PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FORPESTICIDE SAFETYEric Stormer

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Norfolk, Virginia

MIXING & LOADINGResearch shows that on average, handlers who mix and load pesticides have

higher levels of pesticide exposure than those who do not.

(PNASH, Keifer, 2011)

SOLUTION:METAL MIXING TABLE

• Expanded metal top; can’t absorb chemicals

• Height reduces bending movement; easier to work

• Easy disposal of spilled material

• Prevent back injuries

• Reduce face splash with chemicals

4’ X 4’ X 32”

SOLUTION:PESTICIDE TRAILER WITH

MIXING TABLE

• Attach table to side of trailer with hinges and chains

• Add secure hooks to keep table folded up when moving trailer

• Level table before using

Expanded metal table

Metal back splash

SOLUTION: SPLASH SHIELD

• Plexiglass provides additional barrier from pesticide splashes

• Shield height is adjustable

• Use clamps to anchor frame

• Add a clip to hold “recipes”

SOLUTION: PRE-MARKED MEASURING CONTAINERS

• Use clear pitchers

• Mark desired volume with permanent ink

• Use black ink, as some handlers may be color blind

• Label containers, “for pesticide use only’

• Decontaminate after each use

• Check markings regularly

SOLUTION: NURSE TANK

• Mix pesticides in one large tank, and deliver to individual sprayers on job site

• Only one mixer/loader required; reduce mixing error, and increase efficiency

• Cost effective for large scale application

PESTICIDE APPLICATION AND

DRIFT REDUCTIONPesticide drift is the leading cause of overexposure for

bystanders and agriculture workers in Washington state

(Washington state Department of Health, 2010)

SOLUTION: THERMO-WIND METER

• Determine temperature and wind speed to assess conditions for spraying

• Where clean gloves when using device to avoid contamination

• Store in dry, clean place

SOLUTION:CONVEX SIDE-VIEW

MIRROR ON VEHICLE

• Mirrors help applicators view the spray pattern and nozzle function

• Avoid neck strain from checking for clogged nozzles

• Avoid visibility problems from PPE hood

Mirror

SOLUTION: FLAGGER ON PUBLIC ROADS

• Flagger stands off to side of road, and alerts applicator when a vehicle is approaching, and when it has passed.

• Flagger is trained to use needed signals (“stop” and “go”)

• Flagger is pesticide handler, wearing PPE as appropriate

FLAGGER ON PUBLIC ROADS

Sprayer

Road shoulder

Approaching car

500 FT.

Flagger

DECONTAMINATIONDecontamination is necessary to prevent pesticide handlers,

other employees, and families from being exposed. Pesticide residues are easily transferred and distributed.

SOLUTION: RINSATE CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

• System captures rinsate from application equipment decontamination

• Decontamination takes place over a cement pad that drains into a shallow, steel grate covered reservoir

• Rinsate is transferred to a labeled application site

SOLUTION:SCRUB BRUSH & PRESSURE WASHER

• Use both a scrub brush and pressure washer for cleaning sprayers and vehicles

• Thorough cleaning with scrub brushes provide better overall decontamination

• Where proper PPE required by pesticide label

• Use soap and water with brush

• Rinse with pressure washer

DECONTAMINATION

Scrub brush and soap. Pressure washer alone.

SOLUTION:PRE-WASHING PPE IN PAIRS

• Applicators take turns pre-washing each other suits, boots, and gloves while they are still wearing PPE

• Use soap, water, and a scrub brush

• Rise with hose or under outside shower if available

• Practice should be voluntary, since some handlers may be uncomfortable pre-washing in pairs

SOLUTION:PORTABLE SINK

• PPE cleaning is easier

• Smaller items easily soaked, cleaned

• Set up in an area with good drainage

• Use hose for drainage

• Use soap and plastic scrub brushes

SOLUTION:SLOPING CEMENT PAD

• Hard surface used for PPE decontamination

• Handlers avoid bending, and water can drain away from handler

• Install gravel around cement pad for drainage

• Include drainage trough at bottom

• Add raised edge to avoid splashing

SOLUTION:DOUBLE LOCKER SYSTEM

• Use double lockers to avoid cross-contamination between street clothes from PPE

• Lockers are separated in separate rooms or areas to reduce unintentional exposure to family members

• Assign separate lockers for each handler

• Clean lockers with damp cloths. Dusting increases potential for pesticide residue exposure

EMERGENCY & SANITATION FACILITIES

Workplace investigations often find that an emergency eyewash station is mission. Make sure there is an eyewash

station in place and that each applicator has immediate access to a personal emergency eyewash.

EMERGENCY AND SANITATION FACILITIES

• Develop an emergency response plan.

• Train handlers on the emergency response plan and use of emergency equipment.

• Conduct mock emergency drills to practice and reinforce understanding of procedures and equipment. In a real emergency, fast action is needed; there is not time to read a manual.

