Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.7
Aerial application of pesticides.
Some possible exposure scenarios exist, however. When the pilot is also
the mixer/loader of the pesticides, the pesticide exposure from that activity
may be continued in the cockpit through contaminated PPE. The pilot also
may be exposed to pesticides when climbing into or out of the cockpit of a
contaminated aircraft. Finally, in some situations, a pilot making a sharp turn
or flying in strong wind may fly through the pesticide swath just released from
the aircraft. If the cockpit is not enclosed or if its air is not filtered, the resul-
tant pesticide exposure could be significant.
4.
Exposure Scenarios Deserving Special Consideration
a.
Engineering Controls
Some equipment, such as enclosed cabs and enclosed cockpits, greatly re-
duce the risk of pesticide exposure. The need for PPE is also greatly reduced,
but workers should have appropriate PPE available for situations that require
them to leave the enclosed areas. Other equipment, such as closed mixing and
loading systems, are also designed to reduce exposure. These systems may not
warrant as great a reduction in PPE use because of the high risk of exposure in
case of equipment failure.
