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This is one of those ‘did you know?’, ‘might find useful someday’ articles that will not affect many people's day to day work, but may provide a useful reference for all users of pesticides and chemicals.
From June 1 this year all hazard symbols used in the UK and across Europe have been standardised. The previous labelling of hazardous goods was a mish-mash of UN best practice and national usage – the voluntary code is up to individual countries to enshrine in law which the UK has done.
The snazzy entitled CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulations covers pesticide labels and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) with sellers, like Progreen Weed Control, having until 2017 to use up all stocks with the old symbols that are the recognisable orange CHIP diamonds we have used to until now.
And here is the new version which means ‘Harmful or Irritant’.
A full list of old vs new Classification, Labelling and Packaging symbols can be found here (.pdf).
Pesticide Contracts
The ‘Grey Book’ or Code of Practice for using plant protection products (.pdf) lists some reminders if you are tendering, or involved in managing contracts for applying pesticides in amenity areas:
Some of the paragraph headings include:
- Policy on use of pesticides: Alternatives, risk assessments to people & environment
- Objective: Clear aim and understanding of what needs to be achieved
- Areas for treating: Have you defined the areas for treating using maps?
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Standards or grades of PPE are explicit as laid out in the Code of Practice, Annex E:
- Gloves: gauntlets at least 300mm long, nitrile and at least 0.5mm thick
- Coveralls: depending on type of operation they should be (high to low): Type 3, 4, 5 or 6. (Type 5 and 6 sufficient for most small scale spraying)
- Eye protection: face shields not goggles.
For help and advice contact Louise or Richard at Progreen on 0800 032 6262
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