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Safe and proper use of pesticides
Introduction
Most pesticides, given their intrinsic properties, are toxic in nature. The use of pesticides should not be regarded as the only solution to any pest problem but if necessary they should be used in a judicious manner. When the use of pesticides is necessary, pesticide users should handle pesticides safely and responsibly. Pesticide users should also read and follow label instructions. Such good practices can protect human health and the environment. It will not only reduce the use of pesticides but also prevent the development of pest resistance and thereby enhance the effectiveness on pest control.
Government Publication
In order to increase public awareness, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has published a series of leaflets and guidelines on safe and proper use of pesticides. The leaflets may be found and downloaded at the following links.
 Leaflet, booklets and guidelines published by AFCD on safe and proper use of pesticides:
 Leaflets
Get Licence, Proper Label |
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| Mosquito Control in Farmland - Safe Use of Larvicides (Chinese version only) |
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| Pesticide Safety - Increase Awareness, Reduce Hazards |
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| Safe Use of Agricultural Pesticides [Pictorial] (Chinese version only) |
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| Safe Use of Agricultural Pesticides |
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| Safe Use of Household Pesticides |
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| Safe Use of Household Pesticides for Mosquito Control |
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Booklets
| Learn more about household pesticides - Formulations |
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| Safe Use of Pesticides - Turf and Landscape Management |
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| Pesticides Used for Outdoor Mosquito Control [2010 revised version] |
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Guidelines
| A Guide to Labelling of Pesticides |
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| Safety Guidelines for Storage of Pesticides |
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Related guidelines and handbooks are also available from other government departments on the use of pesticides and associated safety issues.
Relevant publications produced by other government departments:
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)
| Handbook on Pest Control (Chinese version only) |
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| Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Pest Control Operators |
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| Control Pest Safely |
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Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC)
| Safety Hints on Pesticides (Chinese version only) |
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Training Courses
To ensure that pesticides are applied safely and efficiently, the management should ensure that all pesticide applicators have received training on basic issues including pesticide formulations, application methods, safety precautions, effects on the environment and the operation of application equipment relevant to pest control.
Local Institutes which provide courses on safe use of pesticides:
| HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education [SPACE] |
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| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - School of Professional Education and Executive Development [SPEED] |
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Code of Practice
Pesticide users have the responsibility to ensure that they use pesticides correctly and effectively. A code of practice is a set of written guidelines which explains how people working in a particular profession should behave according to the principles of good practice.
A good Code of practice will assist its users to reduce the potential adverse effects of pesticides to a minimum by suggesting ways to apply the chemicals or pesticidal substances in a proper and effective manner. A code of practice can also help users comply with the relevant legal obligations relating to health and safety with the aim of achieving a safe system of work.
The AFCD encourages trade members involved in the application of pesticides to produce their own Code of practice with a view to promoting safe work practices in the use, storage and transport of pesticides. Over the years, the Department has assisted the trade in developing as well as updating their codes of practice on pesticide use in various business sectors, ranging from general pest control to sports turf management.
Code of Practice provided by AFCD:
Good Agricultural Practices for Crop Production - Code of Practice 8
| Farm Operation - Use of Pesticides |
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Code of Practice provided by local associations:
Hong Kong Pest Management Association (HKPMA)
| Code of Practice |
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Pest Control Personnel Association of Hong Kong (PCPAHK)
| Code of Practice for Pest Control (Chinese version only) |
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The South China Turf Managers Association (SCTMA)
| Code of Practice for The Safe and Efficient Use of Pesticides on Sports Turf |
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International sources of Code of Practice:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
| International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides |
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