Personal Protective Equipment for Pesticide Handlers

By Danielle S. Williams

Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in safeguarding pesticide handlers from potential pesticide exposure. While the right selection and use of PPE can significantly reduce pesticide exposure, it does not eliminate it entirely.

THE PESTICIDE LABEL

All pesticide handlers, applicators, mixer/loaders and early-entry agricultural workers are legally required to completely follow PPE instructions on the product label. The label lists the minimum PPE required while handling a pesticide. It is always acceptable to wear more PPE than the label lists, but never less.

The only way to determine the proper PPE needed to handle a pesticide is to read the pesticide label. For pesticide handlers, including applicators and mixer/loaders, the minimum PPE required can be found under the Precautionary Statements section of the label. For early-entry agricultural workers, minimum requirements can be found under the Agricultural Use Requirements as this activity falls under the Worker Protection Standard.

Required PPE may vary depending on the specific task. In the example shown in Figure 1, both applicators and mixers/loaders are required to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, waterproof gloves, socks and shoes. Mixer/loaders must additionally wear a respirator. When tank-mixing pesticides, you must use the PPE from the pesticide label that is most restrictive or requires the most PPE.

Figure 1. A sample pesticide label requiring different PPE for applicators and mixer/loaders.

The label also gives instructions for care of PPE and how to handle any clothing that may become contaminated with pesticide. Any clothing that might be exposed to pesticides should be laundered separately from other clothing. Any clothing that becomes heavily soiled should be discarded.

HAND PROTECTION

Hands and forearms get the most exposure to pesticides. As a result, product labels might require the use of waterproof or chemical-resistant gloves during handling and mixing. Keep in mind that waterproof materials are not necessarily chemical resistant. Water-resistant PPE will prevent a small amount of fine spray particles or small liquid splashes from penetrating the clothing and reaching the skin. Waterproof material keeps water-soluble materials out but may not necessarily keep out oil solvent-based products. Chemical-resistant, on the other hand, means that no measurable movement of the pesticide through the material occurs during use. Always consult the label for which type and thickness of glove is required.

Not all chemical-resistant materials will give you the same level of protection. In some cases, a pesticide label’s PPE description may refer you to a code letter (A-H) on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) chemical resistance category selection chart (Figure 2). The chart refers the handler to several PPE materials to choose from for each category. It also tells the handler how long a given material can be expected to withstand chemical exposure.

Selection category on pesticide label	Type of personal protective material
	Barrier laminate	Butyl rubber >= 14 mils	Nitrile rubber >= 14 mils	Neoprene rubber* >= 14 mils	Natural rubber >= 14 mils	Polyethylene	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) >= 14 mils	Viton >= 14 mils
A (dry and water-based)	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
*Includes natural rubber blends and laminates Resistance time limit key: High: Highly chemical resistant. Clean or replace personal protective equipment (PPE) at the end of each day’s work period. Rinse off pesticides at rest breaks. Moderate: Moderately chemical resistant. Clean or replace PPE within an hour or two 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.

For example, the label directions from Figure 1 advise handlers to “follow the instructions for Category A on the EPA chemical resistance category selection chart.” Based on the chart’s recommendations (Figure 2), suitable materials for handling this product would be barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or Viton. Never wear cotton, canvas or leather gloves when handling pesticides because they will absorb the pesticides.

BODY PROTECTION

It is common to see long-sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes and socks listed on pesticide labels. This is to minimize the amount of exposed skin that could absorb fine particles of spray or be subject to splashing. Chemicals that are more corrosive or have a higher hazard may require additional protection, such as an apron. A chemical-resistant apron provides an extra layer of protection from splashes that can occur while mixing and loading pesticides or when cleaning equipment. For an apron to provide proper protection, it should extend from the mid-chest to at least the knees to cover the front of the body. Aprons can easily be worn over other protective clothing and are constructed of many of the chemical-resistant materials listed in Figure 1.

Some products may require a handler to wear coveralls or a chemical-resistant suit. Coveralls should be made of sturdy material such as woven cotton, polyester or a non-woven fabric such as Tyvek. When wearing coveralls, the opening should be closed securely so the entire body —except the feet, hands, neck and head — is covered. With two-piece coverall suits, the shirt or coat should flow loosely and not be tucked into the waist. Some suits may be water-resistant and disposable.

