Personal protective equipment (PPE) is clothing and devices that minimize your exposure to a pesticide. The label lists the minimum required PPE.
Respirators
The main types of respirators are:
1) atmosphere-supplying respirators and
2) air-purifying respirators.
Specific type of respirators required may vary depending on applicator health, type of fumigant used, and working conditions. Atmosphere-supplying respirators use canisters to supply breathable air or draw air from outside the fumigation area.
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
The two main types of atmosphere-supplying respirators are the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the supplied-air respirator (SAR).
Supplied-air respirators have a full-face mask that delivers air from a compressed air tank or an outside air pump. The air tank or pump is located outside the fumigation area.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) consists of a full-face mask attached to a tank of compressed air. The face piece must fit snugly to keep out contaminated air. There is an alarm to warn when the air supply is low. Movement is not restricted with this system. However, the weight and bulk of an SCBA often makes strenuous work difficult
Air-Purifying Respirators
Air-purifying respirators combine a face piece with a specific filter media. Outside air is drawn into the mask through a filter media. The filter absorbs impurities in the air.
Respirators should be fit-tested and approved by a licensed health care professional. In addition, be sure that all parts and replacement parts meet manufacturer specifications.
How long a canister will last depends on several things:
- Length of exposure
- Rate of breathing
- Whether there is more than one gas present
- The temperature and humidity at the time of use.
- Type of canister
- Size of the canister
- The type and concentration of gas in the surrounding air
Clothing and gloves.
Requirements vary so read the label information carefully. Labels recommend loose-fitting clothes, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks for skin protection. Others do not specify.
The need for gloves also varies. Applicators must wear gloves because of possible skin irritation some solid fumigants. Labels of liquid products do not require gloves and may prohibit wearing them. Learn which items are required for the product you plan to use.
Whenever possible, provide two-way radio communication between workers applying fumigants and those outside. Also, keep on hand:
At first Class cleaning services all our technical teams come in handy with personal protective equipment prior to fumigation and peat control in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega Kenya. Call us on 0721867339 or email: sales@firstclasscleaning.co.ke
