Prepare for the Growing Season with Good Protective Equipment, Safety Specialist Advises

Now is the time to check over protective equipment for applying pesticides, says a North Dakota State University agricultural safety specialist.

"As you make plans and prepare equipment for the growing season and for applying agricultural chemicals, don’t forget your protective equipment," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "Farmers and commercial applicators should begin checking and updating their personal safety equipment now, before the rush of the season begins."

Applicators should have an assortment of protective equipment including chemical goggles, gloves, an apron or full-body coveralls, respirators, hat and boots, Maher says. Information on product labels will indicate the equipment needed.

Statistics from the North Dakota Poison Center have shown that the two most common routes of pesticide entry to the body is absorption through the skin and inhalation. "The data indicate that some individuals need to consider pesticide exposure more seriously and pay more attention to their protection needs," Maher says.

He notes that respirator cartridges have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. "Be sure that you have a fresh supply of cartridges to start the season with. Then, as you work, replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations to be sure the respirator protects you," he says.

Wear pesticide approved gloves when handling pesticides, Maher says. Gloves should be unlined and full-length rubber or plastic with the cuff turned back to prevent drips and runs up the arm. Gloves need to be unlined because pesticides can be trapped in a cloth lining and residues can be very difficult to wash out.

Rubber overshoes should be worn when working with pesticides, Maher says. Leather shoes or boots will absorb pesticide residues that are impossible to remove. Chemical residue in leather footwear can result in dangerous, long-term chemical exposure; resulting in chronic pesticide poisoning. Unlined rubber boots with non-slip soles offer the best protection because they can be cleaned inside and out.

Protect the main trunk of your body from pesticides, too. University of Illinois researchers discovered that pesticides such as Parathion can be absorbed into the body up to 11 times faster when splashed in the groin area as compared to the lower arm. The minimum protection needed is a protective apron, Maher says, but for complete protection a disposable type of coveralls offers the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes. There are many styles and sizes available, so carefully select coveralls that fit best and provide the best protection.

The University of Illinois studies also indicate the scalp and forehead have a very high rate of pesticide absorption. "Always wear a protective hat when working with pesticides. A plastic bump cap offers good protection because it is waterproof and also protects the head from bumps with machinery," Maher says. "Be sure the sweatband is non-absorbent to prevent pesticide poisoning. Avoid cloth and plastic mesh caps. They will absorb pesticides."

Pesticide protective clothing should be used only for pesticide protection and not for general rain protection or other uses. Clean the protective equipment after every use, with a thorough soap and water washing and lots of rinsing, so it is safe and inviting to wear the next time.

Eye protection is also very important when working with agricultural chemicals. "There is an important difference between chemical goggles and ordinary safety goggles," Maher notes. "Chemical goggles have a baffled airway that prevents a direct splash from getting inside the goggles. Ordinary safety goggles do not have this feature."

Additional information can be found in a number of NDSU publications, including: AE-490, Personal Protective Equipment; NCR 204, Protective Clothing for Handling Pesticides; and HE-382, Protect Your Family. Guidelines for Handling and Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing. The publications are available from county offices of the NDSU Extension Service.

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