QUARTER 2: WEEK 11

LO 3. HANDLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

TLE-AFAC10CW-11a-e-3

Chemicals are used on farms for a variety of purposes. The safe management
of chemicals requires access to information and responsible action. Manufacturers,
suppliers, and users of farm chemicals all have an important role to play. Chemical
EEK 11
substances present different types of risks to people’s health, safety, and the
environment. For this reason, there are different laws controlling them. The purpose
2: WEEK 11
of these laws is to ensure that chemicals are used safely and efficiently so that risks
to human health, the environment and damage to property are minimized.
LO 3. HANDLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

OBJECTIVE
3.1. Store/dispose of waste material and debris in a designated area
according to workplace procedure/OHS procedure

VOCABULARY LISTS

Storing – to place or leave in a location (such as a warehouse) for preservation or

later use or disposal

Labeling - to affix written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish

identification or other information

Packaging – enclosing of something in a container or covering

Pre Assessment

Write True if the statement is correct and false if not.

___________1. Labeling is not necessary if a substance is used immediately and its
container is thoroughly cleaned.

___________2. Keep seeds in a cool, dark location with low humidity, like a
refrigerator.

___________3. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Storage.

___________4. Never store oxidizing agents with fuels.

___________5. Pesticides can be stored in the kitchen.

___________6. Do not recycle used pesticide bottles as containers for oil, vinegar, soy
sauce, and for any other food and feed stuff.

___________7. Label the seeds with name, source and year and store in a resalable
bag.

4 I Page
___________8. Most seeds will store for longer periods to higher temperatures.

___________9. Store pesticides in their original labeled containers.

___________10. Keep pesticides locked in a storeroom and of children’s reach.

Information Sheet

Storage Practices and Principles for Materials and Equipment

Safe Management of chemicals involves

• correct labeling and packaging;

• provision of material safety data sheets (MSDS);
• safe transport, storage, use, and disposal of substances.

Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals

Chemicals must be supplied in packages that are correctly labeled and suitable for
the substance. Information provided on the label will depend on the type of
substance and the risks associated with it. Items to look for are:

• Signal words such as ‗CAUTION ‘, ‗POISON ‘or ‗DANGEROUS POISON

‘, used for scheduled poisons – a signal word alerts users to the
possibility of poisoning if the substance is swallowed, inhaled or
absorbed through the skin
• The Dangerous Goods (ADG) diamond, if there is an immediate risk to
health or safety e.g. flammable liquids.
• Risk phrases describing the type of health effects e.g. ‗irritating the skin
‘, and safety phrases stating precautions for safe handling, storage,
spills, disposal and fire e.g. ‗keep away from combustible material ‘

Ensure that containers remain labeled

Farmers must ensure that the original labels remain on containers of

substances. If a substance is poured into a second container such as a spray tank
then that container must be labeled with the product name and appropriate risk
and safety phrases. These can generally be copied from the parent container.
Labeling is not necessary if a substance is used immediately and its container is
thoroughly cleaned. There are good reasons for ensuring that proper containers and
appropriate labels are used, including:

• Using food containers to store poisons can result in poisoning due to

accidental swallowing.

5 I Page
 • Insurance companies may question liability if something goes wrong
and an unlabeled container has been the cause of an incident.
• Produce cannot be exported if maximum residue limits are exceeded
labels provide advice on permitted use and withholding periods for
agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) must be produced by the manufacturer or

importer of hazardous substance.

The MSDS is not just a piece of paper. It provides important and useful
advice about what is in the product, its health effects, safe use and handling,
storage, disposal, first aid and emergency operation. Farmers must obtain the
MSDS from their supplier and keep them in a register where they are available to
people who could be exposed to the hazardous substance.

The register is a collection of the MSDS and other information which can
be kept in a folder, filing cabinet or other practical system.

The register can be kept in the house, workplace or the chemical store, as
long as it remains accessible to emergency service personnel and any employees
who may be exposed to hazardous substances.

