8669.pdf
Media
- extracted text
-
....... 1
WW
/
>
I / L1
F Second Fogarty Indo US
Training Workshop on
Pesticide, Health & Safety
0rj anised
Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health (C0EH)
Under IVPSS, Govt, of NCT Delhi
/n collaboration with
University of California Berkeley, USA
&
Department of Environment, Govt, of NCT Delhi
Venue : Conference Hall, Deptt. Of CME, 3rd Floor, MAMC
Date : 29th & 30th November 2002
CONTENTS
■
Introduction to Pesticides:
What are Pesticides?
1
Pesticides Formulation
5
Pesticide names
7
•
Pesticide classification
9
•
Are Pesticide necessary?
12
•
■
■
■
Occupational Health aspects of Pesticides:
♦
Handling & Use
•
How can Pesticides enter in the body?
15
•
Toxicity, Hazards & Risk of the Pesticides
27
Handling, & Using Pesticides safely:
•
Preventing Contamination
39
•
Buying, Transporting, Storing, & Disposing of Pesticides
65
Dealing with ill effects from Pesticide exposure:
•
How chemicals effect the body
86
•
Signs & symptoms of overexposure
89
•
Getting information in a suspected poisoning incident cases
91
•
First-aid procedures in a poisoning incidence
93
Second Fogarty Indo-US Training Workshop on Pesticide, Health & Safety
Course Outline
29.Nov.2002 (Day I)
8:30-9:00
9:00-9:30
9:30-10:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-11:20
11:20-13:00
13:00-14:00
14:00-14:30
14:30-15:30
15:30-16:15
16:15-16:30
1640:17:15
17:15-18:00
Registration
Inaugration and Introduction - Goals and methods of
course, handouts
Pesticides: The big Picture: India
TK Joshi MD, MPH
Pesticides: What they do, how they work:
Organochlorines,Anticholinesterases, Paraquat and
others: Acute and long-term Toxicological effects,
Rx
Break - Groups organize for exercises
Pesticides : What they do, how they work(continued)
Dr Richter and Dr Aggarwal Case studies
Lunch
Pesticide Residues in Foods : Dr. S.K. Handa
Simple toxicological and epi tools, :
Dr. Basu and Richter
Surveillance and Preventive strategies
Sources of data: Walk through, Economic data preventing
contamination, risks from transport and waste
Tea (Groups meet again)
Review: Medicine and Toxicology: Pesticides in India
(Dr Kanungo)
Walkthrough: Low tech investigations: Using your
feet, eyes, ears, and nose, Identify the hazards,
recommend solution
30th Nov. 2002 (Day II)
8:00-8:50
8:50 -9:40
9:40-10:00
10:00-10:20
10:20-10:50
10:50-11:20
11:20-11:40
11:40-12:45
12:45-13:00
Epidemiological exercises: Overnight assignments
Epidemic of parathion poisoning in community
25 min
DDT and breast milk
25min
Malathion in anti-malarial sprayers
25min
Chronic arsenic toxicity
25 min
Break (look over crop yeild/ pesticide use exercise)
Skin absorption: A brief review
20 min
Kids: The high-risk group:
Children and child labor—Special populations
Exercise: More for Less?
Cotton yield and pesticide use:
Case study and discussion
Disaster and Emergency response : The lessons of Bhopal
Round Table and discussion : Think globally, act
Locally:Designing interceptive strategies for India: The role
of the professional as a catalyst and change agent.Sources
help and information. Local programs for hdx, estigation,
Rx, management of pesticide use and prevention of
Pessticide use: What are the components and how to
catalyze them. (See PANNA slides)
Dr Joshi, Dr Richter and others
Concluding remarks
********************
IP.1
IP-1. INTRODUCTION TO PESTICIDES
| IP.1.1
WHAT ARE PESTICIDES?
A pest car. be defined as being an organism (plant or animal) in the wrong place at the wrong '
time, which results in some harm to man or the environment (harm includes economic damage
and personal physical harm). This includes insects on crops, insects which spread disease, plants
growing in undesirable places (weeds), fungal pathogens (agents which cause disease) on crops,
birds or rodents (rats, mice etc.) which attack crops (see Fig. IP.1).
