PESTICIDE USAGE
Since it is important to prevent build-up of diseases rather than to try to control them after they occur, fungicides should be applied on a regular schedule throughout the season. Insecticides and miticides may be omitted until signs of a particular pest are noticed. However, fields should be inspected closely and frequently in order to detect insects or mites in the early stages of infestations, and appropriate pesticides should be applied as soon as conditions warrant. Mites are much easier to control while populations are sparse rather than dense.
Precautions to be followed with pesticides. Keep all pesticides in a locked building or cabinet at all times; read the entire label on any pesticide before using the product. Handle all pesticides with care and heed directions and precautions on the label. Wear protective masks, gloves, and clothing as recommended for the specific pesticide whenever any pesticide is being handled or applied. Never eat, chew tobacco, or smoke while handling or applying pesticides; always wash hands and arms with soap immediately after handling any pesticide. Take precautions to ensure that no one enters a treated area before the safe reentry time has elapsed.
Other precautions. Pesticides may get on your clothes at work. Wash your work clothes before using them again and separately from other clothes. Wear clean clothes each day that cover your skin - long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes or boots.After work each day, wash your entire body, including your hair with plenty of soap and water. Wash your hands before you eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or tobacco, or go to the bathroom.
Pesticides may be on or in plants, irrigation water, or drifting from nearby applications. Stay out of areas that are restricted due to spraying. Stay out of areas where pesticides are being applied. If pesticides do drift to the area where you are working, leave the area. Never take pesticides or pesticide containers home from work.
If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about the risks of working around pesticides. Keep children away from areas where pesticides might be.
Pesticide illness. Pesticides are chemicals which may be harmful to your health. One or more of the following symptoms may mean you've been exposed to pesticides:
Burning eyes, nose, or skin
Itching skin, rash, or blisters
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Excessive sweating
Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, or cramps
Chest pain
Worker's Rights
You have a right to know about the pesticides used at your work area. Information about what and where pesticides have been used must be posted at a central location where workers can see it. You must be given pesticide information (MSDS or fact sheet) if you ask for it. As of January 1, 1996, you must get basic pesticide safety information before you enter a treated field and complete WPS training by the 6th day of work in a treated field. Although you must only be trained once every five years, your employer may train you more often. Employers must provide water, soap and disposable towels at the work site - you should always use them. If you get ill from pesticides while working, your employer must get you to a doctor. You cannot be fired for asking for information or for filing a complaint. Call 1-800-435-7352 to report unsafe conditions - you do not have to give your name.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Poison Control 1-800-282-3171
National Pesticides Telecommunications Network 1-800-858-7378
Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services 1-800-435-7352