ICS 13.030.30  
 
Reference number  
RS 210: 2020  
© RSB 2020  
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD  DRS 
210  
 
Second  edition  
2020 -mm-dd 
 
Safety procedures for the disposal of surplus 
pesticides and associated toxic waste ━ 
Code  of practice  
 
   
DRS 210: 2020 
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in indus tries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2020  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any f orm or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from RSB.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to:  
Rwanda Standards Board  
P.O Box 7099 Kigali -Rwanda  
KK 15 Rd, 49  
Tel. +250 788303492  
Toll Free: 3250  
E-mail: info@rsb.gov.rw  
Website: www.rsb.gov.rw   
ePortal: www.portal.rsb.gov.rw   DRS 210: 2020  
iii                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 Content s Page 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
3 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  4 
4 Toxicity and other hazards of pesticides  ................................ ................................ ............................  4 
5 Directives for domestic users  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  4 
6 Directives for farmers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  5 
7 Directives for aerial application  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  6 
8 Directives for pest control operators  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
9 Directives for conveyors of pesticides  ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
10 Responsibilities of pesticide provider  ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
11 Directives for disposal organisations  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 9 
11.1  Protective equipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  9 
11.2  Health precautions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  10 
11.3  Medical and first -aid facilities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  13 
11.4  Storage of pesticides and pesticide waste  ................................ ................................ .......................  13 
11.5  Spillages and leaka ge on storage premises  ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
11.6  General methods for the safe disposal of pesticides  ................................ ................................ ...... 16 
11.7  Methods for the safe disposal of specific p esticides  ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
11.8  Empty pesticides containers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  19 
12 Treatment of pesticides during fires  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 22 
Annex  A (normative)  First -aid kit  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  24 
Annex  B (normative)  Freight emergency kit  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 26 
Annex  C (normative)  The toxici ty of pesticides, the symptoms of poisoning, and first -aid 
treatment in cases of suspected poisoning  ................................ ................................ .....................  28 
C.1 Toxicity of pesticides  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  28 
C.2 Symptoms of poisoning ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  29 
C.3 First -aid treatment in case of suspected poisoning  ................................ ................................ ........  32 
 DRS 210: 2020 
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 Foreword  
Rwanda Standards are prepared by Technical Committees and approved by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board of Directors in accordance with the procedures of RSB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards. Final Draft Rwanda Standards 
adopted by Technical committees are ratified by members of RSB Board of Directors for publication and 
gazettment as Rwanda Standards.  
RS 210 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 013, Water and Sanitati on. 
In the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following standard:  
1) MS 675: 2005, Safety procedures for the disposal of surplus pesticides and associated toxic waste ━ 
Code  
The assistance derived from the above source is hereby acknowled ged with thanks.  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition RS  210: 2014 which has been technically revised.  
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on Water and Sanitation (RSB/TC 
013) i n the preparation of this standard.  
Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA)  
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) Paragraph of participants  
Ruliba Clays  
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)  
Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB)  
Rwanda Polytechnic (RP)  
Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA)  
Shine Engineers Multisectoral Company Ltd (SEMC)  
Standards for Sustainability (SFS)  DRS 210: 2020  
v                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 University of Rwanda - College of Science and Technology (UR -CST)  
Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) – Secretariat  
 RS 210: 2020  
1                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 Safety procedures f or the disposal of surplus pesticides and 
associated toxic waste — Code of practice  
1 Scope  
This Committee Draft covers the following aspects of the safe disposal of pesticide waste and empty pesticide 
containers:  
a) general precautions to be taken during the use of pesticides;  
b) directives for the disposal of pesticides waste;  
c) directives for the decontamination and disposal of empty pesticide containers;  
directives for the treatment of pesticide spillages and leakage spillages and leakage, and the action to b e 
taken in the case of fires and freight emergencies that involve pesticides.  
2 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.  
2.1  
caustic soda  
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)  
2.2 
consumers  
Manufactures and fo rmulators of pesticides, and all industrial and general public users of household and 
agricultural chemicals, e.g. farmer, pest control operators and aerial applicators of agricultural chemicals 
(excluding disposal organizations)  
2.3  
conveyor  
any organi zation or individual undertaking the transportation of pesticides   
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 2.4  
data bank  
manual or computerized information retrieval system maintained by the Pesticides Control Board and from 
which information is readily available regarding the safe disposal of pesticides and other hazardous 
chemicals, the treatment of spillage and the procedures to be followed during freight emergencies  
2.5  
decontamination  
removal of detectable traces of pesticides from containers equipment, and contaminated surfaces, by wash ing 
them with detergent or with any other cleaning solution prescribed by the manufacturer or by chemical 
degradation  
2.6  
disposal  
process whereby pesticide waste and contaminated empty containers and material are disposed of, e.g. burial 
at suitable si tes, or chemical or thermal destruction  
2.7  
Disposal Organization (DO)  
Individual or an organization, e.g. a manufacturer, a formulator or a disposal company, that is approved by the 
competent authority to undertake the disposal of pesticides in bulk or  packed form  
2.8  
disposal site  
site that is licensed for the disposal of solid waste that fulfils the recommendations of designated authority and 
that complies with all the relevant requirements of the applicable Environment Management Laws and 
regulatio ns  
2.9  
formulator  
organization that formulates pesticidally -active ingredients into various products that are marketed or exported  
2.10 
hazchem  
international coding system for the labelling of bulk transport of hazardous chemicals so that the contents  and 
the associated hazards of a cargo may be readily identified in an emergency, together with the applicable 
safety precautions and emergency procedures  RS 210: 2020  
3                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 2.11  
manufacturer  
organization that manufactures pesticides or their formulations  
2.12  
operating  area  
area in which pesticides are used or disposed of as relevant  
2.13  
poison information centre  
manual or computerized information retrieval system maintained by Competent authority and from which 
information is readily available regarding the toxici ty of poisons, and the treatment of suspected cases of 
poisoning  
2.14  
Pest Control Operator (PCO)  
person registered by relevant authority  
2.15  
Pesticide  
Substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating a ny pest or 
weeds  
2.16  
Soda ash  
Anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na 2CO 3) or washing soda  
2.17  
Sponsor/pesticide handler/supplier = provider or User (researchers, consumer as user)  
2.18 
Triple -rinse  
To flush a pesticide container three times, each time using a volume of the normal diluents equal to 
approximately 10 % of the capacity of the container, and to add the rinse liquid to the spray mixture or dispose 
of it by a method suitable for the disposal of the pesticide.     
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 3 Symbols (and abbreviated terms)  
DO Disposal Organization  
IATA  International Air Transport Association  
ICATO  International Civil Aviation Organisation  
IMO  International Maritime Organization  
4 Toxicity and other hazards of pesticides  
4.1 Unless adequately protected, no person shall be allowed near an area that has accidentally been 
contaminated with pesticides (if s/he fails to take this precaution, s/he endangers her/himself as well as others 
who may have to rescue her/him). It shall be borne in mind that, at first approach, hazards such as 
flammability, corrosiveness or toxicity or any combination of these may be present.  
4.2 During decontamination and disposal procedures, the appropriate protective equipment described in 
11.1 shall be worn and the medical precautions outlined in 11.2 and 11. 3 shall be observed.  
4.3 Information about the toxicity of the symptoms produced by, and the treatment of poisoning by the 
many pesticides available is obtainable from the manufacturers of the compounds in question or from the 
competent authority (See als o Annex C).  
5 Directives for domestic users  
5.1 Domestic users of pesticides shall:  
a) be fully aware of the hazards involved in the use of pesticides, as noted in clause 4, and of the further 
information given in Annex C regarding the toxicity of pesticides  and the first -aid treatment in cases of 
suspected poisoning;  
b) be familiar with the information about the safe handling and application of pesticides, and  
c) be familiar with the relevant procedures for the safe disposal of pesticide waste and empty pesticid e 
containers.  
