CORE Ch8 Cheat Sheet: Transportation, Storage, and Security

🎯 Top 5 Traps

1

NEVER carry liquid pesticides in the PASSENGER AREA of a vehicle. Spilled chemicals cause harmful fumes that can be inhaled, are difficult to remove, and may lead to long-term inhalation exposure. Keep containers in their ORIGINAL SHIPPING BOX (often meets DOT packaging standards). Driver and/or company owner is ACCOUNTABLE for injuries and any pesticide release into the environment. The DRIVER is the FIRST PERSON who can contain a spill — must know basic emergency response, company guidelines, and who to notify. Always carry product LABELS + SDSs (alphabetically arranged by product name for quick access) PLUS a SPILL KIT. Never stack containers higher than the sides of the vehicle.

2

DOT VEHICLE PLACARDS are required when transporting pesticides under ANY of these 3 conditions: (1) Bearing a DOT POISON LABEL; (2) In containers LARGER than 119 GALLONS; (3) In quantities GREATER than 1,000 POUNDS. Placards = diamond-shaped signs (typically provided by distributors). Hazardous materials include some pesticides, fertilizers (anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate), and fuels (gasoline, diesel, propane). The placard threshold ALSO TRIGGERS a TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PLAN — must include measures to prevent unauthorized access, security check of employees who pick up and transport hazardous materials, and the intended route of travel. Some drivers also need CDL (commercial driver license), shipping papers, and annual inspections.

3

STORAGE FACILITY DESIGN — key requirements: SEPARATE building when possible (gives emergency response more options). LOCKED when not in use + warning signs on doors/windows. NOT in a flood zone — consider DIKES if flooding likely. NONPOROUS flooring (cement/impervious — NOT bare soil); floor SLOPES into a SUMP for spill collection. WELL-VENTILATED with exhaust fans directed OUTSIDE (NOT into an adjoining room). Turn fan ON BEFORE entering and wait a few minutes for vapors to clear. ADEQUATE LIGHTING (read labels + spot leaks). Store ONLY pesticide containers, equipment, and spill kit — keep food, drink, tobacco, feed, medication, medical/veterinary supplies, seed, clothing, and PPE (other than emergency-response PPE) OUT.

4

BULK TANK DIKING: area inside dike must contain TANK VOLUME + AT LEAST 10% additional. Bulk + mini-bulk tanks on REINFORCED CONCRETE pad. Keep valves, pumps, and transfer hoses INSIDE the diked area when not in use. STORAGE CONTAINER PRACTICES: drums and bags on PLASTIC PALLETS; other pesticides on METAL SHELVING with HEAVIEST containers on LOWER shelves. NEVER use food/beverage containers as service containers (milk jugs, soft drink bottles) — children associate shape, size, and color with usual contents. Service container only allowed if STATE LAW permits, and must be properly labeled. If label is destroyed/damaged, immediately mark with TRADE NAME, EPA REG #, SIGNAL WORD, and USE CLASSIFICATION; get replacement label online or from manufacturer. Inventory all pesticides; mark each with the YEAR PURCHASED; use the OLDEST first. Buy only what you need for the season — avoid storing large quantities long-term.

5

SECURITY: RISK ASSESSMENT IS THE FIRST STEP. Three asset categories to protect: PEOPLE (employees, visitors, customers, contractors, neighbors), INFORMATION (business, proprietary, employee material), PROPERTY (storage facilities, vehicles, application equipment, bulk storage tanks, mixing/loading sites, utilities). Vulnerabilities: INTERNAL (employee theft) + EXTERNAL (terrorism, theft, vandalism). Damaged container response: (1) PUT ON PPE FIRST, (2) place into larger container (5-gallon bucket), (3) clean up spill, (4) use immediately at labeled rate or dispose per label. FBI guidance: be cautious of UNKNOWN PERSONS who want to PAY CASH for LARGE QUANTITIES of pesticides. Don't leave keys in ignition; lock doors and cabinets; reclaim keys when employees terminate.

🔢 Numbers You Must Know

Number

What It Represents

3 placard triggers

DOT placards required when transporting pesticides: (1) bearing a DOT poison label, (2) in containers larger than 119 gallons, OR (3) in quantities greater than 1,000 pounds. Any one trigger = placards required.

119 gallons

Container size threshold for DOT placard requirement. Containers LARGER than 119 gallons require placards.

