The Best Personal Protective Equipment For Pesticides

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment designed to keep you safe while applying potentially harmful chemicals or dealing with potentially dangerous pests. Generally, protective equipment breaks down into three categories: skin protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection. Protective equipment 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 permanent damage to your skin, eyes, or respiratory system. 

We always recommend you take the proper precautions whenever you use chemicals or work 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 a combination of a Tyvek Chemical Safety Suit with Nitrile Chemical Gloves. Both of these products used together will cover almost all of your skin with an effective, waterproof barrier. You’ll stay safe from any overspray or mispraying 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 no chemical sprays have a chance of damaging your eyes or the sensitive skin around them.

Respiratory Protection

When it comes to respiratory protection, we recommend the 3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7800S-M. This respirator not only protects you from inhaling large particulates but also filters out any harmful fumes from any chemicals you’re working with.

Inspection and Maintenance

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

For skin protection, this 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 make contact with your skin.

For eye protection, make sure there is no damage and ensure any straps or fasteners are in good condition.

In the case of respirators or masks, inspect filters, if any, and replace if needed. If at any point during the application your safety equipment fails, 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 as well as a long sleeve shirt and long pants. The proper level of skin protection to use 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 has Nitrile Chemical Gloves, a light facemask, and safety glasses. This is in line with the minimum PPE requirements of the product being used.

Eye Protection

The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas on the body. When applying chemicals, especially through spraying or misting, it is extremely important to keep your eyes protected. 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. But for work with especially strong pesticides or when treating for mold or fungus, a respirator is highly recommended. In general, 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 sort of equipment before use. 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.