Tips for Safe Handling of Spray Materials

Store spray materials away from everything else, preferably behind locked doors out of reach of children and pets.

Leave chemicals in their original containers with labels intact.  If you change containers and think you'll remember the recommended dosage forever, you're wrong.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles while mixing and applying materials.  Make sure your clothes cover you completely, leaving no body parts exposed.

Never use spray materials in a solution stronger than that suggested by the manufacturer.

Mix materials in an open area to keep fume inhalation at a minimum.  It is a good idea to wear a respirator during the mixing as well as during the spraying.

Try to spray on calm days to prevent spray drift.  If wind can't be avoided, spray from the windward side.

Find a safe, out-of-the way spot where you can pour unused spray materials on the ground.  Don't pour them down drains.

Wash up immediately after using spray materials.

See Chapter 8 for a discussion of dormant spray.

You'll bless your effective spray program when you start cutting blooms with foliage that complements them.  At last the fun begins.