5.2 When empty pesticide containers are being disposed of, the relevant instruments appearing on the 
label(s) of the container shall be followed. Aerosol cans shall never be punctured or heated other empty 
containers, before disposal shall b e rinsed three times with water and then shattered (in the case of glass 
containers), punctured or heated. Other empty containers, before disposal, shall be rinsed three times with 
water and then shattered (in the case of glass containers), punctured (in t he case of plastics and metal 
containers), punctured (in the case of plastics and metal containers), or so otherwise rendered unserviceable 
as to prevent re -use, and then deposited in district refuse receptacles. Pesticides may under no 
circumstances be du mped or disposed of into any sewerage system. If excess household pesticides cannot 
be delivered to a DO for disposal householders shall consult their designated authorities for advice. All 
pesticides and empty containers shall be closed securely and store d under lock and key until they can be 
safety disposed of.  RS 210: 2020  
5                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 6 Directives for farmers  
6.1 The directives given in 5.1 apply also to farmers , when disposing of pesticide waste and empty pesticide 
containers, farmers shall also pay attention to the relevant in struments appearing on the label(s)  
6.2 To alleviate the problems of disposal, farmers shall adhere to the following procedures:  
a) when disposing of pesticide is purchased the quantity bought shall be limited to what is needed during 
one season;  
b) only as m uch pesticide as needed at one time of a specific application shall be prepared, and it shall be 
prepared, and it shall be used strictly in accordance with the instructions on the label;  
c) when a dilution of a pesticide concentrate being prepared, the conta iner(s) or other vessel(s) used to 
measure out the required quantity of the concentrate shall be well drained and then tripe -rinsed with the 
relevant diluents and the rinsing added to the pesticide formulation before it is made up to the final 
volume for a pplication;  
d) if all of the formulation prepared for any single application is not used, any formulation that remains after 
the application shall be sprayed onto a strip at the side of the land or over an area where it causes no 
change. Where possible, the formulation shall be ploughed into the soil.  
6.3 Famers shall, where facilities are available, return empty triple -rinsed metal containers to the nearest 
authorities. When containers are to be sold as scrap metal to recycling plants, they shall be compres sed. 
Combustible containers shall not be burned. It shall be borne in mind that when herbicides volatilize, the 
resulting vapour may damage nearby crops, and that herbicides and defoliants that contain chlorate may 
explode when heated or when brought into contact with organic materials such as wood, sawdust, paper, etc.  
6.4 Where no DO operates in a farmer’s district, the farmer shall consult the manufacturer about the 
disposal of surplus pesticides and shall note the relevant procedures for the decontamin ation and disposal of 
empty pesticide containers as outlined in 11.8.  
6.5 Livestock -dipping tanks on farms shall be cleaned out (by the owner or other responsible person) from 
time to time, as follows:  
a) the level of the dip shall be reduced as far as poss ible by the normal dipping of animals;  
b) the remaining liquid in the tank shall be removed by either pumping or baling it out over a large area of the 
surrounding ground, which shall be so fenced as to keep out animals, children, etc. Care shall be taken to 
ensure that dams or rivers nearby are not contaminated; and  
c) sludge shall be removed from the bottom of the and deposited in a pile on the ground within a safe, 
fenced area or, where possible, ploughed into the ground.  
6.6 Pesticide waste and empty punctu red containers may be buried in a dumping site on the farm, but the 
farmer shall ensure that such site is situated on ground that is relatively high and flat, or that slopes gently 
away from any surface or subsurface water supply, and that is at least 30 m , and preferably 50 m or more, 
away from any source of water. The dumping site shall be identified and securely fenced, and trespassing on 
the site shall be forbidden.   
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 6.7 The dumping site shall be excavated to a depth of at least 1 m and, when appropriat e depending on the 
type of pesticide to be disposed of, lime shall be spread over the bottom of the excavation in a continuous 
layer of thickness approximately 10 mm. The pesticide shall be diluted to at least the minimum dosage (lowest 
concentration) reco mmended on the label, and then poured evenly or sprayed over the surface of the lime. 
The deposited pesticide shall immediately be covered with a layer of ash and a layer of soil or other covering 
material of thickness at least 450 mm.  
6.8 An aircraft lan ding strip on a farm on which aerial application of pesticides is to be carried out shall be 
made secure from approach by livestock and by unauthorized persons, and shall preferably have a concrete 
slab with a suitable drainage system into which aircraft s praying tanks may be emptied. The pesticide shall 
then be either pumped or baled out from the drainage system, and disposed of as described in 6.2 (d).  
7 Directives for aerial application  
7.1 Aerial applications shall be registered pest control operators. They shall be fully aware of the hazards 
involved in the use of pesticides, as noted in clause 4, and of the further information given in Annex C 
regarding the toxicity of pesticides and the first -aid treatment in cases of suspected poisoning. They shall b e 
familiar with the relevant procedures described for the safe disposal of pesticides, pesticide waste and empty 
pesticide containers.  
7.2 After the last application, aircraft shall return to the landing strip at the operating area (see 6.6 and 6.2). 
The spraying tanks shall then be cleaned as follows:  
a) The tank(s) shall be filled with a solution in water of a suitable detergent at a concentration of at least 0.12 
% (v/v), i.e. at least 120 mL of solid detergent per 100 L of water.  
b) with the aircraft stati onary of the landing strip, a suitable volume of the detergent solution shall be 
released through the spray nozzles until they are free from pesticide, and the rest of the solution shall 
then be drained from the tank(s).  
c) If the landing strip is not equipp ed with a concrete slab and drainage system, care shall be taken to 
ensure that water sources nearby are not contaminated by drainage from the tank(s).  
d) the tank(s) shall be refilled with clean water, the nozzles flushed out and the tank(s) drained as in ( b) 
above.  
8 Directives for pest control operators  
8.1 Pest Control Operators shall be fully aware of the hazards involved in the use of pesticides, as noted in 
clause 4, and of the further information given in Annex C regarding the toxicity of pesticides an d the first -aid 
treatment in cases of suspected poisoning.  
8.2 Pest Control Operators shall be familiar with the relevant procedures for the safe disposal, pest control 
operators shall adhere to the following procedures:  
a) Only as much pesticide as needed at one time of a specific application shall be prepared, and it shall base 
strictly in accordance with the instructions on the label.  RS 210: 2020  
7                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 b) When the entire contents of a container are to be used, the container shall be emptied as for as possible, 
and the contai ner and the measuring vessel shall then be triple -rinsed with the diluents, and the risings 
added to the mixture before it is made up to the final volume for application.  
c) To prevent unauthorized access to full or empty containers until they can be used or  disposed of, all such 
containers shall be kept securely closed, stored under lock and key as described in 11,4, and records of 
such containers shall be kept.  
9 Directives for conveyors of pesticides  
9.1 Conveyors of pesticides shall acquaint themselves wi th the general procedures and precautions for the 
decontamination of vehicles and the disposal of pesticide waste as outlined in this standard. They shall also 
be familiar with the Hazchem system for the labelling of trucks and other bulk containers, and w ith the use of 
the Data bank.  
9.2 Conveyors shall be fully aware of the hazards involved in the handling of pesticides, as stated in clause 
4, and of further information given in Annex C regarding the toxicity of pesticides and the first -aid treatment in 
cases of suspected poisoning.  
9.3 Conveyors shall also be familiar with the relevant procedures described in clause 11 for the safe 
disposal of pesticide waste and empty pesticide containers.  
9.4 Conveyors shall note carefully the markings and internatio nally accepted cautionary and warning labels, 
as well as the product labels relating to commodities that are to be transported.  
9.4.1  Toxicity classifications. The toxicity groups appearing on labels are explained in Annex C 1.1. A 
further toxicity classi fication for transportation purposes, i.e; A, B1 or B2, appears on the label. Troup I 
pesticides include A, or B1, and Group II, III and IV pesticides include those classified as B2.  
9.4.2  Hazard labels. All pesticides bear additional precautionary markin g on both the immediate and the 
outer containers, e.g. the “square -diamond” labels prescribed by IMO, ICAO, and IATA.  
9.4.3  Where possible, pesticide waste shall be transported from the sponsor to the DO in their original 
labelled container. When the orig inal container is damaged or defective, the pesticide shall be transferred to a 
suitable clean, compatible container, and the new container shall be adequately labelled to indicate the 
relevant active ingredient(s) of the pesticide waste.  
Alternatively, da maged containers shall, for transportation to the DO, be placed in clearly labelled, chemically 
inert, water -proof packs or larger containers. Each container, whether empty or not, that is destined for 
storage or disposal, shall bear the appropriate square -diamond hazard label(s) (see 9.4.2).  
9.5 In order to minimize problems that may be caused by accidents during the transportation of pesticides; 
conveyors shall adhere to the following guidelines:  
a) bulk containerization is preferable for all pesticides bu t shall be used for pesticides in quantities of 500 L 
or more, and all containers shall bear the relevant Hazchem label;  
b) vehicles with wooden floors shall not be used:   
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 c) pesticides of Group I (see 9.4.2 shall not be transported in the same vehicle as certa in other goods such 
as foods, feed and clothing;  
d) during transportation, herbicides shall be kept separate from other pesticides, seeds and plant materials;  
e) when a relatively small quantity of pesticides is to be transported, it may be loaded together wit h other 
goods (excluding foods or feeds) on condition that it is adequately secured on a bed of sawdust or 
vermiculite of thickness at least 25 mm, and covered with a plastics tarpaulin;  
f) where practicable, supplies of absorbent material, laundry beach, hy drated lime or soda ash, an empty 
drum of adequate size, a shovel and a broom shall be kept in the vehicle for use in the event of an 
accident.  
g) welding or cutting of metal shall not be carried out at the scene of an accident until the area has been 
declar ed safe by a knowledgeable, responsible person, even when gas detection tests and explosimetry 
tests are involved (see 9.6(a).  
