Reducing Worker Exposure to Pesticides

Jul 31, 2012

Whether it be medicine for your heath or a pesticide for your turf, it is important to follow directions in order to ensure the safe use of the product. For those of you applying pest control products, or working in areas recently treated, the following is a list of actions you can take to reduce your exposure during application and post-application activities.

1. Wash your hands, especially after mixing, application, clean-up of the sprayer or touching surfaces that may have residues of product. 
2. Maintain the sprayer so it does not malfunction or require repair while loaded with product. Make sure the sprayer is clean when conducting repairs. 
3. Wear the correct Person Protective Equipment (PPE); requirements for each product are on the label. 
4. Make sure the PPE fits. Did you know respirators should be tested for fit every year? And loose equipment will need adjustments during application that can increase transfer of residue. Check the condition of the PPE prior to putting it on and before handling the product. 
5. Wash PPE separately from household laundry. 
6. Clean the respirator, ear protection, rubber boots, goggles and anything that may have pesticide residue after application. 
7. Do not wear your chemical resistant gloves to open doors or other surfaces other may come into contact. 
8. Don’t eat, drink or smoke during application or afterwards without first washing hands 
9. People mowing, rolling, changing pins or scouting the treated turf should observe the re-entry interval and instructions on the label 
10. Remove the dew before spraying to decrease the drying time of turf since many of the labels state not to enter the treated area “Until residues have dried".