They come in handy on your lawn, parks, and farms. For years, they have been hailed for their ability to clear unwanted vegetation, causing us to ignore their negative impact on us.
Don’t get me wrong, I relish herbicides; who doesn’t? In terms of getting rid of bothersome plants, it has been the Holy Grail of Agriculture prosperity
Researchers recently discovered that the hazardous effects of herbicides take a long time to appear in humans. They build up in the body, eventually producing a variety of health issues.
This begs the question of how to avoid long-term health problems caused by herbicides. The solution is simple: wear protective clothing.
However, it is not as simple as it sounds since you must gain knowledge of the relevant protective clothing for spraying herbicides, which this article will demonstrate.
Contents
- Protective Clothing for Spraying Herbicides
- 1. Gloves
- 2. Eye and face protection
- 3. Respiratory protection
- 4. Footwear
- 5. Body protection
- FAQs about Protective Clothing for Spraying Herbicides
- What kind of PPE should be worn when spraying herbicide?
- How can you protect yourself from herbicide?
- How do you choose PPE?
- Author
Protective Clothing for Spraying Herbicides
1. Gloves
When it comes to handling herbicides, gloves are the most critical piece of protective clothing. Unfortunately, most of us do not perceive the value in them. When working with chemicals, your hands are the most vulnerable part of your body. As a result, safeguarding them is vital.
Sadly, not every glove will keep your hands safe. When looking for a glove to use with herbicides, be sure it is chemical resistant.
Furthermore, the glove should be unlined, and it should not be made of cotton or leather, as these materials will absorb herbicides.
In terms of material, PVC gloves, latex gloves, nitrile gloves, and butyl gloves are suitable for chemical handling. However, I strongly feel that nitrile gloves are the best because they are the least expensive and have strong chemical resistance.
When it comes to hand protection, the material of the glove is not everything. The second key question to ask yourself when buying gloves is whether or not the glove fits perfectly on your hand.
In this situation, you’ll need to measure your hands because you don’t want to be stuck with a little glove that’s difficult to remove.
Once you’ve finished spraying your herbicide, before you remove your gloves, remember to wash them with detergent and water. This prevents your hands from coming into contact with the chemical when you remove the gloves.
Your hands are no longer in jeopardy.
Using a Pressure Washer to Spray Herbicide
2. Eye and face protection
Most of us have experienced the unpleasant sensation of a tiny particle becoming lodged in our eyes, so a chemical splash in the eye is no laughing matter. Therefore, eye and facial protection is an essential component of protective apparel during herbicide spraying.
Chemical splash goggles are the best way to protect your eyes from herbicides. Furthermore, because of their wide variety, you can seem hip.
Pyramex chemical splash goggles are safety-approved, saving you the hassle of investigating whether they are safe to use. Additionally, their splash goggles come in a variety of sizes.
All you have to do is find one that fits you correctly since you don’t want one that leaves gaps and you also don’t want a goggle that is overly snug because it will be really unpleasant.
Chemical eye injuries can be severe and even irreparable, so consider using a face shield as an extra measure. Don’t leave anything to chance if you want to avoid serious eye irritation and the possibility of going blind due to herbicides.
Also read: What will kill all weeds but not Bermuda?
Always remember to clean them after using them.
3. Respiratory protection
Covid-19 had such a large impact on the world that wearing a face mask became the norm. We’re used to wearing masks these days, so putting one on while spraying herbicides on your lawn isn’t such a huge issue.
You don’t want to breathe those noxious chemicals, especially when you’re mixing them. You can avoid this by wearing a respirator or even a simple face mask.
You should make certain that your respirator or face mask fits snugly without holes. Choose something simple and inexpensive, as herbicides are less harmful to the respiratory system.
Otherwise, it is critical to study the herbicide manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether respiratory protection is required.
However, I would recommend keeping one on hand at all times while on the job.
If you have a respirator, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned and that every component has been completely dried before storing it.
Also read: What kills dandelions but not the grass?
4. Footwear
Footwear is the most frequently disregarded piece of protective apparel. You’ll need closed shoes and socks, and some herbicides advocate chemical-resistant footwear. As a result, you’ll require unlined heavy-duty footwear.
The finest foot protection footwear should extend past your ankles and at least halfway up to your knee. Furthermore, they should not be made of leather; instead, nitrile and butyl boots are the best.
When you’re through, carefully wash your boots inside and out. Always keep your boots covered with your leg pants when spraying to prevent the chemical from running down inside your boots.
Also read: How to eliminate roundup in soil
5. Body protection
Except for the head, feet, and hands, good body protection should cover the complete body. Does this imply that a long-sleeved shirt can also be used as a body cover?
It can be used as a body cover as long as it properly covers your body. It must, however, be long-lasting and free of tears.
Coveralls can be fashioned of any material, but they must be handled carefully and cleansed after applying herbicide to your lawn. Some herbicides recommend wearing chemical-resistant aprons, especially while mixing herbicides.
Also read: How to spray weed killer on lawn
FAQs about Protective Clothing for Spraying Herbicides
What kind of PPE should be worn when spraying herbicide?
A full-face respirator, safety goggles, or a full-face shield are required. They should fit nicely and be comfy.
Also read: Spray weeds before or after mowing?
How can you protect yourself from herbicide?
Wearing protective clothing is the ideal approach to protect oneself against herbicides. Your entire body will be shielded by protective clothes.
Also read: Herbicide injury diagnostic key
How do you choose PPE?
The criteria for selecting PPE are dependent on the level of toxins to which you may be exposed. Furthermore, the comfort of the PPE should be considered.
The old saying “you can’t bring a knife to a gunfight” doesn’t seem to apply anymore. Instead, they should have said, “you can’t get into a gunfight without a bulletproof vest.” So, when spraying herbicides, it is critical to prioritize your safety.
Since the nasty chemicals in herbicides will cause harm, you should be aware of the relevant protective clothing for spraying herbicides in order to successfully ensure your safety. After all, going into a combat zone without protection isn’t a good idea.