9.6 In the event of an accident involving pesticides, the emergency shall be handled as follows:  
a) all power sources of the vehic le(s) (e.g engine, lights and battery disconnection switch) shall be turned off 
immediately. No smoking, sparks or flames shall be allowed until the decontaminator procedures have 
been completed. Gas detection tests and explosimetry tests are essential to establish the nature and 
extent of the hazard at the earliest possible stage of the emergency, and shall be performed wherever 
possible;  
b) road users in the vicinity of the accident shall be warned of the danger of contamination and    prevented 
from passin g through any spillages of pesticides on the road. If necessary, traffic shall be delayed or 
diverted until the road has been cleared;  
c) spectators shall be kept away from the contaminated area. During windy weather, if pesticidal gases, 
dusts or volatile s hall be evacuated from down -wind areas that are likely to be affected.  
d) the contamination of streams and sewers shall be prevented as far as is possible. Ditches shall be dug 
around the contaminated area, and existing drainage ditches shall be so dammed as  to prevent the run -
off of pesticides. During windy weather, pesticidal dusts shall be so covered with plastics or canvas 
sheeting as to prevent scattering of the dust.  
e) No person shall be permitted to enter the vehicle(s) involved in the accident without the protective 
equipment described in 11.1. The nature of the spillage shall be identified from the available labels, and 
the police the manufacturer (or his agent), the local authority, fire and traffic authorities and the 
environmental officer shall be n otified as  soon as possible of the accident and of the pesticides involved.  
f) where doubt exists regarding the decontamination procedures to be applied, the manufacturer (or his 
agent) or the Poison information Centre shall be consulted, and the necessary cleaning material shall be 
obtained from the manufacturer (or his agent), a fire station or a farmers’ cooperative.  
g) spillages and leakage shall be treated as described in 11.5 and the exterior or contaminated neighbouring 
containers that are still intact shall be washed thoroughly with concentrated detergent solution and rinsed RS 210: 2020  
9                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 with water. Care shall be taken not to lose information on labels by inadvertently washing then off the 
containers.  
h) if any doubt exists about the contents of a container that has n o label, the manufacturer, if known, shall be 
consulted, or otherwise the container shall be returned to the consignor.  
i) where pesticide spillages have leached into the soil, suitable treatment measures shall be applied to the 
contaminated area.  
j) if a parti cular vehicle is used on a permanent basis solely for the transportation of pesticides, 
contaminated flooring boards shall be cleaned thoroughly as described in 11.5, taking care to avoid any 
possible vapour hazards. In all other cases, contaminated floori ng boards in a vehicle shall be removed 
and, if so required by the local authority, burned. In all cases, the vehicle shall be inspected and found to 
be free from contamination before it is re -used.  
10 Responsibilities of pesticide provider  
10.1 Pesticide pro vider shall investigate the following routes of disposal for surplus unwanted pesticides in 
the order of preference given below:  
a) when pesticides can be reconstituted, they shall, subject to the prior approval of the manufacturer (or 
her/his agent) be retu rned to the manufacturer or his agent;  
b) when the use of the pesticide(s) is prohibited in Rwanda, they shall be, subject to the prior approval of the 
manufacturer (or her/his agent), be returned to the manufacturer (or her/his agent) be returned to the 
manufacturer (or her/his agent); and  
c) when pesticides cannot be reconstituted or returned, they shall be delivered to or collected by a DO for 
disposal (see 9.3) or, where no convenient method of disposal exists for a pesticide, for safe storage (see 
11.4) un til an appropriate method of disposal can be developed.  
10.2 Only unopened pesticide containers that are not unduly damaged may be returned to manufacturers by 
road transport. The contents of open or damaged containers shall be repacked in suitably relabe lled product 
compatible containers that comply with the relevant laws and regulations on transportation of dangerous and 
toxic goods. Empty containers shall be recycled in accordance with national regulations.  
11 Directives for disposal organisations  
11.1 Protect ive equipment  
11.1.1  The workers in a disposal organization shall understand clearly that even though protective clothing 
and respiratory safety devices are worn, great care shall still be taken in the handling of pesticides. Equipment 
and washable/dispos able protective clothing as described in 11.1.1 - 11.1.3 below shall be provided by the 
DO.  
11.1.2  Clothing, for reasons of both comfort and safety, a two -piece garment shall be worn in conjunction 
with cotton or other suitable underwear. PVC (never leath er or cloth) aprons and boots and neoprene or PVC 
gloves shall be chemical -resistant and impermeable, and gloves shall extent to at least 75 mm above the 
wrists.   
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 11.1.2  Protectors for Face and Head, Hoods that may incorporate a wide shield with a built -in respirator shall 
be made of the relevant materials and shall cover the entire head and neck, and face shields shall cover the 
entire face.   
11.1.3  Respirators shall be either of the type that covers the whole of the face or of the type of poison and 
the physical characteristics of the poison (e.g. dust, liquid, vapour or gas), and they shall be capable of 
eliminating the risk of a wearer inhaling air polluted by the poison. A respirator shall form an airtight seal with 
the face, and filters and cartridges  shall be within their rated shelf life, and readily replaceable. Users shall 
take cognizance of the type of canister and shall read the instructions of the label.  
11.1.4  Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be available for emergency use, and he DO s hall ensure that 
workers are trained in the proper use of this apparatus.  
11.1.5  When a situation is being dealt with in which bursts, spillages or explosions may occur (e.g. 
PVCrespiratory protection) shall be worn.  
11.1.6  Maintenance of Protective Equi pment, The DO shall ensure that protective equipment is maintained in 
a thoroughly serviceable condition. Spare articles, particularly filters, cartridges and canisters for respirators 
and air cylinders for self -contained breathing apparatuses shall be ava ilable.  
11.1.7  Clean protective clothing, used protective clothing and the worker’s personal clothing shall be kept 
apart from one another. At the end of each day, all protective clothing and respirators shall be 
decontaminated, washed, rinsed and dried.  
11.1.8  If a worker’s clothing becomes grossly contaminated during the course of a day’s work it shall be 
replaced immediately with clean clothing, washed at the end of the day. Respirator canisters shall be replaced 
at the frequencies recommended by the m anufacturer, and also when indicated by the expiry date. Before a 
canister is attached to a respirator, the seal on the canisters shall be checked to ensure that it is intact. 
Canisters that have reached the expiry date shall be punctured and safely dispos ed of.  
11.1.8.1  During the cleaning of equipment and protective clothing, contamination of all sources of drinking 
water shall be prevented. Wash water shall drain into sewers and shall not be allowed to enter storm water 
drains.  
11.1.8.2  Careless handlin g of contaminated protective equipment can cause injury, e.g. through skin 
contact, therefore caution shall be exercised when removing and cleaning such equipment.  
11.2 Health precautions  
The following precautions shall be observed by the DO:  
a) only workers who  have been medically examined and found to fit for work involving exposure to pesticides 
may be employed for that purpose. May be employed for that purpose;  
b) workers shall not be allowed to eat, drink or smoke in an operating area. Before workers eat, drin k, 
smoke, or use the toilet, their gloved hands shall have been washed with soap and water, their masks 
removed and their gloves removed (in that order), and their hands and faces then washed thoroughly with 
soap and water;  RS 210: 2020  
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 c) it shall be ensured that worker s removed all protective clothing at the end of each day or operation. In 
addition, whenever a worker becomes glossily contaminated, even if operations are incomplete, he shall 
be made to remove all protective clothing immediately, to soap, wash and rinse himself thoroughly, and to 
don clean protective clothing before continuing operations. (See also 11.1.3);  
d) the DO shall ensure that no worker wears any used protective equipment that has not been thoroughly 
cleaned;  
e) soap, clean towels and clean water shal l be available near the operating area but shall be so located as to 
avoid contamination. Workers shall not be allowed to use unregulated compressed air to clean the body of 
dust, and care shall be taken to ensure that there is no interchange of towels bet ween workers;  
f) where possible, running water shall be used for washing. When running water is unavailable, each worker 
shall be provided with separate, clearly marked containers for the washing, when necessary (see (c) 
above), of the body and of the protec tive equipment;  
g) the DO shall consider the problem of pollution caused by contaminated running water, and shall, when     
relevant, provide a facility for effluent treatment;  
h) the DO shall ensure by frequent atmospheric monitoring, that excessive inhalatio n of pesticidal vapours 
by workers does not occur, and that if the pesticide comes into contact with any part of a worker’s skin, 
the affected part is washed immediately with soap and water;  
i) subjected to any restriction or further requirement laid down by  the Ministry of Health, workers -exposure 
record card shall be kept by the DO for each employee engaged in the handling of pesticides. The card 
shall provide the following details:  
1) the name and address of the employee;  
2) each date on which pesticides were handled and the number of hours so spent each day by the 
employee;  
3) the common name (s) of the active ingredient(s) and the physical state of the formulation(s) 
involved;  
4) the fullest possible details of any occupational accident (including incidents that do not result in 
bodily injury);  
5) the date and nature of each case of poisoning;  
6) the medical practioner’s notes that include, inter alia, for each visit, the doctor’s name, he date of 
examination and, when relevant, the dates of suspension from work and re sumption of duty.  