Chemicals which are used to control pests are called pesticides or agrochemicals. In other words
pesticides are used to control organisms which are damaging to crops, to human or animal health,
or which may cause nuisance. Pesticides are also used to control organisms which affect humans
or animals externally (parasitic animals such as fleas, ticks or mites), as distinct from
pharmaceutical or veterinary products which control organisms affecting the victim internally.
A modern pesticide is tested extensively before it is released to the commercial
market. This
testing aims to answer several questions:
Is it effective for its intended use, under different conditions (climate, soils etc)?
Is it acceptable in terms of its human and animal toxicity, even though it may net
always be used as recommended?
Is it acceptable in terms of long term or chronic effects to health such as
carcinogenicity (causing cancer), birth and inherited defects, effects on the
nervous or immune systems?
How does it behave in the environment in terms of:
persistence of residues (on plants, in soil etc.)?
movement in soil, into water etc?
effects on non target organisms (bees, soil organisms such as earthworms, water
organisms such as daphnia and fish etc.)?
the behaviour and effects of any breakdown products of the original chemical?
This programme of testing both in the laboratory and under field conditions typically takes more
than 8-10 years to complete before the pesticide is commercially marketed. Even after it has been
commercially launched, studies are continued to monitor the use of the product in the field.
2
IP.2
Figure 1P.1: Pests include a wide variety of plants and enimsis
’•
/
/’
IP.3
This detailed testing means that many chemicals are tested and rejected because they do not fulfil
all requirements. For example, each year approximately 12,000 chemicals are tested at ZENECA’s
research station and from these perhaps only one will pass all the rigorous testing to become a
commercially viable product. The exhaustive testing ensures that modern pesticides are very much
safer to man and to the environment than many earlier chemicals used as pesticides.
Many countries now have some sort of government controlled registration process, under which
the company wishing to register a pesticide must submit extensive data based on the tests listed
above, before the pesticide is approved for sale in a country. This controls the products available
in a particular country, and ensures that any which are unacceptably hazardous to humans,
animals or the environment can be prevented from being sold.
KEY MESSAGES - WHAT ARE PESTICIDES
Pesticides or agrochemicals are chemicals used to control
pests
A pest is any organism (insect, animal, plant, fungal pathogen
etc.) in the wrong place
Pesticides undergo very lengthy and expensive testing before
marketing which looks at efficacy, toxicity and environmental
effects
Most countries have government controlled registration
procedures which control the pesticides which can be used
in that country
I
I
IP.4
IP.1.3
PESTICIDE FORMULATIONS
In its raw or technical form, a pesticide cannot be readily applied by a user. It has to be prepared
or formulated in such a way as to allow the user to apply it easily and evenly to the intended
target, and to make it effective on that target. The chemical part of the formulation which is
responsible for killing or controlling the pest is known as the active ingredient
In addition to the active ingredient, the formulation may be made up of several other components,
e.g.
Solvent used in liquid formulations.
Carriers used in solid (powder, granular or bait) formulations.
Surface Active Agents (Surfactants) used to enable the product to mix easily with
water or to ensure the product spreads or sticks to the target better.
Colouring agents prevent pesticide being mistaken for food or drink.
r
Emetic to bring about vomiting if a product is accidentally or deliberately
swallowed.
Stenches - an unpleasant smell will help prevent accidental ingestion.
Bittering agents to give a foul taste to prevent swallowing.
k particular active ingredient may be available in several formulations, which may be different in
the composition of other ingredients or in the concentration of active ingredient.
Formulations can broadly be divided into two types depending on how they are to be applied:
•
solids, e.g. granules, dusts, blocks or baits
•
liquids e.g. emulsifiable concentrates (E.C.), wettable powders (WP), suspension
concentrates (S.C.)
Those which are applied as liquids are most common, and most of these require dilution with
water before they can be sprayed. The concentrated formulations which are provided for mixing
with water also vary, and may be either:
IP.5
solid, e.g. wettable powders (WPs), water soluble granules (SGs) etc.
