Personal Protective Equipment

• A. A suggestion that experienced applicators can ignore
• B. Legally mandatory — failure to wear required PPE is a FIFRA violation ✓
• C. Only required for commercial applicators
• D. Only applicable in cold weather

PPE requirements on the label are legally binding under FIFRA. Employers must provide all required PPE at no cost to workers and handlers. Failure to wear the specified PPE during mixing, loading, or application is a federal violation.

• A. Cotton gloves
• B. Chemical-resistant nitrile or butyl rubber gloves ✓
• C. Leather work gloves
• D. Latex surgical gloves

Chemical-resistant gloves made of nitrile, butyl rubber, or barrier laminate provide the best protection against most pesticide formulations. Cotton and leather absorb pesticides. Latex surgical gloves are too thin. Always check the label for specific requirements.

• A. Once a year during certification renewal
• B. Before each use — check for tears, holes, cracks, and degradation ✓
• C. Only after a chemical spill
• D. Only when brand new

PPE should be inspected before every use. Check gloves for punctures (inflate and squeeze), respirators for cracked seals and proper fit, coveralls for tears, and eye protection for cracks. Damaged PPE must be replaced immediately.

• A. All types of pesticide exposure
• B. Pesticide vapors and gases from organic solvent-based formulations ✓
• C. Dust and granular particles only
• D. Oxygen-deficient environments

Organic vapor cartridges contain activated charcoal that adsorbs organic solvent vapors and gases. They are used with pesticides that produce vapors (EC formulations, fumigants). They do NOT protect against particulates (dust, mist) unless combined with a particulate filter.

• A. The material is waterproof
• B. The material resists penetration by the specific chemical for a specified period of time ✓
• C. The material is fire-resistant
• D. The material is tear-proof

Chemical-resistant means the PPE material can resist the passage of a specific chemical through it for a defined period. Different chemicals require different resistant materials. No single material resists all chemicals, so check label requirements.

• A. Throw it in the regular trash
• B. Wash reusable PPE separately from household laundry, or properly dispose of single-use PPE ✓
• C. Store it in the same area as food
• D. Hang it outside indefinitely to air out

Reusable PPE must be washed separately from regular laundry after each use using hot water and detergent. Wash gloves before removing them. Single-use PPE (like Tyvek coveralls) should be disposed of properly. Never store contaminated PPE with clean items.

• A. It determines the color of the respirator
• B. It ensures the respirator forms a tight seal on the face to prevent contaminated air from leaking in ✓
• C. It measures the weight of the respirator
• D. It tests the respirator's battery life

Fit testing ensures the respirator creates a proper seal against the wearer's face. A poor fit allows contaminated air to bypass the filter/cartridge, rendering the respirator ineffective. Facial hair, weight changes, and different models affect fit.

• A. Any long-sleeved shirt
• B. A one or two-piece garment covering the body from neck to ankles and wrists, worn over regular clothing ✓
• C. A raincoat
• D. An apron

Coveralls are one-piece or two-piece garments that cover the entire body from neck to ankles and wrists, worn over regular work clothing. They provide a physical barrier against dermal pesticide exposure. Some labels specify chemical-resistant coveralls.