Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Pesticide Education Program

1991 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43210

Farm Pesticide Storage and Security Checklist

PEP-1-02

Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator, and Cindy Folck, Extension Associate,
Pesticide Education Program, Ohio State University Extension

Storage Structure

Dedicated structure for storage (building, room, or cabinet)
Good roof with no leaks
Impermeable, liquid-proof flooring (like concrete)
Secondary containment (curbs around loading pad or pans under containers)
Sump available
Located at least 100 feet from well
Storage area kept locked
Ventilation and lighting inside
Outside fence if practical

Pesticide Storage

Pesticides are stored in original containers
Original labels are intact and readable
Pesticides stored separate from food, feed, seed, and fertilizer
Pesticides protected from freezing
Shelves made from steel, not wood
Order only amount of pesticides needed and return unused amounts
Store protective equipment separately
Post warning signs on storage area: "Danger--Pesticides--Keep Out"
Post "No Smoking" signs

Pesticide Security

Don't sell or give products to people you don't know (it's illegal for a non-dealer to sell Restricted Use Products)
Inspect storage regularly
Report any thefts immediately
Keep products for disposal locked
Secure tanks and mini-bulks to avoid siphoning or stealing
Good key control is exercised

Pesticide Emergencies

Sign on storage entrance with contact person information
Sign on storage entrance with emergency numbers (poison control, police, fire departments)
Establish contact with local law enforcement and fire authorities
Emergency response plan provided to Local Emergency Planning Committee and fire departments (if required)

list of products
average quantities
floor plan of facility

Keep updated inventory (name, quantity, and location)
Store inventory records away from storage facility

Equipment

Never leave ignition keys in application equipment
Keep pesticide application equipment secure
Lock transport vehicles when driver is away
Equipment marked with Owner Applied Number (helps law enforcement identify stolen property)
Vehicles are stored inside when possible
Unauthorized people cannot get to stored vehicles or stored pesticides

General Security

Watch for suspicious or unusual behavior
All farm storage areas are substantial and in good repair with weeds and brush removed
Fences are in good repair and present an orderly appearance
Limit farm access with fences, gated driveways
Have perimeter lighting, utilize guard dogs

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.

TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868