Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response | Washington State Approval #2024-009 K

Instructor: Gene Merkl

PPE comprises the clothing and devices you wear to protect your body from contact with pesticides. Wearing PPE can reduce exposure (dermal, inhalation, ocular, or oral) and thereby lower the chances of pesticide injury, illness, or poisoning. It is important that all pesticide applicators and handlers understand the protections and limitations of PPE. Proper PPE selection, use, and care are essential.

Although pesticide accidents and emergencies are rare, they do occur. Pesticides spilled on the ground or burning in a fire can contaminate water, soil, and air; damage plants; injure livestock, wildlife, or pets; and endanger the health of the applicator and emergency responders. Pesticide spills and fires may lead to financial loss due to cleanup, liability claims, and fines assessed by government agencies. Do all that you can to prevent accidents, but be prepared in case of an emergency.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

• Identify where on the label to find the minimum clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to handle a given pesticide product.
• State the criteria to properly select skin, eye, and respiratory protection required by the pesticide label based upon your expected use and exposure.
• Discuss how pesticide releases from spills and fires can endanger humans and the environment.
• Explain how to execute an emergency response plan.