Storage and Transport of Chemicals

Safe storage of farm chemicals is needed to protect them from the

elements, restrict access to them, prevent contamination of the environment, food,
or livestock, and ensure separation from other incompatible chemicals.
Arrangements must be in place to contain any spillage of the chemical.

After considering the potential risk to people’s health or to the

environment, a farmer might decide that a locked shed with a roof and concrete
floor, which is bounded to contain any spills, is the best way to provide safe storage.

Remember, you should never store oxidizing agents with fuels. That is –
never store substances labeled yellow diamond with a red diamond.

STORING PLANTS AND MATERIALS

Propagation nurseries must have a reliable supply of good-quality plant

material. This might be seed from reliable seed suppliers or from plants which can
be readily used as a source seed collection. It might also be cutting or grafting
material from healthy, correctly identified plants (known varieties).

6 I Page
Seeds are alive and like any living thing they can be harmed by adverse conditions.
While some seeds may survive for thousands of years under the proper conditions,
others will lose viability quickly, even when properly stored.

To maintain dormancy, the following must be done.

1. Keep seeds in a cool, dark location with low humidity, like a refrigerator. 2. Label
(seed name, source, year) and store them in a small resalable bag or empty film
canister that is, in turn, kept in a larger plastic container.

Once you are ready to sow, you can test the viability of many, but not all, seeds by
soaking them in water for a few hours. The seeds that are still living will sink to the
bottom, while the dead ones will float on the surface. This test generally works
better for larger seeds, but there are no absolutes.

Stored seed can be affected by:

➢ Moisture content. Many short-lived seeds lose viability if they become dry-
citrus seed, for example, can withstand only slight drying. Medium-to long-
lived seeds need to be dry to survive long periods of storage (4-6% moisture
level is ideal-higher or lower can be detrimental to viability). For seeds not
adversely affected by low moisture, each 1 % decrease in seed moisture,
between 5% and 14%, doubles the life of the seed. Fluctuations in moisture
levels during storage will reduce longevity. For this reason, seeds keep better
in dry climates than in areas of high humidity.

➢ Temperature. Most seeds will store for longer periods to lower temperatures.
Each decrease of 4.6ºC (9ºF) between 0º and 44ºC (32º 112ºF) will double the
seed storage life.

➢ Storage atmosphere. Some techniques of modifying gas levels (increasing

carbon dioxide) can be of value.

Types of seed storage

1. Open storage with no control. Storage in bins, sacks or paper bags. Fumigation or
insecticide/fungicide applications are sometimes necessary. Seeds of many annuals,
perennials, vegetables and cereals can be successfully kept this way. Apart from a
few exceptions (corn, onion, parsley), seeds from these groups will normally retain
viability for at least a few years.

7 I Page
2. Cold storage with or without humidity control. Temperatures below 10ºC (50ºF)
will improve the longevity of virtually any type of seed. Cold storage of tree and
shrub seed is recommended if the seed is to be held for more than one year.

3. Cold moist storage. Seed should be stored between 2º and 10ºC (35-50ºF) in a
container which holds some moisture – retaining material such as peat or
sphagnum moss. Relative humidity should be 80-90% . It should be placed in an
area of the nursery that is cool. The roots must be moist and are protected from
direct sunlight, wind or extreme temperature inside the nursery area.

CHEMICAL STORAGE

1. Store pesticides in their original labeled containers.

2. Keep pesticides locked in a storeroom and out of children’s reach.

3. Keep pesticides out of the kitchen.

4. Do not place pesticide bottles beside bottles of vinegar, oil and soy sauce.
5. Do not place pesticide powders near salt or sugar.
6. Keep pesticides away from the fire or open flame, stove or lamps. Liquid
formulations may have flammable solvent which can be a fire hazard.

8 I Page
 7. Partially used pesticide bottles must be placed inside a thick plastic bag to
avoid hand contamination.

8. Do not recycle used bottles as containers for oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and for
any other food and feed stuff.

