Unit 9 Mixing, Loading, and Application


  • Safe Mixing and Loading Practices
  • Applying Pesticides Safely
  • After Mixing, Loading and Application
  • Safety Systems

Learning Objectives Unit 9 Mixing, Loading, and Application

After you complete your study of this unit, you should be able to:

  • Describe how to protect the water source at the mixing site.
  • Name types of protection you may need while mixing or loading pesticides.
  • Explain what to do with empty pesticide containers.
  • Name types of empty containers that can be rinsed, and describe rinsing methods.
  • Describe ways to determine whether two pesticides can be safely mixed together for application.
  • Name some pesticide application tasks for which you may need to wear more personal protective equipment than the minimum required by the pesticide labeling.
  • Name actions to take when mixing, loading, and application activities are over.
  • Describe what to do with rinsates from equipment cleanup.
  • Describe personal cleanup after pesticide handling.
  • List some benefits of recordkeeping.
  • Explain "closed system mixing and loading" and "enclosed application systems".
  • Explain when pesticide collection systems are appropriate, and list advantages of such systems.

Test Your Knowledge Unit 9 Mixing, Loading, and Application

Q. What two precautions should you take to avoid getting pesticides into your water source at a mix-load site?
A. To avoid getting pesticides into your water source you should:

  1. Keep the water pipe or hose well above the level of the pesticide mixture, and use a device to prevent back-siphoning, if necessary.
  2. Avoid mixing or loading pesticides in areas where a spill, leak, or overflow could allow pesticides to get into water systems.

Q. What four types of personal protection, beyond what you need during application, should you consider wearing while mixing or loading pesticides?
A. Front protection, face protection, protection from dusts, and protection from vapors.

Q. What should you do with an empty pesticide container?
A. You should:

  1. If containers are rinsable, rinse them as soon as they are empty.
  2. Return all empty pesticide containers to the pesticide storage area or the container holding area when you finish your task.
  3. Crush, break, or puncture empty containers that cannot be refilled, reconditioned, recycled, or returned to the manufacturer.
  4. Dispose of containers in accordance with labeling directions and with any laws or regulations that apply.

Q. What types of empty pesticide containers can be rinsed?
A. You should rinse the following types of pesticide containers:

  1. Glass, metal, and plastic containers,
  2. Plastic-lined paper or cardboard containers, and
  3. Unlined paper or cardboard containers that can withstand the rinsing process.

Q. What two methods of rinsing can you use?
A. Triple rinsing and pressure rinsing.

Q. What are three ways to help you decide whether you can safely mix two pesticides together for application?
A. The three ways are:

  1. Check the pesticide labeling. It may list the pesticides (and other chemicals) known to be compatible with the formulation.
  2. Get a compatibility chart, which may be available from several sources.
  3. Test a small amount of the mixture before mixing large quantities of the pesticides together.

Q. Name some types of pesticide application that might require more personal protective equipment than that specified on the pesticide labeling.
A. Four types of pesticide application that might require more personal protective equipment are:

  1. Hand-carrying application equipment.
  2. Entering the path of the released pesticide.
  3. Walking into a just-treated area.
  4. Using high-exposure application methods where the pesticide may engulf you.
  5. Applying pesticides in enclosed spaces.
  6. Adjusting pesticide application equipment.
  7. Immersing hands and forearms in pesticides.
  8. Applying into or across air currents.
  9. Applying concentrated pesticides.

Q. What safety procedures should you follow each time you apply a pesticide?
A. You should follow the following safety procedures:

  1. Deliver the pesticide to the target site.
  2. Check the delivery rate.
  3. Check for appearance.
  4. Avoid nontarget organisms.
  5. Avoid nontarget surfaces.
  6. Operate equipment safely.

Q. When you are finished with a mixing, loading, or application task, what should you do right away?
A. You should:

  • Wash your pesticide equipment and then wash yourself.
  • Return equipment to its designated place.
  • Safely store or dispose of all pesticide materials and other chemicals that you have used.
  • Be sure that your work site presents no hazards to people or to the environment.
  • Make a record of what you have applied and the conditions at the application site.
  • Q. What should you do with rinsate that you create when you clean your pesticide equipment?
    A. Collect the rinsate. Reuse it, if possible, or dispose of it as excess pesticide.

    Q. When you are finished with pesticide handling tasks, what steps should you take for personal cleanup?
    A. Wash the outside of your gloves first, before taking them off. Then carefully peel back your personal protective equipment to avoid getting pesticides on your skin. Remove any other clothing that has pesticide on it. If you cannot take a shower right away, use a mild liquid detergent and warm water to wash your face, hands, forearms, and any other area that may have pesticides on it. As soon as you can - no later than the end of the work day - wash your whole body and hair thoroughly with a mild liquid detergent and plenty of warm water.

    Q. Why should you keep records of pesticide applications?
    A. You should keep records of pesticide applications because:

    1. Records can establish proof of proper use.
    2. Good records can save you money by improving your pestcontrol practices and your efficiency.
    3. Records can help you reduce pesticide mistakes or misuse.
    4. Good records can help you reduce carryover by buying only the amount of pesticides you will need.

    Q. What are closed mixing and loading systems?
    A. Systems designed to prevent pesticide from coming in contact with handlers or other persons during mixing and loading.

    Q. What are enclosed application systems?
    A. An enclosure, such as a cab or cockpit, that surrounds the occupants and prevents them from coming in contact with pesticides outside of the enclosure.

    Q. When should you consider installing a pesticide containment system?
    A. If you often mix and load pesticides in one place, or if you often clean equipment at one location.

    Q. What are the advantages of pesticide containment systems?
    A. They can save time and money. They make spill cleanup easier, and they reduce pesticide waste by allowing reuse of rinse water and spill cleanup water. They also help prevent the harm that spills and runoff can cause to the environment or to people.

    Additional Resources
    Clemson University websites:

    1. Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation
    2. Clemson University Pesticide Information Program