Safe handling of biocides

All chemicals should be handled cautiously. It is sensible to minimise chemical exposure. Biocides often require special caution because they are designed to be toxic to living organisms. Even so, biocides are safe to handle and use, provided proper safety precautions are practised and the products are used in accordance with their product data sheets and labels. See Fig. 19. 

Biocides in most countries go through an extensive registration process with agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and FDA. As part of biocide registration, a very specific label is developed for each chemical formulation. Included on this label are statements regarding  

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The directions for use are particularly meaningful because they identify the legally approved applications and the maximum allowable dosages for the product in each application. For example it is a violation of US Federal law to use biocides in a manner inconsistent with labelling. This includes exceeding label limits and applying any chemical to non-label listed applications. 

After the label, the next most important documentation required for chemicals is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS should be kept with the product at all times. The MSDS explains how to safely handle the product and what to do in case of a fire or accidental contact/spillage. The MSDS gives environmental data and the status of the product under various regulatory classes. 

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