Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations


the water is circulating, lay the open end of the bag or can on
the surface of the water and let the water carry the powder into
suspension (see Fig. 5). This will result in a minimum amount
of dust. Be sure that the man stands in such a position that
the wind is blowing the dust away from him.
 Another method involves the use of a 5-gallon can. Rather
 than having the back to the wind, face to one side. This tends
 to create less air turbulence. Fill the can half full of water.
 Cut the bag open with a knife and add the wettable powder.
 Make a slurry by mixing with a paddle (see Fig. 6). This may
 then be poured into the tank (see Fig. 7).
 The man filling the tank should always wear a mask, gloves,
 etc., and take all prescribed personal precautions.
 Method of Mixing with Sulfur-Parathion Mix.-Have the
 operator stand so that the wind is blowing the dust away from
 him. Less dust will be raised if the tank is almost full before
 introducing the insecticide. The operator should always wear a
 mask, gloves, etc., and take all personal precautions (see Fig. 8).
 Destruction of Containers.-All bags, cans, and other con-
 tainers should be destroyed (either burned or buried) after they
 have been emptied. Otherwise they offer a serious health hazard
 to unsuspecting children or animals (see Fig. 9).

 Warning Signs After Spraying
 Signs stating the date of spraying and warning against en-
 tering the groves for four days after spraying or picking fruit
 for 14 days after spraying should be posted following all spray
 operations.

 Cleaning Spray Equipment
 All spray equipment should be washed every day after using
parathion. The accumulation of parathion on such equipment
offers a hazard to operators and mechanics.

 Working After Sickness
 It is suggested that a man should not return to work until a
blood test indicates that his cholinesterase levels are normal.
If a blood test is not made he should stay away from parathion
for at least 60 days after an illness.
 If he becomes ill a second time he probably should be placed
in a job where contact with parathion is unlikely to occur.