Which action helps maintain a good inventory of pesticides on-site?

Marking each container with its purchase date is essential for maintaining a good inventory of pesticides on-site because it allows applicators to track the age of their products. By knowing when each pesticide was purchased, applicators can manage their stock effectively, ensuring that older products are used first and reducing the risk of using expired or ineffective chemicals. This practice also supports compliance with safety regulations and proper record-keeping, as it provides a clear timeline for inventory audits and helps in planning for future purchases.

While buying in bulk can appear to be cost-effective, it can lead to challenges in inventory management, especially if the products have a limited shelf life. Purchasing new chemicals only as needed can result in stock shortages or crises during peak application seasons. Rotating stock can be beneficial but may not be effective if containers lack purchase dates; without proper tracking, it’s possible to overlook which products are oldest and should be prioritized for use. Thus, dating containers is a foundational practice that supports a robust inventory management system for pesticides.