Personal Protective Equipment

Pesticides are necessary for agricultural production but potential hazards to users are not adequately emphasized. Accidents involving pesticides are usually due to improper handling, mixing, application of pesticides, or failure to use proper personal protective equipment and clothing.

General Guidelines

The minimum protection when working with pesticides is long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks, rubber gloves, and splash-proof eye protection, regardless of the toxicity level of the pesticide. Rubber boots and a respirator are necessary when working with moderately or highly toxic pesticides. EPA's recommendations include wearing a double layer of clothing. This can be accomplished by wearing coveralls over the long pants and longsleeve shirt, and rubber boots over the shoes and socks.

Gloves

The use of gloves is mandatory when working with highly toxic pesticides. It is recommended that only unlined rubber or neoprene (nitrile, etc.) gloves be used when handling or using all pesticides. Unlined gloves should be thoroughly washed (inside and outside) after each use. Gloves should be at least 12 inches long to provide adequate protection for wrists and the cuffs should be inside sleeves for most work. This will keep runoff pesticide from getting into the gloves. However when working overhead put the cuffs of gloves outside sleeves. Check rubber type gloves for leaks each time they are washed. Do this by filling gloves with water and fold the cuff over to put pressure on the water in the glove. If there are holes water will leak out. Discard gloves with leaks. NEVER USE CLOTH OR LEATHER GLOVES WHEN WORKING WITH PESTICIDES unless specified on the label.

Goggles and Face Shields

It is necessary to wear splash-proof goggles when working with pesticides. Not only can the pesticide be absorbed through the eyes but the acidity of a pesticide can cause permanent eye injuries also. Use goggles meeting or exceeding ANSI standard Z87.1, 1968 estimate. When pouring or mixing concentrates it is preferable to use a full-face shield to protect the face from splashes. Always wash the goggles or face shield with soap and water after use.

Boots

Unlined rubber or neoprene (nitrile, ete.) boots should be worn over work shoes or in place of work shoes when mixing or applying pesticides. Pull the legs of trousers over the tops of boots to help prevent spilled pesticide from getting inside boots. Wash boots with soap and water after each use. NEVER WEAR CLOTH OR LEATHER BOOTS WHEN MIXING, OR APPLYING PESTICIDES. Cloth or leather boots will absorb pesticides and allow the pesticide to contact the skin of the leg or foot and will be a source of residues causing chronic exposure.

Headwear

A waterproof hat should be worn when mixing or applying pesticides because pesticides can be readily absorbed through the scalp. The hat should have a brim to keep drift or splashes off ears and neck. Plastic safety hats are ideal for use with pesticides and should be washed in soap and water after each use. Cloth hats may absorb pesticides and contaminate the wearer. D0 NOT USE CLOTH HATS.

Respirators

Respirators are designed to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and mists. They should be used when mixing or applying pesticides if the label specifies the need. Chhoose the correct cartridge for the type of pesticide being used. The manufacturer or supplier can provide guidance on selecting correct cartridges. Replace cartridges when the odor Of the pesticide becomes noticeable or when breathing becomes difficult during use. The life of cartridges will vary with the concentration of pesticide in the air around the respirator breathing rate of the user temperature humidity and composition of the cartridge.

Respirators SHOULD NOT be used in low oxygen atmospheres (below 19.5 percent oxygen). Respirators WILL NOT provide adequate protection for a person having a beard. Choose the model and make of respirator that provides a good seal between the face piece and the face to prevent pesticides leaking into the respirator and being breathed.

Always wash the face piece and straps in soap and water after each use. After drying place the respirator and cartridges in a clean plastic bag until it is needed again. Select respirators having the approval of NIOSH or MESA.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment