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The secure storage of pesticides is a good practice for safety reasons and to reduce the potential of vandalism or theft with possible misuse of products. Over the next three weeks, Farming 101 will discuss the pesticide storage construction, security, and safe storage practices.

Penn State University offers these four tips when planning to construct a pesticide storage unit.

1 Planning a storage space
Storage space should be kept to a minimum to discourage storing too many unneeded pesticides, however, the space should be large enough to store all your chemicals including: newly purchased chemicals and opened containers, as well as used and unwanted chemicals, and empty containers until they can be properly disposed of.

2 Storage site location
The best storage area would be a portable or prefabricated storage building, as it can be repositioned easily in case of a flood hazard. Locate a detached structure far enough away from other buildings and structures in case of a fire.

Pick an area that does not flood regularly. Water and moisture can cause metal containers to rust; disintegrate paper or cardboard packaging; make labels unreadable; cause labels to detach; cause dry formulations to clump or cake, break down, or dissolve and release pesticide; and cause pesticide to spread to other areas.

3 Storage construction
Use materials that are nonflammable to build your structure. Use nonabsorbent materials, such as metal or nonporous shelving with a lip or leak-proof plastic trays on the shelves. Plastic trays can help organize products and act as secondary containment in case of a spill.

Use sealed floors, such as sealed concrete, epoxy-coated metal or concrete, no-wax sheet flooring, or other easily cleaned, nonabsorbent material. If possible, provide electrical power to the storage area to allow for internal lighting, an exhaust fan, and a heater, in addition to exterior security lighting and alarm.

4 Storage environment
Keep the storage unit dry and well ventilated. Keep outside doors and windows closed and locked, unless windows are needed for ventilation. Windows should not be large enough for someone to enter through them.

Keep pesticides from freezing — most should be stored between 40 and 90 F; Read the label to be sure. Keep containers out of direct sunlight. Do not put containers, especially glass or aerosol containers, in windows even temporarily.

Source: Pesticide storage and security, Penn State Extension.

(Farm and Dairy is featuring a series of “101” columns throughout the year to help young and beginning farmers master farm living. From finances to management to machinery repair and animal care, farmers do it all.)