Nursery & Greenhouse Safety Manual

Nursery & Greenhouse Workplace Hazards

Nursery and greenhouse employees may be exposed to hazards involving:

• Pesticides
• Fertilizers
• Cleaning and sanitation chemicals
• Soil and growing media
• Potting and transplanting
• Repetitive work
• Manual lifting
• Heat and humidity
• Outdoor heat and cold
• Wet walking surfaces
• Irrigation systems
• Greenhouse equipment
• Fans and ventilation equipment
• Heaters
• Electrical equipment
• Hand and power tools
• Forklifts and mobile equipment
• Tractors and utility vehicles
• Carts and racks
• Loading and unloading
• Biological hazards
• Insects and animals
• Customer and public interaction

Employees should receive training appropriate to their assigned work and workplace hazards.

Plant Production Safety

Plant-production activities may include:

• Seeding
• Propagation
• Cutting
• Grafting
• Transplanting
• Potting
• Pruning
• Watering
• Fertilizing
• Pesticide application
• Moving plants
• Harvesting nursery stock
• Preparing plants for sale or shipment

Work areas should be arranged to reduce unnecessary lifting, awkward postures, congestion, and exposure to equipment.

Greenhouse Safety

Greenhouses can create a distinctive combination of heat, humidity, wet surfaces, electrical equipment, chemicals, environmental-control systems, and restricted work areas.

Employees should:

• Maintain clear walkways.
• Control water accumulation.
• Report damaged greenhouse components.
• Keep electrical equipment protected from water.
• Use appropriate access equipment.
• Maintain ventilation equipment.
• Follow procedures for heaters and other environmental-control equipment.
• Store chemicals appropriately.

Employees should be familiar with emergency exits and evacuation procedures.

Greenhouse Structures

Employees may work around glass, polycarbonate panels, plastic coverings, shade systems, vents, doors, framing, hanging equipment, and other structural components.

Employees should report:

• Broken glass
• Damaged panels
• Loose structural components
• Torn coverings
• Damaged doors
• Unstable hanging equipment
• Unsafe overhead components

Only employees appropriately trained and equipped for the task should perform structural repairs.

Ventilation Fans

Greenhouses may use large ventilation and circulation fans.

Fans can create serious caught-in hazards if employees contact rotating blades or moving components.

Employees should:

• Maintain required guards.
• Keep body parts clear of operating fans.
• Avoid reaching through guards.
• Report damaged guards.
• Shut down equipment before performing hazardous cleaning or maintenance.
• Follow applicable energy-control procedures during servicing.

Employees should never assume a fan is safe merely because it is temporarily stopped.

Greenhouse Environmental Controls

Greenhouses may use automated systems to control:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Ventilation
• Shade
• Irrigation
• Lighting
• Heating
• Cooling

Employees servicing automated systems should understand that equipment may start or move automatically.

Applicable hazardous-energy controls should be used before servicing equipment when unexpected startup or movement could cause injury.

Heat & Humidity

Greenhouse employees can be exposed to significant heat even when outdoor temperatures are moderate.

High humidity can further increase heat stress by reducing the body’s ability to cool through evaporation.

Heat-illness prevention measures may include:

• Drinking water
• Rest breaks
• Cooler recovery areas
• Ventilation
• Fans
• Work scheduling
• Reduced physical workload
• Acclimatization
• Employee monitoring
• Emergency procedures

Employees should be trained to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness.

Acclimatization

Employees who are new to hot greenhouse or outdoor work, or who are returning after an extended absence, may require time to become acclimatized.

Work demands and heat exposure should be increased gradually as appropriate.

Supervisors should pay particular attention to employees who are not accustomed to working in hot or humid conditions.

Outdoor Heat

Nursery employees working in growing fields, container yards, loading areas, or retail yards may be exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Heat-prevention procedures should account for:

• Temperature
• Sun exposure
• Work intensity
• Humidity
• PPE
• Employee acclimatization

Employees should have access to appropriate drinking water and recovery opportunities.