j) the DO shall ensure that the following measures are strictly applied:  
1) each worker shall undergo a full medical examination at least once annually;   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  12 
 2) each worker shall, when he first assumes duty, undergo a blood test to determine his 
cholinesterase baseline level. Thereafter, if he is engaged in handling organophosphate or 
carbamate pesticides (or both), he shall undergo routine tests to determine his blood 
cholinesterase activity. If it has fallen to a level in one of the following range s, the corresponding 
actions shall be taken:  
i) 100% to 75% of normal : Retest within 48 h; if the result is confirmed, the worker shall be 
suspended from handling organophosphate and carbamate pesticides for two weeks and shall 
then be retested routinely (e. g. every two days) until his cholinesterase baseline level is reached,  
ii) 50% to 25% of normal : Retest within 48 h; if the result is confirmed, the worker shall be 
excused from handling all pesticides and shall be retested routinely at the discretion of the 
medical practitioner, or   
iii) below 25% of normal : Retest within 48 h; if the result is confirmed, the worker shall be 
SUSPENDED FORM ALL WORK and the medical practitioner shall be consulted.  
3) Cholinesterase activity is expressed as a percentage of the activi ty in normal blood. The 
cholinesterase baseline level of each individual is specific for that individual and may, when 
expressed as an activity, be much lower than 100 %, Routine tests on such persons shall be 
carried out at the discretion of the medical p ractitioner.  
4) Cognizance of other cholinesterase inhibitors, diet patterns etc, shall be taken.  
5) A worker who has, in terms of (2) above, been suspended from carrying out any duty, shall be 
permitted to resume such duty, with the approval of the medical pr actitioner.  
6) when employees are engaged in handling pesticides that contain bromide (s), blood samples 
shall be taken quarterly to determine bromide level of 3 mg (or greater) per 100 mL of blood is 
found, the worker shall be removed from a particular cont aminant. Monthly blood tests shall then 
be done until his blood levels return to normal. He may then resume duty  
7) if a worker complaints of ear ache, he shall be examined for burst ear -drums by a medical 
practitioner;  
8) No worker shall be allowed to take par t in handling pesticides while he is suffering from any 
clinical complaint or stomach ailment, or if he has burst ear -drums;  
9) if any worker shows symptoms of illness or discomfort (e.g. headache, dizziness, vomiting 
diarrhea, tightness of the chest) , or if  unusual neuropsychiatric behaviour becomes apparent, the 
worker shall be suspended from work without delay, and a medical practitioner consulted 
immediately;  
10) in the event of illness or an accident, the employee’s works -exposure record card and in the case  
of suspected poisoning due to a pesticide, the label, or at least the name of the active ingredient 
of the pesticide, shall be handed to the medical practitioner in attendance; and  RS 210: 2020  
13                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 11) no worker who on medical grounds has been advised to abstain from working  with one type of 
pesticidal compound, shall be allowed to work with another type without, the prior approval, 
endorsed on his works -exposure record card, of a medical practitioner.  
11.3 Medical and first -aid facilities  
11.3.1  Medical facilities, before estab lishing his business, the DO shall acquaint himself with the locality of 
the nearest hospital or medical consulting rooms and their hours of attendance, and shall inform the hospital 
and the medical practitioner of the nature of the intended operations.  
11.3.2  First-aid facilities, a first.aid kit (see Annex A for a description of a suitable kit) shall be on hand at all 
times when pesticides are being disposed of, and it is imperative that at least two members of each team be 
trained to apply first -aid tre atment, with particular reference to the hazards likely to be encountered (see 
Annex C).  
In addition to the first -aid kit, a supply of medical grade oxygen and a suitable mask, or a manual resuscitating 
device shall be available. All equipment shall be re gularly checked.  
11.3.3  Antidotes, Antidotal tablets or injections for the treatment of cases of poisoning by the chemicals 
involved shall be available at all times and shall be carried to each operating area in a separate sealed 
package, with the nature of antidotes clearly marked and with instructions as to their administration. Antidotal 
injections shall be administered by an appropriated qualified person as soon as the cause of poisoning has 
been confirmed. The antidote package, together with the poiso ning has been confirmed. The antidote 
package, together with the poisoned worker’s works -exposure record card (see 11.2(i) and the label of the 
pesticide concerned, shall be handed to the person treating the case of poisoning.  
11.3.4  In case of poisoning,  the first -aid treatment shall be given immediately by a suitably qualified first -
aider.  
11.4 Storage of pesticides and pesticide waste  
11.4.1  In accordance with the applicable and regulations, a license is necessary for the supply or keeping for 
supply of al l pesticides. A licensee has to keep separately all hazardous substances in his possession in a 
securely locked poison store.  
The DO shall, when relevant, notify the appropriate local authorities of the existence on his premises of such a 
poison store.  
11.4.2  All pesticides shall be kept under lock and key. Herbicides and all phenoxy compounds shall be 
stored separately from other pesticides.  
11.4.3  Unless the mixture is registered in terms of the applicable and regulations, a mixture of two or more 
pesticides shall not be prepared and then stored, because disposal techniques may differ for the different 
pesticides.  
11.4.4  When an original pesticide container is damaged, the pesticide shall be transferred to a suitable clean 
compatible container, and the new container clearly labelled. All containers shall be inspected regularly for 
leaks.   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  14 
 11.4.5  The DO shall keep, in an area away from the storage room/area, an inventory of all containers of 
waste pesticides on the premises, and this inventory shall be av ailable at all times for inspection by the local 
authorities.  
11.4.6  To facilitate the cleaning -up of spillages and leaks, the storage room/area shall have a suitable floor 
that has at least the impermeability of reinforced concrete. The floor shall be bu nded, and shall slope slightly, 
so that spit liquids drain into specific areas.  
11.4.7  The storage room/area shall be so ventilated as to prevent the build -up of vapours.  
11.4.8  Suitable fire extinguisher, preferably foam or dry powder extinguishers (or both), together with 
sawdust or sand to absorb leakage, and suitable empty containers, shovels, squeegees and brooms, shall 
always be available and easily accessible from the storage room/area.  
11.4.9  The storage room/area shall be secured against unautho rized entry and against burglary. Warning 
notice shall be posted on the outside face of the door of the storage room or around the storage area; they 
shall be legible at a distance of 8 m, shall bear skull -and-crossbones and shall read as follows;  
  
The warning notices shall be in all official languages. Alternatively, internationally accepted cautionary labels 
may be used.  
11.4.10  Suitable symbolic safety signs shall be posted in and around the storage room/area.  
11.4.11  Signs which are likely to be su itable cover warnings about fire, explosion and corrosion hazards, and 
prohibitions against smoking, fire and water shall be posted within the vanity of the pesticides.  
11.5 Spillages and leakage on storage premises  
11.5.1  Precautions  
The following precautions shal l be taken in the event of a spillage or leakage from a container:  
a) care shall be taken to avoid skin contact with, and inhalation of gases from, the product. While cleaning up 
spillages or leakages, workers shall wear the appropriate protective clothing d escribed in 10.1.1 and 
10.1.2 and shall work from the up -wind side of the spillage wherever possible. The affected area shall be 
isolated, and access shall be denied to unauthorized persons;  
RS 210: 2020  
15                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 b) the identity and nature of the hazards of a leaking pesticide sh all be established, and if procedure for the 
cleaning -up of the contaminated area are unknown, the manufacturer of the product (or her/his agent) 
shall be consulted for advice;  
c) the prevent cross -contamination, broken end leaking containers shall be remove d from the remainder of 
the stock and placed in suitable larger containers to prevent the leaking pesticide from spreading over a 
large surface. If possible, the contents of broken containers shall be placed in suitable, clean compatible 
containers shall b e placed in suitable, clean compatible containers that are carefully labelled, and held 
pending instructions from the manufacturer (or his agent) for their return or disposal. Damaged or leading 
200 L drums shall be placed in commercially available unlined  steel over drums;   
d) slings shall be available for the easy handling of the over drums; and  
e) Severely contaminated wooden or concrete floors of building can never be completely decontaminated by 
washing. Concrete floors shall be thoroughly washed and then sealed and, if so required by the local 
authority, wooden floors shall be taken up and burned.  
