Safe handling and use of treated sowing seeds

We are pleased that you have decided to use protected (treated) sowing seed. A treatment is highly effective against harmful organisms in the field and also offers significant advantages for you as a user. As with any other chemical product, it is nevertheless essential that you know how to handle treated sowing seed correctly to minimise exposure for yourself and for the environment.

Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:38

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DO

Always read the label on the bag. It contains important instructions on the safe use of treated sowing seed.

Always keep treated seed safely stored out of the reach of children and animals. Always handle the bags and/or boxes with care when moving them, to minimise the risk of damaging the seed and coating. Dispose of empty bags in a responsible manner.

Use air detectors on pneumatic precision seeders. During sowing, the airflow and any particles of treated seed in it should be directed towards the soil by means of these detectors. Air detectors also help improve the tractor driver’s working conditions.

Always wear gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses when working with treated seed and cleaning the machines after sowing.

Stand with your back to the wind when emptying the bags. This will minimise your exposure to seed particles.

Sow at the correct depth to avoid seed being left on top of the soil for birds and animals to eat.

Wash yourself and your protective equipment thoroughly after working with treated seed.

DON’T DO

Never sow near surface waters, such as pools, ditches and waterways, and do not leave any seed there.

Never wash your equipment in any location where there is a surface water contamination risk.

Never raise the seeder at the end of a row without first switching off the seed supply.

Do not pour any residue out of the bag into the seeder.

Do not wear your dirty overalls, gloves, etc. inside your car or in other ‘clean’ places and don’t leave them there either. This will help prevent others from being exposed.

CARE FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OTHERS

You must understand how incorrect use and/or careless handling could expose you and others to the chemicals used to treat the seed.

SKIN - By touching treated seed with bare hands, for example, or by exposing the face to particles of treated seed.

EYES - By particles of treated seed accidentally getting into the eyes.

BREATHING - By accidentally inhaling particles of treated seed.

EXPOSURE OF OTHERS - After use, chemical residues can also be left on or in dirty gloves, overalls, machines, empty bags, etc. Prevent others from being exposed.

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Flora and fauna away from the field can also be exposed if treated seed is not handled correctly.

SEED PARTICLES - Useful insects can be exposed to seed particles containing the seed treatment.

WATER POLLUTION - Treated seed landing in a puddle of water, or water that is used to clean machines after use and ends up in a watercourse, can affect water flora and fauna.

SPILLAGE - Spilled treated seed, or seed that is not sown deeply enough, can be eaten by birds and other animals.

Thu, 02/21/2019 - 13:51

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POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF CARELESS USE: SFS

Many insecticide sowing seed treatments on the market contain synthetic pyrethroids, which have been used in agriculture safely since the 1970s. If they are not used correctly, however, pyrethroids can cause a temporary skin sensation in susceptible users. This effect is known as Subjective Facial Sensation (SFS) or facial paraesthesia.

It is not dangerous, but can be unpleasant. The symptoms are a tingling, burning or numb sensation that usually affects the face or arms. If contaminated particles are inhaled, similar symptoms may also occur at the back of the nose and in the throat. Symptoms usually appear quickly and tend not to last more than one day.

HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING SFS?

You can minimise the risk of SFS by following the usual advice on the safe use of treated sowing seed (elsewhere in this brochure) and, more importantly, the more specific instructions on the bag label.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SFS?

Washing with cold water can relieve the symptoms, which will automatically disappear after a while. If you have any doubts or concerns, call the contact number given on the bag or consult your doctor and tell them that you have been exposed to pyrethroids.