Suits are usually made from rubber or plastic and sold as one piece or as two pieces consisting of a jacket worn over coveralls. Chemical-resistant suits make the body hot and can cause heat stress, which is their biggest drawback. Chemical-resistant suits are by design not very breathable, and the risk of overheating is elevated compared to more breathable materials. More frequent breaks may need to be considered for products that require the use of these suits. 

FOOT PROTECTION

Some pesticide labels state that the only footwear required for handling are shoes and socks. Other labels may direct the handler to wear waterproof or chemical-resistant footwear. Leather boots are not considered chemical resistant, as leather tends to absorb organic compounds like pesticides. Chemical-resistant materials could include shoe coverings or nitrile, butyl or rubber boots. Pant legs should be worn outside and not tucked into boots or shoe coverings so that pesticides do not drain into boots.

EYE PROTECTION

If the label requires protective eyewear, this does not mean simply wearing sunglasses or vision-correcting glasses. Protective eyewear should meet or exceed impact-resistance specifications established by the American National Standards Institute Z87.1 eye protection standard. You will find this number on the bridge or temples of the glasses, or on the packaging and labeling when purchased.

Use the appropriate eye protection when the label specifies the following:

• Protective eyewear – Use safety glasses with brow, front and temple protection, a face shield, goggles or a full-face respirator.
• Goggles – Use fully-enclosed, chemical-splash-resistant goggles or a full-face respirator.
• Face shield – It must extend below the chin and wrap around the face.
• Full-face respirator – You must use a tight-fitting, full-face respirator.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Pesticides in the highest hazard classification, most fumigants or other volatile pesticides require the use of a respirator. A respirator prevents users from breathing in pesticide-contaminated air and inhaling toxic chemicals. The product formulation, toxicity and type of application influence the type of respirator needed. If a respirator is required, the label will specify which type. However, it’s not a bad idea to consider wearing one during any lengthy exposure with a high risk of pesticide inhalation.

Respirators must be approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and will be stamped with a testing and certification “TC” number prefix. This signifies they have been tested and certified for a specific level of protection. Pesticide labels often specify the type of respirator required by listing its TC number.

Additionally, filters are classified by codes based on their resistance to oil degradation and filter efficiency. N filters are not resistant to oils but are excellent for dusts and granular formulations. R and P filters are either oil-resistant (R) or oil-proof (P). HE filters refer to high-efficiency filters for powered air-purifying units that can be used with oils. 

Before handlers can use a respirator, they must receive:

1. A medical evaluation by a physician or other licensed health care professional
2. Fit testing with a taste/smell/irritating indicator
3. Training about the use, care and maintenance of the respirator
4. A fit check before each use

Once handlers are approved to use a respirator, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration respiratory protection standard requires that a fit check be performed every time a person puts on a respirator. Respirator training and fit testing is required annually, when workplace conditions change and when a new type of respirator is used. Records and documentation of medical clearance, fit testing and training must be maintained for at least two years. Always consult respirator packaging and labeling for directions on storage, cleaning, shelf-life and use maximums.

MAINTAINING PPE

PPE can be disposable or reusable. Disposable PPE items are not designed to be cleaned and reused and should be discarded when they become contaminated. These items are made of thin vinyl, latex or polyethylene. They are inexpensive and may be a good choice for short intervals. Reusable PPE is designed to be cleaned and reused several times. However, they should not continue to be worn when they no longer provide adequate protection. Check reusable PPE for rips, leaks and any visible signs of damage before and after each use. Reusable PPE must be cleaned and stored properly after each use and discarded if any damage is found.

SUMMARY

Pesticides pose a risk to handlers, but using the recommended PPE specified on the pesticide label can significantly reduce the chance of accidental exposure. The choice of PPE for a given pesticide application is determined by the application method, the specific pesticide used and the label’s instructions. Remember, you are legally required to wear all PPE required by the label.

Sources: Applying Pesticides Correctly, 7th Edition by F. Fishel and Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Pesticides by F. Fishel

Danielle S. Williams is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension commercial horticulture agent in Quincy.

To request a hard copy of the article and test, or if you have questions regarding this article, test or CEUs, contact the author at dsprague@ufl.edu or 850-875-7255. Please allow two weeks to process your CEU request.

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