All vehicles should adhere to the transport regulations.

TREM-cards and labels of each product being transported should be in the cabin of the vehicle.

Herbicides should be covered during transportation to protect them from rain and direct sunlight and in the event of an accident this will minimize the hazard potential.

Related Information... Handling Storage Transportation

Climatic conditions may affect the chemicals.

Care should be taken to ensure that the containers are dry since water may cause condensation in the transportation unit, which can damage the packaging and result in a hazard.

Suitable mechanical equipment should be used during loading and off-loading to reduce the risk of spillage and contamination.

Drivers should be carefully selected because they carry heavy responsibility and should receive appropriate training.

Driver Training Should Include

• product knowledge
• load segregation
• securing of loads
• first-aid
• dealing with leakages and spillages
• use of protective clothing
• emergency procedures

Protective clothing and emergency equipment should be in each vehicle for emergency and be checked regularly.

Protective Clothing Carried in the Vehicle Should Include

• goggles
• rubber apron
• rubber boots
• rubber gloves
• overalls that fit the driver and crew

Absorbent material, a shovel, brush and heavy-duty polythene bags to deal with spillages should always be on the vehicle, as well as CO2/ chemical fire extinguisher.

• Drivers should be issued with transportation data sheets containing hazard and emergency information on all products that are being transported.
• Vehicles carrying pesticides must always be kept under supervision and should be kept locked when parked. Overnight locations should be carefully selected for security and, if possible, protection from the elements.
• All vehicles should carry the official truck or tanker identification and hazardous chemical signs relating to the load being carried.
• Special instructions and training should be given to the driver and crew for handling emergency situations.
• The transport contractor must be identified on the truck/ tanker.

These Should Include

• general accidents with no leakage or spillage of product
• accidents involving spillage
• fire-related accidents
• planning of transportation routes can be done which should include emergency services contacts along the route

Drivers Should Be Issued With Transportation Emergency TREM-cards Which Contain Information On

• products being carried
• nature of potential hazards
• action to be taken
• precautions
• supplier’s contact names and numbers

The emergency cards should be kept in the cab of the truck and should be accessible at all times.

• documents relating to previous loads must be discarded
• before the start of loading operations, containers and labels should be checked to ensure that they are fit for transport
• leaking or damaged goods must never be transported because of possible risk of spillage and environmental contamination
• containers should be checked and removed if leakage has occurred during transportation
• containers with dangerous labels should be identified with the required hazard labels

During transportation, containers will be under stress from braking and acceleration. Loads therefore must be correctly distributed in the vehicle and secured to minimize possible damage.

• the weight must be distributed evenly
• light goods should be loaded on top of heavy goods
• dry goods should be stowed on top of liquid products
• less dangerous goods must be placed on top of more hazardous chemicals
• if loads are mixed, different products should be segregated
• notice should be taken of special instructions on labels
• the entire load must be properly secured to prevent items falling out when doors are opened
• if dangerous goods form only part of the load, they must be placed nearest to the door

Chemical products should never be transported in the same load with food or other consumable goods.

Emergency Procedures
In the event of an accident, the response of those involved during the first few minutes is of vital importance. Prompt action to contain spillage can prevent a possible catastrophe.

Emergency Equipment That Should Be Carried In The Vehicle

• fire-extinguisher (halon gas type, CO2 or foam)
• first-aid pack
• protective clothing
• spillage treatment material

The first-aid pack should include a bottle of eyewash. This must be kept in a readily accessible space.

In The Event Of Spillage

• switch the engine off immediately
• do not smoke
• ascertain the name and possible hazards of the spilled products
• stay upwind and inform others to stay upwind to avoid contamination
• try to keep other people away from the area
• call emergency services if necessary
• use emergency equipment to contain and clear the spillage

Containment of Spills

• all spills should be treated with the utmost care
• protective clothing should be worn during the investigation and cleaning
• take care not to inhale the fumes
• contain small spillages by covering with sand or other absorbent material
• large spillages can be contained by building a dam around the contaminated area
• spilled dust or granules should be covered with sand or a tarpaulin
• ensure that spilled products do not leak into drains or water courses. If this occurs, inform the local authorities immediately
• adjust or remove leaking containers to avoid further contamination
• leaking containers should be removed or disposed of to prevent further hazards

Fire-fighting

• small localized fires should be put out using the available fire-fighting equipment
• keep the fire from spreading at all costs
• the vehicle’s battery should be disconnected to prevent sparks causing further ignition
• avoid inhaling the fumes

Fires Involving The Load

• emergency services should be called immediately
• adjacent containers should be kept cool by spraying with water
• self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn
• powder, foam and fine water spray are the best means for fighting chemical fires
• excessive use of water should be avoided to minimize run-off
• contaminated run-off water should be collected. Build a dam if necessary
• the contaminated water should be disposed of under supervision

Clean-up Procedures

• observe the safety precautions as given on the TREM-cards
• monsanto should be contacted before clean-up operations are started
• protective clothing must be worn
• work only from the windward side of the spill/ leakage
• do not smoke, eat or drink during the clean-up procedure
• materials used to absorb the chemicals must be put into closeable containers for safe disposal
• damaged containers must be disposed of under Monsanto supervision
• any contaminated goods and clothing must be disposed of
• clothing with only minor contamination may be used again but must be thoroughly washed - water must be changed several times and washing must be done separately
• all containers should be inspected for contamination and decontaminated if necessary
• all contaminated equipment as well as the vehicles should be carefully decontaminated and contaminated materials disposed of in an appropriate manner