Use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment by certified pesticide applicators.

A convenience survey of 702 certified pesticide applicators was conducted in three states to assess the use of 16 types of engineering controls and 13 types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Results showed that 8 out of 16 engineering devices were adopted by more than 50% of the respondents. The type of crop, size of agricultural operation, and the type of pesticide application equipment were found to influence the adoption of engineering controls. Applicators working on large farms, users of boom and hydraulic sprayers, and growers of field crops were more likely to use engineering devices. Respondents reported a high level of PPE use, with chemical-resistant gloves showing the highest level of compliance. An increase in pesticide applicators wearing appropriate headgear was reported. The majority of respondents did not wear less PPE simply because they used engineering controls. Those who did modify their PPE choices when employing engineering controls used tractors with enclosed cabs and/or were vegetable growers.

Effect of protective gloves on hand movement: an exploratory study.

This exploratory study was conducted to determine whether wearing protective gloves limits the range of motion that the hand can complete. The kinematic motion of the hand/wrist/forearm of two participants was analysed during the performance of two tasks typical of pesticide applicators. High-speed cinematography was used to collect data which were then digitized and combined to produce three-dimensional data. Graphs of the transformed data showed that in comparison with the barehanded state, the protective glove decreased the abduction/adduction and supination/pronation ranges that the hand could complete. Extension/flexion did not appear to be affected. Overall, kinematic motion of the hand appeared to decrease while wearing protective gloves.

Spray deposition patterns during simulated work activities by lawn care specialists.

This simulated field study investigated patterns of spray deposition on the clothing of lawn care applicators using a tank truck and handheld spray gun. The purpose was to provide a basis for designing a protective garment for lawn care specialists. The influence of flow rate and experience level of applicators on spray deposition was studied. FD&C Blue #1 dye was sprayed simultaneously by novice and experienced applicators in timed walks. There were four replications at full and at reduced flow rates. Spray garments were cut into 23 pieces representing body parts. Dye was recovered using four rinses of distilled water and analyzed by standard spectrophotometric techniques. Significantly more dye was deposited on the lower portion of the body, both front and back legs, than on other body parts. The amount on the lower legs accounted for 59% of the total, while hands accounted for 28%. There was a tendency for experienced applicators to have more dye on their clothing than the novice applicators. The amount of dye deposition did not differ significantly with flow rate. The findings provide a basis for designing clothing and developing recommendations to improve protection for lawn care specialists.