Farm Safety Week: Lodi UK raises awareness of farm chemical safety

Manufacturer of pest control chemicals, Lodi UK, is supporting this year’s Farm Safety Week by emphasising the importance of proper chemical use on farms.   

The Lodi UK team has shared their five top tips for safe chemical use and handling on farms to help farmers avoid any unnecessary mishaps.  

Handle with care    

Lodi UK said that farmers should read and follow label instructions carefully to ensure proper use of chemicals.   

“Exercise caution, prepare only the amount needed for application and use the proper equipment, securely closing containers after use.   

“If you have any doubts, always contact a professional or the product manufacturer.  

“For more information on general health and safety when using hazardous substances, visit the HSE website,” their spokesperson added.  

Safety first

When handling chemicals, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, coveralls and proper footwear. In some cases, a respirator may be required, as inhalation of fumes can be toxic.

Lodi UK said that it is important to wear PPE whenever you may come into contact with chemicals, including the mixing, application and clean-up stages.

They added: “You never know when spillages or leaks might occur, so wearing suitable gear is vital. Farmers should also remember to thoroughly rinse and wash personal protection equipment after use.”  

Lock & key  

Lodi UK said that farmers should store chemicals and related materials in a designated and secure location, locked cabinet, isolated room or a separate building.

Restricting access and using appropriate signage will warn others of hazards.

To prevent contamination, farmers should keep chemicals away from food, water sources and livestock, out of reach of children and pets.

What is more, chemicals should be stored in the original container, visibly labelled and regularly check products to ensure no leaks or damage have occurred.   

Bring in the professionals

A spokesperson for Lodi UK said: “If you’re ever unsure or under qualified, always seek professional help and employ a qualified pest control contractor to undertake a comprehensive approach.

“When it comes to rodent control, ensure you are following the CRRU Code of Best Practice.”

Think wildlife

When it comes to chemicals, it is not just human health and wellbeing that needs to be considered, Lodi UK warns.

Chemicals and baits used in the control of rodents and insects commonly found on farms are, in most cases, poisonous, dangerous, and sometimes lethal if not used correctly.

They are potential sources of contamination for wildlife and environments. After use, chemicals should always be disposed of correctly or stored appropriately.

Farmers’ responsibility  

A Lodi UK spokesperson added that we all have a responsibility to protect the world that we live in. On the environment front line, farmers and landowners are primary custodians of the UK landscape and its wildlife.   

“This is a huge stewardship responsibility for which they receive insufficient recognition.  

“Controlling pests without putting wildlife and their livelihood at risk is an essential part of their everyday job, and one of the ways to do so is by implementing an Integrated Pest Management Strategy (IPM), which was described by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as ‘a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimises economic, health and environmental risks’.”  

Lodi UK encourages farmers to use an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management, which relies on a combination of common-sense practices and chemical control.   

The manufacturer said that using chemicals can be done safely when precautions are taken and users are correctly educated.  

Its spokesperson added: “As a part of one of Europe’s largest family-owned manufacturers of pest control chemicals, Lodi UK are leaders in farming pest control.  

“Our expert team is always on-hand at the end of the phone to support farmers with any questions or queries about the safe handling and correct application of pest control products on farms.    

“Lodi UK offers an extensive range of products for insect and rodent control, stored grain protection, ground-care and amenities.   

“We are proud to support British agriculture and champion the UK farming industry with sustainable solutions.”  

Visit the Lodi website for more information.

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