Agrochemicals are usually delivered to a store by the supplier or transported by the user. They are also returned to the store after partial use at the farm. During storage they are most vulnerable to theft, vandalism, accidental or deliberate misuse or the effects of extreme weather conditions. Users who have to store agrochemicals should know how to construct and maintain a place for storage, thereby ensuring their own safety and that of others. They should also take necessary action to prevent the pollution of the environment.

In general, safe and secure storage should ensure correct sitting to allow easy access for the delivery of agrochemicals and transfer to farm vehicles. If the store is within a general-purpose building it should be separated from other stocks such as flammable materials. The location of the store should also take account of possible pollution risks from leaks and spillages. It should be situated away from living accommodation and surface waters such as rivers, streams and reservoirs used for the supply of drinking or irrigation water.

Stores should not be located:

• in areas liable to flooding or with a potential for the pollution of underground water supply sources such as wells and boreholes; or

• in upstream catchment areas for water supply; or

• in environmentally sensitive areas;

There should be adequate capacity for storing the maximum amount of agrochemicals and provision for secure stacking and easy access.

Users should also ensure that any building used to store agrochemicals:

• Is of sound construction, resistant to fire, extremes of temperature and chemical action, and impervious to liquids. Floors should be so designed as to contain spillage or leakage and have a non-slip surface which can be easily cleaned. External walls should give at least 30 minutes' fire resistance and all walls should be impervious to water, their inside surfaces smooth, easily washable and free from dust traps. If a store is of single-storey construction, the roof should be of non-combustible material which will fall in quickly and act as a vent in the case of fire;

• Has suitable entrances and exits with fire resistant doors opening outwards wherever possible. Doorways should be of adequate size to allow the safe movement of materials, and interior doors should be of the swing-door type. Where stores are constructed within a general-purpose building, it is preferable that access doors open directly on to the outside of that building. Where this is not possible, access should not be shared with areas used for domestic purposes, storage of foodstuffs or keeping animals;

• Could contain spillage and leakage in order to protect the external environment. In circumstances where environmental conditions are particularly sensitive, it may be necessary to construct an internal drainage system connected to a containment tank or to an encircling wall (bunding) with the capacity to hold all the agrochemicals in store;

• Is kept dry and is resistant to extremes of temperature. In very hot or freezing conditions most agrochemicals would deteriorate and could even damage the containers. Similarly, dampness will weaken paper sacks, possibly resulting in spillage of the contents. The growing practice of supplying pesticides in water-soluble sachets makes it particularly important that they are stored in absolutely dry conditions;

• Has adequate natural or artificial light by the provision of sufficient window area or artificial (e.g. electric) lighting. Windows should not allow direct sunlight to fall on to agrochemicals because ultra-violet light may cause deterioration of containers and contents

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• Water supply. A water supply should be provided nearby but not in the store. Any water supply used to fill sprayer tanks or animal treatment baths should be so designed as to avoid back siphonage;

• Records. A record should be made of agrochemicals in store but kept separately in a safe place, so that there could be easy access to it in the event of an emergency such as fire or unauthorized use;

• First aid. Adequate first-aid facilities should be available to treat minor injuries and contamination of eyes and skin;

• Fire precautions. Smoking and the use of a naked flame should be prohibited within the store. A suitable fire extinguisher in good working order should be at hand, in case of emergencies;

• Washing facilities. Washing facilities should be provided close to the store for anyone who handles agrochemicals. They should be equipped with a wash-basin and clean running water, soap and towel (disposable towels are best if these are available);

• Protective-clothing accommodation. Separate ventilated accommodation must be provided for protective clothing and for personal clothing. This accommodation, which is generally in the form of a cupboard or locker, must not be within the agrochemical storage area;

• Storage for empty containers and solid agrochemical waste. Empty containers, other than those used for agrochemicals which react to produce gas with water, e.g. phosphide, should be washed at least three times and stored in a secure dry area with agrochemical waste; they should never be used to store food, water or other substances that may be consumed by people or animals. It should be remembered that a tiny amount of agrochemical residue from within the container could lead to serious illness or death;

• Preparation areas. Where agrochemicals are dispensed into application equipment close to the store, a solid level surface should be available. They should drain only into an agrochemical containment area, to avoid polluting the surrounding environment.