11.5.2  Dry spillages  
11.5.2.1  Powders shall be swept up, or picked up with an appropriately filtered industrial vacuum cleaner 
and placed in compatible containers. If  the spilt powder is very fine and no vacuum cleaner is available, the 
powder shall be sprinkled with small quantities of water or covered with damp sawdust or sand to prevent it 
from spreading.  
11.5.2.2  In the case of those pesticides that contain metall ic phosphides, special precautions are 
necessary. Any spilt powder shall be swept up and placed in a metal drum containing water. As phosphine 
gas will be liberated, the operators shall wear effective respirators, and the operation shall be carried out in an 
open area well away from spectators.  
11.5.2.3  The entire contaminated area shall be doused with a -1.1 mixture of a laundry bleach and water. 
Hydrated lime of soda ash shall then be spread over the contaminated area and left for at least 1 h. Soda ash 
shall be handled with care and stored in a closed container, in a dry place The excess liquid shall then be 
absorbed in sand (or any other absorbent material, such as sawdust of cotton waste) and the mixture 
shovelled into marked compatible containers. The entire area shall be swept, and the sweepings added to the 
container(s). The area shall be doused again with the bleach solution, allowed to stand for 30 min and then 
washed down with water as a final clean -up, taking care to limit run -off water. The rinse  water, shall, if 
possible, be absorbed as before, preferably with cotton waste, and added to the sweepings in the 
container(s). The sweepings and the used brooms shall be buried immediately in a landfill (see 11.6.5), and 
the empty damaged containers disp osed of as described in 11.8.3.  
11.5.3  Liquid spillages  
A small dam shall be formed around the spillage, using absorbed material as outlined in 12.5.2.2 to prevent 
further spread of pesticide. The spillage shall be soaked up in absorbent material which shall the n be placed 
in open -headed metal drums. Finally, the contaminated area shall be treated in the manner described in 
11.5.2.2.  
When dealing with spillages or leakage of chemical formulations that chlorates, extreme care shall be taken 
not to bring the chemic als into contact with reducing agents (see also 6.3).   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  16 
 11.6 General methods for the safe disposal of pesticides  
11.6.1  Incineration  
11.6.1.1  Incineration is applicable to wastes, containers and sweepings of organic pesticides only, 
excluding organo -metallic and horm one pesticides.  
11.6.1.2  Experimental investigations of a wide range of pesticides have shown that the temperature 
ranges for complete combustion of reference standards and formulations are from 250 °C - 879 °C and from 
508 °C – 852 °C, respectively.  
11.6.1.3  However, there are a few exceptions, and it seems safe to assume that temperature near 1 000 
°C a residence time of at least 2 sec is sufficient to degrade at least 99 % of most commercial pesticides. The 
rest of these pesticides require temperatures  in excess of 1 200 °C for degradation.  
11.6.1.4  Ash that results from the incineration of pesticides, pesticide waste or pesticide containers shall 
be removed from the incinerator at regular intervals and buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5);  
11.6.2  Types of inci nerators  
11.6.2.1  Plant incinerator, a plant incinerator is a permanent installation, and consists essentially of a 
primary (and sometimes a secondary) combustion chamber with supply points for fuel, pesticide waste and 
air. Hazardous and corrosive gases (such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, and 
ammonia) produced during the incineration of pesticides shall be removed from the exhaust by scrubbing 
systems. The exhaust gases may be scrubbed with an alkaline medium or scrubbed with water and the 
resulting acids neutralized.  
NOTE 1  In addition to the information contained in this subsection, DO’s are advised to consult the recommended 
additional literature listed in Annex B.  
NOTE 2  Disposal of pesticides where ground or surface  water resources can be endangered is not permitted.  
The typical flow diagram for a plant incinerator for pesticide waste and contaminated containers is given in 
Figure 1.  
 RS 210: 2020  
17                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 
 
Figure 1 — Typical flow diagram for plant incinerator  
11.6.2.2  Pit incinerator , the pit incinerator is the simplest and the least costly. It is suitable for the 
incineration of solid waste such as low pesticide content formulations, containers, contaminated cloth and 
sweepings. It is especially suitable for use by pesticide formulato rs and DO, but its use is limited by the 
production of fly ash and the relatively narrow range of waste products that can be burned with production of 
clear effluent gases.  
The pit incinerator consists of a steel enclosure that has an open top and lined w ith firebricks. The waste is fed 
in from the top, and ash is collected from a door in the side. The unit shall be equipped with an auxiliary 
burner if the waste cannot maintain its own combustion. Other wastes can be maintained and promoted by an 
abundance  of air supplied by a fan unit via nozzles spaces along the top of one pit wall. The air jets are 
directed in such a way, i.e. 30 downwards from the horizontal plane, as to induce a rolling flame.  
Because of the abundance of air supplied for combustion an d the relatively long residence time of the effluent 
gases induced by the rolling flame principle, the effluent gases are practically transparent and have a high 
average combustion temperature (1 000°C - 1 2000°C).   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  18 
 11.6.3  Physical degradation  
High-energy irradia tion of dilute suspensions of pesticides has proved successful in breaking down the 
molecular structures, particularly in the case of chlorinated hydrocarbons.  
11.6.4  Chemical degradation  
Some formulations may be detoxified and reconstituted to a different prod uct that has fewer toxic properties or 
converted into a more acceptable form of the same compound. One or more of the following methods may be 
applicable and appropriate investigations shall be carried out before a pesticide is buried n the soil:  
a) removal of ions by precipitation;  
b) concentrator of dissolved substances by io -exchange or coagulation – the concentrated substances may 
them be disposed of or re -used;  
c) oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, oxygen, chlorine, etc;  
d) degradation b y the action of liquid ammonia (in the presence of metallic sodium or of metallic lithium), or 
by the action of sodium biphenyl;  
e) rapid separation of compounds may be effected by the action of lime or alum of ferric compounds,  
f) treatment with strong acids o r alkalis, and  
g) Most of the chemicals referred to above are hazardous and shall be used with care.  
11.6.5  Biological degradation  
Biodegradable pesticides are detoxifying by micro -organisms. Pesticides that are resistant to biodegradation 
break down to products when thermally shocked at 200 °C - 400 °C for “à min. Biological filters, sewage 
lagoons, activated sludge plants, or landfills may be used as sources of micro -organisms.  
11.6.6  Ground disposal  
Landfills shall be situated on a disposal site owned by DOs and reg istered and licensed the designated 
authority. Cognizance of the classification of a landfill site in terms of the above regulations shall be taken 
before disposal of toxic wastes or their empty containers is attempted.  
11.7 Methods for the safe disposal of sp ecific pesticides  
11.7.1  Disposal of organophosphorus pesticides  
Organophosphorus pesticides shall be safety buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5) or incinerated (see 11.6.5) or 
incinerated (see 11.6.1).  RS 210: 2020  
19                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 11.7.2  Disposal of organohalide pesticides  
These chemicals are best  disposed of by incineration in a plant incinerator (see 11.6.1.1) Organohalide 
pesticides r release the corresponding acid vapours when burned. These acids shall be removed from the 
exhaust gases by scrubbing as described in 11.6.1.1.  
Alternatively, orga nohalide pesticides shall be encapsulated in relatively impenetrable, material, e.g. concrete, 
and then buried in a landfill (see 10.6.5).  
11.7.3  Disposal of organometallic and inorganic pesticides  
11.7.3.1  Orgametallic and inorganic pesticides shall be inciner ated before the heavy metals have been 
removed from the compounds. When it is a viable proposition, consideration shall be given to the recycling of 
these metals.  
11.7.3.2  The removal of heavy metals before incineration of organo -metallic pesticides, othe r than those 
mentioned in (b) below, shall preferably be by appropriate chemical or physical treatment. If satisfactory 
methods are unavailable for the appropriate treatment and incineration of these organometallic pesticides, the 
pesticides may be buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5).  
