Insecticides, Fungicides, Herbicides and other Pesticides Industries
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Technical-grade pesticide and formulation/packing plants.
Principal hazards
- Organophosphate and carbamate (cholinesterase-inhibiting) actives
- Organochlorines, phenoxy herbicides, paraquat
- Toxic intermediates (e.g. MIC), solvents and dust
Health effects
Acute cholinergic poisoning, chronic neurotoxicity, dermatitis, reproductive/endocrine effects, possible cancer; paraquat pulmonary fibrosis; mass-casualty risk (Bhopal precedent).
Key engineering controls
Closed, automated synthesis and filling with containment; intermediate (e.g. MIC) inventory minimisation and refrigerated/scrubbed storage; toxic-gas detection and emergency scrubbers; cholinesterase biological monitoring; strict decontamination; on-site/off-site emergency planning.
PPE
- Air-fed / cartridge respirators matched to actives
- Impervious coveralls, gloves, boots and hoods
- Face shields/goggles
- Decontamination facilities
- Personal gas monitors
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.