Phytosanitary products are indispensable in the agricultural field in order to make the products grow under the best conditions. The healthier the plant, the better the product to consume.
Since the 1980s, laws regarding the storage of plant protection products have been continuously developed. Indeed, the relevant legislation is spread across 4 different regulations. With the implementation of new laws, decrees and provisions, the obligation of entrepreneurs to store phytosanitary materials has increased.
The various measures taken are aimed at reducing the risk of environmental pollution that is sometimes toxic to products, reducing the risk of fire, protecting the health of users and maintaining the integrity of product performance.
This is the main legal obligation regarding the storage of phytosanitary products.
What is the authorized quantity of phytosanitary products?
The number of phytosanitary products that can be stored at the same location is limited to Environmental regulations in Article L 511-1 And the following.
Therefore, in the same storage location, you cannot have the following quantities:
- 15 tons of phytosanitary products
- 5 tons of solid toxic products (T),
- 1 ton of liquid toxic product (T),
- 200 kg of highly toxic solid products (T +),
- 50 kg of highly toxic liquid products (T +)
Beyond these limits, you must Statement to the competent authority If the stored product does not exceed 100 tons, authorization is required for products exceeding 100 tons.
However, these restrictions on toxic and highly toxic products are an exception. A large number of tolerable products should be used during treatment.On the other hand, this period of tolerance Cannot exceed 10 days.
What characteristics must be paid attention to in the storeroom?
The law states that entrepreneurs must have A separate storage room Or a locker for storing phytosanitary products. This room must respect certain peculiarities.
Keep
It is imposed on entrepreneurs who use products that pollute soil and water,Install the fixing system It must be able to hold 100% of the maximum tank capacity and 50% of the capacity of all connected tanks.
A system for recovering leaks must also be provided, and the product must be disposed of on an airtight floor.
To make your installation completely safe, please do not hesitate Call a professional For example, the website www.e-retention.fr.
distance
The room dedicated to storing plant protection products must Keep away from houses, animal houses and water sources as much as possible. The minimum distance is 35 meters. However, each department can impose different regulations.
ventilation
In order to avoid the user’s health problems and any chemical risks, the law requires that the storage place must At least one ventilation point Or adequate ventilation.
Closed
Any storage room must be locked Or use a padlock to prevent the risk of intrusion, theft or accidental contamination, especially for children.
equipment
The equipment in the storage room must comply with standards and meet certain regulations.
First, the electrical installation must Compliance with current standards To limit the risk of fire. For the same reason, the ABC powder fire extinguisher must be placed near the room in the order of work.
The product should be placed Metal cabinet Instead of putting them on wooden cabinets, they can be used to absorb products.
What are the obligations related to user protection?
In addition to protecting the environment and preventing fire risks, the storeroom must Help protect users. The employee protection regulations shall apply from the moment the third party establishes a command relationship with the contractor. This applies even if the third party is a voluntary family member.
sort out
The file system must be established by the manager. It should be possible to distinguish different products by placing them in a room or cabinet.This will also allow save time For users.
This classification must also make Separate product Flammable oxidizer.
It is forbidden to store phytosanitary products under stairs, near exits or in frequently used passages.
Store
Product must be Keep the original packaging Until they are used. Labels must be kept on these packages, especially those with logos.
Contractor mustDetailed inventory is carried out every year Available phytosanitary products. It must also be able to provide traceability of the products used.
Signage
Every entrepreneur mustInform employees of the risks involved Contact with dangerous products. For this, posters must be posted in the storage room. It is also recommended to use a glossary of the various labels on the packaging. The safety instructions must also be emphasized, especially the prohibition of smoking. The same goes for safety instructions and emergency phone numbers when handling toxic products.
The information related to the risks that occur, the sign dictionary, safety instructions and emergency phone numbers are as follows: Available on some government websites And the department is dedicated to agriculture.
equipment
Every user of the storeroom must be equipped with standard protective equipment (PPE). The equipment must be stored in a room different from the room where the phytosanitary products are stored.
In order to deal with different products, Must provide special tools user. Under no circumstances should these tools be used for activities other than processing phytosanitary products.
Nearby water level
After each processing of a phytosanitary product, each user must Possibility of washing for decontamination. Therefore, water pumps, showers and sanitary facilities must be provided near the storage room.