Personal protective equipment, or PPE as it is commonly referred, used to be an acronym that the average person may not have understood. That’s not the case anymore. The coronavirus public health crisis has cemented the term and its vital importance into everyone’s lexicon.
Clearly, PPE is extremely important in health care, but it is equally important in our industry. Though not always popular, especially in hot weather, PPE’s purpose is to ensure the health and safety of workers. And if that’s not reason enough to wear it, it is also the law. An applicator is legally responsible to follow the PPE requirements listed on the product label. To avoid hefty fines, be sure you are following regulations.
The recommended protection will vary from product to product based on the type of formulation, the toxicity of the pesticide and the potential exposure to the body. Always read the label carefully to determine the required PPE for both application and mixing. Here’s a review of the most common PPE requirements for lawn care operators.
It’s important to remove PPE as soon as possible after completing a task.
PPE only works if it’s worn. Selecting equipment that is comfortable to wear and easy to clean along with regular reminders of its vital importance can help ensure a safe workplace. To learn more, visit OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment topics page.
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