Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
B.
REUSABLES
Some personal protective equipment may be designed to be cleaned and
reused several times. However, do not make the mistake of reusing these
items when they are no longer protecting you.
Rubber, rubber-like, and plastic suits, gloves, boots, aprons, capes, and
headgear often are designed to be cleaned and reused, but even these reusables
should be replaced often. Wash them thoroughly between uses. Before you
put them on, inspect reused items carefully for signs of wear or abrasion. If
they show any sign of wear, throw them out. Even tiny holes or thin places
can allow large quantities of pesticides to move to the inside surface and trans-
fer your skin. Check for rips and leaks during cleaning by holding the items
up to the light.
Even if you can see no signs of wear, replace reusable chemical-resistant
items regularly. The ability of a chemical-resistant material to resist the pes-
ticide decreases each time the items are worn and after repeated exposure to
pesticides. Even though you do not see any changes in the material, the pes-
ticide may be moving through the material and getting on your skin. The
pesticide moves through the material in the same way air leaks through the
surface of a balloon—slowly, but steadily.
A good rule of thumb is to throw out gloves that have been worn for
about 5 to 7 days of work. Extra-heavy-duty gloves, such as those made of
butyl or nitrile rubber, may last as long as 10 to 14 days. Because hand pro-
tection is the most important concern for pesticide handlers, make glove re-
placement a high priority. The cost of frequently replacing gloves is a prudent
investment. Footwear, aprons, headgear, and protective suits may last longer
than gloves, because they generally receive less exposure to the pesticides and
less abrasion from rough surfaces. However, they should be replaced regularly
and at any sign of wear.
Fabric coveralls
are designed to be cleaned after each day's use and reused.
However, absorbent materials such as cotton, polyester, cotton blends, denim,
and canvas cannot be cleaned adequately after they are drenched or thoroughly
contaminated with concentrated pesticides labeled with the signal word
"DANGER" or "WARNING". Always discard any such clothing or footwear.
They cannot be safely reused.
Most protective eyewear and respirator bodies, facepieces and helmets are
designed to be cleaned and reused. These items may last many years if they are
good quality and are maintained correctly.
