Protective Clothing and Handling
A number of hazards are present when handling pesticides; therefore ensure that all staff handling chemicals clearly understand that even when wearing protective clothing, care must be exercised to prevent any contamination, especially contact with the eyes and skin.

• When handling group Ia and Ib chemicals, notice should be taken of the special precautions as given on the label. Warning notices should be placed to indicate the areas where these chemicals are being handled.
• The eyes and skin are at contact risk at all times when handling chemicals. Inhalations of dust, powder or vapour could be dangerous. Always take precautions to prevent unnecessary contact.
• Protective clothing should be worn at all times when handling chemicals, to avoid direct contact and any contamination.
• Protective equipment should be removed after use and cleaned thoroughly before re-use.

Related Information... Handling Storage Transportation

Protective Clothing Should Include

• a two-piece garment covering arms and legs and fastening at the neck and wrists
• chemical-resistant gloves covering at least 75mm above the wrists
• PVC or neoprene boots
• goggles or face shields
• respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus

People suffering from ailments or having open cuts should not handle chemicals. Decanting or refilling should be done with care to avoid spillage and contamination. Never decant into unlabelled containers and ensure that identification is permanent and legible, stating trade and common names on all containers.

Workers exposed to chemicals should be limited to not more than 10 hours per day and must have at least two 30-minute breaks during this period.

Workers must not work with herbicides for more than 5 successive days at a time.

Storage areas must be well ventilated to prevent vapour build-up.

Spillage
If an operator becomes heavily contaminated by spillage, he should be removed from the area immediately, his clothes removed and his entire body washed thoroughly.

Eyes and skin directly contaminated should be thoroughly rinsed for at least 15 minutes, and should be kept under observation for any subsequent reaction to the contact.

Material safety data sheets or NOSA forms should be consulted to determine the potential severity of the contact and what recommended action should be taken.

The patient should be closely observed for at least 12 hours and should receive additional medical attention if any symptoms occur or persist.

Emergency medical personnel should be informed as to what pesticide is involved. The labels and safety data sheets must be made available for effective treatment to take place.

Observe rules for handling spillage set out under “Storage”

General Hygiene

• First-aid equipment to cater for minor accidents must be available and clearly indicated.
• Washbasins and showers must be provided on the premises.
• Staff must not exchange towels, soap or water when washing.
• Protective clothing must be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
• Contaminated clothing must be disposed of by cutting up and burning it.
• Smoking, drinking and eating must be prohibited while working with pesticides.

Emergency Procedures
Observe emergency procedures as set out under “Storage.”