The Best Personal Protective Equipment For Pesticides

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to keep you safe while applying potentially harmful chemicals or dealing with potentially dangerous pests. Generally, protective equipment falls into three categories: skin protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection. It protects these areas of the body from exposure to hazards such as the chemicals often used in pest control and lawn maintenance. It can save you from permanently damaging your skin, eyes, or respiratory system. 

We always recommend you take the proper precautions when using chemicals or working to control potentially dangerous pests. Remember, each chemical we sell has minimum protective equipment requirements listed on the label.

Recommendation

Here, we will show you a PPE setup that should give adequate protection in almost all cases. Even in cases where this recommendation exceeds the listed PPE requirements, remember it is best not to take chances.

Skin Protection

For full skin protection, we recommend combining a Tyvek Chemical Safety Suit with Nitrile Chemical Gloves. These products will cover almost all of your skin with an effective, waterproof barrier, keeping you safe from any overspray or spraying caused by high wind.

Eye Protection

For full eye protection, we recommend Intruder Safety Glasses. These full-coverage safety glasses create a seal around your eyes so that chemical sprays cannot damage them or the sensitive skin around them.

Respiratory Protection

Regarding respiratory protection, we recommend the 3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7800S-M. This respirator protects you from inhaling large particulates and filters out any harmful fumes from any chemicals you’re working with.

Inspection and Maintenance

It is always a good idea to give any equipment a quick inspection before use, and safety equipment is no exception. Before you begin your chemical applications, ensure your safety gear is in proper working order.

For skin protection, it is as simple as looking the equipment over and ensuring there are no rips, tears, or other damage that could allow chemicals to pass through and contact your skin.

For eye protection, check for damage and ensure any straps or fasteners are in good condition.

Inspect the filters of respirators or masks and replace them if necessary. If your safety equipment fails at any point during the application, stop immediately and address the problem. A quick break to put on a new pair of gloves or change out the filter on your respirator could save you from serious irritation or harm.

Parts

Skin Protection

Skin protection keeps hazardous chemicals from making potentially harmful contact with bare skin. In most cases of pesticide or herbicide use, it is recommended that the applicator at least wear a sturdy pair of rubber chemical-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. The proper skin protection level varies depending on the insecticide product being used. Remember, all chemicals have a section that outlines the minimum protective equipment requirements for use with the product.

For instance, in the picture below, our applicator is wearing Nitrile Chemical Gloves, a light facemask, and safety glasses. This aligns with the product's minimum PPE requirements.

Eye Protection

The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. It is extremely important to keep your eyes protected when applying chemicals, especially through spraying or misting. We offer full coverage eye protection in our Homeowner Chemical Safety Kit.

Respiratory Protection

Many pest control chemicals can be extremely hazardous if inhaled, along with potentially toxic mold and fungus spores. The best way to keep your lungs safe while conducting pest control is with a respirator or mask. Face masks can protect you against particulates and lighter chemical fumes. However, a respirator is highly recommended for working with especially strong pesticides or treating mold or fungus. Generally, each respirator filter provides 40 hours of filtering before it needs to be changed.

Key Takeaways

• Do not take unnecessary risks when applying potentially hazardous chemicals. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions and wear sufficient protective equipment.
• Check your safety equipment before use, just like you check any other piece of equipment. A quick once-over could save you a lot of trouble if you spot defective or damaged equipment before you start your pest control project.
• All chemical products we sell have minimum PPE requirements printed on the label. If you’re unsure what level of protection is best, remember it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.