Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides
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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.
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Booklets
| Learn more about household pesticides - Formulations | This link will open in a new window |
| Safe and Proper Use of Pesticides - Turf and Landscape Management [2017 Second Edition] | This link will open in a new window |
| Proper and Safe Use of Pesticides - Household Mosquito Control | This link will open in a new window |
Posters
| Safe Use of Household Pesticides | This link will open in a new window |
| A valid Licence / Permit is required for bringing pesticides into Hong Kong New! | This link will open in a new window |
Guidelines
| A Guide to Labelling of Pesticides |
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| Safety Guidelines for Storage of Pesticides | This link will open in a new window |
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) | This link will open in a new window |
| Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Pest Control Operators (Jointly provided by FEHD and Labour Department (LD)) |
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| Control Pest Safely | This link will open in a new window |
| Pest Control Newsletter |
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Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC)
| 《 非 农 业 上 使 用 除 害 剂 安 全 指 引 》 (Chinese version only) | This link will open in a new window |
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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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 | This link will open in a new window |
Code of Practice provided by local associations:
Hong Kong Pest Management Association (HKPMA)
| Code of Practice | This link will open in a new window |
Pest Control Personnel Association of Hong Kong (PCPAHK)
| Code of Practice for Pest Control (Chinese version only) | This link will open in a new window |
South China Turf Managers Association (SCTMA)
| Code of Practice for The Safe and Efficient Use of Pesticides on Sports Turf | This link will open in a new window |
Voluntary Registration Scheme for Pest Control Personnel launched by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency:
| Pest Control Personnel Registration Scheme New! | This link will open in a new window |
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 |
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| International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides (English version only) | This link will open in a new window |
Download Acrobat Reader to open the PDF document:
This link will open in a new windowhttp://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
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