Safety
29
Remember, When Using
Disposable Coveralls . . .
•
Before purchasing any disposable coveralls,
make sure they are recommended by the
manufacturer for pesticide use. Avoid wearing
all-purpose disposables.
•
When removing disposable coveralls, take
care not to contaminate the interior if the
coveralls are to be worn more than once.
Between wearings, hang in a well ventilated
area, away from other clothing.
•
Do not launder disposables, but do launder
all clothing worn under disposables, just as
you would other clothing worn during
pesticide use.
•
Replace with a new coverall when severe
pilling (balls of fiber on the surface), rips or
holes occur. To discard, place in a plastic
garbage bag and take to an approved landfill
site; do not burn.
Gloves
Unlined gloves are required when handling, mixing
or pouring concentrated pesticides, during field
application and when equipment needs adjusting.
Never use bare hands to do these jobs. Studies reveal
that the greatest exposure is often through the hands.
A variety of glove materials may be found on the
market. Unlined nitrile and neoprene gloves are
suitable for most pesticides. All gloves should be
washed soon after the concentrated chemical has been
mixed as pesticide may penetrate into the material if it
is not cleaned off. Care should be exercised to avoid
contaminating the interior of gloves when they are
taken off and put on. If possible, wash the outside of
the gloved hands prior to glove removal, to avoid
contaminating the interior. At the end of the day, both
the inside and outside of the glove should be washed.
Prior to use, inspect gloves and replace immediately if
cracks, swelling, discolouration, holes or rips develop.
Cuff glove and wear sleeves over top of gloves to help
prevent spills and splashes of pesticides from running
down inside the gloves.
Do not continue to wear contaminated gloves and
avoid wearing leather, cloth or natural rubber gloves
as they soak up the chemical and become a source
of continuous contamination.
Boots
Neoprene overboots or long rubber boots are the
recommended footwear as they are less likely to
absorb pesticides and are more easily cleaned. Be
sure to wear the pant leg over the boot to avoid
pesticides running down into the boot. In case of
such an accident, wash the boots out immediately;
otherwise, wash the outside of the boots daily.
Minimum protection
Prevent powders, dusts or spray mists from being
deposited on the hair or scalp by wearing a hard hat.
The hard hat should be washed daily. Avoid the use
of a hard hat with a leather inner band.
Extra protection
Protect hair, scalp, ears and neck from dust, sprays
and spill when you are likely to contaminate the head
area. Wear a wide brimmed hat that covers the neck
or hooded coveralls, with the hood under the hard
hat. Only wear ear plugs if required for hearing
protection. Use disposable ear plugs made of self-
molding foam, and dispose of them after use.
Goggles or face shields
Protect the eyes and face against pesticide vapours,
dust and splashes when handling concentrated
pesticides. Goggles and face shields must have
resistance to chemicals and have ventilation to
prevent fogging. Clean after each day of use and
store away from direct sunlight.
Avoid Wearing
(
These materials absorb chemicals and
prolong exposure to the wearer; most are
not easily cleaned).
•
fabric baseball caps
•
cloth or leather gloves, shoes or boots
•
natural rubber or plastic gloves (not
resistant to pesticides)
•
leather belts, watch bands, PDA and
cell phone holders
•
contact lenses