Chemicals on the Farm

How often do you check on how you are storing, mixing, loading, and moving chemicals on your farm? Do you do it before handling and using chemicals, once a year, once every two years or never?

Read these points and download the checklist located at the bottom of this article to spot any areas that need improvement on your farm.

Chemical Storage

• When storing chemicals, are you using appropriate forms of spill containment in case of a leak?
• Are you inspecting containers regularly to ensure labels are present and readable, lids are tight and the containers are in good overall condition?
• Are containers protected as directed by the safety data sheet? This can include protection from punctures, impacts, freezing, heating, etc.
• Are chemicals stored away from incompatible products and materials? These will be listed in the safety data sheet.
• Are you using storage equipment designed/appropriate for the material (e.g., flammables should be stored in a grounded flammables cabinet)?.
• Are there warning signs posted?
• Are chemicals stored away from ignition sources (e.g., heat, sparks, open flames)? Even if the product may not be flammable, the packaging may be.
• How much chemical are you storing? It is best to avoid storing large quantities of products wherever possible.
• Many commonly used products should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and exits (or the path of travel to an exit).
• Are there locked doors, cabinets, etc., that prevent unauthorized individuals, children, pets and/or livestock from accessing chemicals and chemical storage areas?
• Does everyone know not to smoke, eat or drink in storage areas? Does everyone practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands thoroughly after working in chemical storage areas?

Chemical Handling

• Is everyone using the product(s) properly trained? This includes not only general WHMIS training, but farm-specific training as well.
• Does everyone know to always use the smallest amount possible?
• Before use, does everyone know to check the label and safety data sheet for information about the hazards and necessary precautions for the product being used?
• Does everyone understand the importance of preventing a spill, leak or release of vapour? Do they keep the lids or valves closed wherever possible?
• Are hazard control measures taken to prevent dusts, mists or residues from building up on surfaces / in work areas?
• What measures are taken to avoid the chemical from coming into contact with skin, clothing or other surfaces?
• What measures are taken to prevent someone from inhaling dusts, mists, vapours, etc.?
• Are products used in well-ventilated areas?
• Are chemicals and their containers protected from punctures, impacts, freezing, heating, etc. (as directed by the safety data sheet)?
• Are containers inspected before each use to ensure labels are present and readable, and that the containers are in good overall condition?
• Do the people using these products know how to remove contaminated clothing and other materials carefully? Once removed, do they know how to handle, wash or discard them as directed by the farm’s procedures and the safety data sheet?
• Do the people using these products know not to smoke, eat or drink in handling or other work areas? Do they wash their hands thoroughly after handling (even if they wore gloves) and before eating, drinking, smoking/vaping or using the toilet?

In Case of a Spill or Related Emergency

• Do the people using the product(s) know what signs of exposure are and how serious exposure could be? Do they know what to do in the event of an exposure?
• Do the people using the product(s) understand the emergency procedures and spill response procedures?
• Do the people using the product(s) know what the right type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is, and is it available to them? Are the people using PPE trained in its selection, fit, use and care?
• Are the correct type of fire extinguishers available, fully charged and easily accessible?
• Are eyewash stations, bottles and/or emergency showers nearby, easy to access and ready to use?
• Are emergency response / spill response procedures readily available?
• Is response and/or spill equipment easily accessible and ready to use (this can include spill kit[s] and spill trays)? Are there enough, and are they the right type?

Resource: Chemical Safety Checklist