Before you buy
- Identify the pest, weed or disease first and choose a product approved for that crop.
- Buy only sealed, labelled packs from authorised dealers and check the expiry date.
- Buy just the quantity you need for the season.
Medical help
Using crop protection safely.
Simple habits that protect you, your family, your livestock and the environment every time you handle a crop protection product.
Read the label and leaflet
- Follow the dose, crop, timing and waiting period exactly as printed.
- Note the warning colour triangle, precautions and first-aid instructions before opening the pack.
- Keep the label with the product at all times.
Wear protective clothing
- Use gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, full trousers, shoes, a face mask and eye protection.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew tobacco while handling products.
- Wash protective clothing separately from family laundry after use.
Mix and fill carefully
- Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated place, away from children, animals and food.
- Use a measuring cup and a stick to stir — never your hands.
- Never use your mouth to start or clear a sprayer nozzle.
Spray responsibly
- Spray in calm weather, early morning or late afternoon, and walk with the wind behind you.
- Keep spray away from ponds, wells, streams and beehives.
- Keep people and livestock out of treated fields for the period stated on the label.
Store securely
- Keep products in their original containers, locked away from children, food and animal feed.
- Store in a cool, dry, shaded place away from direct sunlight.
- Never transfer products into drinking-water or food bottles.
Dispose of empty packs
- Triple-rinse empty containers and add the rinse water to the spray tank.
- Puncture or crush empty containers so they cannot be reused.
- Dispose of packs as directed on the label or through local collection programmes.
Basic first aid
- Move the person away from the treated area into fresh air.
- Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes with clean water for 15 minutes.
- If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless the label says so. Take the person and the label to a doctor immediately.
Need treatment details for a specific product?
Open the antidote guideFurther reading: Pesticide Environmental Stewardship. Always follow the product label.