Personal Protective Equipment A Must For Safe Pesticide Use

Pesticides can pose hazards to humans. The potential severity of a harmful effect or degree of poisoning depends on several factors including the pesticide’s chemical makeup, toxicity and formulation, how it enters the body, the amount that enters the body, and the length of exposure. Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, or “PPE,” can greatly reduce the potential for pesticide exposure, and significantly reduce the chances of a pesticide poisoning.

“PPE” refers to clothing and devices worn to protect the human body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues. PPE includes such items as coveralls or protective suits, footwear, gloves, aprons, respirators, eyewear, and headgear.

When purchasing and prior to using a pesticide product, it is essential that you read and understand all portions of the pesticide product label. You are legally obligated to follow the instructions and requirements on the label.  The label is the law, and it contains vital information about the use, safety and handling of the product. Carefully review the signal word, precautionary statements, personal protective equipment requirements, entry restriction statements, emergency first aid measures, and directions for use – they are included to protect you, others, and the environment.

Different pesticides require different personal protective equipment. Remember that any product that contains a pesticide – including baits, aerosols, fertilizers, seed, “natural” products, etc. – must be handled using the required PPE, in the correct way.

There are some basic PPE principles and practices that must be understood to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in handling a pesticide.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires studies to determine if a pesticide can be registered and how it can be used without impacting health or the environment. To protect pesticide handlers and early entry workers, the PPE specified on the label must be selected and used correctly, and all other directions and precautions must be followed.

A Caution, Warning, or Danger signal word will appear on the pesticide product label and is based on the acute toxicity and irritation potential of the pesticide product, including the active ingredient(s) and the other ingredients in the formulation (particularly solvents).

The signal word selected for a pesticide formulation reflects the most toxic category resulting from dermal, oral, inhalation or eye contact. Caution indicates that the pesticide formulation is slightly toxic. Warning indicates that at least one of the ways of contact is moderately toxic. Danger indicates that at least one of the ways of contact is highly toxic.

The signal word is an indicator of the overall acute toxicity of a pesticide formulation, but is not the only consideration when defining PPE requirements. PPE requirements are based not only on protecting the user from acute toxicity concerns but also from other toxicity concerns, such as repeated exposures and how the person would be exposed during mixing, loading and application.

Every pesticide label will contain a “Precautionary Statements” section. It provides both the signal word and PPE requirements. Here is an example of a precautionary statement section of a label:

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS 

HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS

DANGER

Poisonous if swallowed, inhaled) or absorbed through the skin. Rapidly absorbed through the skin. Wear protective clothing and gloves. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, or using tobacco. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Do not breathe dust.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Applicators and other handlers must wear:

• Coveralls over short-sleeved shirt and short pants
• Water-proof gloves
• Chemical resistant footwear plus socks
• Chemical resistant headgear for overhead exposure
• Chemical resistant apron when cleaning equipment, mixing or loading
• For exposures in enclosed areas, a respirator with either an organic vapor-removing cartridge with a prefilter approved for pesticides {MSHAINIOSH approval number prefix TC 23C)l or a canister approved for pesticides (MSHAINIOSH approval number prefix TC14G) or a NIOSH approved respirator with an organic vapor (OV) cartridge or canister with any N, R P or HE prefilter.
• For exposures outdoors, dust/mist filtering respirator (MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix TC-21C) or a NIOSH approved respirator with any N, R P, or HE filter.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning/ maintaining PPE. If no such instructions for washables, use detergent and hot water. Keep and wash PPE separately from other laundry.

Pesticides And Personal Protective Equipment

It is important to note that pesticide labels undergo periodic scheduled reevaluations and personal protective equipment requirements on the pesticide product label can be changed at any time due to new research and/or regulatory requirements. Therefore it is necessary to read the entire label every time you purchase a pesticide product. The same applies to any PPE instructions that accompany the PPE – read them carefully every time you purchase the PPE, even if you purchased the same brand and model before.

