المملكة: 14 new requirements for the use of pesticides… prohibiting mixing them near flames or children – urgent

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority announced the introduction of the Saudi technical regulations regarding safety precautions when using Pesticides Public Health, through the “Reconnaissance” platform of the National Competitiveness Center, to receive the opinions of government agencies, specialists, and the public on the draft regulation before its official adoption.

The regulation aims to determine the technical and procedural requirements and controls and unify preventive practices and procedures among workers in this sector, as well as safety precautions when using PesticidesPublic health, and raising the level of professional awareness about the importance of following preventive and technical instructions when dealing with pesticides or chemicals, which contributes to reducing health and environmental risks resulting from improper use.

The regulation confirmed that the use of Personal protective equipment represents a major focus for ensuring the safety of workers when dealing with pesticides, as it requires its use in all stages of work, from preparation to completion of application.

It stipulates that this equipment must conform to international specifications, and be carefully selected to suit the type of work and pesticide used, with full commitment to reading the manufacturer’s instructions on methods of use. And proper wearing, cleaning and regular maintenance.

It also stressed the importance of the equipment being comfortable and suitable for the body, so that it does not impede movement, and that it should be loose and designed to cover the entire body, taking into account the factors that affect its resistance to chemicals, such as the nature of the pesticide and the duration of exposure to it.

And it was obligatory The regulation stipulates that any person who cleans or washes this equipment must be aware of the possibility of its contamination with pesticides and the potential health damage resulting from that.

The regulation stipulates the necessity of examining Equipment daily before use to detect any leaks or ruptures, and repair damaged ones or dispose of them immediately.

It required the provision of clean places designated for storing unused personal clothing, and separate places for putting on and taking off protective equipment away from pesticide storage or application areas.

The regulation prohibited wearing any contaminated equipment, and stressed the necessity of Wash them separately from other clothes, with daily cleaning before reusing them, and replace filters and respirators when you notice any damage or difficulty breathing, or after 8 hours of use in the absence of specific instructions from the manufacturer.

The technical regulations touched in detail on personal protective equipment for the body, emphasizing the necessity of using protective clothing resistant to chemical substances such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or protective coats.

It explained that these clothing must be loose and designed to cover the entire body, and must be worn over work clothes so that the person applying must wear two layers, as well as The pants must be closed over the shoes from the outside to prevent the pesticide from leaking into them, and the joints between the sleeves and gloves must be sealed with adhesive tape to prevent the substances from leaking onto the skin.

The regulations indicate that protective coats must have several specifications, including that they must be lightweight and flexible at the wrists, equipped with a hood, and free of external pockets that may retain pesticide residues, and that They must be made of materials that do not absorb pesticides and are resistant to tearing, and are washable and reusable if they are not intended for one-time use only.

With regard to protective shirts and pants, the regulations stressed that they must be in good condition, free of any damage, and that the buttons and zippers must be tightly closed to prevent the leakage of pesticides, and that they must cover the entire arms and legs, With a comfortable design that allows freedom of movement, preferably equipped with a head cover.

Within the axis of protective equipment for the eyes, the regulation stipulates the necessity of using tightly sealed glass glasses that are resistant to scratches and chemicals, so that they are lightweight, comfortable, and do not affect the clarity of vision.

It recommended the use of face protectors made of polycarbonate or cellulose acetate, provided that they are resistant to chemicals and adjustable to allow good vision from all sides. Directions.

As for protecting the mouth and respiratory system, the authority stressed the use of appropriate protective devices that vary according to the nature and location of the work, and include air-purifying respirators “APRs,” air-supply respirators “ASRs,” and fluid-resistant medical masks.

It explained that each type provides a different level of protection, The appropriate device must be chosen to ensure maximum protection from volatile gases, vapors, and chemicals.

The regulation also addressed head protection equipment, emphasizing the need for helmets to be resistant to heat, sunlight, and chemicals, and capable of absorbing shocks to reduce the risk of injury.

As for the hands, the regulation specified a group of materials that are used in the manufacture of protective gloves, such as butyl rubber, nitrile, neoprene, natural rubber and PVC, Explaining that choosing the appropriate glove depends on the type of pesticide used, the nature of the solvent, and the number of times and duration of exposure to the pesticide.

It stipulated the importance of wearing protective shoes that are resistant to slips, falls, and chemicals, and that they are examined periodically to ensure their safety, with preference to unlined, fluid-resistant shoes, in proportion to the nature of the risks in the environment. Work.

The regulations set precise requirements when purchasing pesticides, as they emphasized the necessity of choosing the appropriate amount of pesticide according to need, and selecting the appropriate type for the targeted pest, provided that the pesticide is registered with the competent authority and authorized for circulation, and that it is purchased in its original sealed containers.

It emphasized avoiding buying damaged or repackaged containers, and making sure Ensure that the package label contains all the necessary information, including the properties of the pesticide and the target pest, the method of use, the producing and importing company’s data, emergency contact numbers, production and expiration date, registration number and batch.

The regulations stressed that following the instructions and warnings contained on the package label represents an essential part of safety measures, and must not be exceeded under Any circumstance.

The Authority has developed a comprehensive plan in its regulations that specifies the steps that must be followed before, during and after the use of the pesticide:

• Before use: Read the label information carefully and follow all instructions, ensuring the safety of personal protective equipment, and not using the pesticide in the presence of children or pets.

• During use: If pesticides are used that are not ready for use, they must be mixed according to the information stated on the package, and applied directly to Targetpests, avoiding inhalation or direct contact. It is also prohibited to use pesticides near flames, while smoking or eating, or to spray them on bedding and household utensils.

• After use: The pesticide container must be closed tightly and stored in a safe, well-ventilated place away from food and children. Empty containers must also be disposed of according to the instructions, and protective equipment should be carefully removed to avoid contact with the skin, and cleaned well before storing in a place separate from pesticides, while washing thoroughly with soap and water and ventilating the place well before using it again.

The regulations paid great attention to the first aid clause, stressing the need for all pesticide users to familiarize themselves with this section on the package label before use, due to the difference in first aid procedures depending on the type of pesticide.

It explained that if the pesticide is swallowed, the affected person’s mouth must be washed immediately and kept in a comfortable position, with the doctor immediately reviewed and provided with. On the package label to determine the type of substance taken.

In the event of contact with the eyes, it is necessary to wash the eyes with running water for a period of no less than fifteen minutes, while removing the contact lenses during the first five minutes, and refer to the doctor immediately if irritation or redness persists.

In the event of contact with the skin, it is recommended to wash the affected area well with soap and water and consult a doctor. Bring the package label to enable him to determine the appropriate procedure.

The regulations stress that when the pesticide is inhaled, the injured person must be immediately transferred to a well-ventilated place, loosen his tight clothing, and perform artificial respiration if breathing stops, before transferring him directly to a doctor to receive the necessary care.