Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Pesticide Emergencies
Environmental Emergencies
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Pesticides can be beneficial when used carefully and wisely. However, when not used properly, some can harm the environment by contaminating groundwater, damaging non-target plants, contaminating soil, killing beneficial organisms, or by affecting birds, fish, or wildlife.
Preventing Environmental Emergencies
- Use pesticides only when necessary.
- Select the least toxic and least persistent pesticide when possible.
- Follow all label instructions including the application rate, buffer zones, and other safety precautions.
- Do not destroy vegetation along fish bearing waters and do not spray it with pesticides.
- Incorporate granular insecticides.
- Use precautions to prevent drift, leaching and run-off to areas outside the treated area.
- Never store pesticides near wells or pump houses.
- Store treated seed where it cannot be eaten by animals.
- Place baits in covered bait stations.
- Prevent spills by following good practices.
- Clean up spills immediately according to clean up practices.
Being Prepared for Environmental Emergencies
- Develop a contingency plan.
Each farm should have a contingency plan or emergency response plan. It will help guide you if there is a spill, poisoning, fire, or environmental emergency. The plan should explain:- How to prevent emergencies
- Who to contact if there is an emergency
- What to do if there is an emergency
- Where critical or sensitive areas are on your farm
- How often the plan will be updated.
- Post emergency phone numbers by each telephone and at the storage shed. Write the numbers large enough so they are easy to read. Include phone numbers for the Poison Control Centre, doctor, Fire/Police/Ambulance (911), and Provincial Emergency Program (PEP). See Emergency Contacts.
- Compile a list of pesticide company emergency phone numbers. Pesticide labels have an emergency phone number(s) on them. Read your pesticide labels and record the PCP Act numbers, the company name, and the pesticide name. In an emergency it may take too long to find phone numbers on the labels or the labels may be damaged. Keep these phone numbers with the contingency plan.
- Ask your pesticide dealer for copies of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the pesticides on the farm. Keep these in a convenient location.
- Review pesticide label information before using a pesticide.
Dealing with Environmental Emergencies
- Follow the instructions for pesticide spills, fires, or poisoning.
- Protect yourself from pesticide contamination. Put on appropriate protective equipment so you are not harmed.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when working with pesticides.
- Remain up wind of any pesticide.
- Keep bystanders and animals away from the pesticide emergency site.
- Control the emergency. Eliminate the source if possible. Prevent the emergency from becoming worse.
- Contact the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) at 1-800-663-3456 for all emergencies. PEP will coordinate and assist with emergency response. To learn more about PEP, visit the PEP Website.
After the Emergency
- Decontaminate all equipment used during emergency response actions. Remove and wash protective gear. Change clothing immediately. Launder clothing as soon as possible. Discard any badly contaminated clothing or equipment (i.e. broom). Shower using lots of soap and water.
- Re-evaluate your pesticide handling procedures and your contingency plan. Restock any materials used up during emergency response actions.
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