| | Although pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) are important to crop management, they are potentially dangerous chemicals; follow proper safety measures to minimize your exposure.
How can pesticides enter the body?
1. Skin and Eyes
- the main source of exposure
- from splashes, spills, or sprays
2. Mouth
- eating, drinking, or smoking without washing properly
3. Nose
- breathing fumes, mist, or dust
What is the minimum level of protection required for working with dilute, less toxic or granular pesticides?
Hard hat
- wide brimmed, no leather liner
Coveralls
- cloth or disposable
- wear closed at neck, over long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants
Gloves
- unlined, nitrile, or neoprene
- cuff gloves and wear sleeves over gloves
Boots
- neoprene overboots or high rubber boots
- wear pants outside of boots
What extra protection should I use for mixing, loading and handling pesticide concentrates, especially highly toxic pesticides?
In addition to the above, you should also have on:
- Goggles or Face Shield
- Ear Plugs
- Respirator Coveralls that are chemically resistant
- Waterproof Apron
Do not wear:
- Baseball caps
- Leather or cloth gloves
- Leather or cloth shoes or boots
- Natural rubber or plastic gloves
- Wrist watch
- Leather belt
- Contact lenses
For more information, please contact:
Laurel Aitken,
Farm Safety Coordinator
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Main Floor, Agri-Food Business Centre
6547 Sparrow Drive, Leduc, AB T9E 7C7
Phone: 780-980-4230
Email: laurel.aitken@gov.ab.ca
Kenda Lubeck
Farm Safety Coordinator
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Provincial Building and Courthouse
1201, 10320 - 99 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4
Phone: 780-568-5606
Email: kenda.lubeck@gov.ab.ca
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