11.7.3.3  All inorganic pesticides and organic pesticides that contain mercury, lead, cadmium or arsenic 
shall be chemically deactivated to form non -hazardous compounds, and the heavy metals shall be removed, if 
chemical deactiv ation facilities are unavailable, such pesticides shall be encapsulated in relatively 
impenetrable material, e.g. concrete, and then buried in a landfill. Records sufficient to permit location for 
retrieval shall be maintained by the DO.  
11.8 Empty pesticides containers  
11.8.1  Re-use of pesticide containers  
11.8.1.1  In terms of the Pesticides Control Act, containers of Group I poisons shall not be re -used except 
as Group I poison containers (provided they are still in a sound condition). If any container is to be co nsidered 
for re -use, the following shall be established.  
a) the nature of its previous contents;  
b) the condition of the container;  
c) the nature of its future contents; and  
d) the availability of facilities for decontamination and, if necessary, reconditioning of  the container.  
11.8.1.2  The container shall not be re -used if there are any doubts about 11.8.1.1(a), (b) or (c). Re -use 
shall only be considered when the future contents are the same or of the same type as the previous contents. 
If the container require s reconditioning, the work shall be entrusted to competent professionals who possess 
facilities for the safe decontamination of containers and for disposal of product residues. The DO shall ensure 
that decontaminated containers intended for re -use by manuf acturers are so -free of residues as not to pose 
any hazard. Lacquer -lined metal containers shall not be re -used.   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  20 
 11.8.2  Decontamination of pesticide containers  
11.8.2.1  Non-combustible and re -usable container. Non -combustible and Re -usable containers, especially  
those of pesticides that are susceptible to chemical degradation by alkalis, may be decontaminated as follows:  
a) the container shall be drained as completely as possible (see (h) below); and  
b) a mixture of water, detergent and caustic soda in the appropriat e proportions given in table 1 shall be 
added carefully to the container.  
11.8.3  Table 1 – Rinse solution mixtures for pesticide  
 Containers of various sizes  
1   2  3  4  
 Container size,  
L Volume of water  
t Volume of dry 
detergent  
mL Mass of caustic  
Soda  
g 
 L ≤ 20  
20 < L ≤ 50  
50 < L ≤ 100  
100 < L ≤ 200  
L ˃ 200  0.5  
2.0 
6.0 
11.5 
19.0 15 
60 
60 
120 
230 
 120 
120 
230 
500 
1 000  
11.8.2.2  For glass containers, the caustic soda shall first be dissolved in water in a separate metal 
container, and the solution poured i nto the glass container only after it has cocked enough to avoid breaking 
the glass. If shall be borne in mind that caustic soda itself poses a hazard.  
11.8.2.3  The bungs and other closures shall be tightened and the container rotated carefully to wet all  
inner surfaces with the rinse solution.  
11.8.2.4  Any pressure that builds up during this operation shall be released carefully.  
a) the container shall be left to stand for at least 15 min, and occasionally agitated;  
b) all bungs and closures shall be removed  carefully and the container drained;  
c) the container shall be thoroughly flushed with clean water and allowed to dry thoroughly;  
d) all bungs and closures shall be replaced and tightened; and  
e) all used solutions shall be disposed of in a landfill as describe d in 11.6.5.   RS 210: 2020  
21                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 11.8.4  Disposal of pesticide containers  
The method of disposal of empty pesticide containers depends on the nature of the container.  
11.8.4.1  Combustible containers  
Combustible containers such as paper bags (single -wall or multi -wall), plastic bags (single -wall or multi -wall), 
plastic bags, cardboard boxes, fibre drums, fibre canisters, wooden boxes, cloth bags and burlap bags shall 
not be burned, except by incineration (see 11.6.1). If an incinerator is not available, these containers shall be 
buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5).  
Containers of organic and metallic pesticides produce a toxic smoke which may be hazardous to homes, 
people or livestock nearby, and such containers shall therefore not be incinerated, but shall be buried in a 
landfill.  
11.8.4.2  Non-combust ible containers  
Examples of non -combustible containers are those made of certain plastics, glass and metal. All 
noncombustible containers, except those that have contained herbicides and inorganic or metallic pesticides 
(see 12.8.3.5.  
Metal containers th at have a capacity of less than 20 L and all other non -combustible containers (except 
aerosol cans) shall first be triple -rinsed or otherwise decontaminated as directed by the manufacturer, the 
local government authorities or by the Ministry of Health. The y shall than be punctured and crushed (in the 
case).  
11.8.4.3  Aerosol cans  
11.8.3.3.1  Empty aerosol cans that cannot be discharged because of faulty valves shall be emptied as far as 
possible in accordance with the following procedure:  
a) cool the can to -30 °C in a dry -ice chest for 1 h.  
b) remove the can from the dry -ice chest and puncture it immediately with a suitable sharp instrument.  
c) place the punctured can in a suitable container, and leave it to warm in a well -ventilated space (e.g. a 
fume cupboard) so as to vaporize the propellant.  
d) the can and any remaining contents shall finally be buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5).  
11.8.4.4  Metal containers  
Metal containers that have a capacity of at least 20 L shall be disposed of in one of the following manners, 
when relevant:  
a) the containers shall be tripe -rinsed or otherwise decontaminated, and then returned promptly to the 
manufacturer or formulator for possible re -use for pesticides of the same group;   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  22 
 b) empty drums shall, where necessary, be decontaminated and reconditioned p rior to re -use (see 11.8.1), 
by triple -rinsing followed by the mechanical removal of the heads. The drums shall then be inverted and 
heated by direct flame to at least 600 °C for about 10 min in a special drum furnace. After cooling, the 
interior and exter ior surfaces of the drums shall be shot -blasted or sand -blasted to remove all traces of 
foreign matter, after which the interior surfaces shall be relined with a protective coating, and the exterior 
surfaces shall be repainted; or  
c) empty drums that are not suitable for re -use may, after triple -rinsing, be recycled in a steel -melting plant 
for scrap metal. They may, before melting be supplied to engineering firms as containers for metal 
shavings, etc, that are also to be melted down. In such cases, the engine ering films shall be responsible 
for safe storage and handling of the drums from the time of receipt to the time of delivery to the steel -
melting plant.  
11.8.4.5  Containers of herbicides, and inorganic or metallic pesticides  
These containers shall be triple -rinse d, broken or punctured and crushed, and buried in a landfill (see 11.6.5).  
12 Treatment of pesticides during fires  
12.1 Appropriate fire -fighting and ancillary equipment shall be available in places where pesticides are stored 
and shall be carried by vehicl es that are used for the transportation of pesticides. A list of suitable items is 
given below (see also Annex C):  
a) protective clothing, respirators and self -contained breathing apparatus, as described in 11.1;  
b) gas sampling pumps and appropriate detection  tubes;  
c) dry chemical powder fire extinguishers;  
d) alcohol -resistant fire extinguishing foam plus delivery equipment;  
e) explosimetre;  
f) 25 kg bags of hydrated (sacked) lime or soda ash;  
g) 5 L containers of laundry bleach;  
h) 25 kg bags of dry sawdust;  
i) a supply of empty sacks and labels for contaminated sawdust;  
j) two large brooms, two shovels and squeegee;  
k) one stainless steel 250 mm funnel;  
l) one 25 L open -head drum;  RS 210: 2020  
23                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 m) one 200 L open drum, and  
n) over drums and slings for transferring leaking drums into the over dru ms. 
12.2 When a fire breaks cut in a storage area or during transport, e.g. at a road accident, the nearest fire 
station, the manufacturer (or her/his agent) and other relevant authorities shall be notified immediately.  
12.3 Spectators shall be kept away from fires that involve pesticides, and all persons down -wind from such 
fires shall be evacuated. It is essential that respiratory equipment, preferably self -contained (air -supplied) 
breathing apparatus, be worm by all persons involved in extinguishing the  fire, and that when there is wind 
they do not work from and that when there is wind, they do not work from the down -wind direction. Fire 
fighters shall not eat, drink or smoke in the fire -fighting area.  
12.4 Small fires involving pesticides may be exting uished with dry chemical powder (or a hand foam unit) or 
carbon dioxide. Fire extinguishers that have a halogenated hydrocarbon base may be used in well -ventilated 
areas.  
12.5 Foam shall be used where large volumes of pesticides and, in particular, flamma ble liquids are burning. 
Alcohol -resistant foam shall be used where flammable water -soluble concentrates or emulsifiable 
concentrates are involved.  
