Springfield MO Pest Control is necessary to protect our homes from damage, but the methods employed can pose health hazards if not handled properly. Here are some tips for taking safety precautions during a pest control treatment:
Ensure proper ventilation during the application and transport of pesticides. This helps prevent chemical fume inhalation and minimizes fire risks.
Wear Protective Clothing
Whether working in the field or inside a home, pest control technicians are exposed to chemicals that can be harmful to humans. This is why workers need to wear the proper clothing and personal protective equipment. The type of PPE required depends on the chemical used. The instructions for each pesticide are listed on the product’s label. Failure to follow these instructions can result in state and federal penalties. It can also put nontarget animals and people at risk of exposure to the pesticide.
The types of PPE required to handle a specific pesticide vary and may include coveralls or protective suits, rubber or plastic gloves, shoes and aprons, face shields, and a hat or hood. The fabric of each garment varies in breathability, thickness, durability, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. Disposable cloth, canvas, or leather clothing is not recommended for pesticide handling because it can absorb or move pesticides to the skin or eyes. Gloves should be made of nitrile, butyl, or neoprene. These materials resist absorption and can be decontaminated or cleaned, whereas other types of gloves tend to contaminate easily and cannot be completely decontaminated or cleaned.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn to protect the eyes from splashed or spilled pesticides. They should have side and brow shields or be a full face mask. The face shields should be able to be replaced, and they should have anti-fog and/or scratch-resistant coatings. For spraying overhead, a hat or hood is preferred. Launder all clothing worn during pesticide use as soon as possible and always before using it again. It’s a good idea to have some additional clothing on hand in case of accidental contact with the chemical, such as cotton or wool pants and a T-shirt.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To minimize exposure to pest control chemicals, workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This can include anything from coveralls or a protective suit, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or a respirator, and head protection. Regular work clothing, such as shirts, pants, and shoes are not considered PPE because they are easily cleaned.
Pesticides are toxic and can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, or throat, as well as skin or other bodily organs that come into contact with them. They can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect the body’s internal systems. Pesticides are also a fire and explosion hazard and can be harmful to the environment.
A trained and experienced pest control professional can reduce the dangers of working with pesticides by using safer chemicals, following proper application methods, and wearing the necessary PPE. They may also have access to treatments that are not available over the counter at hardware stores or garden centers. These may include heat treatments that are not available to homeowners or special insecticides that are applied only by professionals.
It is important to follow all label instructions when diluting and preparing pesticides. They should be prepared in a well-ventilated area and never mixed with water or other liquids that are not specified on the pesticide label. In addition, the use of clean equipment is essential to avoid contamination.
Protecting pest control manufacturing workers is essential for promoting a safe and healthy workplace, meeting regulatory requirements, increasing employee morale and productivity, reducing absenteeism and turnover, and avoiding costly accidents and injuries. Employers should prioritize occupational safety and health by providing a safe working environment, prioritizing worker training, and reporting any potential hazards to supervisors.
Wear A Respirator
When dealing with pests, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. This includes properly covering and storing all food items to prevent them from contamination during pest control solutions. It also includes properly ventilating areas that are being treated to allow potentially harmful concentrations of chemical fumes to dissipate quickly.
It is also important to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, rubber or plastic aprons, and face masks. In addition, it is crucial to follow all pesticide product labels and directions for proper application and handling techniques. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in ineffective treatment and hazardous exposure.
A respirator is a critical piece of PPE that can help to reduce the amount of pesticides absorbed into vital organs such as the lungs and respiratory system. It is recommended that you choose a respirator certified for use with your specific pesticides and that it fits your face well to ensure an adequate seal against contaminants. A non-powered air-purifying respirator may be a good choice or a self-contained breathing apparatus that contains one or two replaceable filters and is worn on the face like a snorkel.
It is a good idea to keep extra respirators and other PPE on hand, as a shortage may increase their usage, especially in cases where multiple people are performing pest control procedures in a single home or business. Properly cleaning and storing these items can help to preserve their longevity as well. For example, Beck recommends avoiding the reuse of gloves after each use and washing them thoroughly before putting them away to ensure they are clean and free from contaminants. She also recommends removing and replacing any equipment that becomes contaminated and laundering your work clothes separately from your non-work clothing to avoid cross-contamination.
Wear Eye Protection
Whether you are working on pest control for insects, herbicides, or fungicides it is always important to wear appropriate eye protection. This reduces the risk of chemical solutions making contact with your skin, mouth, or eyes which can cause irritation, itching, burning, or even poisoning. Most chemical product labels have a minimum set of personal protective equipment requirements that should be followed which include gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, overalls, nonabsorbent footwear, and a hat.
If the label indicates you must wear eye protection, several types of safety goggles can be worn including chemical splash goggles; face shields; or safety glasses with brow and temple shields. The type you choose should be determined by the work conditions and specific hazards that are present. All of the PPE mentioned above should be used in conjunction with common sense to prevent additional occupational injuries such as electrical hazards, ergonomic issues, and other physical hazards. These are all very serious, and it is best to err on the side of caution to avoid them as much as possible.
Wear A Helmet
Wearing a helmet can protect against head and face injuries, particularly when working with pesticides. These can be thrown or sprayed in directions not intended, and a helmet helps to deflect them. Helmets are especially important for PCOs who work at height or with large power tools.
A good quality helmet can also be a useful tool for navigating tricky or awkward spaces, such as lofts or garages. It can help reduce the need to crawl on hands and knees, which can be tiring over time. A visor or hood can provide additional protection against splashes and sprays, whilst a sturdy plastic safari hat or coverall hood with a rain trough brim is an ideal choice. Chemical-resistant gauntlet gloves that extend up the arm are another useful form of PPE. Avoid leather or fabric gloves which can absorb and retain pesticides.
In addition to the above, make sure that you remove (or cover) items like toys, plants, and pets from the areas where the pest control will take place. This will help to prevent any accidental exposure and will allow the pest controller to complete the job efficiently.
Always read and follow the pesticide product label. It is a legal requirement to do so, and it will give you vital information about how best to use the product. Pay special attention to the warnings, application rates, precautionary statements, and PPE requirements.
Once the treatment is completed, ensure that all equipment and clothing used during the process is cleaned as soon as possible. It is recommended that you wash these separately from your other laundry to avoid cross-contamination. Heavily contaminated clothes should be removed and placed in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of them as household hazardous waste.