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

Coveralls Aprons

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.