FARGO, N.D. - Protective equipment is a necessity for lawn care operators (LCOs) when applying pesticides, Agricultural Safety Specialist George Maher of the North Dakota State University Extension Service, Fargo, N.D., told Agriculture Online in a recent interview. He recommended that LCOs have an assortment of protective equipment available, including chemical goggles, gloves, an apron or full-body coveralls, respirators, hat and boots, and noted that information on product labels will indicate the proper equipment needed when making applications.
Agriculture Online reported that statistics from the North Dakota Poison Center have shown that the two most common routes of pesticide entry to the body are absorption through the skin and inhalation.
Therefore, Maher offered the following tips for LCOs to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Replace respirator cartridges periodically, as they have a limited lifespan.
- Wear pesticide-approved gloves when handling pesticides. Gloves should be unlined and full-length rubber or plastic with the cuff turned back to prevent drips and runs up the arm.
- Rubber overshoes should be worn when working with pesticides. Leather shoes or boots will absorb pesticide residues that are impossible to remove.
- Protect the main trunk of your body. The minimum protection needed is a protective apron, but for complete protection, a disposable type of coveralls offers the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes.
- Always wear a plastic protective hat when working with pesticides. Be sure the sweatband is non-absorbent to prevent pesticide poisoning.
- Eye protection is also very important when working with pesticides. Keep in mind that chemical goggles, unlike ordinary safety goggles, have a baffled airway to prevent splashes from getting inside.
- Pesticide-protective clothing should be used only for pesticide protection and not for general rain protection or other uses. Clean the protective equipment after every use, with a thorough soap and water washing and plenty of rinsing.