1,000 pounds

Quantity threshold for DOT placard requirement. Quantities GREATER than 1,000 pounds require placards.

10% extra

Minimum extra capacity for bulk tank diking — area inside dike must contain VOLUME OF LIQUID IN THE TANK + AT LEAST 10% additional.

5-gallon bucket

Typical containment vessel for damaged pesticide containers — place damaged container inside, clean up spill, place contaminated materials in bucket.

3 asset categories

People (employees, visitors, customers, contractors, neighbors); Information (business, proprietary, employee material); Property (storage facilities, vehicles, application equipment, bulk tanks, mixing/loading sites, utilities)

4 damaged-container response steps

(1) Put on PPE FIRST; (2) place damaged container in larger container (5-gallon bucket); (3) clean up spilled pesticide + place contaminated materials in bucket; (4) use immediately at labeled rate or dispose per label.

4 mandatory replacement label items

If a label is destroyed or damaged, immediately mark the container with: TRADE NAME, EPA REG #, SIGNAL WORD, and USE CLASSIFICATION. Get a replacement label online or from manufacturer.

Use OLDEST first (FIFO)

Inventory rotation: mark each container/box with the year purchased so the oldest product is used first. Replacement products may have different label directions and uses.

Transportation security plan triggers

Same as placard triggers: poison label, >119 gallons, OR >1,000 lbs. Plan must include measures to prevent unauthorized access, security check of employees who pick up/transport materials, and intended route of travel.

🔀 Easily Confused

Pair / Group

Distinguishing Feature

Cargo area vs Passenger area

NEVER carry liquid pesticides in the PASSENGER area — fumes inhaled, hard to remove, long-term inhalation exposure. CARGO area: enclosed cargo boxes (lockable) provide best protection. Flatbed trucks need tie-down rings or racks. Never stack containers higher than vehicle sides.

Original container vs Service container vs Food container

Original container: best practice; original shipping box meets DOT packaging standards. Service container: only if STATE LAW allows, and must be PROPERLY LABELED. Food/beverage container: NEVER USE — illegal, dangerous; children associate shape/size/color with usual contents (milk jugs, soft drink bottles). Serious injury can result.

DOT placard triggers (any one)

Placards required if ANY ONE applies: (1) DOT POISON LABEL on container; (2) container LARGER than 119 gallons; (3) quantity GREATER than 1,000 pounds. Triggers also apply to transportation security plan.

Hazardous materials in transport

Hazardous materials = some pesticides + fertilizers (anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate) + fuels (gasoline, diesel, propane). Drivers transporting these may need CDL, placards, shipping papers, annual inspections under DOT regulations.

Storage location: Separate building vs Shared facility

Best practice: SEPARATE storage facility for pesticides, fertilizers, and similar products. Gives emergency response crews more options for fires + spills. Keeps equipment, employees, records away from pesticides. Existing buildings can be used but separation is preferred.

Storage ventilation: Outside vs Adjoining room

Exhaust fans must direct vapors OUTSIDE the building. Ventilating into an adjoining room does little to solve the problem — just spreads the contamination. Consider exhaust fan on TIMER. If not on timer, turn fan on BEFORE entering and wait a few minutes for vapors to clear.

Plastic pallets vs Metal shelving

Plastic pallets: drums and bags. Nonabsorbent, low to ground. Metal shelving: other pesticide containers. Heaviest containers on LOWER shelves. Don't allow containers to extend beyond shelf edges (knock-off + tear hazard).

Bulk tank diking + 10%

Diking around bulk tanks must contain LIQUID VOLUME + AT LEAST 10% additional. Bulk + mini-bulk tanks on REINFORCED CONCRETE pad. Keep valves, pumps, transfer hoses INSIDE the diked area when not in use.

Floor: Cement/impervious vs Bare soil

Use CEMENT or other IMPERVIOUS materials for storage flooring — retains spilled material on surface, easy to clean and decontaminate. Floor that SLOPES into a SUMP helps collect and contain spills. Bare soil = bad (absorbs spills, can't decontaminate).

Damaged container response sequence

(1) PPE FIRST — wear appropriate protective equipment. (2) Place damaged container into a LARGER container (5-gallon bucket). (3) CLEAN UP spilled pesticide; place contaminated materials in the bucket. (4) USE immediately at labeled site/rate, or dispose per label. PPE order is non-negotiable.

