What should you avoid when filling or cleaning pesticide equipment?

What should you avoid when filling or cleaning pesticide equipment?

• A. Do not fill anywhere
• B. Do not wear gloves
• C. Do not fill or clean pesticide equipment where pesticide might enter a well or surface water
• D. Do not clean inside

Answer: (C)

Protecting drinking water and the environment is the top priority when handling pesticides. You should avoid filling or cleaning pesticide equipment in any place where pesticide could reach a well or surface water. Pesticides can easily contaminate groundwater and streams, harming people, fish, and other wildlife, and many products require strict rinsing and waste disposal procedures. The safe approach is to use a designated, contained wash area with an impermeable surface and a system to collect and properly dispose of rinsate and wash water, away from wells, storm drains, and surface waters. Keep spill kits and proper containment ready, and follow label directions for disposal and cleanup. Not wearing gloves or cleaning inside would undermine safety and environmental protections, and filling in locations not protected against runoff also increases contamination risk.

Protecting drinking water and the environment is the top priority when handling pesticides. You should avoid filling or cleaning pesticide equipment in any place where pesticide could reach a well or surface water. Pesticides can easily contaminate groundwater and streams, harming people, fish, and other wildlife, and many products require strict rinsing and waste disposal procedures. The safe approach is to use a designated, contained wash area with an impermeable surface and a system to collect and properly dispose of rinsate and wash water, away from wells, storm drains, and surface waters. Keep spill kits and proper containment ready, and follow label directions for disposal and cleanup.

Not wearing gloves or cleaning inside would undermine safety and environmental protections, and filling in locations not protected against runoff also increases contamination risk.