Correct selection of PPE is critical. Follow the pesticide product label carefully when certain types of gloves, respirators, and/or other PPE are specified. For example, a specific type of glove material may be highly chemical-resistant to some pesticide products but not others. A respirator suitable for one task may not be suitable for another. A “water-resistant” material is different than a “chemical-resistant” material.

“Chemical-resistant” PPE is “material that allows no measureable movement of the pesticide being used through the material during use”. However, “chemical-resistant” aprons, coveralls, eye protection, footwear, gloves, and headgear are not equally resistant to all pesticides, under all conditions, and for the same length of time.

Read the PPE user instructions carefully to ensure that the PPE meets the specifications on the particular pesticide product label. If in doubt about what PPE to use, call the pesticide product manufacturer, the PPE manufacturer, your county agent, or your state’s pesticide safety education program. Pesticide labels, PPE instructions, and safety equipment catalogs contain phone numbers, and PPE manufacturer websites often contain detailed information on their products.

More is not necessarily better in the case of PPE – select the PPE required by the label.

Just as it is very important to select the correct PPE, it is equally important, that PPE must be working correctly every time you use it, either alone or in combination with other PPE. When several pieces of PPE are used together, they must not interfere with each other. For example, protective goggles must not interfere with the operation of a respirator.

Read the PPE user instructions carefully before every use, and seek assistance if needed.

Before and after every use, check for any type of deterioration of or damage to all the components, seams, etc. of the specific re-usable PPE and, if necessary, dispose of properly.

Personal Protective Equipment Lineup

EYE PROTECTION

Eye protection requirements may be shielded safety glasses, goggles, a face shield, or a full-face respirator. Shielded safety glasses have a brow cover and side shields. Special goggles are needed when wearing a half-mask respirator or prescription glasses. Straps on eye protection equipment should be worn under any required protective headgear. Goggles and safety glasses having directly vented air holes are not totally protective against splashes.

RESPIRATORS

Respirator requirements on pesticide labels are very specific when required for pesticide handling tasks. Generally, the label will require either a dust/mist filtering (particulate-removing) respirator, or a respirator with an organic-vapor cartridge or canister fitted with a pre-filter. Use only respirators certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

If you are required by the pesticide label to use a respirator (or if you choose to use one), an initial medical evaluation is strongly advised even if not required by law.  When working with fumigants annual medical certification is required when respirators must be used.

Self-contained, canister and cartridge style respirators require a tight seal to the face and must be fit tested before use. Fit testing is also required annually, or when the type of respirator changes, or when there are significant changes in weight or facial features.

Only a trained person or safety professional should conduct the fit testing, according to the instructions included with the respirator or other fit test protocols specific to the model. Tight-sealing respirators cannot be worn by persons having even minimal facial hair, jewelry, or other obstructions where the respirator contacts the face.

A respirator seal check (also known as a pressure check or fit check) is a very different procedure than a fit test. A seal check determines the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the skin, and must be done EVERY time the respirator is worn. Follow the PPE instructions to conduct a proper seal check.

Replace filters, canisters, cartridges, etc. according to the pesticide label or PPE instructions (whichever is more frequent), and whenever there is equipment damage, breathing resistance, odor, taste, irritation, or soiling. Following the PPE instructions for replacement is critical, because other indicators are not always dependable. For example, the ability to detect an odor depends on the product, the person, and the weather conditions, and the mere presence of an odor does not indicate that harm can result.

For PPE having multiple components as well as associated PPE (for example, respirators and filtration media), be sure to review the assembly, parts, and filtration media instructions.

All “dusk masks” are not the same. Some dusk masks having a particulate prefilter are approved for some types of applications (for example, a “dust/mist NIOSH-approved respirator with any N, R, P, or HE filter”) while other dust masks are not protective nor approved.

COVERALLS

Coveralls are loose-fitting one- or two-piece garments that cover, at a minimum, the entire body except the head, neck, hands, and feet. The pesticide label may specify that the coveralls be worn over a layer of clothing. Most coveralls are made of fabric such as cotton or a cotton-polyester blend and are not chemical-resistant. There are laminated or coated materials that provide water resistance and protection from some solvents, but no US certification currently exists. Chemical-resistant clothing is rarely required and usually not encouraged due to heat stress concerns.