Inventory: Newest vs Oldest first

Use OLDEST first (FIFO). Mark each container or box with the YEAR PURCHASED. Replacement products may have different label directions and uses. Avoid storing large quantities long-term — buy only what you need for the season.

Damaged label replacement items

If label is destroyed or damaged, immediately mark container with: TRADE NAME, EPA REGISTRATION #, SIGNAL WORD, USE CLASSIFICATION (RUP or general). Then get a replacement label online or from manufacturer.

Internal vs External security threats

Internal: employee theft. Mitigations: hiring/labor policies, background checks, workplace violence prevention, password/inventory protocols, reclaim keys at termination. External: terrorism, theft, vandalism. Mitigations: locked storage, fencing, lighting, cameras, detection systems, log sheets, ID badges, trained guards.

3 asset categories (security)

People: employees, visitors, customers, contractors, neighbors. Information: business, proprietary, employee confidential material. Property: storage facilities, vehicles, application equipment, bulk storage tanks, mixing/loading sites, utilities (telephone, water, gas, electric).

Suspicious behavior indicators

Per FBI guidance: unknown persons paying CASH for LARGE QUANTITIES of pesticides. Report to management + local authorities + police + FBI. Other indicators: unusual incidents/requests, suspicious activity related to pesticide use/training/acquisition.

Cancelled product disposal

EPA may cancel a product registration. EPA usually allows continued use until distribution chain clears OR issues a federal notice prohibiting use after specific date. AFTER cancellation date, the product becomes HAZARDOUS WASTE for disposal purposes. Some states sponsor disposal programs (free or reduced cost).

🚛 Transportation + DOT Requirements Quick Reference

Topic

Rule

Key Specifics

Vehicle condition

Brakes, tires, steering in proper working order. Repair all fluid leaks before driving.

Inspect application equipment too: hoses under pressure for wear/cracks; hose clamps for rust. Carry supplies + replacement parts for emergency repairs.

Where to carry pesticides

NEVER in passenger area (liquids especially). Use cargo area, preferably enclosed and lockable.

Keep containers in original shipping box (DOT packaging). Never stack higher than vehicle sides. Flatbed trucks need tie-down rings or racks. Carry minimum amount.

Driver responsibility

Driver and/or company owner ACCOUNTABLE for injuries + any pesticide release. Driver is FIRST PERSON who can contain a spill.

Must know basic emergency response, company guidelines, who to notify (local, state, federal authorities). Some hazardous-material drivers need CDL.

Documents in vehicle

Carry product LABELS + SDSs alphabetically arranged by product name for quick spill access. PLUS a spill kit.

SDS contains critical info: PPE, inhalation/explosion risk, decontamination procedures, emergency phone numbers. Inspect containers for legible labels, tight closures, pesticide-free outside surfaces.

Equipment + temperature

Secure application equipment (hand sprayers, backpack sprayers, spreaders) during transport. Protect from extreme temperature + moisture.

Both extremely low and extremely high temperatures can alter the stability of certain formulations.

DOT placards required

Placards required if ANY of: (1) DOT POISON LABEL; (2) container LARGER than 119 gallons; (3) quantity GREATER than 1,000 pounds.

Diamond-shaped signs typically provided by distributors. Hazardous materials = some pesticides + fertilizers (anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate) + fuels (gasoline, diesel, propane).

Transportation security plan

Required when placards required. Must include measures to prevent unauthorized access, security check of employees who pick up/transport hazardous materials, intended route of travel.

Contact Hazardous Materials Information Center for further details. CDL drivers may also need shipping papers and annual inspections.

🏪 Storage Site + Security Quick Reference

Topic

Rule

Key Specifics

Storage location

Best to have SEPARATE building for pesticides (vs fertilizers + similar products). Keep equipment, employees, records away from pesticides.

Gives emergency response more options for fires + spills. Allows fire departments to know location.

Secure the site

Whether cabinet, room, or building: keep LOCKED when not in use. Post warning signs on doors and windows.

Limit access. Permit better inventory control. Protect from theft, vandalism, unauthorized use.

Water damage prevention

NOT in flood zone. Not near streams likely to flood. Not where runoff flows toward facility. Build DIKES around facility if flooding possible.

Consider raising pesticides on PALLETS or shelves. Water damage causes: metal containers rust, paper/cardboard split, labels peel/smear, dry pesticides clump/degrade, slow-release products release a.i.

