Decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment used for pesticide spraying

Workers are subjected to hazardous substances when spraying pesticides and it is therefore essential to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). At the same time, when pesticide spraying activities are over, the problem of cleaning up or disposing of the used PPE arises.

How does one  decontaminate PPEs?

Let’s look at how to proceed with the decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment of the different types normally used when spraying also taking into account notes and other instructions that come with clothing or other protective devices.

• Multipurpose Suits: Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for cleaning suits. If the suit is of a type that can be washed, allow the chemical products on the suit to dry in the sun before washing so that the chemical substances will “deteriorate” better in the wash.  Never wash suits worn during pesticide spraying together with other garments, to prevent all the garments being contaminated. Always adhere to manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the suits when washing.
• Disposable suits: as the name clearly implies, these garments are to be discarded after use in the manner specified  on the label and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The same also applies to other items such as disposable hoods and caps.
• Boots, gloves, and eyewear: Boots are to be washed with soapy water while still donned. The same applies to gloves which should be removed gradually during rinsing. Finally, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer in the User Instructions, eyewear (goggles, glasses etc.) is also to be washed in soapy water and rinsed thoroughly.
• Helmets and respiratory protective devices: Filters need to be changed frequently following the indications found in User manuals or  manufacturer’s instructions. When pesticide spraying is over, the filters are to be removed and allowed to dry before storage. The other respirator parts are to be washed in soapy water, rinsed and allowed to dry, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer in User Manuals or instructions.

To avoid chemical risk always store PPEs in a clean and dry place as per Manufacturer’s instructions or as specified in User Manuals.