Exposure to agricultural chemicals can mean a variety of immediate or long-term health consequences to not only the user but potentially to their future children such as poisoning, headache, respiratory illness, burns & congenital disabilities. Therefore, farmworkers must be supplied a Safety Data Sheet explaining how to handle chemicals safely on a farm.

Chemicals on the farm can be dangerous. Common agricultural chemicals (agrichemicals) may include certain solvents, fuels, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilisers & veterinary chemicals. Therefore, farmers should take care when storing, transporting, using & disposing of chemicals to ensure their safety, neighbours’ safety and the environment.

Agrichemicals must be treated with due care. Vapours or direct exposure to such chemicals can lead to various acute and chronic health effects, including headache, poisoning, burns, congenital disabilities, nervous system disorders and some forms of cancers.

Hazardous materials on farms are required by law to include a Safety Data Sheet and label. The SDS gives valuable information on handling chemicals safely. Before using any chemical, please read the label, learn the SDS and do a Chemical Accreditation Course in QLD. No matter what, always follow usage instructions first. To reduce the risks, replace hazardous chemicals with less toxic options. 

Side Effects of Exposure to Chemicals

The consequences of chemical exposure depend on the type of chemical and its exposure. If they are swallowed, absorbed through the skin or inhaled, some of the immediate effects will follow, including:

• Poisoning
• Headache
• Increased bronchial & lacrimal secretions
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Pinpoint pupils
• Fine muscle twitching
• Skin rashes and irritation
• Chemical burns

After being exposed to agrichemicals, seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms. You must research chemicals before purchasing to make sure that you buy the most suitable & least hazardous chemicals. 

Safe Storage of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for secure storage of chemicals are:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage
• Keep chemicals in original containers and do not pour them into smaller bottles
• Do not remove labels from containers
• Store the filter from masks separately
• Store chemicals in a locked, well-ventilated shed with floors 
• Never store liquid chemicals above solids
• Separate different classes of chemicals to stop reactions
• Store animal feeds, seeds & fertilisers separately from other chemicals
• Keep ignition sources away from chemicals
• Keep a record of agrichemicals you buy, store & use

Safe Transport of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for safe transportation of chemicals include Transporting chemicals separately from water, food, animal feeds, seeds and fertilisers. 

Safe Use of Agrichemicals

Suggestions for safe use of agrichemicals include:

Ensure anyone using agrichemicals is qualified to use both the chemical and any equipment needed for the application. Use chemical decanting kits to lower the risk of spills and splashes while mixing chemicals.

Mix the number of chemicals needed for the task at hand. Make sure the decanting & mixing area is well ventilated. Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn.

Country Co offers extensive educational courses and training on ensuring farm safety and handling agrichemicals. Contact us today for further information.