Protecting against chemicals

Agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident and occupational ill-health records of any major employment sector.

It affirms that less than 1.5% of the working population are employed in agriculture, yet the sector is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year , with exposure to phytosanitary products playing a major part.

Exposure is the amount of pesticide that is released into the environment, whilst the toxicity is the measure of how poisonous it is to people or the environment.

If either the exposure or toxicity is high, then workers could become contaminated and therefore at risk of health problems.

Contamination accidents are caused by phytosanitary products penetrating the user through direct contact with the skin or eyes, digestion or inhalation.

Chemicals that come into direct contact with the skin cause instant burns or irritations, whilst the effects of chemical inhalation or digestion causes immediate intoxication, but will also have a long-term detrimental affect on vital organs.

Those who are primarily at risk of contamination are those handling the pesticide, those in contact with phytopharmeceutical waste and those who clean the equipment used during treatment.

Workers who handle treated plants or maintain equipment must also be suitably protected and one of the most beneficial ways is through disposable protective coveralls.

Protective coveralls, when used in conjunction with other required PPE such as respiratory protection, are a simple preventative measure that is highly effective in ensuring the safety of those working with phytosanitary products.

When choosing the appropriate coveralls, several factors should be considered, including the nature of the task at hand, the state, concentration, pressure, quantity and toxicity of the chemicals used.

If personal protective equipment is ill fitting or uncomfortable, its effectiveness is jeopardised. Badly fitting garments can be restrictive and liable to tear, consequently preventing users from working safely and efficiently.

For effective protection when using or exposed to phytosanitary products, it is recommended that CE category III Type 4 chemical protective coveralls, such as the Tyvek Classic Plus, are used as a minimum.

This provides the wearer with effective protection against a wide range of aqueous (Type 4) liquid aerosols, active ingredients in solid particle form (Type 5) and limited protection against liquid spraying (Type 6), which, if exposed to, can all be harmful.

With over-taped seams and the option to seal the zipper area with a self-adhesive flap, Tyvek Classic Plus represents an ideal solution if wet decontamination is not required.

For environments where wet contamination is an issue, it is recommended that coveralls using the Tychem C or Tychem F fabric are used instead.

The risk of exposure to lower or higher concentrations of active materials, solvents or diluents is especially high among individuals during preparation or application, cleaning, tank emptying or in the event of a spray malfunction.

In these cases, in addition to protective coveralls, it is recommended that an apron or gown made of fabric with an adequate chemical permeation barrier is worn over the coverall to protect the most exposed areas of the body against organic chemicals.

For more information, please visit: www.chemicalprotection.dupont.co.uk.