Lesson 14: Environmental Safety

Objective

By the end of this training, technicians will understand the importance of managing pesticide spills to protect the environment. Technicians will learn how to contain spills, manage cleanup, prevent drift and runoff, and know who to notify in case of a spill.

Overview

Protecting the environment goes beyond preventing pesticides from entering waterways, lagoons, groundwater, and ecosystems or affecting pollinators. This lesson covers essential practices for safeguarding various habitats with a focus on health, safety, and environmental care. Environmental safety is a core commitment at Clements.

Training Steps

1. Environmental Safety and Spill Containment

   • Spill Containment: Containing spills prevents pesticides from entering drains or unintended areas, avoiding significant fines. Key points include:

     • Avoid mixing pesticides on concrete or other impervious surfaces.

     • Ensure a spill kit is on the company vehicle before departing the branch.

     • Take immediate action in the event of a spill.

     • Notify your manager if a spill over 5 gallons occurs or if pesticides enter a drain.

       Watch the following videos to understand proper spill management:

     • V1.0 Put On PPE: Pesticide Spill Control Step 1

     • V1.0 Control It: Pesticide Spill Control Step 2

     • V1.0 Contain It: Pesticide Spill Control Step 3

     • V1.0 Clean Up: Pesticide Spill Control Step 4

2. Drift Prevention

   • Avoiding Drift: Proper application is crucial to prevent pesticides from drifting onto non-target areas. The Department of Agriculture can test properties for pesticide drift, so it’s essential to apply carefully to protect both the environment and individuals’ health.

   • Articles
     Review the following to better understand drift:

     • Pesticide Drift (orst.edu)

     • Introduction to pesticide drift

3. Pesticide Runoff Prevention

   • Preventing Runoff: Avoid creating or allowing pesticide runoff on impervious surfaces, as it can harm waterways and the water table.

     • Never apply pesticides in rain, and use the “paper test” (hold paper outside the window; if it gets wet, it’s raining).

     • Avoid parking near storm drains, and never fill equipment near sewer channels.

   • Articles
     Read the following articles to understand the effects of pesticide runoff:

     • How do pesticides get into our water and creeks

     • Pesticides in ground water

4. Label Review

   • Review the labels below and identify potential environmental impacts of improper application, including effects on amphibious habitats and proximity to water sources. Follow steps for decontamination if pesticides drift onto clothing or skin.

     • CrossCheck Liquid Label.pdf

     • Taurus_SC1g_Label.pdf