Cold & Severe Weather

Outdoor nursery operations may expose employees to:

• Cold
• Rain
• Wind
• Lightning
• Ice
• Severe storms
• Extreme weather

Employees should use suitable clothing and follow facility procedures for severe weather.

Potting & Transplanting

Potting and transplanting can involve repetitive hand movements, awkward postures, bending, reaching, lifting, and handling growing media.

Workstations should be arranged to reduce unnecessary ergonomic stress where practical.

Employees should:

• Adjust work height when possible.
• Keep frequently used materials within reasonable reach.
• Rotate tasks when appropriate.
• Use mechanical assistance for heavy materials.
• Avoid unnecessary twisting.
• Report symptoms of musculoskeletal strain.

Potting Machines

Automated or semi-automated potting equipment may contain conveyors, hoppers, rotating components, belts, chains, and pinch points.

Employees should:

• Maintain required guards.
• Keep hands clear of moving components.
• Avoid reaching into operating equipment.
• Follow established operating procedures.
• Shut down equipment before clearing hazardous jams.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures during servicing.

Soil & Growing Media

Nurseries may use:

• Soil
• Compost
• Peat
• Bark
• Perlite
• Vermiculite
• Sand
• Mulch
• Other growing media

Employees should minimize unnecessary dust generation and use appropriate handling methods.

Where employee exposure to airborne dust may be significant, the operation should evaluate appropriate controls and PPE.

Bags & Bulk Materials

Soil, fertilizer, mulch, growing media, and other products may be received in bags, bulk containers, pallets, or large totes.

Employees should:

• Evaluate loads before lifting.
• Use carts or mechanical equipment when practical.
• Avoid unstable stacking.
• Maintain clear access.
• Use team lifting when appropriate.

Pesticide Safety

Nurseries and greenhouses may use insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, miticides, growth regulators, and other pesticide products.

Pesticides should be used according to their labeling and applicable regulatory requirements.

Procedures should address, as applicable:

• Employee training
• Pesticide labels
• Application instructions
• Restricted-entry requirements
• PPE
• Mixing and loading
• Application
• Equipment cleaning
• Decontamination
• Chemical storage
• Spill response
• Emergency assistance

Employees should not perform pesticide-related duties for which they have not received required training.

Pesticide Handlers

Employees who mix, load, apply, or otherwise handle pesticides may require additional precautions and training.

Handlers should:

• Follow product labels.
• Wear required PPE.
• Use appropriate mixing procedures.
• Avoid contamination.
• Maintain application equipment.
• Follow decontamination procedures.
• Report exposures or symptoms promptly.

Pesticide application equipment should be maintained in safe operating condition.

Restricted-Entry Areas

Following certain pesticide applications, employee entry into treated areas may be restricted for a specified period.

Employees should follow applicable entry restrictions, posting, notification, and PPE requirements.

Unauthorized employees should not enter restricted areas.

Pesticide Application

Pesticide application may involve:

• Hand sprayers
• Backpack sprayers
• Hose systems
• Powered sprayers
• Foggers
• Misters
• Other application equipment

Employees should consider potential exposure through inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and contaminated surfaces.

Application should be conducted according to product labeling and established procedures.

Fertilizer Safety

Fertilizers may be applied in dry, liquid, concentrated, or diluted form.

Employees should:

• Review applicable product information.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Avoid unnecessary dust generation.
• Prevent skin and eye contact.
• Store products appropriately.
• Clean spills promptly.
• Wash after handling materials.

Fertigation & Chemical Injection Systems

Greenhouses and nurseries may introduce fertilizers or other products into irrigation systems.

Employees working with injection systems should understand:

• Chemical hazards
• System pressure
• Connections
• Valves
• Pumps
• Backflow controls
• Spill response

Systems should be depressurized as appropriate before servicing.

Hazard Communication

Hazardous chemicals used in nursery and greenhouse operations should be properly identified and addressed under applicable workplace procedures.

Employees should have access to appropriate labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals covered by the facility’s Hazard Communication Program.

