Accidents happen. When an accident happens with a pesticide, it is especially important to be prepared. Always read the label before buying and using a pesticide, and be prepared to handle a spill before applying.
Preventing Pesticide Spills
Accidents happen, and sometimes, an open pesticide container can get tipped over, spilling the contents inside. Remember to act quickly but not carelessly. Tip the container back up without getting any pesticide on clothes. Always wear proper PPE when handling pesticides.
David Coyle, © 2025 Clemson Extension
Do everything possible to prevent a spill or pesticide accident. Never handle pesticides in a kitchen where they might contaminate food, where people eat, or in high-traffic areas. Keep others, especially children and pets, away from where pesticides are mixed and applied. Mix pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Essential Equipment for Spill Preparedness
Always have a pesticide spill kit on hand. Having one where pesticides are mixed and loaded is a good idea. Also, carry a spill kit in the vehicle and one in the tractor used for spraying.
What to Include in a Pesticide Spill Kit
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Chemical-resistant coveralls
- Chemical-resistant boots
- Chemical splash goggles
- Respirator
- Temporary hazardous material storage bag
- Absorbent pad for water- or solvent-based chemicals
- Absorbent tube sock (containment snake)
- Bentonite/polymer mix paste for plugging leaking containers
- Floor absorbent granules
- Shovel or broom
- Dustpan
- Warning sign
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Pesticide Spills
The pesticide label may give specific information on how to handle a spill. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing before opening the pesticide container to mix and apply it. To be prepared for an unknown spill, have rubber gloves, rubber boots or plastic foot coverings, and protective eyewear nearby in order to be able to put on quickly.
Have dry absorbent material available ahead of time to soak up spilled pesticide. Cat litter is the best absorbent material, but sawdust, sweeping compound, newspapers, or paper towels can also be used. These materials can also clean up other spills, such as paints, solvents, and fuels.
Have local emergency phone numbers near the telephone. Have the telephone numbers written in large, bold print that can easily be read without glasses. Pesticides have an emergency phone number(s) on the label. Write this number down ahead of time, along with the product name. If this information is needed in an emergency, it may be hard to find or too small to read on the label in a hurry, obscured, or otherwise unreadable.
If a formulated pesticide or a large amount of mixed spray is spilled on the applicator’s clothes, remove the contaminated clothes and shower immediately.
Steps for Handling a Pesticide Spill
If a pesticide spill occurs, follow the three C’s: 1) Control, 2) Contain, 3) Clean Up.
1. Control the Spill
If a pesticide container, sprayer, bag, or spreader tips over, quickly set it upright to prevent more pesticide from spilling.
2. Contain the Spill
Keep the spilled liquid from spreading by covering it with absorbent material, such as soil, sand, sawdust, peat moss, rags, paper towels, newspaper, or cat litter.
3. Clean up the Spill
Carefully sweep up or collect the absorbent material and place the pesticide-contaminated materials in a plastic bag.
Use an absorbent material, such as cat litter or sawdust, to first contain the spill by pouring it around the perimeter of the liquid.
Photo Credit: David Coyle, © 2025, Clemson Extension
Add absorbent material once the spill is contained to soak up the remaining liquid. This contaminated material can be disposed of in a proper container or bag.
Photo Credit: David Coyle, © 2025 Clemson Extension
To clean up the spill, wear chemical-resistant gloves to handle the pesticide and clean-up materials. If leaving the spill to get help is required, or if a dust formulation has spilled, put absorbent materials on the spill or cover it. Block access to the spill and keep children and pets away. If a liquid is spilled, consider the need to create a dike so that it will not run off to other areas. Do not wash spills down the drain with water.
Spread absorbent materials on the spill. Sweep or scoop up this material and put it into a heavy-duty or double-plastic bag. Next, clean the area with heavy-duty detergent or bleach. Use as little liquid as possible. Don’t rinse this away. Absorb this material, place it into the plastic bag, and seal it. Place the bag in the trash. Many pesticides, especially organophosphate insecticides (e.g., malathion, diazinon, chlorpyriphos), can be neutralized with household bleach. Remember that bleach can be hazardous, and it is also a pesticide. First, absorb the spill, as explained above, and then use the bleach. Use only the amount of bleach needed to cover the spill, soak up the bleach with absorbent material, and sweep it up. Again, don’t wash the spill area with water.
All materials used to clean up the spill must be properly disposed of, including the broom. Small quantities of spilled homeowner pesticides and clean-up materials can be placed into a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely sealed, and disposed of in household trash.
Clean the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Don’t forget to wash off or decontaminate any clothing or equipment that comes in contact with pesticide residue. After cleaning up the spill, wash any exposed skin and hands with soap and plenty of water. Shower if necessary. If a small amount of diluted pesticide gets on clothing, wash this clothing separately from other family laundry with a heavy-duty detergent. If the concentrated product is spilled on clothing, it may be necessary to dispose of this clothing, along with clean-up materials. Wrap contaminated tools and empty pesticide containers in several layers of newspaper and place them in the trash.
Direct Exposure to Pesticides?
If directly exposed to a pesticide, wash the pesticide off the skin with plenty of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Remember: Read the label first, and BE PREPARED!
For information on pesticide regulations, see the website below:
Department of Pesticide Regulation
For more information on pesticide safety, see the website below:
Pesticide Safety Education Program
Originally published 03/99
