Brazilian state establishes norms for storage of agrochemicals

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages 

The State of Mato Grosso do Sul has established new standards for the storage of crop protection products, their components and the like in agricultural production establishments. 

The head of the Secretariat for the Environment, Economic Development, Production and Family Agriculture (Semagro), Jaime Verruck, while explaining the standards, stated that the resolution only summarizes what federal and state legislation has established.

“The resolution intends to make the regulation clearer to help the producers when building or defining the place to store these products, which, due to their characteristics, need special care so as not to cause damage. And based on this resolution, inspectors from both Imasul and Iagro have a practical framework for deciding whether or not the storage space for pesticides is within the determined standards,” he said.

For example, the resolution establishes that the agrochemical storage site must be built in a flood-free area, at a minimum distance of 30 meters from homes, accommodation, offices and cafeterias; also distant from rivers, streams, springs and lagoons, as well as areas of permanent protection; the walls and floor must be of impermeable material (preferably masonry); covers should be in good condition to avoid infiltration or leaks, and resistant to fire, and should be inaccessible to animals.

The resolution prohibits the storage of pesticide products with food, feed, untreated seeds or medicines; and determines that flammable products should be stored away from possible sources of heat and sparks, even as the ambient temperature must be maintained according to the specifications of the stored products.

The publication contains rules regarding signage and safety; waste containment equipment and materials, and stresses that the object of the rule must also observe specific municipal legislation, whenever applicable.