Safety
30
Respirators
Purchase a respirator recommended for the pesti-
cides used and make sure it fits properly. A good
airtight fit is required over the nose and mouth;
beards and moustaches can prevent a close fit.
Respirators have two cartridges attached onto a
facepiece. Each cartridge contains a pre-filter that
removes dust particles and a filter of activated charcoal
that absorbs the chemical. The cartridges should be
unscrewed and replaced as soon as any odor of the
pesticides is detected in the facepiece. Clean respirators
after each day’s use; unscrew the cartridges and wash
the facepiece with soap and water. Rinse the facepiece
in clean water, dry with a clean cloth and screw on the
cartridges. The clean respirator should be stored away
from direct sunlight in a sealed plastic bag to prevent
cartridges from absorbing airborne contaminants.
Disposable respirators are also available. Replace
as soon as any pesticide odor is detected. Wash after
daily use – do not get the charcoal filter wet. Store in a
sealed plastic bag. Note: Gauze and dust masks are not
respirators and are not recommended for pesticide use!
Gas masks
These are used when an applicator is likely to be
exposed to very high levels of pesticides (fumigants).
The face piece covers the eyes, nose and mouth. It is
connected by a flexible hose to a charcoal canister
worn on the belt. The lifespan of this canister is
longer than that of the respirator cartridges.
Manufacturer’s directions are to be followed for
cleaning and storing gas masks and canisters.
Minimize Exposure
•
wear recommended protective clothing and
safety equipment
•
limit cothing worn for pesticide use to that
use only
•
wash clothing and equipment daily after use
•
replace clothing and equipment that is no
longer serviceable
Cleaning of Clothes and Equipment
Skin can absorb chemicals from inadequately cleaned
clothing and equipment. Safe removal of pesticide
demands special care in handling and washing
contaminated clothes.
Handling pesticide soiled clothing
•
handle soiled clothing with unlined, nitrile gloves
•
remove pesticide granules from cuffs and pockets
outdoors
•
discard any garment saturated with pesticide
concentrate
•
temporarily store clothing in disposable plastic
bags before washing
•
take disposables to approved landfill
Washing pesticide soiled clothing
•
wash daily
•
wash separately from regular laundry
•
pre-treat with a stain removal product if an
emulsifiable formulation used, or
•
pre-rinse on pre-soak cycle of washer
•
avoid overcrowding washer
•
use hot water setting
•
use full water level and normal cycle
•
use extra heavy duty detergent as recommended
for heavily soiled loads
•
repeat wash procedure
•
clean washer after use (run empty washer through
full cycle with hot water and detergent)