Seed treatment chemicals are pesticides and should be handled as such. Product labels provide information on safe handling and application. Be sure to follow all instructions as listed.
Read the label and follow instructions carefully. Over treatment may injure the seed and under treatment will not control the pests in question. The label will also provide information on the toxicity of the active ingredients in the form of code words (Caution, Warning, Danger). The label will provide basic information on first aid, environmental hazards, directions for use, proper storage and disposal of containers, and pesticide and general product information. Use the label and be familiar with it. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available from the company for each of the products sold. Consult the MSDS for more detailed information before applying the material.
When handling toxic substances, operating personnel must be provided with protective clothing such as coveralls, cap, protective glasses, rubber apron, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a respirator designed for use with the substance. Personnel should not inhale the dust or vapor nor permit the material to contact the skin or eyes. The operator should wash thoroughly with soap and water before eating and smoking. Bathe immediately after work and change all clothing and wash clothing thoroughly with soap and hot water before reuse. In case of contact, immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. A safety shower should be installed in the immediate vicinity of the treater.
An exhaust system should be installed to remove vapors and dust from the operating area. The exhaust air should discharge into a cyclone or bag-type dust collector. The treater should also be vented and tied into the exhaust system. Seed treaters should be isolated and not operated in the vicinity of other personnel or farm commodities that are to be used for food, feed, or oil. Special multiwall (3 or 4 ply) paper bags or tightly woven bags are recommended for seed that has been treated with toxic substances. Seed should be thoroughly dry before going into the bag, as excessive moisture can cause rapid deterioration of the seed. Store treated seed in a cool, dry place away from food or feed products.
Seed treaters should be thoroughly cleaned after use as some of the pesticides are corrosive and others settle out and cause clogging of the equipment. Do not run contaminated water into a stream or public sewer, but discharge into a shallow ground pit.
The user of treated seed should read and follow the label carefully. The planter hoppers should be filled outdoors. Do not breath dust or fumes from treated seed or get in eyes or on skin. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling treated seed. Use treated seed as seed and do not introduce them into the food or feed channels because serious injury to livestock and humans may occur. Follow instructions on the label for disposal of seed treatment containers and bags containing treated seed.
Do not reuse pesticide containers. Triple rinse and, if possible, recycle containers. Containers can be punctured and disposed of in a sanitary landfill or incineration, or, if allowed by state and local authorities, by burning. If burning, stay out of the smoke. Old seed with low germination should be destroyed by burying at least 18 inches deep in an isolated area away from the water supplies. Treated seed exposed on soil surfaces will be hazardous to birds and other wildlife.