University of Florida IFAS Extension The Disaster Handbook
  HOME     MASTER GUIDE     WEB RESOURCES     OTHER PRODUCTS     UPDATES

Agrochemicals and Security

A Training Module for the Safe and Secure Storage of Pesticides and Fertilizers

For many years, producers have been aware of the health hazards of pesticides. These materials are carefully regulated, and the safety requirements for every pesticide product are spelled out in detail. Most fertilizers have been in an opposite category, considered useful, safe and inert. However, in recent years, agricultural chemicals — specifically, fertilizers — have been used in some of the most damaging terrorist attacks around the world.

These attacks have given the general public, agricultural producers and governmental authorities a new point of view. It is important for all to realize that, in the wrong hands, agricultural chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, could be used to do great damage.

This module provides several units which address different aspects of this problem. There are six units in this training module:

  • Unit 1: Introduction: Agrochemicals and Security — Why It Matters
  • Unit 2: Chemicals and Safety
  • Unit 3: Homeland Security and Fertilizers
  • Unit 4: Homeland Security and Pesticides
  • Unit 5: Security and Anhydrous Ammonia
  • Unit 6: Developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan

Units can be used separately or in combinations depending on audience needs. Each unit consists of:

  • A narrative which gives background material
  • A PowerPoint presentation which parallels the narrative
  • Pre- and post-tests, and an evaluation
  • Table-top exercises (selected units)

The module is structured to give the presenter plenty of flexibility. Use all six units with table-top exercises to create a day-long workshop on agricultural security, or show only one PowerPoint presentation with a question and answer period for a 20- to 30-minute training session. Reduced images of all PowerPoint slides are included with each unit and can be copied to create a participant workbook.

Download Area (right click on link to save to your computer)

 Unit 1: Introduction: Agrochemicals and Security — Why It Matters

 Unit 2: Chemicals and Safety

 Unit 3: Homeland Security and Fertilizers

 Unit 4: Homeland Security and Pesticides

 Unit 5: Security and Anhydrous Ammonia

 Unit 6: Developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan

 Complete Manual