Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Garment closures must be kept closed. Sleeves must be kept rolled down,
and the integrity of the glove-sleeve and other interfaces maintained. PPE that
becomes damaged must be replaced. PPE that becomes severely contaminated
must be doffed immediately. Pant legs must be kept on the outside of the
boots. Aprons must be kept tied and in place. Goggles and face shields must
be kept in position, not pushed up on the head or hung around the neck.
Once clothing has been used for handling pesticides, it should never be
used for any other activity. To do so would risk transferring contamination to
other persons, animals, and things outside the pesticide-handling environment.
11. Decontamination
The decontamination of PPE is discussed extensively later in section IV
under the heading Disposables and Reusables, and in Section V., “Spill Man-
agement.” The subject is complex; there are many unanswered questions and
there are many situation-specific considerations. Again, education and training
are the keys here.
F. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING FUMIGANTS
Fumigants are pesticides that are applied as a gas or that readily form a
gas when they are applied. Their pesticidal action is in the gaseous form.
Fumigants are highly toxic to plants and animals, including humans. Use ex-
treme caution and wear appropriate personal protective equipment whenever
handling fumigants. Personal protective equipment requirements for protec-
tion from fumigants are often very different from the requirements for other
types of pesticides. Follow labeling directions exactly for each fumigant.
Inhaling even small amounts of some fumigant gases can be fatal or cause
severe injury. You must wear the respirator listed on the fumigant labeling
during any handling activity, including removing tarps or other coverings,
when exposure to the gas is likely.
Never work alone with fumigants, especially in enclosed areas. Arrange
to be monitored at all times by another handler who has immediate access to
an appropriate respirator, in case rescue is needed.
While handling a fumigant indoors or in any enclosed area, use an
air-supplying respirator. In enclosed areas such as greenhouses, ship holds,
railcars, bins, vaults, and chambers, there may not be enough oxygen for you
to breathe. Cartridge and canister respirators will not protect you in these
situations.
Some fumigants readily penetrate plastic, rubber, and leather. These fu-
migants may be trapped inside gloves, boots, or tightfitting coveralls and
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