Protective clothing
Gloves
Unlined, flexible gauntlet-type gloves are considered best.
- PVC (not rubber or surgical plastic gloves), Viton and Nitrile Rubber (NBR) are impervious to most solvents and are most suitable.
- Disposable/surgical gloves are suitable only for delicate jobs such as cleaning nozzles, provided they are used once only, and then disposed of properly.
- Replace used gloves regularly.
- Never wear leather gloves, or gloves that leak.
Overalls
- Full length overalls should be worn during all spraying operations. Light cotton/polyester type is available for summer. These must be washed every day. Bib and brace type are not suitable.
- Full length breathable nylon fabric overalls are excellent.
- PVC pants and jackets are very good when spraying in winter. They are essential for the more hazardous horticultural spraying operations.
- There are several disposable overalls on the market. Polyethylene and polypropylene fabric will prevent droplets from spray drift contacting skin, but are not waterproof.
Boots
- While rubber boots are satisfactory, PVC boots are better. Steel caps in the toe offer extra safety but are not essential when spraying.
- Never wear leather boots while spraying and throw out leaking boots.
Eye and face protection
- Always wear eye protection when handling, especially when pouring chemicals and solutions.
- A face shield protects the whole of the face but is difficult to wear with the conventional twin cartridge respirator.
- Goggles and safety glasses protect only the eyes. However, they can be worn with a respirator.