9 I Page
 Practice Task 1

Collect 5-10 kinds of vegetable seeds. Make your own packaging and label it.

Scoring Rubrics

Score
10 Properly packed and labeled seeds
8 Nicely packed and labeled seeds
5 Not all seeds are properly packed or
labeled
0 No seeds were packed or labeled.

Practice Task 2

Creating your DIY storage bag or container for seeds.

Scoring Rubrics

Creativity – 25%
Resourcefulness – 25%

Durability – 50%

TOTAL - 100%

Post Assessment

Write True if the statement is correct and false if not.

___________1. Labeling is not necessary if a substance is used immediately and its
container is thoroughly cleaned.

___________2. Keep seeds in a cool, dark location with low humidity, like a
refrigerator.

___________3. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Storage.

___________4. Never store oxidizing agents with fuels.

___________5. Pesticides can be stored in the kitchen.

10 I Page
___________6. Do not recycle used pesticide bottles as containers for oil, vinegar, soy
sauce, and for any other food and feed stuff.

___________7. Label the seeds with name, source and year and store in a resalable
bag.

___________8. Most seeds will store for longer periods to higher temperatures.

___________9. Store pesticides in their original labeled containers.

___________10. Keep pesticides locked in a storeroom and of children’s reach.

Assignment/Additional Activity

Give at least 3 environmental laws in the Philippines. Explain each Law.

11 I Page
Answer Key

Pre/Post Assessment
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. False

12 I Page
 QUARTER 2: WEEK 12
LO 3. HANDLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
TLE-AFAC10CW-11a-e-3

Proper handling and transport of the materials like chemicals and equipment
must take into consideration as well as the disposal of the agricultural waste
materials.

OBJECTIVE

3.2. Handle and transport materials, equipment and machinery according to

enterprise guidelines.

VOCABULARY LISTS
Transport – to take or carry, transfer from one place to another
Disposal – the action or process of getting rid of something
Environmental Laws – the collection of laws, regulations, agreements and common
law that governs how humans interact with their environment.

Pre Assessment
Enumeration
A. What are the strategies that can be done to manage waste properly?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

13 I Page
Information Sheet

Chemical Transport

Safe transport of farm chemicals depends on what the substance is, how
much there is, where it is to be transported and what else is to be transported with
it. In general, small quantities (less than 250 liters) can be transported on vehicle
provided that the container is properly secured and safe from spillage.

Disposal of Farm Chemicals

Empty farm chemical containers and unwanted chemicals need to be

disposed of properly. Prior to disposal of empty containers, wash the container out
three times and use the rinse water to dilute further batches of the chemical to
working strength.

To wash a container you do not need to fill it each time. If you only have six
liters of water, it is more efficient to use three washes of two liters each, than it is to
rinse once with the full six liters.

Dispose empty pesticide containers as follows:

1. Dispose of empty pesticide bottles and cartons into a pesticide disposal pit.

2. Dig disposal pit in an area away from people and animals and far from water
sources.
3. Do not burn pesticide containers. The temperature in the burning pile is not
high enough to destroy the pesticide left in the containers. It will only spread
faster through the hot air generated while burning. This will lead to inhalation
problems and in some cases, phytotoxicity in standing crops.

14 I Page
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS Presidential Decree (PD) 1152

The Philippine Environmental Code, ‖ which took effect in 1977, provides a

basis for an integrated waste management regulation starting from waste source to
methods of disposal. PD 1152 has further mandated specific guidelines to manage
municipal wastes (solid and liquid), sanitary landfill and incineration, and disposal
sites in the Philippines. In 1990, the Philippine Congress enacted the Toxic
Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, commonly known as
Republic Act (RA) 6969, a law designed to respond to increasing problems
associated with toxic chemicals and hazardous and nuclear wastes. RA 6969
mandates control and management of import, manufacture, process, distribution,
use, transport, treatment, and disposal of toxic substances and hazardous and
nuclear wastes in the country. The Act seeks to protect public health and the
environment from unreasonable risks posed by these substances in the Philippines.
Apart from the basic policy rules and regulations of RA 6969, hazardous waste
management must also comply with the requirements of other specific
environmental laws, such as PD 984 (Pollution Control Law), PD 1586
(Environmental Impact Assessment System Law), RA 8749 (Clean Air Act) and RA
9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and their implementing rules and
regulations.

