When storing pesticides, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations governing their storage. These rules exist to protect people, animals, and plants; safeguard the environment; and ensure the safe, secure, and responsible handling of pest-control substances.
This guide is designed to help professional users meet their health, safety, and environmental duties under UK pesticide legislation.
What classifies as a pesticide?
Under the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA), a pesticide is defined as any substance used to:
- Protect plants, wood, or other plant products from harmful organisms
- Regulate or modify the growth of plants
- Protect against harmful creatures or render them harmless
The term “pesticides” therefore covers a broad range of substances including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, soil-sterilants, wood preservatives, and surface biocides. Further definitions and exclusions are outlined in Regulation 3 of COPR.
What is the law surrounding pesticides?
The main legislation is the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) 1986 (SI 1986/1510), made under FEPA. These regulations state that professional users must:
- Clearly define which types of pesticides are subject to control and which are excluded
- Obtain the required approvals before any pesticide may be sold, stored, supplied, used, or advertised
- Comply with general conditions governing the sale, storage, supply, and use of pesticides — including aerial applications
What are my storage options?
To comply with UK pesticide storage legislation, you must store products safely in a secure, purpose-built facility. Popular compliant options include:
- Walk-in Secure Steel Stores
- Steel Storage Cupboards
Where to go for advice
Cotterill Civils is one of the UK’s leading specialists in pesticide storage. Our experts can help you choose a compliant, cost-effective storage solution to suit your site requirements and budget.
For free advice or a quotation, call us on 0121 351 3230.
Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form:
