Phytosanitary products are essential in the agricultural sector in order to allow products to grow under optimal conditions. The healthier the plant, the more suitable the product is for consumption.
Legislation concerning storage of phytosanitary products has continued to evolve since the 1980s. In fact, legislation in this area is distributed in 4 different codes. With new laws, decrees and regulations, the obligations of contractors to store phytosanitary materials have increased.
The various measures taken are aimed at reducing the risk of environmental pollution from sometimes very toxic products, reducing the risk of fire, protecting the health of users and preserving the integrity of product characteristics.
The following are the main legal obligations regarding storage of phytosanitary products.
What is the number of phytosanitary products authorized?
See Environmental Codes in Clause L 511-1 and the following.
Therefore, in the same storage location, you cannot have more than:
- 15 tons of phytosanitary products,
- 5 tons of solid toxic products (T),
- 1 ton of liquid toxic product (T),
- 200 kg highly toxic solid product (T+),
- 50 kg of highly toxic liquid products (T+)
To exceed these limits, you must report to the competent authority Authorization is requested if the product in storage does not exceed 100 tons, if it exceeds 100 tons of product.
However, there is one exception to these restrictions regarding toxic and highly toxic products. A large number of tolerated products were applied during the treatment period.On the other hand, this probation period Cannot exceed 10 days.
What specificities must storage rooms respect?
The law requires entrepreneurs to have a separate storage room Or lockers for storing phytosanitary products. The room had to respect certain specificities.
reserve
It is imposed on contractors who use products that pollute the ground and water, toInstall the retention system It must be able to hold 100% of the capacity of the largest tank and 50% of the capacity of all interconnected tanks.
A spill recovery system must also be provided and product must be handled on a sealed floor.
In order to make your installation absolutely safe, please do not hesitate call a professional For example the website www.e-retention.fr.
distance
Rooms dedicated to storage of phytosanitary products must be Stay as far away from dwellings, animal areas, and water points as possible. The minimum distance is 35 meters. However, each department may have different regulations.
ventilation
In order to avoid any health problems for users and any chemical risks, the law requires storage places to have at least one ventilation point or adequate ventilation.
closure
a must for any storage room locking Or use a padlock to prevent the risk of intrusion, theft or accidental contamination, especially for children.
equipment
Equipment in storage rooms must meet standards and comply with certain regulations.
First, the electrical installation must Complies with current standards to reduce the risk of fire. For the same reason, a properly functioning ABC type dry powder extinguisher must be located close to the room.
The product must be placed in metal cabinet rather than on wooden cabinets as they may absorb product.
What are the obligations related to protecting users?
In addition to protecting the environment and preventing fire hazards, the storage room must also protect users. Employee protection provisions apply from the moment third parties and contractors are in the chain of command. This applies even if the third party is a volunteer family member.
tidy
Managers should establish a filing system. This should make it possible to differentiate different products by their positioning in a room or cabinet.This will also allow save time for users.
This classification should also be able to separation product Flammable product.
It is forbidden to store phytosanitary products under stairs, near exits or in frequently used passages.
storage
The product must be keep in original packaging until they are used. Labels must remain on these packages, especially those bearing the logo.
Contractor shallConduct a detailed inventory every year Supply of phytosanitary products. He must also be able to provide traceability of the products used.
indicator
Every entrepreneur mustInform its staff of the risks involved Exposure to dangerous goods. For this, posters must be posted in the storage room. A glossary of the various symbols on the packaging is also recommended. Safety instructions must also be emphasized, especially the smoking ban. The same goes for safety instructions when handling toxic products, as well as emergency call numbers.
This information about the risks involved, a glossary of signs, safety instructions and emergency telephone numbers are available on some government websites and a sector specialized in agriculture.
equipment
Every user of the storage room must have standard protective equipment (PPE). The device must be stored in a separate room from the plant protection product storage room.
To handle different products, Special tools must be provided user. Under no circumstances should these tools be used for any activity other than handling phytosanitary products.
nearby water points
After each handling of phytosanitary products, each user must have Possibility of washing to decontaminate. Therefore, it is imperative to install water pumps, showers and toilets near storage rooms.