OHIO PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING Unit 7 Personal Protective Equipment

The Ohio State University Extension David J. Goerig Ag / Natural Resource Agent Mahoning County

What is Personal Protective Equipment? PPE Clothing and devices that are worn to protect the human body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residue

Types of PPE CoverallsAprons Protective suits Footwear Gloves Respirators Eyewear Headwear

YOU ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ALL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT INSTRUCTIONS THAT APPEAR ON THE LABEL OR IN LABELING

Factors affecting the Chemical Resistance of PPE Length of exposure Exposure situation Type of Chemical Type of Material

Choosing Chemical-Resistant Materials Cotton, Leather, and Canvas are not chemical resistant. The best choice materials include but are not limited to; Rubber, plastic, butyl, neoprene, and polyvinyl chloride products.

Hand and Foot Protection Areas of most exposure. Avoid contamination. Must be chemical resistant to the product you are working with. Must be worn correctly. In good condition. Cleaned / Replaced often.

Head and Neck Protection Required if you will be exposed to pesticides from above. Wide brimmed “Safari” hats are good. Resistant to the chemical you are working with. Jackets with attached hoods available

Protecting your Eyes Safety glasses OK if they include brow and side shields. Goggles Face shields

Protecting your Respiratory Tract Dust / Mist filtering respirators Vapor-removing respirators Air-supplying respirators

Handling Fumigants Applied in a gaseous state. Highly toxic. Never work alone. Respirator required. Breathable fabrics.

Maintaining PPE Wear gloves, goggles and aprons when handling pesticide contaminated equipment. Work in well ventilated area. Rinse first. Wash with detergent and hot water. Rinse twice. Air dry.