Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What must be done immediately after a pesticide spill occurs?

1. Report it to a supervisor

2. Contain the spill

3. Use activated charcoal to absorb it

4. Leave the area and wait for help

The correct answer is: Contain the spill

In the event of a pesticide spill, the immediate priority is to contain the spill. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, containing the spill helps prevent the pesticide from spreading further, which may pose additional risks to people, pets, wildlife, and the environment. By acting quickly to restrict the area affected by the spill, you can minimize exposure and potential harm. Effective containment measures might include using absorbent materials, diking the area with soil or sand, or placing barriers to prevent the pesticide from reaching drains or water bodies. While reporting the spill to a supervisor is also an important action, it should occur after efforts to contain the substance have begun to ensure safety and minimize impact. Similarly, attempting to use activated charcoal or leaving the area without addressing the spill does not directly contribute to mitigating the immediate risks associated with the incident. Thus, the correct approach is to prioritize containment before taking further action.