SAFETY

Protective Equipment is Integral to Pesticide Application

The use of protective equipment is required for the safe use of
more and more pesticide products. Pesticides are being designed
for more accurate application, narrower windows of application,
faster breakdown after the kill, and yes, they are still toxic to
humans. Protective equipment must be properly selected for the
job. People still need to protect themselves from the products
they handle.
        
There are four ways that pesticides can get into our bodies;
absorption through the skin, inhalation, splashing it into eyes,
and ingestion. When applying a pesticide, we need to follow the
label instructions regarding the use of protective equipment. The
"Hazards to humans and domestic animals" section of the pesticide
label will tell about the protective equipment needed for that
particular product.

Studies have shown that pesticides are absorbed through the skin
in the groin area at a rate higher than anywhere else on the
body. This makes the use of protective clothing to shield this
vulnerable area extremely important. There is a variety of
protective equipment that is effective, ranging from a simple
rubber lab apron to a variety of Tyvek, Saranex, or Goretex
coveralls.  

Wearing layers of clothing can be a good safety step since it
will take longer for the pesticide to soak through. Research
studies show that the time needed for pesticides to soak through
cloth can be extended when laundry-type spray starch is heavily
applied and allowed to dry before wearing. The starch soaks up
the pesticide and slows down the soaking through to the skin. You
still need to change the clothing as soon as possible after a
personal spill, but the starch gives you a little more time.
Don't forget to bring a spare change of clothing with you, just
in case.

The scalp and forehead both have high rates of pesticide
absorption, so a hat with a wide brim may be needed. Plastic bump
caps or hard hats without an absorbent headband may be a good
choice. An absorbent headband will retain pesticide material and
cause chronic pesticide poisoning. Floppy plastic hats that
prevent drips down your neck may be acceptable.

Gloves and boots are a prime concern when handling pesticides.
Working barehanded on the sprayer is a sure way of exposing
yourself to pesticide poisoning. Wearing pesticide contaminated
footwear is an avenue toward chronic pesticide poisoning. Modern
packaging methods help to keep the pesticide material well
controlled, but accidents still happen. Your boots and gloves
need to resist the penetration of pesticides. Neoprene, rubber,
and nitrile meet this need well. Nitrile has excellent resistance
to punctures and abrasion when compared to other materials. Wear
pesticide resistant gloves and boots to control your exposure to
pesticides and reduce the risk.

Cartridge or canister respirators provide excellent protection
when they are used properly. They require periodic servicing of
the cartridges or canisters, because the cartridge or canister
has a limited time of usefulness. The filtering material can only
absorb a limited amount of pesticide and no more. Users need to
know the importance of working with a fresh cartridge or
canister. Always make sure that the cartridge or canister is
rated for use with pesticides.
        
A pesticide splash in the eyes is going to burn you if it doesn't
blind you. It will cost you some work time at least. Be sure to
use chemical splash goggles. Chemical splash goggles have vents
that keep the product out of the eyes while preventing the
goggles from fogging up. Workshop-type goggles can actually let a
pesticide splash in, don't use them. Select goggles that are
compatible with your respirator since they are frequently used
together.
     
It is not a safe idea to consume anything while working with
pesticides. This includes candy bars, liquid refreshments,
smoking, chewing tobacco; anything you might put in your mouth.
Pesticide residue is sneaky and tough to control. People are
forgetful, too. This makes it too easy to ingest pesticide
residue that can have serious consequences later. Take designated
breaks that include clean-up time before anything is consumed.
Don't eat, drink, chew or smoke on the job.

More and more pesticides clearly require the use of protective
equipment when handling and working with them. The pesticide
label will tell you what protection is needed. This is not just
good advice but an absolute requirement. It's the law. The state
pesticide inspectors will be watching for the proper use of
required protection and issuing warnings or fines for violations.
Don't get caught with your protection down! Suit up and work
safely!

(Submitted by George Maher, Extension Agricultural Safety
Specialist)