Training should address chemicals employees may encounter during their work.

Chemical Storage

Pesticides, fertilizers, fuels, cleaners, and other chemicals should be stored in appropriate designated locations.

Storage procedures should address:

• Container condition
• Labels
• Compatibility
• Ventilation
• Spill containment
• Security
• Ignition sources
• Unauthorized access

Chemicals should not be stored in food or beverage containers.

Chemical Mixing

Chemical mixing can result in concentrated employee exposure.

Employees should:

• Follow product instructions.
• Use appropriate measuring equipment.
• Wear required PPE.
• Maintain adequate ventilation.
• Avoid splashing.
• Keep emergency equipment accessible.
• Never mix incompatible products.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to the work being performed.

Depending on the task, PPE may include:

• Work gloves
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Face shields
• Protective clothing
• Chemical-resistant footwear
• Safety footwear
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection
• High-visibility apparel

Pesticide labels may establish specific PPE requirements that must be followed.

Eye & Face Protection

Employees may need eye or face protection when working with:

• Pesticides
• Fertilizers
• Cleaning chemicals
• Dust
• Power tools
• Pressurized irrigation systems
• Cutting equipment

Appropriate eyewash or emergency washing provisions should be available where required by employee exposures.

Respiratory Protection

Some pesticide, chemical, dust, or other exposures may require respiratory protection.

When respirators are required, the employer should establish and maintain an appropriate respiratory-protection program, including applicable medical evaluations, fit testing, respirator selection, training, and maintenance.

Respirators should not be used as a substitute for feasible exposure controls.

Irrigation Safety

Nurseries and greenhouses may contain extensive irrigation systems.

Hazards may include:

• Wet walking surfaces
• Pressurized lines
• Pumps
• Electrical equipment
• Chemical injection
• Moving equipment
• Open trenches or repairs

Leaks and damaged equipment should be reported and corrected.

Pumps & Pressurized Systems

Employees should avoid opening or disconnecting pressurized irrigation components until pressure has been safely relieved.

Pumps should be appropriately guarded and maintained.

Electrical components associated with irrigation systems should be protected from water and maintained in safe condition.

Wet Walking Surfaces

Water is frequently present in greenhouse and nursery operations.

Employees should:

• Maintain drainage.
• Correct leaks.
• Remove hoses from walkways when practical.
• Clean algae and other slippery growth.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Report damaged walking surfaces.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Common trip hazards may include:

• Hoses
• Irrigation lines
• Pots
• Trays
• Tools
• Plant material
• Uneven ground
• Carts
• Pallets
• Water
• Soil and growing media

Aisles and work areas should be kept as clear as practical.

Ladders & Elevated Work

Employees may use ladders or other access equipment to reach:

• Hanging plants
• Shade systems
• Irrigation components
• Lighting
• Greenhouse coverings
• Ventilation equipment

Employees should use appropriate access equipment rather than climbing racks, benches, carts, or other makeshift surfaces.

Ladders should be inspected and used according to applicable procedures.

Greenhouse Benches & Racks

Plant benches and racks should be stable and capable of supporting intended loads.

Employees should not:

• Climb on unstable benches.
• Overload racks.
• Use plant racks as ladders.
• Work beneath unstable stored materials.

Damaged racks and benches should be reported and repaired.

Hanging Plants

Hanging baskets may expose employees to repetitive overhead reaching and falling-object hazards.

Where practical:

• Limit excessive overhead reaching.
• Use appropriate access equipment.
• Maintain secure hanging systems.
• Avoid placing heavy items where they could fall onto employees or customers.

Manual Lifting

Nursery employees may repeatedly lift:

• Plants
• Pots
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Soil
• Fertilizer
• Trays
• Bags
• Containers
• Supplies

Employees should evaluate loads before lifting.

Carts, dollies, forklifts, team lifting, and other mechanical assistance should be used when practical for heavy or awkward loads.

Trees & Large Nursery Stock

Large trees, shrubs, root balls, and containers can be extremely heavy and difficult to control.

