It’s not just the use of pesticides which is subject to regulation. The law on storing them is just as strict

The conviction of a Yorkshire gamekeeper for offences related to the storage of pesticides has highlighted the need for keepers to ensure that all pesticides and chemicals which they use in the course of their work are stored in accordance with the law.

The case followed a raid by North Yorkshire Police accompanied by RSPB investigators and resulted in the keeper being handed a £750 fine at York Crown Court. A land agent on the estate was acquitted of a number of offences including permitting the keeper to store the products in an unsafe place – an unlocked store room in a dwelling.

All ‘professional users’ – which includes anyone who uses pesticides as part of their business or undertaking, whether as an employer or a self-employed person – are obliged by law to ensure the proper storage of pesticide products. Guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive.

Inappropriate storage: get pesticides and chemicals off the
shelf and into a proper storage area

How Big Must My Pesticide Store Be?

It needs to be large enough to accommodate peak-use requirements plus any part-used containers. Estimate the likely total of stocks you will need at any one time, including such things as rodenticides, slug pellets and wood-treatment products. Consider the need to store other potentially harmful chemicals and allow room for rinsed empty containers awaiting disposal, or contaminated personal protective equipment.

Where Should A Store Be Sited?

Site a store away from fire risks and at least 4m from hay, straw, diesel, oils, paints, fertiliser, wood stacks, gas containers or other combustible materials, domestic dwellings or sources of ignition such as welding equipment. Avoid siting stores near drains, watercourses, wells, boreholes or areas liable to flooding. Cabinet stores must not be located in domestic dwellings, retail areas, staff rooms, offices or areas where
human or animal food is stored or processed, nor should access to a store within a larger building be through such areas. There must be ready access for deliveries or the emergency services.

How Should A Store Be Constructed?

It should be made of materials which are capable of resisting fire for at least 30 minutes and capable of retaining spills and leakages. The store should be dry, frost-free, adequately ventilated and secure against unauthorised access. The store, or area in which it is located, should normally be able to accommodate leakage or spillage to a volume of 110% of the total volume of products likely to be stored. This is usually achieved by bunding with an impermeable bund which goes around the whole periphery of the store. Doors and windows should be locked.

Can I Convert An Existing Structure?

Yes, but you should apply the same construction principles outlined above – remove combustible materials, seal off all internal drains and create a sealed bund. Where possible, the store should open directly to the outside of the building. If you are considering using a shipping container or lorry body, then don’t use structures with wooden floors or sides, create a bund by fitting a sill across the doorway or tilting the store away from the entrance. Check that wall-to-floor joists have not deteriorated.

I Only Need A Small Store. What About A Cabinet, Bin Or Chest?

Metal cabinets and chest freezers should be sited in a bunded area. Remember to ensure that they are secured against unauthorised access. Consider purchasing a proprietary purpose-built pesticide storage cabinet. These are available in a wide range of sizes and can be bought online.

Does My Store Need To Be Marked?

 

The exterior needs to be marked with the general ‘danger’ warning sign (above). ‘No smoking’ (right) and ‘smoking and naked flames forbidden’ (left) signs must be placed on the outside door of the store.

What About The Storage Of Pesticides While I Am Out On The Estate?

You must ensure all pesticides are transported safely to the place where they are being used. They must not be carried in a tractor or vehicle cab. Use a vehicle with a floor-to-ceiling bulkhead between the driver and load compartment. Where the vehicle has no bulkhead, fit a chemical container or secure cabinet. Park away from any location where water pollution may occur and lock the cabinet or vehicle when unattended.

For more detailed guidance on the storage of pesticides is available online from the Health & Safety Executive. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais16.pdf