Coverall or spray suits may be made of butyl rubber, neoprene, PVC, or one of the newer coated and laminated polyethylene fabrics may be appropriate. Generally, greater material thickness, bound or sealed seams, and covered zippers and vent holes will increase the protection offered. These garments are often elasticized at the wrist and ankle. Some are reusable if properly cleaned, and some must be disposed of after a single use. You will be safest and most comfortable in protective clothing that fits. Do not use coveralls made from fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or uncoated, non-woven olefin unless the label specifies “long-sleeved shirt and long pants” or “coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants.”

Aprons, when required, must be made of chemical-resistant material and cover the front of the body from mid-chest to the knees. It is a good idea to wear an apron whenever mixing or loading chemicals or cleaning spray equipment, even when not required on the pesticide label.

PPE For Your Hands And Feet

GLOVES

Glove materials differ in their protective ability and the length of time they are protective after contact with the specific pesticide. The level of protection also varies depending on whether diluted sprays, concentrated product splashes, granules, or powders contact the gloves.

Pay careful attention to the glove types specified on the pesticide label; they are based on the different solvents in the formulation. Barrier laminate gloves are highly protective for all solvents that have been approved for use in pesticide formulations. Nitrile gloves are highly protective for many but not all formulations. Waterproof gloves are highly protective only for dry and water-based formulations. Pesticide labels will usually list “examples” of suitable glove types – use the examples listed unless you are willing to do the research to ensure that other types meet the same chemical-resistance requirements.

Often, the pesticide label will provide recommendations for a type of glove in the PPE section. In addition, if the label specifies chemical-resistance categories A through H, you may use the table below to help you decide what type to provide. (Note the reference to a standard glove thickness of at least 14 mils)

Environmental Protection Agency chemical resistance categories for selected personal protective materials

	Type of personal protective material
Selection category listed on the pesticide label (dry and water-based)	Barrier laminate	Butyl rubber 14 mils	Nitrile  rubber  mils	Neoprene rubber*  mils	Natural rubber  mils	Polyethylene	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)  mils	Viton  mils
A	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	High
B	High	High	Slight	Slight	None	Slight	Slight	Slight
C	High	High	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High
D	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	None	None	None	Slight
E	High	Slight	High	High	Slight	None	Moderate	High
F	High	High	High	Moderate	Slight	None	Slight	High
G	High	Slight	Slight	Slight	None	None	None	High
H	High	Slight	Slight	Slight	None	None	None	High

Key:
High: Highly chemical resistant. Clean or replace PPE at end of each day’s work period. Rinse off pesticides at rest breaks.
Moderate: Moderately chemical resistant. Clean or replace PPE within an hour of contact
Slight: Slightly chemical resistant. Clean or replace PPE within 10 minutes of contact.
None: Not chemical resistant. Do not wear this type of material as PPE when contact is possible.

*Includes natural rubber blends and laminates.

When gloves are required wear unlined gloves, and never wear canvas, leather, cotton, or other fabric gloves unless specified on the pesticide product label. Even highly chemical-resistant gloves must be rinsed off at breaks if pesticide contact occurs.

Wear sleeves outside the gloves if spraying below the shoulders. If spraying overhead, gloves should be outside the sleeves. If spraying both overhead and below the shoulders, duct tape can be used to temporarily seal the area where the gloves meet the sleeves. Elbow length gloves are more protective and are required for some activities.

Remember that waterproof gloves are not necessarily chemical resistant.

Chemical-resistant gloves with non-separate liners (i.e., flocking) are prohibited. You may wear shorter cotton gloves underneath the chemical-resistant ones, but they must be disposed of immediately upon contact with liquid. In addition, the cotton liners must be disposed of after 10 hours of use or within 24 hours from when they are first worn.

Never wear cotton, leather, or canvas gloves unless the label specifies that this type is required (e.g., aluminum phosphide fumigants).