Employees should use appropriate equipment for moving large nursery stock.

Employees should remain clear of:

• Suspended loads
• Pinch points
• Unstable containers
• Equipment travel paths
• Loads that could roll or shift

Carts & Plant Racks

Rolling carts and racks should:

• Be maintained in safe condition.
• Be loaded to maintain stability.
• Not obstruct employee visibility.
• Be moved at a controlled speed.
• Be parked where they do not obstruct walkways.

Employees should watch for foot and hand pinch points.

Forklift Safety

Forklifts may be used to move pallets, bulk materials, nursery stock, supplies, and other loads.

Only trained and authorized employees should operate powered industrial trucks where applicable.

Operators should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Observe capacity.
• Maintain load stability.
• Control speed.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Maintain visibility.
• Follow facility traffic procedures.

Tractors & Utility Vehicles

Nurseries may use tractors, utility vehicles, loaders, skid steers, or similar equipment.

Employees should:

• Be authorized for assigned equipment.
• Perform applicable inspections.
• Use provided restraints.
• Maintain safe speeds.
• Account for pedestrians.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Avoid unsafe slopes or terrain.

Mobile Equipment & Pedestrians

Production and retail nurseries may have employees, customers, forklifts, tractors, trucks, and utility vehicles in the same areas.

Where practical, procedures should establish:

• Traffic routes
• Pedestrian areas
• Speed controls
• Loading zones
• Parking
• Backing procedures

Operators should maintain awareness of people who may not recognize equipment hazards.

Backing Safety

Drivers and equipment operators should check behind equipment before backing.

When visibility is restricted, additional precautions may include:

• Mirrors
• Cameras
• Audible warnings
• Spotters
• Controlled access

Spotters should remain visible to the operator and outside the vehicle’s path.

Loading & Unloading

Employees may load plants, trees, pallets, soil, fertilizers, equipment, and other products onto customer vehicles or company trucks.

Before loading:

• Evaluate the load.
• Determine appropriate handling equipment.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Keep unnecessary personnel clear.
• Consider vehicle capacity and configuration.
• Secure materials where necessary.

Employees should not position themselves beneath suspended loads.

Customer Vehicle Loading

Retail nurseries may assist customers with loading plants and supplies.

Employees should:

• Communicate with the customer.
• Keep customers clear of operating equipment.
• Evaluate the vehicle and available space.
• Avoid unsafe lifting.
• Use appropriate mechanical equipment.
• Avoid damaging or destabilizing the vehicle.

Employees should not attempt loads that cannot be handled safely.

Delivery Operations

Nurseries that deliver plants and materials should establish procedures for:

• Vehicle inspections
• Driver safety
• Load securement
• Backing
• Customer locations
• Unloading
• Manual material handling
• Weather conditions

Delivery employees should evaluate unloading locations before beginning work.

Hand Tool Safety

Employees may use:

• Pruners
• Shears
• Knives
• Shovels
• Rakes
• Hoes
• Loppers
• Other hand tools

Tools should be maintained in safe condition and used for their intended purpose.

Sharp tools should be stored and carried in a manner that reduces cut and puncture hazards.

Power Tool Safety

Power tools may include:

• Trimmers
• Saws
• Drills
• Grinders
• Blowers
• Other powered equipment

Employees should:

• Inspect equipment.
• Maintain required guards.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Keep others clear.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Remove defective equipment from service.

Pruning & Cutting

Employees performing pruning or cutting should maintain control of tools and keep hands clear of cutting paths.

Procedures should address:

• Sharp blades
• Falling branches
• Eye protection
• Tool condition
• Employee positioning
• Access equipment

Machine Guarding

Potting machines, conveyors, soil mixers, fans, pumps, and other machinery may contain hazardous moving parts.

Required guards should remain in place.

Employees should not reach into moving machinery or bypass guards to clear jams or make adjustments.

Lockout/Tagout

Employees performing servicing or maintenance may be exposed to electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other hazardous energy.

Applicable energy-control procedures should be followed when unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury.

