Preventive measures

Preventive measures in the use of pesticides 

Pesticides (crop protection products) contain active substances. They should be handled with caution and used in a controlled way so that they do not harm operators applying the products, the environment and consumers.

Negative effects of crop protection products can be minimised when operators follow the instructions for use printed on the label, as well as the recommended protection and hygiene measures.

 

Concepts of hazard, exposure and risk

There is frequent confusion between the concepts of hazard and risk which it is important to clarify. Hazard is an intrinsic property of the product which cannot be changed by the operator when using it. In the case of crop protection products, the hazardousness of a product is determined by its toxicity, which is expressed on labels by means of toxicity symbols and precautions.

Exposure, however, depends exclusively on the operator using the product. Risk is a combination hazard and exposure.

 

Exposure

Exposure is influenced by the user and depends on:

• The crop to be treated (density, height, field, greenhouse, etc)
• The application techniques
• The application equipment
• The application conditions (weather, topography, etc)
• The use of suitable protective equipment (PPE)
• The maintenance and cleaning of PPE
• The duration of the treatment process.

 

Risk = Toxicity x Exposure

Risk can be described as the possibility of harm occurring to somebody or something when exposed to a hazard. In the case of crop protection products, exposure is classified in terms of the type of contact with the products: dermal, inhalation and oral and, as described above, is influenced by the user.

Using crop protection products safely means controlling exposure to avoid direct contact with the products.

 

Situations in which accidental contamination can occur

The objective of the crop protection industry is the elimination of accidents during crop protection products use. The recommendation is the adoption of preventive measures at all stages of the “use” of such products: during transport, in the store, during the preparation of the spray mixture, in applying it, during the cleaning of spray equipment and personal protective equipment, etc.

 

Absorption by ingestion

How can absorption by ingestion occur?

• Accidental ingestion due to poor storage of the products
• Poorly closed sachet or bottle stored alongside food
• Product kept in a container other than the original
• Product left within reach of children
• Small quantities absorbed by the operator when eating, drinking or smoking during application
• Droplets of spray entering the mouth.

 

Avoidance

• Store crop protection products in their original containers, in suitable places, following the rules for the correct storage of these types of products.;
• Always wear personal protective equipment;
• Do not eat, drink or smoke during application.

 

Dermal absorption

How can dermal absorption occur?

• Drops or spillages of the product coming into direct contact with the skin, or via clothes.
• Spray drift during application or spraying against the wind.
• Contact with the treated parts of plants.
• Use of contaminated clothes or utensils.

 

Avoidance

• Spray only when the weather conditions are suitable.
• Always wear suitable, clean personal protective equipment.

 

Absorption by inhalation

How can absorption by inhalation occur?

• Small particles of dust or droplets from the spray cloud can be deposited in the respiratory mucosa;
• Active substances in the form of vapour are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream.

 

Avoidance 

• Always wear suitable personal protective equipment;
• Wear dust masks or respirators with filters against vapour when recommended on the label of the product to be used.

 

What to do in the event of accidental contamination

In the event of poisoning, phone the toxicological centre. Have the phone number of the centre in your country at hand.

It is important to recognise the symptoms that indicate the existence of contamination.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while handling crop protection products, you should stop any activities immediately.

• Excessive tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pains
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains or diarrhoea
• Skin irritation or itching
• Weeping or watering eyes.

 

In the event of contamination of the eyes

1. Go immediately to a water tap or eye wash bottle

2. Keep the eye open.

3. Rinse with water for 10 minutes.

4. Let the water run into the eye from the side of the face towards the nose.

 

In the event of contamination of the body

1. Immediately remove contaminated clothing.

2. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Change protective clothing. Put on clean clothing.

 

In the event of difficulty in breathing

1. Go outside (or stay outside).

2. Sit down and breathe normally.

3. Seek help.

Visit the doctor if you feel ill during or after applying crop protection products. Show the doctor the label of the product you were using. The label contains information needed for correct treatment.

First aid measures

In the event of poisoning, act calmly and quickly.

1. Put the affected person in a clean, well-ventilated place.

2. Check how the product entered the body.

3. Keep the label and collect all possible details of the accident so as to be able to give the doctor the fullest information.

4. It is very important that the poisoned person continues to breathe properly. Apply artificial respiration if necessary. The correct posture is with the person lying on his back with his head tilted back, or on his side if he is vomiting. If he is hot and sweating, cool him with cold water; if he is cold, cover him with clothes or a blanket.

5. Do not allow the poisoned person to smoke or drink, especially alcoholic drinks, milk or water containing olive oil, as this may be harmful.

6. Immediately phone the toxicological centre.

Further information: Publication from CropLife Guidelines for emergency measures in case of crop protection product poisoning. 

These guidelines have been prepared especially for the management of cases of poisoning and over-exposure where medical facilities may be limited

 

Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As precautionary measures personal protective equipment should always be worn when applying crop protection products.

Protecting yourself properly before handling any crop protection product should become a habit, and be viewed in the same way as fastening your seat belt before driving a car.

Always read the product label !

 

What protective equipment to wear

Products normally specify on the label under the heading Toxicological Precautions the type of PPE to be worn. When there is no or only very general PPE information, the user should always wear the following basic protective equipment, depending on the activity to be performed:

 

Preparing the spray mixture

Minimum recommended protective equipment:

• Coverall;
• Strong nitrile rubber gloves;
• Rubber boots – the legs of the coverall should be worn outside the boots;
• Face shield;
• Dust mask, if mixing powders.

