Which sequence is correct for responding to a pesticide spill?

• A. Control, Contain, Clean
• B. Clean, Contain, Control
• C. Contain, Clean, Control
• D. Control, Clean, Contain

Answer: (A)

When a pesticide spill happens, the first priority is to stop the release at its source. By controlling the flow or shutting off the source, you prevent more pesticide from escaping, which reduces exposure risk for yourself and others and limits how much needs to be cleaned up. Once the release is under control, you can then contain the spill—put up barriers, use absorbents, and prevent the material from reaching drains, water, or unprotected areas. With the release halted and the spill contained, the area is stabilized and you can move to cleanup and decontamination, collecting contaminated materials and disposing of them properly.

If the source isn’t stopped first, attempts to contain can allow more pesticide to spread, and cleaning before the release is controlled can spread contamination even further. So starting with controlling the release, then containing the spill, and finally cleaning up provides the safest and most effective sequence.