As the season for applying agricultural chemicals begins, farmers and other applicators should check and update their personal safety equipment says a North Dakota State University Agriculture Safety Specialist. Pesticide applicators should have chemical goggles, gloves an apron or full-body coveralls, a respirator, ear protection, a hat and boots. "The equipment needed will vary according to the protective needs listed on the pesticide label," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.

The cartridges of a cartridge respirator have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. According to Maher, always start the season with fresh cartridges or canister and replace them according to the manufacturers recommendations.

Proper eye protection also is important when working with agricultural chemicals. “There is an important difference between chemical goggles and ordinary safety goggles. Chemical goggles have baffled airway that prevents direct splash from getting inside the goggles. Ordinary safety goggles do not have this feature”, Maher says.

The main trunk of the body needs protection from chemicals as well.

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that pesticide-type chemicals can be absorbed into the body, up to 11 time faster when splashed in the groin area than on the lower arm. A protective apron is the minimum protection needed, but a complete coverall offers the best full-body protection against pesticide splashes.

According to Maher, the scalp and forehead also have a high rate of pesticide absorption. A protective hat should always be worn when working with pesticides. A plastic bump cap offers good protection because it is waterproof and also protects you from bumps with machinery. “Cloth and plastic mesh caps will absorb pesticides and should be avoided because pesticide residue cannot be completely washed out,” Maher says.

Similarly the ear canal has a very high rate of pesticide absorption approximately four times that of the forearm. “Earplugs would definitely be a good idea if concentrated pesticide is to be handled at or above shoulder height,” Maher says.

Gloves for handling pesticides should be unlined and full-length rubber or plastic with the cuff turned back to prevent drips and runs up the arm. “Gloves need to be unlined because pesticide is to be handled at or above shoulder height,” he says.

Rubber overshoes should be worn when working with pesticides. Leather or cloth shoes and boots will absorb pesticides and are difficult to decontaminate. Chemicals soaked into leather footwear can result in dangerous, long-term chemical exposure. Maher notes that unlined rubber boots with non-slip soles offer the best protection because they can be cleaned inside and out.

All pesticide protective clothing should be used only for pesticide protection, Maher says. Rain suits and other protective gear should never be used for general rain protection or other uses. Protective equipment should be cleaned after every use, with a thorough soap and water washing and lots of rinsing.

Personal clothing should be changed at least daily when working with pesticides. Pesticide-exposed clothing should not be worn in the house, “This extra set of clothing will be handy if a personal spill were to happen and a change of clothing becomes necessary,” Maher said.

According to Maher, protect yourself against pesticide exposure. There are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of working with pesticides, so manage your exposure – control your risk!