Field Sprayer Safety Kit Kevin Fry

What’s in Your Toolbox?

Plugged Nozzles Boom Nozzle

Dermal Exposure 97% of all pesticide exposures are dermal The most common route is through the hands and forearms

Glyphosate Values by Use of Chemical Resistant Gloves GlovesNo Gloves NMeanSDNMeanSD Closed cab Yes No Observed spills during mixing/loading Yes No Observed skin contact with pesticides Yes No Repair equipment during application Yes No Acquavella, John F. et al. (March 2004). Glyphosate Biomonitoring for Farmers and Their Families: Results from the Farm Family Exposure Study. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112:3,

Dermal Protection: Gloves Reduce exposure greater than 90% Should be unlined Chemically resistant –NOT leather or cloth

Nitrile Provides tough protection from physical hazards such as cuts, puncture or abrasion Designed for chemical resistance to greases, petrochemicals, oils, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals

Kit Item #1 Excellent pesticide protection Readily available Extension promoted Poor dexterity

“Milking” Glove Solution Traditionally not thick enough 14 mil thickness required for pesticide resistance, 15 mil pictured Inexpensive $11.65 for a box of 50 Good dexterity

Plugged Nozzle Solutions Blowing on nozzle Pocket Knife Piece of wire or paper clip Fingernail Boom Nozzle

Plugged Nozzle Solutions

Remember Eye Protection Too!

First Aid Measures Rinse exposed area immediately with water Remove contaminated clothing Wash skin with plenty of soap and water Check product label

Fresh Water Source Photograph courtesy of GEMPLER'S.

Wash Your Hands

Other Kit Items Wind meter Respirator? First Aid Kit Record book

Other Kit Items (Cont.) Disposable Coveralls Plastic bags for used gloves, coveralls, etc. Others?

Don’t Include These Items! Food and drink Tools – This is a safety kit! Old parts –Don’t let kit become a source for future pesticide contamination!

Questions or Additions to the Field Sprayer Safety Kit? Kevin Fry Extension Educator, Agronomy

© The Pennsylvania State University 2007 February 2007 This presentation was developed by Kevin Fry, Penn State Extension Educator in Armstrong County. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs in this presentation were taken by Kevin Fry, Penn State Extension Educator in Armstrong County. Use of this presentation or parts of this presentation is encouraged as long as this credit slide is included. “Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.” Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by the Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences is implied.