What is the first thing you should do if you notice a damaged pesticide container?

Putting on appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when dealing with a damaged pesticide container. The initial priority in such a situation is to ensure your safety before attempting to assess the damage or contain any potential spill. Pesticides can be hazardous, with varying degrees of risk to human health and the environment. By donning the necessary PPE—such as gloves, goggles, masks, and protective clothing—you protect yourself from direct exposure or inhalation of harmful substances.

Once you are properly equipped, you can safely assess the situation, secure the area, and take appropriate actions such as containing the spill or transferring the contents to another container. Ensuring your own protection must always be the first step in any emergency response involving hazardous materials.