• Maintain equipment according to manufacturer instruction.

• Test equipment routinely to ensure it meets regulatory requirements

SOLUTION:EMERGENCY DECONTAMINATION

FACILITIES

• All in one station should have equipment and supplies to provide first aid in case pesticide gets on the body, splashes in eyes, or soaks clothing.

• Provide soap, water and towels for hand washing

• Provide emergency clothing, and emergency

• Stations may be mounted on a trailer to be moved

EMERGENCY DECONTAMINATION

Stationary station with water lines. Water is supplied to sink and shower

by gravity. Station provides privacy for user.

EMERGENCY DECONTAMINATION

• Water pressure is provided by a 12 volt battery powered pump carried on board, along with a water tank.

SOLUTION:AMMUNITION BOX TO STORE

EMERGENCY EYEWASH

• Box offers clean storage and protection for eyewash bottle

• Readily available, and easy to open in emergency

• Purchase wide, shallow boxes for handlers with large hands to reach inside

• Label box “emergency eyewash only”

• Check regularly to ensure that bottle is full, and sealed

SOLUTION:EMERGENCY PPE & SUPPLIES

IN RESEALABLE BAGStock with:

• thin and thick nitrile gloves

• Chemical resistant boot covers, to keep boots clean

• Emergency eyewash

• Respirator cartridges

• Extra nozzles

• Earplugs

• Chemical resistant goggles

• Clean PPE suit

• Garbage bag for contaminated PPE

SOLUTION: EMERGENCY PPE & SUPPLIES

IN RESEALABLE BAG

• Alternatively, use a small container with a tight fitting lid for supplies

• Do not mix clean and contaminated supplies

PESTICIDE STORAGE FACILITIESManage pesticide inventory to control costs, protect workers,

the community, and families.

PESTICIDE STORAGE

• Add a containment system or berm to contain leaks and spills.

• Lock pesticides in a legal storage area that meets regulations.

• Keep chemicals cool in summer, and don’t let them freeze in winter.

• Manage inventory to minimize on-site storage.

• Use up open containers if possible.

• Return unopened material to vendor at end of season.

EMPTY PESTICIDE CONTAINER STORAGE

Proper storage. Improper storage.

SOLUTION:MINIMIZE PESTICIDES IN STORAGE

• Use oldest products first

• Dispose of old and phased-out produces as hazardous waste

• Communicate with other companies to use up partially used product, or product you no longer have a use for

• Manage inventory. Purchase only what is needed for the season

• Return unopened product to supplier at end of season

• Safely store partially used product for next season

• Write purchase dates on removable stickers, and place on containers to help with tracking; dealers will not accept returns if you write directly on containers

SOLUTION:CONTAINMENT TRAYS & TUBS

• Use trays and tubs to separate liquid chemicals from dry chemicals, and to contain spills

• Store dry chemicals over liquid chemicals

• Store heavier containers on lower shelves

• Use shelves made of non-absorbent material

• Select trays/tubs compatible with, and large enough to hold, chemicals

• Dispose of spilled product as hazardous waste

REDUCING FAMILY EXPOSUREWorkplace chemicals belong at work. They can be taken home

via a car, skin, clothing, and hair.

REDUCING FAMILY EXPOSURE

• Do not transport PPE or pesticides in personal vehicles.

• Leave work boots at work, or at least, outside the house.

• Store and launder dirty work clothes at work, if possible. If not, wash them separately from family laundry.

• Shower at work before going home, or immediately after you go home.

Unintentional Work-to-Home Transfer of Pesticide Residue

SOLUTION:DEDICATED VEHICLE FOR HANDLERS

• Handlers use vehicle for work only

• Only handlers use vehicle

• Use vehicles with plastic seats and rubber foot wells for ease of cleaning

• Provide handlers who use personal vehicles the time and supplies to wash and vacuum their vehicles at work before going home

SOLUTION:VACUUM STATION FOR VEHICLES

• Station provides vacuum cleaner at worksite to clean commute vehicles

• Employees clean vehicle regularly to prevent pesticide residues from building up inside vehicles

• Assign workers different days to clean vehicles

• Provide reminder stickers

SOLUTION: BOOT BIN

• Use plastic or rubber bin with lid to store boots in trunks of personal vehicles

• Street shoes are stored separately

• Put warning labels on bins

• Clean bins regularly, wearing chemical resistant gloves

• Leave open to dry if needed

SOLUTION:WORK COVERALLS

• Coveralls protect work clothes from accumulating pesticide residues, and can reduce transfer of residues

• Wearing coveralls under PPE reduces chances that work clothes or skin could be contaminated with pesticides

• Contract with commercial laundry service, or provide laundry facilities

• Designate changing area

• Ensure work clothes are not taken home

QUESTIONS?