Pesticide Protective Equipment

Objective:

To be able to chose the proper attire for pesticide application, and assure cleanliness of personal protective equipment

Trainer's Note:

Helpful visual aids for this module include personal protective equipment (PPE) and a variety of pesticide labels. Based on the recommendations provided on the labels, demonstrate what PPE to wear during various chemical applications.

Background

The following PPE is available to protect against pesticide exposure:

Gloves: Wear unlined, elbow length, chemical-resistant gloves when handling any pesticide concentrate or chemical labeled DANGER, POISON or WARNING. Check gloves for holes or leaks. To check for leaks, fill the gloves with water and squeeze. Throw the gloves away if water squirts through a hole. Leaks or holes in the gloves can expose the skin to chemicals.

Either tuck gloves into shirt sleeves or vice versa. This prevents the chemicals from getting inside the gloves at the cuff. After applying or handling pesticides and before removing the gloves, wash them with detergent and water to prevent contaminating the hands.

Never wear cotton or leather gloves. They do not protect against dermal (skin) exposure. They would allow chronic exposure to the pesticide.

Footwear: When applying or handling chemicals, wear unlined, lightweight rubber vinyl boots which cover the ankles. Wear long pants over the boots to avoid getting pesticides inside of the boots. After each use, thoroughly wash and dry boots on the inside and out to remove residues and reduce exposure risk. Always wear gloves when cleaning personal protective equipment after it has been used.

Eye Protection: Wear tight fitting, non-fogging chemical splash goggles or a full face shield when applying or handling pesticides. Clean the eye protection and wash the sweatband after each use.

Head Protection: Protect the head and neck against pesticide exposure by wearing a waterproof rain hat or washable, wide-brimmed hard or bump hat. Avoid cotton and felt hats because they absorb pesticides.

Respirators: Wear a respirator when it is recommended. It will be necessary to wear a respirator when handling concentrated, highly toxic pesticides. Ensure that the respirator fits properly, and is the appropriate type for the hazard.

Clothing: Spraying contaminates clothing so be sure to wear fresh clothing daily. Wash contaminated clothing separately from other laundry. Dispose of items that are saturated with pesticides. Drop into plastic bag rolled in an open position. For further information refer to model: Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing Laundering.

Review the Following Points

• Pesticide applicators are legally required to follow all personal protective equipment instructions that appear on the labels of pesticide containers.
• Wear the right PPE clothing/protection for the right job.
• Never use faulty or worn out PPE.
• Always wash thoroughly when finished with pesticide applications.

Pesticide Protective Equipment Quiz

True or False

1. Eye protection should fit snugly and be non-fogging.	T	F
2. Wear pants on the inside of the boots to avoid getting pesticides on the pants.	T	F
3. Use a respirators as called for by the pesticide label.	T	F
4. Never wear the same clothes without washing them first.	T	F
5. Throw away any PPE equipment that has holes or is damaged.	T	F

Answer Key
1. T, 2. F, 3. T, 4. T, 5. T

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