12.6 Water fog or fire spray shall be used to extinguish medium -size fires, unless stacks of paper – or 
fibreboard containers or phosphire -releasing compounds are involved. Water mists or fogs, or soft streams of 
water shall be used to preclude the breakage of glass containers. The volume of water used to extinguish the 
fire shall be kept to a minimum so that t he least possible toxic run -off is produced. When relevant, the run -off 
shall be dammed (see 11.5.3) to prevent it from entering sewers, water supplies or low -iying, areas. Drums 
containing liquids shall be cocked with a water spray to prevent them from ex ploding or rupturing. Stacks of 
paper or fireboard containers may be protected by a water curtain if care is taken to avoid wetting them.  
12.7 When the fire has been extinguished, the area shall be cleaned as described in 11.5.2.  
  
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  24 
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
First -aid kit 
A.1 A first -aid kit for use in the cases of poisoning shall contain at least the following items;  
a) an eye wash -bottle containing distilled water or rinse solution;  
b) a drinking glass or feeding cup;  
c) emetic -ipecacuanha syrup;  
d) about 200 g of activated c harcoal in powder or tablet form;  
e) a demulcent, e.g milk of magnesia or soluble starch; and  
f) any special equipment antidotes, etc. That may be required, in view of the specific chemicals to be 
applied.  
g) a flask of fresh water (at least 5 L)  
h) washing basins /airs  
i) towels;  
j) soap  
k) sponges  
l) disposable gloves for the person treating the case;  
m) blankets;  
n) spare clothing;  
o) spoors;  
p) a manual respiratory resuscitating device; and  
q) an oxygen resuscitation kit.  RS 210: 2020  
25                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 A.2 Antidotes shall be kept separate from the other items  (see 11.3.3).  
 
   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  26 
 Annex  B 
(normative)  
 
Freight emergency kit  
The following freight emergency kit, consulting of five boxes, is recommended for use by DOs, major transport 
companies, manufactures and formulations  
Table B.1 — Freight emergency kit  
Box No.1  
1 wood ier mallet  
Assorted wooden  burgs  
Assorted wooden wedges  
rolls of PIFE tape  
rolls of adhesive tape  
Associated jubilee clips  
1 ball of nylon twine  
Open -ended spanners  
1 set metric up to 38 mm  
1 set imperial up to 11/2   
1 hacksaw  
10 pare hacksaw b lades  
1 adjustable pipe -wrench, 355 mm  
1 adjustable spanner, 203 mm  
1 cold chisel, 178 mm  
1 pair of pliers  
1 screwdriver  
pair of scissors pair of in snips 1.2 kW angle grinder 
1 extension lead.  
  
Box No.2  
PVC suits  
visors and hoods  
2 pains of PVC  gloves  Box No 2 (continued)  
pairs of PVC Sleeves  
pairs of goggles  
2 pairs of PVC gumboots (sizes 256 and 280)  
high visibility motorway jackets  
Gas detection instrument and appropriate tubes  
Explosimeter  
Technical information files   
2.5 L liquid d etergent In liners  
Polythene bags, small  
Rags  
Sample bottles and a suitable scoop  
2 hand torches (intrinsically safe)  
1 earthing cable, of length 3 m - 5 m  
Route guide  
Road maps  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Box No 3  
1 self -contained breathing kit with compressed a ir 
bottles and spare bottles.  
NOTE  Training in their use is imperative.  
1 oxyacetylene cutter, with cylinder and value key  RS 210: 2020  
27                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 Freight emergency kit (continued)  
Box No 4  
2 PVC suits (elasticized at wrist and ankle  
2 pairs of rubber gloves  
2 pairs of r ubber boots (with protected toe caps)  
2 visors  
2 gasmasks with canisters  
2 self -contained treating kits with compressed air 
bottles and spare bottles (NOTE Training in their use 
is imperative)  
Safety helmets  
Goggles  
Solution to prevent blearing of go ggles  
Spare canisters for respirators  Box No.5  
1 flameproof portable generator (3 KW or more)  
“jaws of life” or similar emergency equipment  
1 hydraulic lifting jack  
1 electric centrifugal pump plus suitable hoses  
1 electrically driven winch with ste el cables (rated at 
50 t)  
1 electrically driven winch with steel cables (rated at 
50 t)  
1 electric blower with flexible pipes  
Floodlights (flameproof)  
1 loudhailer  
  
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  28 
 Annex  C 
(normative)  
 
The toxicity of pesticides, the symptoms of poisoning, and first -aid 
treatment in cases of suspected poisoning  
C.1 Toxicity of pesticides  
C.1.1  Degree of toxicity  
The labels on pesticide containers indicate the degree of toxicity of the active ingredient in accordance with 
the applicable regulations.  
This classification is based on the toxicity of the active ingredient and does not necessarily reflect the 
hazardous nature of the formulation under conditions of disposal; caution shall therefore be observed when 
dealing with pesticides despite their group toxicity classification.  
a) Grou p I includes pesticides containing active ingredient(s) that have an oral LD50 of less than 50 mg/kg 
and a dermal LD50 of less than 200 mg/kg, or that are extremely hazardous for some other reason. 
Containers are marked “POISON. EXTREMELY TOXIC” and bear t he skull -and-crossbones sign.  
b) Group II includes pesticides containing active ingredient(s) that have an oral LD50 of 51 mg/kg - 500 
mg/kg and a dermal LD50 of 201 mg/kg - 2 000 mg/kg and a dermal LD50 of 201 mg/kg - 2 000 mg/kg. 
Containers are marked “POI SONOUS”.  
c) Group III includes pesticides containing active ingredient(s) that have an oral LD50 of 501 mg/kg -5 000 
mg/kg and a dermal LD50 of more than 2 000 mg/kg. Containers are marked “CAUTION”.  
d) Group IV includes pesticides Containing active ingredient (s) that have an oral LD50 of more than 5 000 
mg/kg and a dermal LD50 of more than 2 000 mg/kg. Containers bear no special markings.  
C.1.2  Nature and routes of poisoning  
C.1.2.1  The poisonous action of pesticides is based on the intake of these substances by t he body via 
three routes, i.e. though:  
a) the skin and the mucous membranes.  
b) the mouth; and  
c) the respiratory organs.  
C.1.2.2  The poisoning can be either acute (i.e. caused by single intake or a few smaller intakes of a 
sufficiently large quantity of chemic al) or chronic (i.e. caused by repeated intakes of small sub lethal quantities RS 210: 2020  
29                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 of a chemical over an extended period of time). In addition, skin or eye irrigation can occur in individuals who 
are susceptible to these chemicals.  
C.2 Symptoms of poisoning  
C.2.1  Medi cal condition and symptom  
 Anoxemia    Low tension of oxygen in arterial blood;  
 Antabuse effect   Ingestion of alcohol after exposure to dithiocarbamates causes intense 
vasodilatation of face and neck, tachycardia, followed by nausea, vomiting, pallor, hypo tension, 
convulsions, vertigo, cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial necrosis, coma and death.  
 Ataxia     lack of co -ordination;  
 Cyanosis book;   blue colouring of skin and mucous membranes owing to lack of oxygen in the  
 Delinium    conditions of extreme mental a nd motor excitement;  
 Dysphoea    rapid shallow breathing;  
 Hypotension   subnormal arterial blood pressure  
 Incontinence   inability to prevent discharge of gladder and bowels;  
 Lacrymation    excessive secretion of tears;  
 Mania     a mental disorder characteri zed by excitement and violence  
 Myocardial    relating to the heart muscle,  
 Narcosis    unconsciousness produced by narcotics;  
 Necrosis    death of cellular tissue;  
 Neuritis     inflammation of a nerve or nerves;  
 Cedema     accumulation of fluid in intercell ular tissue;  
 Oliguria     scantly urination;  
 Parkinsonism   progressive chronic disorder of the central nervous system;  
 Psychosis    any form of severe mental disorder;   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  30 
  Pulmonary    relating to the lungs;  
 Tachycardia    rapid heart eats in excess of 100/min  
 Tachypnoea    very rapid breathing;  
 Tenesmus    effective straining to empty bowels or ladder;  
 Tetany     intermittent muscular contractions;  
 Uremia     accumulation of waste products in the blood;  
 Vertigo     dizziness.  
NOTE  The explanations may be of as sistance in understanding the lesser -known medical terms.  
C.2.2  Chemical poisoning and symptoms  
C.2.2.1  Carbon disulphide  
Carbon disulphide is a cumulative poison and chronic exposure to it leads to disturbance of peripheral nerve 
functions and of vision (absence of c orneal reflex). These symptoms are followed by weight loss, 
neuropsychiatric effects (such as emotional disorders, depression, psychoses, mina, hallucinations and 
parkinsonism), multiple peripheral neuritis, weakness and paralysis. Acute poisoning is chara cterized by 
irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, headache, garlicky breath, nausea, vomiting diarrhea, 
abdominal pain, weak pulse, palpitations, fatigue, unsteady gait, neuropsychiatric effects (as with chronic 
poisoning), central nervous sys tem depression with respiratory paralysis, and coma or convulsions resulting in 
death.  
