Many materials used in normal agricultural operations are hazardous and require special handling, storage and disposal.

"After years of working around such materials, it can be easy to forget how dangerous they can be," said David Annis, Suburban Agriculture Specialist at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. "If you took all the materials commonly found in your barn or shop and placed them on the side of the road, you'd have to call a hazardous materials response team to clean them up."

Below is a list of common hazardous materials that should be handled, stored or disposed with caution:

Motor Oil: While motor oil is not a controlled hazardous material, used oil contains heavy metals and is toxic to many plants and animals.

"The Environmental Protection Agency now uses the slogan 'You dump it, you drink it' to emphasize the harmful effects of illegal disposal methods," Annis said. "Look for oil recycling programs, where you can return your used motor oil and oil filters."

Antifreeze: Ethylene glycol is usually found in antifreeze, and it is poisonous. Children and animals are attracted to its bright color and sweet smell. Antifreeze should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, secure location, Annis said.

"Never dump antifreeze into septic tanks, storm drains or directly onto the ground," Annis said. "Treat all spills with an absorbent, and dispose of it in a sealed bag in the trash."

Pesticides: First and always, read the label, Annis advised.

"Are you storing your pesticides according to the labeled directions? Are you storing them in a locked, well-ventilated room?" Annis asked. "Label windows and doors to alert firefighters to the presence of pesticides and other products stored in the structure. It is a good idea to keep a list of the stored chemicals and amounts in a separate location."

Other materials: Grease, paint, automatic transmission fluid, solvents and diesel fuel can be flammable, toxic or relatively harmless, according to Annis, and should be stored according to each product's safety guidelines.

"Read the material safety data sheets that are available from the manufacturers," Annis said. "These sheets cover proper medical precautions, storage, handling and disposal methods required for each substance. Knowing the hazards and following the storage and use guidelines keeps everyone safe. This is especially true of hazardous materials around the barn and shop."

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Photo:

David Annis

News Release Issued: October 20, 2006

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.