•
. liquid^, emulsifiable concentrates (ECs), soluble concentrates (Sts), suspension
.
concentrates (SCs).
Different formulations present difterent hazards to the user. In general formulations designed to
be applied as solids such as granules are less hazardous to the user than formulations designed
to be sprayed as liquids such as wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates or suspension
concentrates. Those which must be mixed with water for spraying as a liquid are also generally
safer to handle as a solid concentrate rather than a liquid concentrate.
KEY MESSAGES - PESTICIDE FORMULATIONS
9
Formulations are the form in which pesticides are supplied to
the user
®
A pesticide intended for use as a liquid spray may be
supplied for dilution as either a liquid or solid
•
Pesticides may be applied as solids or liquids
•
Solid formulations are generally safer to handle than liquid
ones
IP.6
IP. 1.2
PESTICIDE NAMES
Any particular pesticide has different types of name. These are discussed below using paraquat
as an example.
Chemical name describes the chemical structure of the molecule.
For example the chemical name for paraquat is:
1,1’-dimethyl-4,4’-bipyridinium ion
Common name is the internationally agreed name for the chemical, which is used
to avoid the use of lengthy chemical names which are difficult to remember.
Paraquat is an example of an agreed common name.
Trade or Brand name is the commercial name of the formulated product, i.e. it is
a particular concentration of the chemical which controls the pest (e.g. paraquat)
plus carriers or solvents, surfactant, emetic, stench, colour etc. Any particular
chemical may be sold under a variety of trade names depending on the companies
involved, the formulation type, the target and the country in which it is sold. For
example, formulations containing paraquat are sold under the following ZENECA
trade names in various countries, "Gramoxone", "Priglone", "WeedoT, "Paracol”,
"Gramuron", "TotacoT, "Gramocil", "Gramonol" and "Terraklene".
The chemical name is not very important, except to research chemists, however the common
name is important, since it describes a particular chemical which may be sold under a variety of
trade names. Trade names are also important, because they indicate a particular formulation of
a chemical. For example "Gramoxone" is a formulation of paraquat which contains blue dye,
stench (to give it a powerful smell) and emetic (to cause vomiting if swallowed). These are all
additives included to make the product safer to use, yet not all formulations of paraquat contain
all three additives.
3
IP.7
KEY MESSAGES - PESTICIDE NAMES
Pesticide chemical names describe the chemical structure
Pesticide common names indicate the active ingredient
Pesticide Trade names are company specific names for the
active ingredient in a specific formulation
I
1
IP.8
IP.1.4
PESTICIDE CLASSIFICATION [
There are many ways of classifying pesticides. Different methods of classification are relevant to
different applications. The classification of pesticides by hazard will be dealt with in section
OH. 1.2.2
IP.1.4.1 TARGET GROUP
One of the simplest methods is by the type of pest which the product will control, for example:
Product
Target Pest
Acaricide
mites, ticks, spiders
Fungicide
fungi
Herbicide
weeds
Insecticide
insects
Molluscicide
slugs, snails
Nematicide
nematodes
Rodenticide
rodents (rats, mice etc.)
It is important to remember that these categories are not necessarily exclusive. For example, an
insecticide may also act as an acaricide. In addition there are also terms for groups of chemicals
used to control different stages of insects, i.e.
Product
Stage
Ovicide
Eggs
Larvicide
Larvae
Adulticide
Adult
These are most often used when the different stages live in different habitats or show different
behaviour, and so require control programmes aimed only at that stage. For example in mosquito
control, larvicides are sprayed in water to kill larvae and pupae, while adulticides are sprayed in
or around houses to kill the flying adufts. These categories are not exclusive, since a larvicide
might also act as an adulticide and vice versa.
These groupings may give a very general idea of the hazards involved.
For example, many
herbicides are less toxic to man than most insecticides. However it should not be assumed that
a herbicide is always less toxic than an insecticide, since there are exceptions.
