Operation – Important Safety Information (co ntinued)
21
Bodily chemical
contact Personal contamination can occur when chemicals splash, spill, or spray
di re ct ly ont o a pe rso n .
1. Follow the emergency first aid instructions on the chemical label listed in the
“Fir st Aid ” or “Statements of Pra ctical T r e atment” sec tion.
General procedures include:
a) Eyes – immediately flush with water or follow other direct ions as specified
on the chemical label.
b) Skin – immediately wash all cont aminated skin surfaces with soap
and water, or follo w directions as specified on th e chemical label.
c) Clothing – remove contaminated clot hing immediately. Dispose of heavily
contaminated clot hing per the in structions on the chemical label for safe
chemical/container disposal.
2. Seek medical advice if instructed on the label, or if the victim experiences
symptoms of harmful effects such as burning, swelling, nausea, ch e st pain,
difficulty breathing, dizziness or co nfusion. Wh en seeking medical advice, be
sure to brin g th e ch emical pro duct label.
Poisoning by
ingestion or
inhalation
In case of poisoning from ingestion or inhalation:
IF THE VICTIM HAS COLLAPSED OR IS NOT BREATHING, CALL 911.
Otherwise:
1. If you are the v ictim, immediately seek assist ance from nearby personnel
because you may beco m e incapacitated.
2. Follow the emergency first aid instructions on the chemical label in the “First
Aid” or “Stateme nt of Pra ctica l T r e atment” sec tion.
3. Call a poison control center for further advice. In the U.S ., call 1-800-222-
1222 to be automatically linked to the nearest certified poison control
center. Have the ch em ical label av ailable for reference.
Chemical spills Chemical spills must be quickly contained and properly cleaned up.
Refer to the chemical label for any specific clean-up instruct ions with regard t o
the chemical spilled.
General procedures include:
1. Control the spill by stopping the source of the spill. If the source of the spill
is a container leak, p lace t he leaking cont ain er in a larger, watertight
container. Keep unprotecte d people away from the spill site.
2. Contain t he spill so that it does not spread and get into water sources. Use a
shovel or other tool to make a dike around the spill with soil, sod, or absorbent
material.
3. C l e an up the spill immediately -- Absor bent materials like ground corncobs
or pet litter should be spread on the spill area to soak up the pesticide. The
contaminated mat erial should then shoveled into a leakproof container. Do
not flush the spill ar ea with water until you receive advice as directed below.
4. Seek a dditi onal advi ce from the chemical manufacturer and your state’s
pesticide regulatory agency regarding decontamination of the spill sit e:
- Che mical manufact ur er . The chemical label provides contac t
informa ti on for the chemi cal manu facturer.
- State pesticide regulatory agency. In the U.S., call the National Pesticide
Info rmat i o n Cent er at 1- 800-85 8-7 37 8 for a ssist ance in determ inin g
how to cont act your state’s pesticide regulatory agency.