GOOD
AFTERNOON!
PRAYER
DAILY ROUTINE:
Checking of Attendance
Checking of Cleanliness
Health Protocols
Review
LESSON 4.2
Cleaning, Storing and
Waste Management
Protect Tools from the Elements
Blades such as electric hedge trimmer, hoe,
shovel, and other metal surfaces can be sprayed
with lubricant oil. Spray the blades then turn them
on to make sure oil works into all areas. All
electrical and petrol gardening equipment need to
be covered over with a blanket or sheet if kept in
the shed. This will prevent dust and dirt getting to
them.
General Cleaning Procedures
Farm workers responsible for cleaning must
adhere as much as possible to the following
procedures:
• Be properly trained on the cleaning procedures
• Develop a cleaning program according to the
recommended frequency, it should be monitored
to ensure its effectiveness.
• Cleaning must not take place while fresh
vegetables are being harvested, packed,
handled and stored.
• The cleaning of equipment, tools and
containers must take place in a
designated area away from field and the
storage of agricultural inputs and fresh
vegetables.
• When using cleaning and disinfection
chemicals, farm workers must become
familiar with the instructions of these
products. Strictly adhere to all
precautionary statements and mixing
instructions. Protect equipment, tools,
containers and fresh vegetables when
working with any chemicals.
Cleaning re-usable containers
Farm workers responsible for cleaning re-
usable containers must adhere as much as
possible to the following procedures:
• As much as possible remove all plant
debris, soil and residues of any kind, use
brush or appropriate tool when necessary.
• Inspect containers for physical damage
which might injure, spoil and contaminate
fresh vegetables, if found, repair them.
• Inspect containers for any missed plant
debris, soil and residues, if found, re- clean.
• If cleaning and/or disinfection chemicals
are used, follow label instructions for
mixing.
• Rinse containers with clean water.
When possible, containers should
be placed under the full sun for
rapid drying. Store re-usable
containers properly to avoid
contamination.
Cleaning areas for handling and storing fresh
produce
Farm workers responsible for cleaning these
areas must adhere as much as possible to the
following procedures:
• Remove trash and any accumulated plant
debris from the floors.
• Use low pressure water to rinse the entire
ceiling infrastructure and light fixtures to
remove any dust and soil build up.
• Rinse walls, windows and doors from the top
downward
• Rinse the entire floor surface to remove any
soil build up. Be careful not to splash water
onto the equipment.
• If necessary, scrub areas with brush and
cleaning materials such as detergent,
and ensure that no spots are missed.
• If cleaning and/or disinfection chemicals
are used, follow label instructions for
mixing.
Cleaning hygienic facilities
Farm workers responsible for cleaning
hygienic facilities must adhere as much as
possible to the following procedures:
• Pick up trash from the floors and put in trash
can.
• By using the proper detergent, clean toilets,
sinks and any other fixtures.
• Using low pressure water, rinse the entire floor
surface to remove any soil build up.
• If cleaning and/or disinfection chemicals are
used, follow label instructions for mixing.
• As required, apply cleaning materials or
disinfection chemicals to entire floor surface
area, scrub areas with brush if needed, and
ensure that no spots are missed.
• Rinse floor and drains.
• Remove excess water and allow drying
out at room temperature.
• Ensure that hygienic facilities have
enough toilet paper, soap and
disposable towel.
Technique in storing chemicals
Chemicals are used in farms for a variety of purposes.
The safe management of chemicals requires access to
information and responsible action.
Safe Management of chemicals involves:
• correct labeling and packaging;
• provision of material safety data sheets (MSDS);
• safe transport, storage, use and disposal of
substances.
Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals
Chemicals must be supplied in packages
that are correctly labeled and suitable for
the substance. Information provided on
the label will depend on the type of
substance and the risks associated with
it.
Items to look for are:
1. Signal words such as ‘CAUTION’,
‘POISON’ or ‘DANGEROUS POISON’, used
for scheduled poisons – a signal word alerts
users to the possibility of poisoning if the
substance is swallowed, inhaled or absorbed
through the skin.
2. The Dangerous Goods (ADG) diamond if
there is an immediate risk to health or safety
e.g. flammable liquids.
3. Risk phrases describing the type of health
effects e.g. ‘irritating the skin’, and safety
phrases stating precautions for safe handling,
storage, spills, disposal and fire e.g. ‘keep
away from combustible material’
Material Safety Data Sheets
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) must be
produced by the manufacturer or importer of
hazardous substance.
The MSDS is not just a piece of paper. It provides
important and useful advice about what is in the
product, its health effects, safe use and handling,
storage, disposal, first aid and emergency
operation.
Storage and Transport of Chemicals
Safe storage of farm chemicals is needed to
protect them from the elements, restrict
access to them, prevent contamination of the
environment, food or livestock and ensure
separation from other incompatible chemicals.
Arrangements must be in place to contain any
spillage of the chemical.
Disposal of Farm Chemicals
Empty farm chemical containers and
unwanted chemicals need to be disposed of
properly. Prior to disposal of empty
containers, wash the container out three
times and use the rinse water to dilute
further batches of the chemical to working
strength.
Environmental Laws
Presidential Decree (PD) 1152, “the Philippine
Environmental Code,” which took effect in 1977,
provides a basis for an integrated waste
management regulation starting from waste source
to methods of disposal. PD 1152 has further
mandated specific guidelines to manage municipal
wastes (solid and liquid), sanitary landfill and
incineration, and disposal sites in the Philippines.
