FAST AG Solutions Fast Sprayers 9500 Series, Operator'S Manual

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B. Personal Protection:
To reduce or eliminate contact with
herbicides, it is necessary to wear ad-
equate protective clothing, respirators,
boots, goggles and gloves. The use of
this equipment is essential for good health
especially when applying some of the
more toxic herbicides.
a. Respirators - Protection against
inhalation (but no skin contact) is
provided quite economically by the
use of face mask respirators. Choose
a mask that will fit your face and
check with the company about the
details of filters and chemical car-
tridges used in the respirator model.
Note that full and half face masks
cannot be worn securely by men with
beards, whiskers, sideburns and
moustaches. Instructions on the
operational life and performance of
filters and cartridges generally accom-
pany the products. However, when
carrying out spray operations, it is
wise to change the filters each day
and the cartridges should be replaced
when chemical odour is noticed.
Wash the face mask with warm water
and soap before installing a new
cartridge and filter. Do not store
cartridge and filters in the chemical
storage area, as they can absorb the
chemical even when not in use.
b. Goggles - When a full mask is not
worn, the use of protective goggles is
necessary and is recommended to
protect the eyes from pesticide
vapour, solids, and accidental
splashes particularly. Safety supply
companies offer a range of goggles.
Many goggles are resistant to chemi-
cals, some have specially treated
lenses to reduce fogging, others have
anti-fogging ventilation. Prescription
type glasses are also available to
which side shields can be attached.
c. Gloves - Non-absorbent gloves
should be worn at all times when
handling, mixing and applying pesti-
cides. Neoprene has been found to
be superior to rubber in resisting the
penetration of pesticides. Other
factors to be considered in selecting
suitable gloves include sense of
touch, wet grip, and cut and abrasion
resistance. Gloves should not have
fabric wristbands or lining and should
fit properly. Always wash the glove
inside and out after use. Leather
gloves are not suitable.
d. Footwear - Non-absorbent footwear
should be worn when applying pesti-
cides. It is suggested that the most
suitable boot is one that is knee
length, acid and solvent resistant and
ribbed to prevent slippage. Neoprene
is considered much superior to
rubber. Leather boots are not suit-
able.
e. Clothing - For general protection
coveralls should be worn, along with
gloves and a hat to minimize the
hazard of the skin absorbing pesti-
cides. Clothing should be changed
and washed regularly following
spraying. You can now purchase
disposable clothing that provides
protection against exposure resulting
from pesticide drift, splashing or spills.
These garments (overalls, shirts and
pants, head cover, and aprons) are
light weight and cooler than rubber
articles. Protective equipment and
clothing are available from safety
supply companies. Never use leather
garments e.g. jackets, gloves, or
shoes during the handling or applica-
tions of pesticides. Leather can
absorb the chemical and it is very
difficult to decontaminate leather
articles.