 

Application

Minimum recommended equipment:

• Coverall.
• Nitrile rubber gloves.
• Rubber boots – the legs of the protective coveralls should be worn outside the boots.
• Hat/cap.
• Mask for liquid aerosols and solid particles (e.g. application on tall crops; in greenhouses, etc).

 

Cleaning the application equipment

Minimum recommended protective equipment:

• Coverall.
• Nitrile rubber gloves.
• Rubber boots – the legs of the protective coveralls should be worn outside the boots.
• Hat/cap.

 

Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment should be approved for use in crop protection products treatments. Ordinary trousers or gloves may not provide sufficient protection. Only equipment that fulfills minimum standards and has been proved in specific tests to be effective in protecting the operator should be used.

The following recommendations do not aim to provide an exhaustive list of all the personal protective equipment on the market in Europe, but rather highlight the properties they must have in order to protect users of crop protection products. 

The manufacturers listed below are just some of those who offer suitable protective equipment. There will certainly be others whose equipment meets the stringent standards in protecting users of crop protection products.

All such equipment should bear the CE mark.

 

Protective coveralls

The protective coveralls to be worn when handling crop protection products may belong to one of the following types:

• Coveralls providing protection against chemical products:

- Type 3: Tight to liquids

- Type 4: Tight to spray

- Type 6: Tight to splashes

• Garments specifically approved for crop protection treatments.

 

Coveralls providing protection against chemical products

 

Single use protective garments

 

Model: TYVEK CLASSIC PLUS (type 4)

Manufacturer: Dupont Personal Protection

Contact: www.dpp-europe.com

  

Model: KLEENGUARD T-45 (type 4)

Manufacturer: Kimberly-Clark Professional

Contact: www.kcprofessional.com

 

Model: MICROGARD 2000 PLUS (type 4), MICROGARD 2500 PLUS (type 3), MICROCHEM 3000 (type 3)

Manufacturer: Microgard

Contact: www.microgard.com

 

Multiple use protective garment

 

Model: CHEMSOL (2-piece garment)

Manufacturer: Alphasolway

Contact:  www.alphasolway.co.uk

 

Multiple use protective garment specifically designed for crop protection treatments

 

Model: AIGIS II, Model: FORPRO, Reference: PR-001 (type 6 and DIN 32781)

Manufacturer: E-NYGMA L.T.D.

Contact:

Thermaikou 54

56429 Efkarpia Thessaloniki

Greece

Tel. (mobile): +30 (6972) 80 99 55

Fax: +30 (2310) 77 80 13

E-mail: info@e-nygma.gr

 

 

Model: AGRO; ref. AG 1111(DIN 32781 and NP 4462)

Manufacturer: Selafano, Lda

Contact:

Lugar da Ramoa, Pav 5

S. Pedro Merelim

4700-860 Braga

Tel.: (+351) 253623467

Fax: (+351) 253283094

E-mail: selafano@gmail.com

Website: www.selafano.com

Protective gloves

Protective gloves for applying crop protection products must comply with standard EN 374 – Protective Gloves against Chemicals and Microorganisms.

Gloves must be marked with the following symbols:     

When preparing the spray mixture with highly concentrated products, the use of strong nitrile gloves is recommended.

 

Model: SOL-VEX® PREMIUM 37.900

Manufacturer: Ansell Healthcare Europe

Contact: www.anselleurope.com 

 

Masks against aerosol/spray and vapour

 

There are basically two types of mask:

• Disposable masks against aerosol/spray – These masks have a relatively short life time and are marked FF (facial filter) followed by the filter’s protection specifications: P2 or P3.

• Reusable against aerosol/spray and vapour – Have special replaceable filters, which have a longer life time.

 

Types of Filter:

• Mechanical filters P1, P2, P3

- Retain solid particles and liquid aerosols;

- The level of protection increases in line with the number following the letter P.

 

• Chemical filters A, B, E, K

- Each letter corresponds to protection against a certain type of vapour or gas;

- The letters are followed by numbers and the level of protection increases in line with the number.

 

How to identify a respirator mask that gives adequate protection

The mask should bear the following marks:

• CE followed by 4 digits;
• Against dust and spray droplets: P2 (used in the majority of applications in the open air) or P3;
• Against organic vapours: A2 filter;

For the majority of applications in the field a FFP2 mask provides sufficient protection.

When in addition to dust and aerosol protection against vapour is required (see product label),  A2P2 or A2P3 combined filters provide sufficient protection for the majority of crop protection product.

 

Models: 3M 9332 , 3M 4255

Manufacturer: 3M

Contacts:  http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_WW/Profile/About

 

Models:Dräger X-plore® 1320, Dräger X-plore ® 1300 Odour, DRÄGER X-PLORE 3300 (Mask) + A2P3 Filter

Manufacturer: Dräger Safety

Contacts: www.draeger.com

Boots

Boots should be waterproof made of resistant rubber.

  

Hat/cap

The type of hat is not important, provided it is impermeable to spray and has a wide brim so as to protect the head and face better.

  

Face shield

The face shield should be:

• Transparent;

• Not mist up

 

Goggles

Goggles should fit snugly, should have ventilation holes and protect the eyes against dust, liquids or aerosols.