Considerations for Packaged Chemical Storage
February 2, 2023
What are best practices for safe chemical storage?
- Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.
Where to Store Pesticides
- Store pesticides out of the reach of children and pets. If possible, keep pesticides in a locked cabinet or storage room.
- Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies.
- Store flammable liquids away from any living areas and far away from an ignition source such as a furnace, vehicle, grill, or lawn mower.
- Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, ground water, or surface water.
- Store out of direct sunlight, as UV light eventually degrades plastics.
How to Safely Store Pesticides
- Always store pesticides in their original containers with the label, which lists directions for use, ingredients, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning.
- Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or other containers. Children or others may mistake them for something to eat or drink.
- Use child-resistant packaging correctly. Child resistant does not mean child-proof, so close the container tightly and keep it out of children's reach. A lockable room or building is advisable.
- If you can't identify the contents of the container, or if you can't tell how old the contents are, follow the advice on safe disposal.
Are there special considerations for storing chemicals in cold temperatures?
- Always store according to product label.
- Emulsifiable concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC) and encapsulated products can recover when frozen for a short period of time if allowed to completely thaw, followed by mixing prior to use.
- When chemicals are stored within temperatures according to the label, separation is normally reversible with agitation.
What about storing chemicals in high temperatures?
- Always store according to product label.
- High temperatures can react with sensitive chemicals causing immediate degradation or, with other chemicals, can increase the rate of degradation over time. Most pesticides can sustain high temperatures for short periods.
Can I store chemicals in wet or humid conditions?
- Always store according to product label.
- Wettable powders, granule formulations, and oil dispersion formulations can degrade, clump, or cake when exposed to moisture.
What are some other considerations for managing stored chemicals?
- Do not stockpile. Store only the amount of pesticide you will need soon.
- Check storage requirements before purchasing the chemical so you can plan accordingly.
- Use opened jugs within the same season.
- Move older products to the front of the storage unit as a reminder to use those chemicals first.
- Write the date of purchase on the container.
- Most liquid products should be mixed or shaken prior to use.
Always read and follow storage directions found on the chemical label. For any questions about stored chemical please contact the Helpdesk at 1-866-99-BAYER (USA); 1-888-283-6847 (Canada)
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