| Although pesticides are important to many | | | | leaks or malfunctions. |
| agricultural operations, if they are misused or | | | | Workers need to be instructed in proper personal |
| handled improperly they can cause serious health | | | | hygiene and the resulting dangers of eating, |
| problems or result in fires, explosions or | | | | drinking or smoking while handling pesticides. |
| contamination of the environment. Because of | | | | Workers who handle or apply pesticides are |
| their potential dangers, all workers who handle | | | | required to have a clean change of outer clothing |
| pesticides must be supervised to ensure that | | | | daily. They should not be allowed to go home in |
| required personal protection is worn and that | | | | contaminated clothing and contaminated clothing |
| pesticide application equipment is used correctly. | | | | should be washed separately from the family |
| The most important factor in the safe handling of | | | | laundry. |
| pesticides is to read, understand, and follow the | | | | Workers must also be trained to recognize early |
| pesticide label directions exactly. The label | | | | symptoms of pesticide poisoning which may be |
| describes how to safely handle , transport, store, | | | | similar to the flu. Because some pesticides can |
| mix, and apply the pesticide. It also describes | | | | cause immediate and serious health damage from |
| appropriate first aid procedures. Special attention | | | | inhalation or body contact, workers must be |
| should be paid to labels with signal words such as | | | | familiar with the first aid procedures for specific |
| DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. | | | | pesticides and know when and where to seek |
| The law requires the employer to teach workers | | | | emergency medical treatment. They should also |
| about the hazards of pesticides and to train them | | | | know how to respond to a pesticide related |
| in pesticide safety procedures, before any | | | | accident, spill or fire to minimize harm and |
| pesticide container is opened or any pesticide is | | | | damage. It is crucial for telephone numbers and |
| loaded, mixed or used. Training should include what | | | | addresses of medical facilities, physicians, and fire |
| personal protective clothing and equipment should | | | | departments to be posted where they can be |
| be cared for and maintained. Training must also | | | | readily accessed in an emergency. Response time |
| include how to properly maintain and inspect the | | | | may be of the essence. |
| application equipment to ensure that there are no | | | | |