Safely Handling Crop Protection Products
Mar 24, 2026
The busy season is here! With plenty of work to do, safety should always remain priority #1, and that’s especially important when working with your crop protection products. Here are a few tips that will help keep you safe from Ryan Peterson, Federated’s location manager in Osceola.
Use PPE. “Let’s start with your Personal Protective Equipment,” said Peterson. “Wear chemical-resistant gloves (like barrier laminate, nitrile), goggles, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and respirators.” Each product’s label will state which PPE is required for each product.
Read the Label. “The label is the law,” Peterson said. It provides specific protective equipment, use rates, and safety instructions. Take the time to get familiar with the products you are using.
Take Care When Mixing and Handling. Mix pesticides at a safe level to prevent splashing on the face. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid smoking, eating, or drinking while handling. If you use dry chemicals, play the wind so you’re not breathing in the dust. Always double-check rates and make sure you have grabbed the right chemicals before mixing. “Don’t try to multitask, that’s when mistakes happen,” Peterson said. “Take your time when mixing and handling chemicals.”
Be Thorough During Cleanup and Disposal. Triple-rinse containers and use the rinse water for mixing. Dispose of chemical jugs in an appropriate place. Wash clothes used during application separately from family laundry. If completely saturated with chemicals, dispose of the clothing.
Take Environmental Precautions. “The environment at the time matters,” Peterson said. “Avoid spraying in high wind to prevent drift and do not apply near water sources or in sensitive areas.” The label will state the wind maximum and minimum, and water setbacks. Watch out for the hidden gardens and flowers along yards. If applying insecticide, be sure to know the location of any beehives.
Know Your Emergency Procedures. Have a first-aid kit and emergency contact number available. Make sure you’re prepared with an eyewash kit, or just plain bottles of water, along with a clean set of clothes.
Properly Store Your Products. Keep products in their original, labeled containers, locked, stored away from children and pets. Never put a chemical jug away with the label missing. Take the time to write on the jug with contents within. You will thank yourself later.
Practice Personal Hygiene. If your skin comes into contact with any chemicals, wash immediately with soap and water. Always take a shower at the end of the day.
“It’s not difficult to be safe, but it is important,” Peterson concluded. “Just remember: Wear PPE. The label is the law. If you spill products, clean up and dispose of them properly. Always double-check to make sure that you are using and mixing the correct chemicals. Spring is here. Are you ready to be safe?”
If you have any questions about the products you’re using, the CDMS Database should have any label you need. If you have further questions, reach out to your Federated agronomist.
Use PPE. “Let’s start with your Personal Protective Equipment,” said Peterson. “Wear chemical-resistant gloves (like barrier laminate, nitrile), goggles, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and respirators.” Each product’s label will state which PPE is required for each product.
Read the Label. “The label is the law,” Peterson said. It provides specific protective equipment, use rates, and safety instructions. Take the time to get familiar with the products you are using.
Take Care When Mixing and Handling. Mix pesticides at a safe level to prevent splashing on the face. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid smoking, eating, or drinking while handling. If you use dry chemicals, play the wind so you’re not breathing in the dust. Always double-check rates and make sure you have grabbed the right chemicals before mixing. “Don’t try to multitask, that’s when mistakes happen,” Peterson said. “Take your time when mixing and handling chemicals.”
Be Thorough During Cleanup and Disposal. Triple-rinse containers and use the rinse water for mixing. Dispose of chemical jugs in an appropriate place. Wash clothes used during application separately from family laundry. If completely saturated with chemicals, dispose of the clothing.
Take Environmental Precautions. “The environment at the time matters,” Peterson said. “Avoid spraying in high wind to prevent drift and do not apply near water sources or in sensitive areas.” The label will state the wind maximum and minimum, and water setbacks. Watch out for the hidden gardens and flowers along yards. If applying insecticide, be sure to know the location of any beehives.
Know Your Emergency Procedures. Have a first-aid kit and emergency contact number available. Make sure you’re prepared with an eyewash kit, or just plain bottles of water, along with a clean set of clothes.
Properly Store Your Products. Keep products in their original, labeled containers, locked, stored away from children and pets. Never put a chemical jug away with the label missing. Take the time to write on the jug with contents within. You will thank yourself later.
Practice Personal Hygiene. If your skin comes into contact with any chemicals, wash immediately with soap and water. Always take a shower at the end of the day.
“It’s not difficult to be safe, but it is important,” Peterson concluded. “Just remember: Wear PPE. The label is the law. If you spill products, clean up and dispose of them properly. Always double-check to make sure that you are using and mixing the correct chemicals. Spring is here. Are you ready to be safe?”
If you have any questions about the products you’re using, the CDMS Database should have any label you need. If you have further questions, reach out to your Federated agronomist.