Safe Storage of Agrochemical Adjuvants

Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash

Adjuvants, such as wetting agents, penetration enhancers, or adhesives, play a key role in modern agrochemistry. They improve the distribution and efficacy of pesticide formulations but also introduce specific risks associated with their storage and handling. Improper management can lead to degradation of raw material quality, contamination of the work environment, or health hazards for employees. This article focuses on practical principles that help minimize risks and ensure safe and effective use of adjuvants in everyday practice.

What Are Adjuvants and Why Do They Require Special Attention

Adjuvants are auxiliary substances added to pesticide formulations to improve their efficacy, stability, or application properties. Typically, these include surfactants, oils, solvents, penetration agents, or pH-adjusting substances. Their role is crucial – without them, many pesticides would not achieve the desired effect, whether it involves better adhesion to leaves, reduced evaporation, or increased penetration of the active ingredient into the target organism. However, this functional diversity also introduces specific risks during handling and storage.

The problem lies in the fact that adjuvants often exhibit properties that increase the hazardousness of the entire mixture. For example, some surfactants may be irritating to the skin and eyes, organic solvents are flammable and volatile, while oil-based components impair biodegradability. According to REACH and CLP regulations, these substances must be properly classified, labeled, and handled safely. Ignoring these requirements can lead to chemical burns, fires, or environmental contamination. Therefore, it is essential to handle adjuvants with the same caution as the active ingredients in pesticides themselves.

Safe Handling of Adjuvants: Key Procedures for Workers

When working with adjuvants, it is essential to follow basic chemical safety principles. Before handling, it is necessary to study the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of each substance, which contains information on physico-chemical properties, health risks, and protective measures. For example, adjuvants based on organic solvents require work in well-ventilated areas or under a fume hood to minimize inhalation of vapors. Conversely, aqueous solutions of surfactants may cause skin irritation upon contact, so it is crucial to use protective gloves made of chemical-resistant materials such as nitrile or neoprene.

An important step is also proper dosing and mixing. Adjuvants should be added to the mixture gradually and with constant stirring to prevent local overheating or the formation of hazardous vapours. When handling flammable substances, it is necessary to eliminate sources of sparks, including static electricity, and to use only certified electrical equipment. Workers should be regularly trained in first aid for chemical accidents, particularly in cases of eye or skin contact, where rapid rinsing with plenty of water is crucial.

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Optimising adjuvant storage: Temperature, compatibility and stability

Storing adjuvants requires careful planning to prevent degradation, contamination, or safety risks. A fundamental rule is the separate storage of incompatible substances – for example, solvent-based flammable adjuvants must be stored separately from oxidising agents or strong acids. The storage temperature should be maintained within the range recommended by the manufacturer, typically between 5 °C and 25 °C. Higher temperatures can accelerate the decomposition of some substances, while low temperatures may cause crystallisation or phase separation in mixtures.

It is also important to check packaging and its tightness. Adjuvants in plastic containers may degrade the packaging material over time, especially if exposed to UV radiation or aggressive chemicals. While metal drums are more resistant, they can corrode when storing acidic or alkaline substances. Regular inspection of stock, including monitoring the expiry date, is essential to ensure stability and effectiveness. If there are any doubts about the quality of the stored substance, it is advisable to perform an analysis using standard test methods, such as determining pH, viscosity, or active substance content.

Contamination risks and environmental impacts: How to prevent them

Adjuvants can pose significant risks to the environment if not handled or disposed of correctly. Many of them are biologically difficult to degrade and can accumulate in soil or watercourses, where they disrupt ecosystems. For example, some surfactants reduce the surface tension of water, which can lead to the death of aquatic organisms. It is therefore crucial to prevent leaks into sewers or soil, even in small quantities. When cleaning equipment or containers, closed systems should be used to capture wastewater, which is then processed in accordance with applicable regulations.

Another risk is cross-contamination between different adjuvants or pesticides, which can lead to unexpected chemical reactions. For example, mixing anionic and cationic surfactants may cause the formation of insoluble precipitates that clog equipment or reduce the effectiveness of the mixture. To minimize these risks, it is advisable to use separate tools and containers for each type of substance and regularly clean work surfaces with neutralizing solutions. In the event of a spill, it is necessary to follow the emergency plan, which includes immediate containment of the substance, its absorption with inert material, and subsequent disposal as hazardous waste.

Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash

Personal protective equipment: Selection and proper use

When working with adjuvants, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of contact with skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. Basic equipment includes chemically resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles with side shields, and work clothing made of chemical-resistant material. For handling volatile or dust-forming adjuvants, a respirator with an appropriate filter must be used, corresponding to the nature of the substance—for example, A2P3 filters for organic vapors and solid particles.

It is important not only to select PPE correctly but also to inspect and maintain it regularly. Gloves should be checked for mechanical damage before each use and thoroughly washed or disposed of after work. Safety goggles must be cleaned after each use to prevent impaired visibility. Respirators should be stored in a dry and clean environment, and filters must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or after reaching their maximum service life. Training employees on the proper use and maintenance of PPE is crucial to ensure its effectiveness.

Procedures for Handling Spills and Accidents When Working with Adjuvants

Even with careful handling, unexpected spills of adjuvants may occur, so it is essential to have an emergency plan in place. The first steps include immediately stopping the source of the spill, evacuating personnel from the affected area, and ensuring adequate ventilation. For cleaning up minor spills, absorbent materials such as universal sorbents or sand can be used to bind liquid adjuvants. Solid substances should be collected into suitable containers and disposed of safely.

In the event of larger spills or accidents, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialized emergency response team and inform the relevant authorities. Workers should be trained in the use of emergency equipment, such as portable showers, eye wash stations, or fire extinguishers, and should know the location of this equipment. After the spill has been contained, the area must be thoroughly cleaned, and an inspection should be carried out to check for contamination of the surrounding environment. Documentation of all incidents and their resolution helps prevent the recurrence of similar situations.

Training and Awareness: The Key to Safe Work with Adjuvants

Safety when handling adjuvants depends not only on technical measures but also on the knowledge and responsible approach of workers. Regular employee training should include familiarization with the properties of the substances used, the risks associated with their handling, and procedures for safe work. It is also important to provide training in first aid in the event of exposure to adjuvants, including procedures for eye or skin contact or inhalation of vapors.

Awareness should not be limited to theoretical training—practical exercises, such as spill simulations or the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), significantly increase workers' preparedness for real-life situations. Employers should ensure that all safety information is easily accessible, for example, in the form of safety data sheets (SDS) or visual instructions in the workplace. Motivating employees to follow safety rules, for example, through rewards for safe work, can further contribute to minimizing risks.

Safety is no accident – we’ll advise you

Every agrochemical raw material requires an individual approach to safety. GCG Group provides detailed safety data sheets and technical documentation with each product to help prevent risks during handling and storage. Our experts will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements of your raw materials. Contact us – or browse our catalogue of over 1,300 products right away.