Field Sprayer Safety Kit

Kevin Fryksf107@psu.edu

724-548-3447

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

Gloves No Gloves

N Mean SD N Mean SD

Closed cabYes 22 1.2 4.3 7 8.4 5.0

No 12 4.7 5.8 7 11.2 8.7

Observed spills during mixing/loading

Yes 6 4.1 8.8 1 232.7 ---

No 28 1.7 4.7 13 7.6 5.3

Observed skin contact with pesticides

Yes 7 6.2 6.0 8 12.6 8.1

No 27 1.5 4.7 6 6.8 4.7

Repair equipmentduring application

Yes 7 2.4 12.3 6 26.0 4.7

No 27 1.9 3.7 8 4.6 5.9

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, 321-326.

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 abox 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. Photograph courtesy of GEMPLER'S.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!

Item Item # Cost Location20" tool box $15.00 Trader horn15 mil nitrile gloves, box of 50 134081 $11.65 GemplersEyewash, 16oz Belt Pak 109816 $15.20 GemplersReplacement tips, Yellow XR (4) G48800 $23.00 GemplersIn line screens (4) G48050 $4.00 GemplersSpray nozzle cleaning brush CP20 $7.20 GemplersWind meter R150 $18.25 GemplersProtective eyewear 126073 $2.85 GemplersWaterless hand cleaner 98T5 $9.30 GemplersCompressed air duster $8.95 WalmartTyvek Coveralls K550 $6.65 GemplersVehicle First Aid Kit 139242 $16.95 Gemplers

Total $139.00

Field Sprayer Safety Kit

Questions or Additions to the Field Sprayer Safety Kit?

Kevin Fry

Extension Educator, Agronomy

724-548-3447

© 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.

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