Only appropriately trained and authorized employees should perform covered lockout/tagout activities.

Electrical Safety

Greenhouses and nurseries can present increased electrical hazards because water and electrical equipment are often used in close proximity.

Employees should:

• Report damaged cords and equipment.
• Protect electrical connections from water.
• Keep electrical panels accessible.
• Avoid unauthorized electrical repairs.
• Use equipment appropriate for the environment.
• Follow established electrical-safety procedures.

Greenhouse Heaters

Greenhouses may use gas-fired, electric, radiant, or other heating systems.

Employees should report:

• Unusual odors
• Soot
• Damaged vents
• Equipment malfunctions
• Fuel leaks
• Abnormal flame conditions
• Symptoms potentially associated with combustion products

Only qualified personnel should perform repairs requiring specialized training.

Carbon Monoxide

Fuel-burning heaters, engines, generators, or other combustion equipment can produce carbon monoxide.

Greenhouses and other enclosed or semi-enclosed growing areas should be evaluated for potential accumulation of combustion products where applicable.

Employees should immediately report symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unusual weakness.

Suspected carbon-monoxide exposure should be treated as an emergency.

Fueling

Nurseries operating tractors, utility vehicles, generators, or other fuel-powered equipment should establish appropriate fueling procedures.

Employees should:

• Control ignition sources.
• Shut down equipment when appropriate.
• Prevent spills.
• Use approved containers.
• Store fuel properly.
• Know spill-response procedures.

Propane & Compressed Gases

Greenhouse heating and other operations may involve propane or compressed-gas cylinders.

Cylinders should be:

• Stored appropriately.
• Protected from damage.
• Secured where required.
• Kept away from inappropriate ignition sources.
• Handled by trained employees.

Biological Hazards

Nursery and greenhouse work can expose employees to:

• Insects
• Spiders
• Rodents
• Snakes
• Birds
• Mold
• Plant irritants
• Allergens
• Bites and stings

Employees should know how to recognize and report relevant biological hazards.

Insects, Bites & Stings

Employees should use appropriate precautions around bees, wasps, spiders, ticks, and other insects.

Employees with work-related bites or stings should follow facility first-aid and reporting procedures.

Serious allergic reactions require immediate emergency attention.

Plant-Related Irritation

Some plants may cause:

• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Eye irritation
• Cuts
• Punctures

Employees should use gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, or other controls appropriate to the plants they handle.

Mold & Organic Material

Moist greenhouse conditions and organic growing materials may support mold growth.

Employees should report significant mold conditions and follow appropriate cleaning and exposure-control procedures.

Retail Nursery Safety

Nurseries open to the public have additional hazards involving:

• Customer traffic
• Children
• Shopping carts
• Customer vehicles
• Wet walkways
• Plant displays
• Falling merchandise
• Loading assistance
• Public access to work areas

Employees should maintain public areas in safe condition and promptly address observed hazards.

Working Around the Public

Customers may enter areas where employees are moving plants, using equipment, watering, stocking products, or loading vehicles.

Employees should:

• Maintain awareness of customers.
• Restrict access to hazardous work areas when necessary.
• Avoid operating equipment too close to pedestrians.
• Use barriers or signs when appropriate.
• Stop work if safe separation cannot be maintained.

Workplace Security

Nurseries and garden centers may have large outdoor areas, multiple entrances, cash-handling locations, valuable equipment, and employees working during early or late hours.

Security procedures may address:

• Facility access
• Keys
• Cash handling
• Theft
• Suspicious activity
• Opening and closing
• Working alone
• Parking areas

Employees should know how to summon assistance.

Working Alone

Employees may work alone in:

• Greenhouses
• Outdoor growing areas
• Storage areas
• Irrigation areas
• Retail yards
• Early-morning or closing operations

Working-alone procedures should consider communication, emergency response, environmental conditions, equipment operation, and chemical hazards.

Young & Seasonal Workers

Nurseries and greenhouses may employ seasonal, temporary, or younger workers.

New employees should receive appropriate orientation and task-specific training before performing hazardous work.