■
/o
IP.9
t
IP.1.4.2 CHEMICAL GROUP
Pesticides can be classified according to their chemical group. For example the principle groups
of insecticides are as follows:
Organochlorines - these are some of the earliest man-made (synthetic)
insecticides. Many of this group build up in food chains by accumulating in fat
tissue, and show long environmental persistence, and this has led to a great
reduction in their use. Examples include DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, lindane and
endosulfan
I
(
Organophosphorous (OP)
insecticides are
generally less
persistent
than
organochlorines, but many can be more toxic to man. Examples include parathion,
monocrotophos, dimethoate, malathion.
(
Carbamates are similar in biological action to OPs. As a group they show a wide
range of mammalian toxicities and biological properties. Examples include
carbofuran, bendiocarb, thiodicarb.
I
I
Pyrethroids are a relatively new group of insecticides, which generally show
relatively low levels of mammalian toxicity when compared with other groups.
They are generally toxic to fish. Examples include cypermethrin, deltamethrin,
I
lambda cyhalothrin, fenvalerate.
Plant derived chemicals such as nicotine, pyrethrum, rotenone. This is not strictly
a chemical group, since their chemical structures can be very different, but they
all have a common origin as they are extracted from plants.
While some generalisations can be made about these chemical groups, they should be used with
caution. For example, OPs are often more toxic than pyrethroids, but there are often exceptions,
and it cannot be assumed that all OPs are more toxic than all pyrethroids.
IP.13
KEY MESSAGES - ARE PESTICIDES NECESSARY?
Pesticides are accepted as the most effective means of pest control in
most cases, and will continue to be widely used for the foreseeable future
Management (IPM) programmes, in combination with other appropriate
methods of control
I
OH.1
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ASPECTS
0H.1
OF PESTICIDE
HANDUNG AND USE
It is not difficult to use agrochemicals safely. In most cases it is simply a matter of common
sense. The key to safe use of pesticides is an understanding of the hazards involved, so we can
minimise the risks associated with them.
OH.1.1
HOW CAN PESTICIDES ENTER THE BODY?
Pesticides can get into the body in one of three ways:
By ingestion - through the mouth into the gut (oral route)
By inhalation - breathing into the lungs (respiratory route)
Through the skin (dermal route)
The likelihood of pesticides getting into the body by each of these routes varies considerably.
This will be considered for each route in the following sections. It is important that people who
come into contact with pesticides understand the dangers associated with the three routes, and
how they are most likely to be poisoned under different circumstances. Unless users understand
the hazards involved and how they might be poisoned, they will not change their practices to safer
ones, because they will not understand the need to change.
0H.2
Figure OH.1: Possible routes of entry into the body
MOUTH
(SWALLOWING)
a./
SKIN
■ NOSE
(BREATHING IN)
SKIN
_
KEY MESSAGES - HOW PESTICIDES GET INTO THE BODY
Pesticides can enter the body by breathing in (inhalation),
swallowing (ingestion) and through the skin (dermal contact)
Understanding the relative importance of these routes is the
key to improving safety practices among pesticide users.
OH.5
OH.1.1.2 INHALATION
This is the route which would lead to the quickest poisoning. However, like ingestion, it is unlikely
that most users would be poisoned by this route, except in a few particular circumstances (such
as using fumigants (pesticides formulated to work as gases) without respiratory protection.
Pesticides are rarely used as fumigants.
This is because the respiratory system consists of a network of tubes (the trachea and
bronchioles) which get narrower and narrower towards the part of the lungs where oxygen
exchange takes place (the small sacs known as alveoli). Only pesticide droplets or particles which
are less than 1 p.m(1 p.m= 0.001 mm) in size can get all the way to the alveoli, and only droplets
less than 30 p.min size can get beyond the nose and throat.
The sprayers used most commonly by fanners do not produce droplets this small, or produce only
very few droplets of this size, so the likelihood of inhaling enough to cause a harmful effect is
extremely small. Yet it is common for users to perceive this to be the most common route, and
to try and protect the airways with masks, scarves etc. while ignoring the more common route of
skin entry. In addition wearing an absorbent mask or scarf on the face which becomes
contaminated with spray, may be more harmful to the user through continual contact with the
facial skin than if no respiratory protection is used.
