Five Common Mistakes to Avoid in Agricultural Chemical Handling

Managing a sprawling farm, or even a small one, requires farmers and agriculturists to use many agricultural chemicals. After all, these are essential to securing good yields by keeping crops safe from pests. Herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers, insecticides, and fungicides are some well-known agricultural chemicals that farm workers handle almost every day. 

If mismanaged, agricultural chemicals that protect crops and ensure good crop production can harm people who spray or use them. This can lead to damaged crops, but there could also be risks to personal health. Environmental damage is another possibility. 

We’ll discuss the five common mistakes farmers, farm workers, and agriculturists should avoid when handling agricultural chemicals. Even if you have been farming for decades, don’t skip this article, as we offer valuable tips to avoid the following five common mistakes.

1. Thinking a Chemical Label Is ‘Just a Label’

We all skip the fine print on many items almost every day. Reading the full label before using the product seems like a waste of time, but it is not. Chemical labels are your first safety manual, even if you have extensive knowledge in this field. They offer the following information:

• Dosage quantity
• Safe application methods
• Compatibility with other chemicals or agricultural products
• Reactions with metals or other items
• Requirements related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Misreading the label (or not reading it) can mean incorrect dosage, wrong application, or some other mistake that harms your crops or people on the farm.

What should you do?

Before using the product, read the label thoroughly, even if it sounds boring. If it’s a product you are familiar with, read the label to check for any changes in chemical composition or usage methods. A key thing to remember is that label directions are serious guidelines, not general suggestions.

2. Mixing Chemicals Ought Not to Be Mixed

Mixing mocktails, juices, and cocktails to create incredible flavours is fun. But that principle does not apply to agricultural chemicals. Mixing multiple chemicals to save time may seem enticing, but it can damage agricultural equipment or crops. 

Incompatible chemicals or products can clog equipment or react in a way that spoils crops. If they release toxic fumes or gases, the risks can increase dramatically.

What should you do? 

Never assume two chemicals are compatible because they are used for the same purpose. Always check what the manufacturer says about uses and applications. You can even test the chemicals in small quantities to see how different products work. 

If you feel unsure after reading the label and testing, talk to experts who can guide you on product compatibility and safe mixing methods.

3. Ignoring Protective Gear Because ‘It’s Too Much Effort’

Wearing protective gear can be equivalent to torture when working in your field on a hot day. Goggles, long-sleeved jackets, gloves, and other equipment become too intrusive and burdensome. However, skipping PPE is never a good idea. 

Now, let’s assume you crossed the initial bridge of hesitation and decided to wear PPE. Choosing the right gear is vital. Agricultural chemicals can irritate your skin, eyes, respiratory tract, or lungs. To avoid long-term health issues, wear protective gear and ensure you wear the right one. 

What should you do?

Use the correct PPE for each chemical as the manufacturer indicates on the label. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face masks, long-sleeved shirts, a respirator, or anything else that protects every part of your body.

4. Not Educating Workers About Agricultural Chemicals

You may know how to use agricultural chemicals safely, but have your farm workers and other staff learned about them? Educating everyone, including seasonal workers, new staff members, and family members who help on the farm, about the safe ways to use agricultural chemicals is necessary. 

Since chemical exposure or accidental spills can prove risky, it is a priority to help workers understand the importance of handling agricultural chemicals safely. This way, you can protect everyone on a farm or agrarian premises and avoid legal hassles arising from negligence (even unintentional). 

What should you do?

Arrange training for everyone who works on your farm. If you cannot have in-house sessions, send people to receive expert training. Tell your workers and staff about reading labels, rules of mixing chemicals, methods of application, and what to do in an emergency. 

There’s no better way to teach your people than to have them interact with professionals who can provide trusted guidance and training.

5. Storing Chemicals Like Random Equipment

This is a big NO! Leaving chemical drums in a corner and forgetting about them can lead to problems. If left open or exposed to sunlight, unwanted reactions can take place. Food contamination is possible if these storage tanks or drums are near the farm’s pantry or food supplies. Spills can lead to soil or groundwater contamination, or livestock and farm animals can be adversely affected. 

What should you do?

Store agricultural chemicals in a dry, ventilated area where a heating and cooling unit controls the temperature, particularly if you buy large quantities. For a small farm, consider buying smaller amounts to reduce storage hassles.

Final Thoughts

Agricultural chemical handling need not be challenging if you follow the basic safety principles and guidelines. Avoiding mistakes that can lead to problems impacting people, animals, and crops will help you stay compliant in every way possible. Compliance keeps workers, livestock, animals, crops, and equipment safe. 

If you need professional guidance, contact reputable names in this industry and plan your agricultural chemical supplies, application, and storage.