FOOTWEAR

Footwear includes water-proof boots, or chemical-resistant boots or shoe coverings, worn over regular shoes or boots. Ensure that the footwear chosen will not absorb the spray. Always wear the pant legs outside the footwear to prevent spray from running down the leg into the footwear. Duct tape can be used to temporarily seal the area where boots meet the pants. Exposed footwear should be cleaned after each day’s use, and never worn indoors.

Chemical-resistant footwear can be one-piece, pull-on boots made of natural rubber, which may be coated with polyurethane, PVC, or blends. Disposable or reusable shoe covers may also be used. In either case, pant legs should be worn outside of the boots to prevent pesticides from entering the footwear. Leather boots or canvas-leather sports shoes should never be worn when handling pesticides. Change shoes when you are finished spraying. Leave your contaminated footwear at work.

Cleaning, Maintenance, Storage, And Disposal Of Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaning and maintenance instructions from the PPE manufacturer must be followed for reusable PPE. Never reuse any type of disposable PPE (intended for one-time use), because you can be exposed to residues remaining on the PPE from the previous use, or to product moving through damaged or deteriorated PPE during reuse.

Note that reusable or limited-use PPE must be discarded if not cleaned and maintained properly, because there is a significant risk of pesticide exposure. For example, pesticide exposure can occur from residues remaining from the previous use, damaged seals in the respirator, small holes or tears in gloves or clothing, or degradation of the chemical-resistant PPE.

Remove PPE as soon as you complete the tasks where you were exposed to the pesticide. Wash disposable OR reusable gloves with soap and water, and then remove other PPE while still wearing the gloves. Then wash the gloves again with soap and water before removing them. Washing gloves prior to removal, avoids potential contamination. Clean reusable PPE according to the PPE instructions, without causing contamination to yourself.

Wash regular work clothes that have been exposed to pesticides as soon as possible to ensure maximum pesticide residue removal. Wash them separately from other laundry using detergent and hot water. Using an outdoor clothesline rather than a dryer may help break down any remaining pesticide residues. If no PPE is required on the pesticide label, it is still wise to wash clothes promptly.

Always obtain replacement parts for half- and full-face respirators from the original manufacturer and repair PPE in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Respirator component parts are NOT interchangeable between different manufacturers.

Storage instructions from the PPE manufacturer must be followed for both reusable and disposable PPE. Most PPE must be protected from chemicals, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive humidity, and moisture, or the specified shelf-life will be reduced. Disposable, reusable, or limited-use PPE must be discarded if not stored properly.

Keep PPE in its sealed package until use, and never store PPE in the same location with pesticides or personal clothing.

Disposal is the critical last step in handling PPE. Ensure that you remove and discard PPE without causing contamination to yourself, garbage collectors, or the environment. PPE may have an expiration date, while other PPE requires careful inspection – read the PPE manufacturer directions and be diligent about disposal of PPE that will no longer provide protection.

Clean disposable, washable items with soap and water prior to disposal, to remove pesticide residues. Properly cleaned PPE can be disposed as regular garbage.

PPE that is contaminated with a pesticide must be disposed of according to directions on the pesticide product label and all federal, state, and local regulations. In the absence of specific label directions or government regulations, dispose of contaminated PPE as household hazardous waste, which can be taken to an appropriate waste collection event or disposal site.

If all PPE instructions for cleaning, maintenance, storage, and disposal are not followed carefully, PPE can become ineffective or even increase exposure to a pesticide. If in doubt, dispose of the PPE or PPE component.

The EPA Worker Protection Standard stipulates that the employer must pay for required PPE, except in the limited cases specified in the standard. Safety-toe protective footwear and prescription safety glasses are excepted from the employer payment requirement, in large part because these items were considered to be very personal in nature and were often worn off the jobsite.

OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.

If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

Understanding the selection and correct use of personal protective equipment is an important practice that pesticide applicator and handlers must adopt to protect themselves from the harmful effects of chemical pesticides.  Remember that while employers must provide the necessary PPE, it will not provide any protection if not properly used.