Some pesticides have a vapour action (they give off poisonous fumes) and could poison by this
route, but relatively few of these are used, and in the open air would not generally cause problems,
as the fumes would be readily dispersed. Remember that a strong smell does not necessarily
indicate a pesticide with vapour action - some pesticides have smells added to the formulation to
make them safer by alerting people to the fact that they are pesticides, but the smell itself is not
poisonous.
In a few special situations, poisoning might happen by this route, for example:
Mixing powders and allowing them to blow up into the face
Using a pesticide which gives off a vapour in a confined space such as a building
0H.6
Figure OH.3: Respiratory system
Trachea
Bronchioles
Alveoli
OH.8
OH.1.1.3 SKIN CONTACT
Pesticides, like other chemicals, can pass through skin. The factors which affect the leval of
hazard by this route are:
The dermal toxicity of the active ingredient
The amount of active ingredient present on the skin, which is related to
concentration of product and volume)
It can be hazardous to have concentrated pesticides on the skin or to leave even dilute pesticides
on the skin for long periods of time. This means that greater care is necessary when handling
concentrated products - during measuring and mixing, and that good personal hygiene is very
important to prevent pesticides remaining on the skin for long periods of time.
The speed at which pesticides pass through the skin depends on several factors which include:
Type of pesticide - some pesticides pass through skin more quickly than others
Formulation - liquids generally pass through skin more quickly than solids
Area of body - the skin on some parts of the body allows chemicals to pass
through much more quickly than others (see Fig. OH.5)
Whether skin is intact - cuts or grazes allow pesticides to pass into the body easily
Presence of sweat- sweaty or damp skin allows chemicals to pass more quickly
than dry skin
33
OH.9
Figure OH.5: Rates of absorption of chemicals by different parts of the body, relative to absorption
rate by forearm (given value of 1)
Scalp 3.7
Forehead 4.2
Ear canal 5.4
Forearm 1.0
Palm of hand 1.3
Groin area 11.8
Ball of foot 1.6
•i
OH.10
There are many situations which might lead to poisoning through the skin. A few of these are:
Careless handling leading to spills or splashes - especially hazardous with
concentrated products
Not using appropriate protective clothing when mixing or spraying pesticides (see
section OH.2.1.5)
Wearing contaminated clothing for long periods
Contact with sprayed crop - contaminating the body by brushing against recently
sprayed leaves.
Spraying against the wind - allowing droplets to drift onto the body
Use of leaking sprayers which may contaminate the back or hands
Poor standards of persona! hygiene - failing to wash exposed or contaminated skin
or contaminated clothing
Another part of the body which requires special consideration are the eyes. Eyes are particularly
vulnerable to chemicals, and care should be taken to protect them, especially when handling
concentrated product, since permanent injury can be caused by contamination.
%
OH. 11
Figure OH.6: Situations which
might lead to poisoning through the skin
<r c\
K c
&<=55®S?ii J>' ' '
OH. 12
KEY MESSAGES - POISONING THROUGH THE SKIN
Pesticide users may not understand that pesticides go
through the skin into the body and that the skin is probably
the most common route by which users are poisoned
Concentrated pesticides are more hazardous than diluted
ones, and greater care needs to be taken while measuring
and mixing
The time during which the pesticide is on the skin is
important. Contact over long periods is hazardous.
Take care to cover cuts and abrasions while handling
pesticides
^7
| OH.1J?
OH.13
I Toxicrry, hazard and risk |
« « imporun. to be
.bout the
belween
Toxicity is the inherent capability of a chemical to
Hazard is the potential to cause harm, and
formulation etc.
Risk is the likelihood
or probability of harm
exposure etc.
cause harm to the body
includes consideration of toxicity,
occurring, and includes hazard,
This means that if
we are assessing the dangers faced by pesticide users, considering toxicity
alone is not enough, we must also consider:
uT.™'
,s "te,y ,o 3“ M° -
•«- - - -
how much is the user exposed to (this depends
on concentrations, formulations,
amounts on skin etc.)?
over what time period is the worker exposed?
