In an ongoing effort to draw attention to farm safety, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center is selecting one topic each month and providing a checklist for farmers to review. The latest checklist covers the importance of safe chemical storage.

Not only does the practice of safe chemical storage impact your business, it also is critical to your family, workers, visitors and livestock. Maintaining a proper chemical storage room or building reduces the risk of accidental exposure. Incidents with chemicals can be serious and life-threatening, so it is important to review your storage area for possible hazards and correct any issues.

UMASH offers this safety checklist of a few common hazards you can look for and fix to keep your workers and family safe.

• Are chemicals stored in a room or building which can be secured from children, visitors and livestock?
• Do chemical containers have the original labels?
• Are chemicals stored in their original containers, and never in food or drink containers?
• Is smoking prohibited in and around buildings where chemicals are stored and when they are being handled?
• Is the storage area well-ventilated and well-lighted?
• Are respirators, rubber gloves, aprons, chemical goggles, coveralls and other chemical protective gear available?
• Is the Poison Help Line number (800-222-1222) posted in a visible place?

UMASH has made the safety checklist available online so you can download and print it. It might be a good idea, too, to keep the completed form for follow-up, future reference and inspections.

To print the checklist, visit umash.umn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Chemical-Storage-Farm-Safety-Check.pdf.

UMASH’s Farm Safety Check program offers checklists and tips to help identify hazards, along with resources to remedy any problems. The farm safety check topics include animal handling, family safety, chemical storage, tractor safety, emergency preparedness, crop and feed storage, fire prevention, electrical safety, working from heights, augers and elevators, chemical application and more.

A previous farm safety checklist was provided on farm buildings and shops, Reinforce safety practices throughout the year".

Check out additional farm safety check lists and information at umash.umn.edu/umash-farm-safety-check.

Source: UMASH