Pesticides play a vital role in keeping crops healthy, but using them safely starts with personal protective equipment (PPE). Every Saturday, Food For Mzansi shares practical tips for farmers and farm workers. This week, it’s all about wearing PPE correctly to protect your health, and your team.
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 sets out clear responsibilities for both farm owners and workers. As a farm owner, it’s your duty to provide workers with the right PPE.
As a worker, it’s your responsibility to use it properly. Neglecting these duties can have serious consequences — pesticide contamination, acute poisoning, or long-term health issues. PPE isn’t negotiable; it’s essential for safety.
What’s the standard PPE for spray operators?
For farm spray operators, the accepted standard includes:
- Cotton pants and a cotton shirt or overall
- Rubber boots and gloves
- Safety goggles
- Wide-brimmed cotton hat
- Respirator or dust mask, depending on the pesticide’s hazard level
During mixing operations, a plastic splash-proof apron is added for extra protection. PPE must be kept clean, inspected for defects, and used exactly as intended.
Signal words and GHS pictograms on pesticide labels help determine whether a dust mask or respirator is required. Precautionary statements give additional guidance on self-protection for specific products.
Putting on PPE the right way
Wearing PPE correctly is all about sequence. Start with your cotton shirt or overall, then the cotton hat. Put on your cotton pants next, making sure they cover your rubber boots.
Add your respirator or dust mask, then safety goggles, and finally rubber gloves — with the sleeves of your shirt or overall draped over the gloves. For mixing operations, finish with the splash-proof apron over the gloves. Following this sequence ensures maximum protection from hazardous chemicals.
Taking off PPE safely
Removing PPE also follows a careful sequence to avoid contamination. Wash gloved hands first, then remove the apron if worn, followed by the hat, respirator or dust mask, and safety goggles. Next, remove rubber boots and gloves, then cotton pants, and finally the cotton shirt or overall. Cleaning and storing PPE properly after use helps keep it in good condition and ensures continued safety.
Using pesticides safely isn’t just about the chemicals. It’s about how you protect yourself and your team.
- Next Saturday, we’ll cover the final topic in our series: what to do after a day’s work in the field to keep yourself, your farm, and your crops safe. Stay tuned for more tips that make farming smarter and safer.
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