Supervisors should verify that employees understand:

• Equipment hazards
• Chemical hazards
• Heat illness prevention
• PPE
• Emergency procedures
• Reporting requirements

Employees should not be assigned work they are not trained or legally permitted to perform.

Sanitation & Handwashing

Employees should have access to appropriate drinking water, toilet, and handwashing facilities as required for the operation.

Handwashing is particularly important before:

• Eating
• Drinking
• Smoking
• Using tobacco products
• Leaving work
• Handling food

Employees should wash promptly after handling pesticides or other chemicals when required by applicable procedures.

Housekeeping

Nursery and greenhouse work areas should be kept orderly.

Employees should:

• Remove plant debris.
• Clean spills.
• Control hoses.
• Store tools.
• Maintain clear aisles.
• Stack materials securely.
• Keep emergency equipment accessible.
• Remove broken pots and sharp materials.

Fire Prevention

Fire hazards may include:

• Greenhouse heaters
• Fuels
• Propane
• Electrical systems
• Dry plant material
• Packaging materials
• Chemicals
• Maintenance activities

Employees should maintain access to exits and fire-protection equipment and promptly report fire hazards.

Spill Prevention & Response

Procedures should address foreseeable spills involving:

• Pesticides
• Fertilizers
• Fuel
• Oil
• Cleaning products
• Other chemicals

Employees should know:

• How to isolate the area.
• Who to notify.
• What PPE may be required.
• Where spill supplies are located.
• When emergency assistance is necessary.

Employees should not attempt to clean a spill beyond their training and available protective equipment.

Emergency Action Plan

Employees should understand procedures for emergencies such as:

• Fire
• Chemical exposure
• Pesticide exposure
• Severe weather
• Heat illness
• Medical emergencies
• Electrical incidents
• Equipment accidents
• Structural damage
• Violence

Emergency exits and access routes should remain clear.

First Aid

Employees should know how to obtain first aid and emergency medical assistance.

Appropriate first-aid supplies should be accessible.

Chemical and pesticide exposures should be handled according to applicable product information and emergency procedures.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries
• Illnesses
• Chemical exposures
• Pesticide exposures
• Heat-related symptoms
• Equipment incidents
• Vehicle incidents
• Near misses
• Electrical hazards
• Unsafe conditions

Prompt reporting allows hazards to be evaluated and corrective action taken.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents and near misses should be reviewed to identify contributing factors.

Investigations may consider:

• Equipment condition
• Chemical use
• PPE
• Environmental conditions
• Employee training
• Procedures
• Supervision
• Housekeeping
• Communication
• Maintenance

Corrective actions should address identified causes where practical.

Nursery & Greenhouse Safety Training

Employee training should correspond to assigned duties and may include:

• Nursery and greenhouse hazards
• Pesticide safety
• Fertilizer safety
• Hazard Communication
• Chemical handling
• PPE
• Respiratory protection
• Heat illness prevention
• Potting equipment
• Irrigation systems
• Forklifts
• Tractors and utility vehicles
• Loading and unloading
• Manual lifting
• Ergonomics
• Hand and power tools
• Machine guarding
• Lockout/Tagout
• Electrical safety
• Greenhouse heaters
• Carbon monoxide
• Biological hazards
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Working around the public
• Working alone
• Fire prevention
• Spill response
• Emergency procedures
• Incident reporting

Additional training should be provided when new equipment, chemicals, pesticides, processes, or hazards are introduced.

Customized Nursery & Greenhouse Safety Manuals

Nursery and greenhouse operations vary significantly. Some businesses primarily grow plants for wholesale distribution, while others combine greenhouse production, outdoor growing areas, retail garden centers, landscape materials, delivery services, irrigation systems, pesticide application, and seasonal operations.

A customized Nursery & Greenhouse Safety Manual can be developed around your plant-production activities, greenhouse operations, pesticides and fertilizers, irrigation systems, equipment, vehicles, retail operations, environmental conditions, seasonal workforce, and employee exposures.