Safely using smoke generators containing pirimiphos-methyl in ...

October 2013Safely using smoke generators containingpirimiphos-methyl in greenhouses and silosThis document containsThis document provides guidance for people usingpirimiphos-methyl smoke generators in greenhousesand silos. It incorporates information about both the oldand the new rules and provides guidance on protectingyour health, the health of others and the environment.There are other rules about storing and disposing ofthese products safely that you must also follow but arenot included in this document.For all of the rules that apply to pirimiphos-methylsmoke generators, check the controls for approvedhazardous substances database on our website.Primiphos-methyl is toxicPirimiphos-methyl smoke generators are used tocontrol beetles, moths and weevils in silos andwhitefly in glasshouses. However, pirimiphosmethylis an organophosphate and is toxic toboth people and the environment. You shouldonly use pirimiphos-methyl smoke generators ifthere are no safer alternatives available.Products that contain primiphos-methylCheck the label of your smoke generator tosee if pirimiphos-methyl is one of the activeingredients. If it is, you need to follow thepractices outlined in this document.The Actellic Smoke Generator containspirimiphos-methyl.Protect your healthGrain silos are dangerous because they have reduced oxygenand little ventilation. Glass houses can also be dangerous if theyare not ventilated properly after being treated.If you are using a smoke generator in a grain silo or glasshouseyou need to take extra care to avoid exposure to pirimiphosmethyl.If you aren’t careful and do not follow the manufacturer’sinstructions you could seriously damage your health or beovercome by the smoke and die.Shortcuts must not be taken when using pirimiphos-methylsmoke generators.After using a smoke generator you must wash your handsthoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking, chewinggum, smoking or using the toilet. If you don’t, you could end upconsuming pirimiphos-methyl, which can cause long-termhealth problems.www.epa.govt.nz

OCTOBER 20132Safely using smoke generators containing pirimiphos-methyl in greenhouses and silos EPA0293You should also change the clothes you wore when ignitingthe smoke generator and, have a shower or bath with soap andwater, shampoo your hair, and put on clean clothes.Wash your work clothes separately from other clothes beforewearing them again.Always have a safety data sheet (SDS) available for yourproducts. Information about what to do in the event ofa poisoning is usually given in Section 4 of the SDS.Using pirimiphos-methylsmoke generators safelyThe safest way to use a pirimiphos-methyl smoke generator is tohave the operator ignite the fuse and then immediately leave andclose up the glasshouse or silo being treated. If there is a risk that theoperator could be exposed to the smoke before leaving the buildingthey should also wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE).Approved handlerTo use a pirimiphos-methyl smoke generator you must be anapproved handler or be under the direct supervision of anapproved handler.Don’t enter the treated building for 12 hoursAfter using a smoke generator the building should be wellventilatedbefore anyone re-enters the building.People can only re-enter the building once the building has beenwell-ventilated for 12 hours after being treated with a smokegenerator. If someone needs to re-enter the building to ventilateit they must wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment,and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as overalls, boots,gloves and goggles.This 12 hour period of time is called a restricted entry interval(REI) and is in place to protect peoples’ health from any smokethat is still in the air.Wear the right safety gearBecause of the toxicity of pirimiphos-methyl you must wear theright safety gear to protect your health. If you are an employer,you must provide your staff with this gear and train them to wearit properly.The label and safety data sheet will give you information aboutwhat PPE and RPE you must wear when handling the product. Ifyou can’t find this information, call the supplier of the product orcontact the Health and Safety Group at the Ministry of Business,Innovation and Employment during business hours on0800 20 90 20.Protect yourself – with full PPEWhen using pirimiphos-methyl smoke generators youmust wear:chemical resistant coverallschemical resistant gloveschemical resistant footwear plus socksprotective eyewearchemical resistant headgear.And RPEYou must also wear appropriate respiratory protectiveequipment to protect against breathing in the substancein dust, mist, gas or vapour forms.After wearing PPE make sure you clean it according to the manufacturer’sinstructions before you, or anyone else, wears it again.If the insecticide label offers specific instructions on how to cleanthe PPE, follow those instructions.If there are no instructions available you should wash the PPEin detergent and hot water. The person washing the PPE shouldwear gloves when handling it.Monitor your healthWearing personal protective equipment does not eliminateexposure to a hazardous substance. If you are an employer andyour staff are using organophosphates, you are required underthe Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act to monitor yourstaffs’ exposure to organophosphates, and with their informedconsent, monitor their health.This monitoring is usually done by a health service provider suchas an occupational health nurse or general practitioner with aqualification in occupational health.For further information on how to set up a monitoringregime see the information sheet Organophosphates:health effects, monitoring and first aid on thewww.business.govt.nz/healthandsafetygroup website.SignsThe person in charge of the building where smoke generatorscontaining pirimiphos-methyl are being used, along with theperson using the smoke generator, must ensure that signs are putup at each point of entry to the building to let people know whenit is safe to re-enter.

OCTOBER 20133Safely using smoke generators containing pirimiphos-methyl in greenhouses and silos EPA0293The signs must be in place from the beginning of the applicationuntil the end of the 12 hour period when people are prohibitedfrom entering the building. Signs must be in English, be clear,easily understood and readable from a distant of at least tenmetres. They must state:that application of a substance toxic to humans is beingcarried outthat entry into the application area is not permitted unlessPPE and RPE are worn.Signs must also:identify the person in charge of the applicationstate the date on which the application beganstate the time and date when it is safe to re-enter thebuilding.You must remove the signs within three days of the end of the REI.Application of asubstance toxic to humansDO NOT ENTERwithout appropriate PersonalProtective Equipment and RespiratoryProtective EquipmentApplication commenced on: Entry is prohibited until at Contact for informationPirimiphos-methyl is toxicto the environmentPirimiphos-methyl smoke generators must only be used indoorsas pirimiphos-methyl is very toxic to insects, birds, fish and otheraquatic creatures.Contact UsFor further information contact the EPA Hazardous SubstancesInformation line on 0800 376 234 or email hsinfo@epa.govt.nz