Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides

 

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 Pesticide Safety - Increase Awareness, Reduce Hazards Safe Use of Household Pesticides (Aerosol Sprays) Safe Use of Household Pesticides for Mosquito Control Use Pesticides Safely in Schools, Follow Precautionary Rules Be Smart about Using Pesticides, Read Product Labels, Follow Precautionary Rules How to choose and store household pesticides Protect Your Health, Read the Pesticide Label Pesticides Ordinance – Implementation of Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention Safe Use of Household Pesticides  Import and Export of Pesticides Requires a Valid Licence/Permit  Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides: Ant Baits and Cockroach Baits  Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides: Insecticide Fumigators   Online Selling and Buying of Pesticides  Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides: Aerosol Sprays  Safe Use of Pesticides on Turf and Landscapes  Read The Pesticide Label Carefully  Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides: Mothballs and Insect Repellent Tablets  Principles of Safe Disposal of Pesticides   Notes for Getting Pesticides Licence   Safe Storage of Household Pesticides   Pesticides Ordinance - Key Notes on the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions  New! A valid Licence / Permit is required for bringing pesticides into Hong Kong New!

Booklets

Learn more about household pesticides - Formulations
Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides - Turf and Landscape Management [2017 Second Edition]
Proper and Safe Use of Pesticides - Household Mosquito Control

Posters

Safe Use of Household Pesticides
A valid Licence / Permit is required for bringing pesticides into Hong Kong New!

Guidelines

A Guide to Labelling of Pesticides
Safety Guidelines for Storage of Pesticides

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)
Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Pest Control Operators (Jointly provided by FEHD and Labour Department (LD))
Control Pest Safely
Pest Control Newsletter

Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC)

《 非 农 业 上 使 用 除 害 剂 安 全 指 引 》 (Chinese version only)

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]

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 jointly provided by AFCD, FEHD and LCSD:

 

Code of Practice for the Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides in Public Areas

 

Code of Practice provided by local associations:

Hong Kong Pest Management Association (HKPMA)

Code of Practice

Pest Control Personnel Association of Hong Kong (PCPAHK)

Code of Practice for Pest Control (Chinese version only)

South China Turf Managers Association (SCTMA)

Code of Practice for The Safe and Efficient Use of Pesticides on Sports Turf

 

Voluntary Registration Scheme for Pest Control Personnel launched by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency:

 

Pest Control Personnel Registration Scheme          New!

 

International sources of Code of Practice:

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO)

International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management
International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides (English version only)

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