C.2.2.2  Chlorinated hydrocarbons  
The main symptoms of mild poisoning are vertigo, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In case of severe 
poisoning, twitching of eyelids, trembling o f head and neck, system, and coma occur.  
C.2.2.3  Chlorophenoxy compounds  
Poisoning by these compounds (which are usually used as herbicides) has been observed after ingestion 
only. It causes stupor, muscular weakness, twitching of eyelids, disturbances in the bo dy temperature 
regulation, incontinence, ataxia and paralysis.  
C.2.2.4  Dithiocarbamate fungicides  
Dithiocarbamates possess a very low order of mammalian toxicity but could be strongly irritating to the skin, 
eyes and mucous membranes, and could cause dermatitis.  A dangerous toxic reaction to alcohol after 
exposure to dithiocarbamates has been observed (“Antabuse effect”).  RS 210: 2020  
31                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 C.2.2.5  Ethylene dibromide  
Inhalation of ethylene dibromide causes pulmonary lesions and liver damage. It is a recognized potential 
carcinogenic. Symp toms of poisoning are nausea and vomiting, headache, irritation of mucous membranes, 
abdominal pain, excitability, drowsiness, dizziness, delirium, respiratory slowing, hypotension, twitching of 
muscles, central nervous system depression, pulmonary oedema,  cyanosis and coma.  
C.2.2.6  Ethylene dichloride  
Symptoms of poisoning are drowsiness, vertigo, headache, irritation of mucous membranes, corneal clouding 
and lacrymation, mental confusion, insomnia, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. More severe 
symptoms may  follow one or two weeks later, especially cellular necrosis of the kidneys and liver, uremia, 
oliguria, dyspnoea and convulsions.  Central nervous system depression and respiratory failure may precede 
death.  
C.2.2.7  Ethylene oxide  
Ethylene oxide causes intense irritation of the skin (blisters), mucous membranes and lungs, with the 
production of pulmonary oedema. Further symptoms of severe poisoning are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, 
headache, vertigo, central nervous system depression with dysprncea and respiratory  arrest, and liver and 
kidney damage, all resulting in death.  
C.2.2.8  Hydrogen cyanide  
Symptoms of chronic poisoning are fatigue, weakness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, increasing irritation of the 
mucous membranes of the eyes, throat or upper respiratory track, a nd a sensation of pressure in the 
forehead. Symptoms of acute poisoning include those of chronic poisoning as well as a burning sensation on 
the tongue, a metallic and irritating taste in the mouth, construction of the threat, with the exhaled breath 
somet imes smelling of bitter almonds. There is general oppression, confusion, disturbed equilibrium, stabbing 
pain in the head, forming at the mouth, dilated pupils, hypotension, violet tenesmus and convulsions, 
tachycardia, tachypnoea changing to dyspnoea acco mpanied by a rush of blood to the head, and paralysis, 
respiratory arrest, and coma. Death may occur within 1/4 h to 1 h.  
C.2.3  Metallic pesticides  
Metals may appear in pesticide compounds but they are not usually responsible for the toxic properties of the 
formulating e.g. maneb and zineb which primarily shall be regarded as dithiocarbamate fungicides. However, 
in the case of compounds such as triphenyltin, arsenic trioxide and arsenic pentoxide, the tin and arsenic 
contained in the compounds are themselves to xic. Symptoms of tin poisoning are stimulation and subsequent 
depression of central nervous system, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning are severe 
gastric pain. Vomiting, profuse water diarrhea, numbness and tingling of the extremities, pa rticularly of the 
feet, followed by intense thirst and muscular cramps.  
C.2.3.1  Methyl bromide  
Symptoms of chronic poisoning are central nervous systems depression and renal failure. Acute poisoning 
shows the following symptoms. Vertigo followed by double or blu rred vision, impaired or slurred speech, 
mental confusion, hyperactivity, number of the extremities, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes of various types, 
unusual fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, ataxia, mania, convulsion, renal failure, c oma, 
and circulatory and respiratory failure.   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  32 
 Exposure to high concentrations may also cause pulmonary cedema and narcosis. Symptoms may be 
delayed from 8 h - 48 h.  
C.2.3.2  Organophosphorus and carbamate compounds  
Symptoms of poisoning are headache vertigo, naus ea, pain in the chest, anxiety, lacrymation, and papillary 
constrictions. In a serious case of poisoning there may be cramp, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, tightness 
of chest, and convulsions. Whole -blood cholinesterase activity determinations are imper ative for guidance in 
taking preventative action. (Depressed levels of cholinesterase activity indicate poisoning).  
C.2.3.3  Phosphine  
Depending upon the quantity of gas inhaled, symptoms of poisoning may appear immediately or only after a 
few hours. The symptoms  are general fatigue; a feeling of coldness, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, 
diarrhea, vertigo and staggering gait, pains in the chest, dyspnea and oliguria. Very serious poisoning rapidly 
results in strong dysphoea, bronchitis, cyanosis, agitation, teta ny, ataxia, anoxemia and unconsciousness. 
Death may be caused immediately or days after by pulmonary cedema and collapse or paralysis of the central 
nervous system, as well as by cedema of the brain.  
C.3 First -aid treatment in case of suspected poisoning  
C.3.1 In case of a suspected poisoning a medical practitioner shall be summoned immediately while first -aid 
measures are applied, or else first -aid shall be initiated and the poisoned person taken to the medical 
practitioner as a matter of urgency. The medica l practitioner shall be informed of the label or chemical name of 
the active ingredient of the pesticide.  
The label of the pesticide and the works -exposure record card of the poisoned worker shall be shown to the 
medical practitioner without delay.  
C.3.2  The following preliminary first -aid measures shall be taken immediately by one of the trained 
members of the team.  
a) if the poisoning was caused by inhalation of a chemical the patient shall be removed from exposure to the 
contaminated atmosphere;  
b) if brea sting has stopped, artificial respiration shall be applied. If breathing is difficult, oxygen shall be 
administered for a maximum period of 1 h;  
NOTE  Where poisoning was caused by phosphine, methyl bromide or hydrogen cyanide, mouth -to-mouth 
resuscitation  could be fatal to the first -aider.  
a) if the heart has stopped beating, cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall be applied;  
b) clothing soiled with chemicals shall be removed, the skin (and hair, where relevant) rinsed with cool clean 
water (to avoid heating of th e skin which could promote absorption), sponged gently with cool water and 
scup (and shampoo where relevant, and finally rinsed with fresh clean cool water. For his own protection, 
the person washing the patient shall wear clean impermeable gloves;  RS 210: 2020  
33                ©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved  
 c) if the eyes are contaminated they shall be flushed with clean cool water for at least 15 min, and a medical 
practitioner shall be consulted;  
d) if the eyes are contaminated, they shall be flushed with clean cool water for at least 15 min, and a 
medical practitioner  shall be consulted;  
e) a patient shall never be given anything to drink if he is unable, for reasons other than incapacitating hand 
injuries. To hold the drinking glass himself. If a pesticidal emulsifable concentrate, an ultra -low volume 
formulation or a s olution that contains volatile liquids/solvents has been swallowed and the patient is fully 
conscious, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING Administer instead copious quantities of a demulcent (such as 
boated egg whites, a solution of starch, or milk of magnesia). When dilute material THAT DOES NOT 
CONTAIN VOLATILE SUBSTANCES has been swallowed, induce vomiting by getting the patient to drink 
50 mL of emetic. Ipecacuanha syrup followed by a glass of cold water to facilitate ernesis;  
f) administer 4 -5 tablets or one tablesp oon of activated charcoal in a glass of water after emesis;  
g) if the patient is unconscious he shall preferably be put on his right side with the right knee straight, the left 
knee drawn up and the head so bent back that the respiratory track is kept clear,  dentures shall be 
removed, clothing round the neck, chest and abdomen shall be loosened, and patent kept quiet and 
lightly covered; and  
h) if the patient vomits, his mouth and throat shall be cleaned out. If here is any possibility that the pesticide 
has be en swallowed, all vomit us shall be retained for analysis, and when relevant, the medical 
practitioner shall be advised of the presence of petroleum distillates or other hydrocarbon solvents.   
©RSB 2020  - All rights reserved                  34 
 Bibliography  
[1] ISO 18889: 2020  Protective gloves for pesticide  operator and re -entry workers — Performance  
requirements  
 
 
 
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©RSB 2020 - All right s reserved