MAY 2018

Synthetic chemical use is often a part of farming and agriculture. Pesticides can be serious irritants to skin, eyes, and lungs, can affect your internal organs and your health in the short and long-term.

Avoiding and/or reducing use of toxic chemicals reduces these risks. However, if you are handling chemicals, take time to implement best practices, like using PPE and following labels carefully. Whether you do your own application, use treated seed, or spot applications on the field, using the right PPE is an important step in your health and safety.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Are you wearing a hat and goggles when handling chemicals to protect head and neck areas?
• Are you wearing a mask when handling chemicals, with two straps and labeled for chemical use?
• Are you wearing gloves when handling chemicals? The best gloves to use are 15 mil thick Nitrile gloves.
• Are you wearing a chemical apron to prevent contact with your clothing and body?
• Do you wear long pants and sleeves to protect your arms and legs & wash separate from other clothing?
• Are pesticide containers disposed properly after use?
• Have you provided workers with PPE and trained them how to use, clean, store, and replace PPE & chemicals?
• Do you post signs around the field & have time entry restrictions after pesticide application?

You and/or your employee(s) can download and print a pdf checklist to complete safety checks on your farm.  Keep the completed forms for follow-up, future reference and inspections.

Disclaimer: The facts and information listed above are suggestions for your safety, but are in no way a comprehensive and exhaustive list of all actions needed to ensure your safety.