Every business especially agricultural practice produces waste. Waste

represents a loss of resources and money for your project. By thinking creatively,
you can reduce the waste you create and make better use of the waste that can’t be
avoided.

Here are the following strategies that can be done to manage waste properly:

a. Install recycling bins in and around your premises. There are materials
that can be used as media or containers in the nursery. Place them in a bin
immediately then sort them into recyclables. You can reduce the volume of waste
going to landfill and you may be able to “on sell” your waste.

15 I Page
 b. Use recyclable and reusable plant trays. Reusable and returnable plant
boxes, pots and trays can reduce the waste generated significantly.

c. Reuse and recycle other nursery products. For example, reuse potting mix
in top soil production, use pruning material for compost and mulch.

d. Install water efficient monitoring and management systems. Read how to

save water in the reducing water use section.

e. Order in bulk where possible. Purchasing in bulk minimizes packaging. If

necessary, consider installing larger storage facilities so that you can order raw
materials in bulk and store them for later use. Bulk purchasing is usually cheaper
and you will also be reducing the environmental impacts of frequent deliveries to
your premises.

f. Minimize production waste. Look at your production processes and see

what can be altered to minimize waste. If you have a café, consider the size of the
meals and if food is leftover consider downsizing the portion a little.

g. Think about waste produced by your customers. With takeaway coffee,

consider refillable mugs, which costumers can come back and get refilled at a
discount, rather than throwaway cups. If the throwaway cups are used choose cups
made from recycled materials and/or are certified as sustainable.

h. Establish a composting system. If you are preparing food at your nursery,

you might like to consider a simple composting system. Even a city business can
compost nowadays, using a counter-top composter like a “bokashi bucket”. If you
have outdoor space, you could establish a 135-worm farm or compost heap. Paper
can be composted, along with fruit and vegetable scraps.

i. Introduce a no or low plastics policy. Ask members to bring their own

water bottles of clean cups or use recycled alternatives

j. Use recycled materials for fixtures where possible. Recycled building

materials can also reduce the construction costs.

k. Act as a recycling center for other recyclables. Work with council to be a

recycling center and promote this service to customers.

16 I Page
 l. Implement inventory control procedures to avoid over-ordering. Custom
made computer programs can be set up specifically to track your business needs, if
necessary.

m. Eliminate materials that cannot be recycled from the production process

or the services you provide. Convert to recyclable materials to reduce your waste
volume and seek out businesses that will take your waste for recycling.

Practice Task 1

Make a brief description of the following environmental laws

1. RA 8749 or Clean Air Act of 1999
2. RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
3. RA 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste
Control Act of 1990
4. PD 984 or the Pollution Control Law

Practice Task 2

In your community what are the environmental laws being exercised and practiced.
Explain further.

Post Assessment

In your own opinion and observation, what are the malpractices of the
farmers today in connection with the environmental Laws.

Enumeration
A. What are the strategies that can be done to manage waste properly?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

17 I Page
 8.
9.
10.

Assignment/Additional Activity

1. What is hand tractor used in farming?

2. How to clean and store hand tractor?

18 I Page
Answer Key

Pre/Post Assessment
1. Install recycling bins in and around your premises
2. Reuse and recycle other nursery products
3. Use recyclable and reusable plant trays.
4. Install water efficient monitoring and management systems
5. Order in bulk where possible
6. Minimize production waste
7. Establish a composting system
8. Introduce a no or low plastics policy
9. Implement inventory control procedures to avoid over-ordering.
10. Use recycled materials for fixtures where possible.

19 I Page