UK Legislation – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
Chemicals on the farm can be dangerous. Common agricultural chemicals (agrichemicals) include fuels, solvents, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers and veterinary chemicals. Farmers need to take care when storing, transporting, using and disposing of chemicals to ensure their own safety, their neighbours’ safety and that of the environment.
Any chemical should be treated with extreme caution and only ever used according to the instructions. Vapours or direct exposure can lead to a variety of acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health effects. Health effects can include headache, poisoning, burns, birth defects, nervous system disorders and some cancers.
Hazardous materials are required by law to include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS – previously known as a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) and label. The SDS gives valuable information on how to safely handle the chemical. Before using any farm chemical, be sure to read the label, and understand the SDS.
To further reduce the risks, consider replacing hazardous chemicals with less toxic options. Sometimes, a safer form of the product is available. For example, pellets may be used instead of powder.
Side effects of exposure to agrichemicals
The effects of chemical exposure depend on the type of chemical and the degree of exposure. If chemicals are swallowed, absorbed through the skin or inhaled as a mist, vapour or dust, some of the immediate effects can include:
- Poisoning
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Pinpoint pupils
- Dizziness
- Fine muscle twitching
- Increased bronchial and lacrimal secretions
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Chemical burns
Some long-term effects of chemical exposure can include:
- Increased risk of some cancers
- Birth defects
- Diseases of the lungs, liver or kidneys
- Nervous system disorders
If you notice any of these symptoms after being exposed to chemicals, seek immediate medical attention.
SDS information for agrichemicals
Manufacturers and importers are required to supply a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that details information on the chemical, including:
- The registered use of the chemical
- Precautions for use
- Possible health effects
- Safety measures for handling
- Contact numbers for further information
- Withholding periods – it is the responsibility of the farmers to ensure correct usage and that slaughter or production withholding periods are observed.
It is important that you research chemicals prior to purchase to ensure that you buy the most suitable and least dangerous chemical available to do the job you require.
Safe storage of agrichemicals
Suggestions for the safe storage of chemicals include:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage.
- Keep chemicals in their original containers and do not pour into smaller bottles.
- Do not remove labels from containers.
- Store chemicals in a locked, well-ventilated shed with floors that will contain spills.
- Store chemicals and appropriate personal protective equipment in different locations.
- Store the filter(s) from masks separately to contaminated protective equipment when not in use – for example, in a zip-locked bag or an ice cream container.
- Do not store liquid chemicals above solids.
- Separate different classes of chemicals to prevent reactions.
- Store animal feeds, seeds and fertilisers separately from other chemicals.
- Have mop-up materials on hand, such as sand, soil or DrySorb.
- Keep ignition sources well away from chemicals.
- Keep a record of the chemicals you buy, store and use.
Safe transport of agrichemicals
Suggestions for the safe transporting of chemicals include:
- Transport chemicals separately from food, water, animal feeds, seeds and fertilisers. This applies to transport of household and home garden quantities of the chemical, as well as bulk transport.
- Drums of agricultural chemicals should not be transported in enclosed cabins with the driver and passengers.
- Secure your load.
- Carry a written record of the chemicals you are transporting.
- Take all appropriate protective gear along with you.
Safe use of agrichemicals
Suggestions for the safe use of chemicals include:
- Ensure anyone using agricultural chemicals is suitably trained to use both the chemical and any equipment required for application.
- Use chemical decanting kits to reduce the risk of spills and splashes while mixing chemicals.
- Only mix the quantity of chemical required for the task at hand.
- Make sure the decanting and mixing area is well ventilated. If this is not possible, ensure that recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn for enclosed environments.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
- Always wear recommended protective clothing such as chemical-resistant gloves, overalls, goggles and appropriate P2 facemasks or a P3 respirator. (Respirator cartridges should provide multi-level gas protection.)
- Avoid exposing non-target animals or plants.
- Triple rinse equipment after chemical application and dispose of the rinse water (rinsate) appropriately. Rinsate contains low concentrations of the chemical from the cleaning process.
Further Advice: https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/coshh.htm
