Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
duced. Similarly, some liquid handling systems are completely closed and
there is very little potential for exposure due to splashes and spills.
The level of PPE required for persons using engineering controls to reduce
exposure as illustrated above, may be significantly less than for situations in
which there are multiple opportunities for worker exposure.
c.
Duration and Frequency of Exposure
Both duration and frequency of pesticide handling and exposure affect the
level of PPE that might be required. The type of PPE that might be required
for a person who mixes pesticide for one 1/2-hour period each morning and
afternoon would differ from that for a person who is exposed to mists from
airblast sprays for the entire work day. PPE should be removed when the pes-
ticide handling activity is completed.
d.
Work Task
The work task is another important determinant of the level of PPE that
is required for worker protection. The task largely defines the direction from
which the potential exposure may occur (in some tasks, the potential exposure
is mostly from overhead, in others from the front, in others the back and
shoulders, and in still others from below the knees). Thus, the required types
of PPE for the same pesticide may vary, depending on the mode of application
and the specific activity of the pesticide handler. For example, weed sprayers
riding a boom may require thorough PPE coverage of the lower parts of the
body, but little or no protection above the waist. Mixers may only require
frontal coverage—a need that could be satisfied by a combination of gloves,
sleeves, apron (or sleeved-apron), and boots, leaving the back open for the
dissipation of metabolic heat.
4.
Level of Protection
Level of protection is that combination of gloves, boots, garment, gog-
gles, etc., that is necessary to provide protection from the potential hazard.
The goal is always to use the minimum level of PPE that is necessary. By so
doing, costs, effect on productivity, and potential for heat stress are mini-
mized, and the likelihood for worker acceptance (compliance) is increased.
