1.4 Safety and handling protocols

1. General Safety Principles (ALL Inoculants)

Golden Rules

  • Treat all inoculants as active agents
  • Never eat, drink, or smoke during handling
  • Do not mix products unless instructed
  • Keep away from children, animals, and food areas

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Required PPE:

  • Gloves (nitrile or rubber)
  • Face mask or respirator (especially powders/liquids)
  • Safety goggles or face shield
  • Long sleeves, long pants
  • Closed shoes or boots

Best Practice:

“If it can enter your body, protect against it.”

3. Handling by Inoculant Type

A. Biotic / Biological Inoculants

(FusaPrime™, Harmonia™)

Risks:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Unintended contamination
  • Eye or skin irritation

Handling Protocol:

  • Open containers away from wind
  • Avoid inhaling spores
  • Use clean tools only
  • Do not touch face or eyes
  • Wash hands immediately after use

Storage:

  • Cool, dry place
  • Away from sunlight
  • Do not freeze unless specified

B. Abiotic / Chemical Inoculants

(AgarStart™, FerroBoost™, ResinRush™)

Risks:

  • Skin burns or irritation
  • Eye damage
  • Environmental contamination

Handling Protocol:

  • Always dilute as instructed
  • Never mix with unknown chemicals
  • Avoid skin and eye contact
  • Use measuring tools (no guessing)

Spill Response:

  • Absorb with soil or sand
  • Dispose in sealed container
  • Wash area with water

C. Dual Inoculants (Biotic + Abiotic)

(FusaTrinity™, MycoChem™)

Risks:

  • Combined biological + chemical exposure

Handling Protocol:

  • Wear full PPE
  • Follow correct application order
  • Do not store pre-mixed solutions
  • Clean tools immediately after use

D. Microbial Enzymes

(FusaBlaze™)

Risks:

  • Respiratory irritation
  • Skin sensitivity

Handling Protocol:

  • Avoid dust formation
  • Use mask at all times
  • Keep container tightly sealed

4. Application Safety (Field Use)

Before Inoculation

  • Check tree health
  • Avoid windy or rainy conditions
  • Prepare tools and PPE

During Inoculation

  • Do not over-inject
  • Keep face away from injection site
  • Avoid splashing or dripping

After Inoculation

  • Seal holes if required
  • Clean tools with alcohol or soap
  • Remove PPE properly

5. Storage & Transport

  • Label all containers clearly
  • Store upright and sealed
  • Keep away from heat and sunlight
  • Transport in secondary containment
  • Do not reuse empty containers

6. Waste Disposal

  • Do not pour leftovers into soil or water
  • Neutralize if instructed
  • Dispose according to local agricultural guidelines
  • Burn or puncture empty containers before disposal (where allowed)

7. First Aid Measures

ExposureAction
Skin contactWash with soap & water
Eye contactFlush with clean water (15 min)
InhalationMove to fresh air
IngestionDo NOT induce vomiting – seek medical help

8. Environmental Safety

  • Do not apply near waterways
  • Avoid over-application
  • Rotate inoculation sites
  • Monitor tree response

9. Training & Certification Requirement

  • Only trained personnel may handle inoculants
  • Maintain application logs
  • Follow BarIno SOP strictly

One-Line Farmer Reminder

Protect yourself first, follow the dose, and respect the tree.