What should you do to contain a small pesticide spill?

• A. Surround the spill with containment snakes or pillows
• B. Hose down the spill to dilute it
• C. Ignore it and continue working
• D. Spread liquid detergent over the entire spill

Answer: (A)

Containment is the first priority when a small pesticide spill occurs. By surrounding the spill with absorbent barriers such as sorbent socks and sorbent pillows, you create a barrier that prevents the liquid from spreading to drains, waterways, or other areas. This keeps the spill localized so it can be safely absorbed and cleaned up.

Start by donning appropriate PPE, then place the absorbent barriers around the edge of the spill to form a closed perimeter. Use additional absorbent material to soak up as much liquid as possible, and prevent runoff. Collect the saturated absorbent material and any contaminated items into a labeled, leak-proof container for disposal according to the pesticide label and local regulations. After removal, decontaminate the area and equipment as directed on the label, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Hosing it down would spread the pesticide and dilute problems, ignoring the spill is unsafe, and spreading detergent could create further hazards or reactions.