannot do it themselves.
Racks, shelves and pallets that are impervious and chemically resistant. Large bags, boxes and drums can be stored on pallets but not stacked against the wall to ensure they are not damaged.
A separate bunded facility shall be used for preparation, dilution and mixing operations.
All workers shall undergo training in the meaning of the signs, warning notices, and the meaning of the symbols and interpretation of the written instruction on the labels.
Recommended that at least one of the farm workers/contractors be trained in basic first aid. Sufficient information on the relevant first-aid procedures for the pesticide in the store shall be available in a prominent place.
The responsible forester/contractor/farm worker shall keep a written or electronic record for each product received, dispatched and used.
