Protective Clothing
Body covering
Always cover as much skin as possible with long-sleeved coveralls, shirts or pants. They should be clean, dry, free of holes and tears, and have collars and cuffs that fit snugly when buttoned.
Gloves
We recommend liquid-proof neoprene gloves to handle liquid pesticides. They should be long enough to protect wrists and should not be lined with a fabric because that can absorb chemicals. Keep sleeves outside gloves to prevent pesticide from seeping down your sleeves.
Hat
A wide-brimmed hat will protect your neck, eyes, mouth and face. (Or use the protective hood attached to many special coveralls.) It should not have a cloth or leather sweatband. We recommend a plastic liquid-proof "hard hat" that's cool in hot weather.
Boots or shoes
Neoprene boots are recommended when handling many pesticides because canvas, cloth or leather shoes can absorb pesticides. Sturdy shoes and socks are sufficient for some applications. Wear pant legs outside to keep pesticides from seeping into boots or shoes.
Apron
It's a good idea to wear a rubber apron when mixing and handling liquid pesticides. It's easy to put on and take off, and gives you a lot of protection against spills, container leaks, and broken hoses.
Protective Equipment
Goggles or face shield
Wear eye protection anytime there's a chance of getting pesticides in your eyes. A must if you're mixing pesticides marked "Warning" or "Danger". If you wear glasses, we suggest you wear a face shield.
Respirator
A dust mask is no substitute. Several types are available - cartridge or canister types are most common. Choose the right type for your job, make sure it's approved for pesticide use and that it fits. Keep it clean, and change filters regularly. It may be uncomfortable, but it's good insurance.
Routes of Exposure
The mouth
Exposure can result from your hands, from foods eaten with unwashed hands, from using tobacco products or even from splashes when something goes wrong.
The skin
Exposure can result from handling and opening packages, adjusting nozzles, from spray mist, spills or broken hoses, wearing pesticide-contaminated clothing, or from wearing inadequate protective clothing and equipment.
The eyes
Exposure can result from splashing pesticide in unprotected eyes, applying pesticide in windy weather, or not washing your hands after handling pesticides.
The lungs
Exposure can result from inhaling fumes, dust or fine mist without protective equipment, from prolonged exposure to pesticides in poorly ventilated areas or from reentering a pesticide-treated area too soon or using inadequate equipment.
Keeping Yourself Clean
The best thing you can have handy when working with pesticides is clean water. A lot of clean water. So when chemical gets on your skin or in your eyes, you can wash it off immediately. When you're finished applying pesticides, shower thoroughly (including your hair) with plenty of soap and water.