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May
5, 2005
Chose Protective
Equipment Carefully
Using protective equipment
when applying pesticides is vital, a North Dakota State University safety
expert says.
By now, almost all
producers have decided what kinds of crops they will grow this year, as
well as how many acres they’ll plant and the types and amounts of
fertilizers they’ll use. Likely they’ve also decided what
pesticides they will need and how to apply them. But they probably haven’t
considered the protective equipment they’ll need when applying those
pesticides, according to George Maher, an NDSU Extension Service agricultural
safety specialist.
“Now is a great
time to read the labels of the pesticides you probably will be applying,
especially the precautionary statement,” he says.
The precautionary
statement part of the label lists the hazards to humans and domestic animals,
first aid recommendations, and environmental, physical or chemical hazards.
The required protective equipment is noted in the section on hazards to
humans and domestic animals.
Protective equipment
that pesticide applicators should have includes 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
on the product label.
“Read it carefully
to determine what you will need,” Maher says.
Here is some advice
on how to protect yourself when working with pesticides:
- Respirator cartridges
have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. Always
start the season with fresh cartridges or canister. Replace them according
to the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure the respirator continues
to provide protection.
- Eye protection
is very important when working with agricultural chemicals. Chemical
goggles and ordinary safety goggles have one important difference. Chemical
goggles have a baffled airway that prevents a direct splash from getting
inside the goggles; ordinary safety goggles do not have this feature.
- The trunk of the
body needs protection from chemicals as well. Researchers at the University
of Illinois found that the body can absorb pesticide-type chemicals
up to 11 times faster when they are splashed in the groin area than
on the lower arm. A protective apron is the minimum an applicator needs,
but a complete coverall, such as one of the disposable types, offers
the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes.
- The scalp and forehead
also can absorb a high rate of pesticide. Wear a protective hat when
working with pesticides. A plastic bump cap is good because it is waterproof
and protects the wearer from collisions with machinery. Avoid cloth
and plastic mesh caps because they will absorb pesticides. The pesticide
residue cannot be washed out completely.
- The ear canal
has a very high rate of pesticide absorption - approximately four times
that of the forearm. Applicators should use earplugs if they will be
handling concentrated pesticide at or above shoulder height.
- Wear unlined and
full-length rubber or plastic gloves with the cuff turned back to prevent
drips and runs up the arm. Gloves need to be unlined because pesticide
residues will be trapped in the cloth lining and are very difficult
to wash out.
- Wear rubber overshoes.
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 nonslip soles offer the best protection because they can
be cleaned inside and out.
- Use pesticide
protective clothing only for pesticide protection.
- Clean protective
equipment with a thorough soap and water washing and lots of rinsing
after every use.
- Change personal
clothing at least daily when working with pesticides. Pesticide-exposed
clothing should not be worn in the house. Applicators should have a
change of clothing with them so they can change before entering the
house. This extra clothing also will come in handy if they spill some
chemical on themselves.
“There are many
steps you can take to reduce the risk of working with pesticides, so manage
your exposure and control your risk,” Maher advises.
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Source:
George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ecrawfor@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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