April 28, 2009
Choose Protective Equipment Carefully
For this crop year many producers have already decided what crops they will
grow, crop varieties, number of acres, fertilizers and the pesticides they will
need. As a producer or family member, encourage the consideration of the type of
protective equipment needed for the pesticide applications on your farm or
ranch.
Now is a great time to read pesticide labels, especially the precautionary
statement. It discusses the hazards to humans and domestic animals, first aid
recommendations, environmental hazards and physical and chemical hazards.
Required protective equipment is discussed in the section on hazards to humans
and domestic animals. Reading it now will provide time to obtain the equipment
you need to stay safe.
Pesticide applicators should have protective equipment such as chemical goggles,
gloves, apron or full-body coveralls, respirators, ear protection, hat and
boots. The equipment needed will vary according to the protective needs listed
in the hazards to humans and domestic animals. Read it carefully to determine
what you will need.
The cartridges on a respirator have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced
periodically. Applicators should start the season with fresh cartridges or
canisters. Replace them according to the manufacturers recommendations to make
sure the respirator continues to provide protection.
Eye protection is very important when working with agricultural chemicals. There
is an important difference between chemical goggles and ordinary safety goggles.
Chemical goggles have a baffled airway that prevents a direct splash from
getting inside the goggles while ordinary safety goggles do not.
The main trunk of the body should be protected as well. Researchers at the
University of Illinois found that pesticide-type chemicals can be absorbed into
the body up to 11 times faster when splashed in the groin area than on the lower
arm. A protective apron will provide protection, but a complete coverall offers
the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes.
The scalp and forehead also have a high rate of pesticide absorption. A
protective hat should always be worn when working with pesticides. A plastic
bump cap offers good protection because it is waterproof and also protects you
from bumps with machinery. Cloth and plastic mesh caps will absorb pesticides
and should be avoided. Pesticide residue cannot be completely washed out.
Even the ear canal has a very high rate of pesticide absorption; approximately
four times that of the forearm. Earplugs are a good idea if concentrated
pesticides are handled at or above shoulder height. Gloves for handling
pesticides should be unlined, full-length rubber or plastic with the cuff turned
back to prevent drips and runs up the arm. Gloves need to be unlined because
pesticide residues can be trapped in a cloth lining which is difficult to wash
out.
Rubber overshoes should be worn when working with pesticides. Leather or cloth
shoes and boots will absorb pesticides and are difficult or impossible to
decontaminate. Chemicals soaked into leather footwear can result in dangerous,
long-term chemical exposure. Unlined rubber boots with non-slip soles offer the
best protection because they can be cleaned inside and out.
All pesticide protective clothing should be used only for pesticide protection.
Rain suits and other protective gear should never be used for general rain
protection or other uses. Protective equipment should be cleaned after every
use, with a thorough soap and water washing and lots of rinsing.
Personal clothing should be changed at least daily when working with pesticides.
Pesticide-exposed clothing should not be worn in the house. Take along spare
clothing in case a spill happens and a change of clothes becomes necessary.
Protect yourself against pesticide exposure. There are many steps you can take
to reduce the risk of working with pesticides, so manage your exposure and
control your risk.
