Storage
A number of common sense precautions will ensure that Garden Care Chemicals are stored safely in garden centres, DIYs and all other retail outlets. They are summarised below along with our ‘Storage Fact Sheet’, which provides more information.
The key considerations for storage in retail outlets are management and training, display practice, spillage and disposal procedures, and good housekeeping.
The key training requirements are that staff need to understand the nature of Garden Care Chemical products, and that they understand how to store and display them properly and know what to do if there is a spillage. Staff need to have a basic understanding of what the label instructions mean.
Management and Training- ensure staff can recognise garden chemical products, know how to merchandise them and are aware of the problems that could arise. There should be training in what to do in the case of emergencies like fire and spillage and familiarity with the location and use of protective clothing.
Sales Area- products should be sited in a specific area clearly differentiated from any foodstuffs with weedkillers stored well away from plants and seeds. Product labels must not be exposed to damage from rain, sun etc. Flooring around products should be non absorbent.
Display Practice-store products within customers reach as if they are too high it increases the risk of falling and spillage. Heavier packs should be on the lower shelves and to help consumers display products by product type for example all weedkillers together. Where practicable concentrated products should be stored higher up the shelf out of reach of children. Shelving should be leakproof, non absorbent, easy to clean and robust.
Stockroom storage- in addition to the display advice above, which is also applicable to the storeroom also give consideration to fire safety, containment and security.
Spillage and Disposal-Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) should be available for all products and consulted to identify suitable personal protective equipment which should be stored in a box or on a trolley (impervious gloves, aprons, face shield, respirators and rubber boots). Suitable absorbent material like sand, cat litter should be available.
Spillage checklist: isolate area, read MSDS, store spilt product and any contaminates in a sealed labelled container, wash any exposed skin and consult local waste authority for disposal. In the unlikely event that any local water courses are contaminated contact local environment agency.
There are a number of on- going good housekeeping practices including checking all labels are undamaged, checking all containers are upright and there is no leakage, and making sure that further packaging is available at checkout to ensure there is no cross contamination with food products. Managers should carry out regular inspections of pesticide stocks and storage.
More Storage Information
STORAGE FACTSHEET