Temperature + ventilation

Well-ventilated room with controlled temperature. Exhaust fans directed OUTSIDE (NOT into adjoining room).

Consider exhaust fan on TIMER (auto-on at set temperature). If not on timer, turn fan ON BEFORE entering and wait a few minutes for vapors to clear. Pesticide labels often give temperature limits.

Floor + shelving

NONPOROUS flooring (cement/impervious — NOT bare soil). Floor SLOPES into a SUMP for spill collection. Shelving + pallets nonabsorbent (plastic, metal).

Drums + bags on PLASTIC PALLETS. Other pesticides on METAL SHELVING with HEAVIEST containers on LOWER shelves. Don't extend containers beyond shelf edges.

Bulk tank diking

Bulk + mini-bulk tanks on REINFORCED CONCRETE pad. Diking must contain TANK VOLUME + AT LEAST 10% additional.

Keep valves, pumps, transfer hoses INSIDE diked area when not in use. Contact state agency for bulk pesticide rules + containment structure specs.

What to keep OUT

Store ONLY pesticide containers, equipment, and spill kit at the storage site.

Keep OUT: food, drink, tobacco, feed, medication, medical/veterinary supplies, seed (treated and untreated), clothing, PPE other than emergency-response PPE.

Container care

Original containers OR properly labeled service container (only if state law allows). Keep securely closed when not in use.

Plastic trash bag/tub with cover for partially used WP/SP/dry flowables/dusts/granules (prevent clumping). Inspect regularly. Damaged label: mark trade name, EPA Reg #, signal word, use classification.

Damaged container response

(1) Put on PPE FIRST; (2) place damaged container in larger container (5-gallon bucket); (3) clean up spill + place contaminated materials in bucket; (4) use immediately at labeled rate or dispose per label.

Have absorbent materials, shovel, broom, heavy-duty plastic bags. Check SDS for materials that deactivate contaminated surfaces.

Inventory + shelf life

Mark each container/box with YEAR PURCHASED. Use OLDEST product first.

Replacement products may have different label directions/uses. Buy only what you need for the season — avoid large long-term stores.

Cancelled products

EPA may cancel registration. Continued use allowed until distribution chain clears OR until federal notice prohibits use after specific date.

After that date = HAZARDOUS WASTE disposal. Hold for disposal in special section of storage area. Some states sponsor disposal programs (free or reduced cost).

Risk assessment FIRST

FIRST step in developing a security program. List assets needing protection, possible threats, protective steps.

Three asset categories: PEOPLE, INFORMATION, PROPERTY. Vulnerabilities: internal (employee theft) + external (terrorism, theft, vandalism).

Equipment + key control

Don't leave keys in ignition. Lock doors and cabinets. Secure and disable equipment in field to prevent misuse.

Reclaim keys from employees when they terminate employment.

Suspicious activity

Per FBI guidance: unknown persons wanting to PAY CASH for LARGE QUANTITIES of pesticides. Report to management + local authorities (police, fire, emergency planning, FBI).

Train employees to detect threats. Ask employees to report unusual incidents/requests. Restrict nonemployee access.

💡 Memory Hooks

Cab rule: "Liquid pesticides never ride in the cab." Inhalation hazard rule.

Three placard triggers: "Poison label, 119 gallons, 1,000 pounds." Any ONE triggers placards + security plan.

Driver is first responder: "The driver is the first person who can contain a spill." Liability + emergency response.

Documents in vehicle: "Labels, SDSs, and a spill kit — alphabetical by product." Quick access in an emergency.

Storage separation: "Pesticides separately from people, equipment, and records." Better emergency response.

Ventilation rule: "Exhaust fans direct outside, never into adjoining rooms." Vapor management.

Fan timing: "Turn fan on BEFORE entering. Wait." Allow vapors to clear first.

Shelving rule: "Heaviest containers, lowest shelves." Stability + safety.

Pallet rule: "Plastic pallets for drums; metal shelves for the rest." Two storage surfaces.

Diking math: "Tank volume plus 10 percent." Bulk containment minimum.

Damaged container sequence: "PPE first, bucket second." Order of operations matters.

FIFO inventory: "Mark the year, use the oldest first." Reduces obsolete stock.

Container substitution: "Service container only if state law allows. Never food containers." Children's safety.

Security step one: "Risk assessment first." All other security planning flows from it.

Suspicion signal: "Cash plus large quantity plus unknown person — call authorities." FBI guidance.