Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
b.
Enclosed Areas.
Agricultural pesticide handlers use some pesticides in enclosed areas such
as greenhouses, silos, and barns. The use of pesticides in such areas increases
the risk of inhalation exposure and may require the use of a respiratory protec-
tion device even if the identical application outdoors would not warrant such
protection. The likelihood of increased potential for heat stress due to the en-
closure is dependent on the effectiveness of the ventilation system.
All agricultural pesticides registered for use on crops that may be produced
in greenhouses are automatically registered for use in greenhouses unless the
registration and/or pesticide labeling specifically prohibits use in a greenhouse.
Therefore, the increased inhalation hazard in an enclosed area should be consid-
ered when respiratory protection requirements are established for agricultural
pesticides.
E.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
1.
Weather
Weather conditions can strongly influence the PPE selection process and
the work regimen of pesticide handlers. In general, agricultural pesticide use is
performed under conditions where climate control or climate alteration is im-
possible or impractical. The advent of temperature-regulated cabs on pesticide
application equipment is relatively new and not, as yet, widespread. Climate
control in greenhouses consists mainly of manipulation of ventilating sys-
tems. The limited alteration in temperature that results is usually partially
counteracted by the high humidity levels, which are inescapable in the en-
closed, constantly moist environment. Recommendations for PPE selection
should be feasible under a wide range of temperature/humidity conditions
without undue risk of heat-induced illness.
Except in these and a few other instances, such as aerial application, the
use of agricultural pesticides occurs at ambient air temperatures and humid-
ity— often at the height of the summer heat. Widespread areas of the United
States routinely experience temperature/humidity conditions from June
through September that make any outdoor activity extremely uncomfortable
even without the added burden of personal protective equipment. These cli-
matic conditions cause strong resistance to the use of plastic or rubberized
clothing, respirators, goggles or face masks, nonwoven protective suits, or
coveralls worn over another layer of clothing. Under some environmental
conditions, workers resist the use of long-sleeved shirts.
The undesirable effects of high heat and humidity can be moderated by the
cooling effect of the wind or of the air movement created by the vehicle's mo-