Z 'Z~™ ”a
U8M
dangerous
numter"~—.b.
'°r" Pr0<,,'C'
IO"
-«.«>, problems beams. « is
. «b blgb rlsb. Eeob o, ,b.,. ..pee,, «, be considered seper.re,,.
XS
OH.14
KEY MESSAGES - TOXICITY HAZARD AND RISK
The likelihood of harm from a pesticide depends on much
more than its toxicity - factors such formulation, risk of
exposure, length of exposure etc. must also be considered.
-29
OH.15
OH.1.2-1 TOXICITY
"Everything is a poison, nothing is a poison. It is the DOSE which makes the
poisort'
(Parades)
This was said by a famous chemist as far back as the 15th century. Chemicals can damage out
bodies and even kill us. Yet many chemicals are essential to health. Good example are vitamins -
they are vital in small quantities for healthy bodies, yet in large quantities they can be poisonous.
Clearly the amount of chemical taken into the body over a certain period of time, known as the
dose, is very important, and affects whether the chemical is beneficial, has no effect, or is harmful.
Pesticides are exactly the same as other chemicals - our bodies can tolerate certain amounts of
pesticide in them with no effect, but if too much is taken in it can lead to harm.
Pesticide toxicity is most commonly measured using the LD,,, or the 50% Lethal Dose. This is the
amount of a test chemical which will kill 50% of the test animals (usually rats), measured in mg
(milligrams) of active ingredient per kg (kilogram) body weight. This gives us a measure so that
we can compare the toxicity of pesticides. Because it is an amount which causes an effect, a
chemical with a LOW LD^ is MORE TOXIC than a chemical with a high LD*,, since it needs a
smaller amount to cause death. The effects of other chemicals can be measured in exactly the
same way. Pesticides are often thought of always being extremely poisonous chemicals, yet many
pesticides are no more harmful than many of the chemicals we come across in our daily lives (for
examples see Table OH.1).
Table OH.1 Toxicity of Pesticides and Other Chemicals
OTHER CHEMICALS
PESTICIDES
Other Chemicals
Pesticide
(mg/kg)
LD«
(mg/kg)
Parathion (insecticide)
13
Nicotine (in cigarettes)
1
Paraquat (herbicide)
150
Caffeine (in tea and
coffee)
355
Malathion (insecticide)
2100
Aspirin (painkiller)
1500
Glyphosate (herbicide)
4230
Salt (used in food)
3750
This means that considering toxicity alone will not tell us whether a user is likely to come to harm
from a product. It is part of the answer, but many other factors need to be considered to enable
the user to handle pesticides with minimum risk. Pesticides as a group are not all extremely
3o
OH.16
poisonous, neither are they completely safe. We need to take a balanced view and treat pesticides
with the caution necessary for the product which is to be used, its toxicity, and a whole range of
other factors which will be discussed in the following sections.
KEY MESSAGES - TOXICITY
Pesticides, like other chemicals, can be present in the body
without causing harm.
It is the DOSE at which ill effects occur which is important in
terms of the toxicity of the pesticide. Many pesticides are no
more toxic than many other chemicals we come across in our
day to day life.
Pesticide toxicity is measured using the LD^ - which is the
dose which causes 5CP/o of test animals to die, measured in
mg!kg body weight
0H.17
OH.1.2.2 HAZARD
Considering hazard takes the process <of* thinking
" '
about possible dangers a step further. Hazard
is the potential of the product to cause harm,
..... Toxicity is one part of the hazard, but a product can
only be toxic if it gets onto or into the body, so considering hazard includes the other
characteristics of the product such as formulation, packaging, likely exposure route etc.
The hazard of a product can be reduced by the use of particular formulations. Solids tend to be
safer than liquids of equivalent toxicity, because the rate of uptake is less when the product gets
onto the skin, or even when ingested. Liquid formulations also vary in their hazard because of
the solvents or surfactants used in the formulation.
y
concentration of the pesticide. When bought from the dealer the
pesticide is concentrated, and most pesticides require dilution for spraying. This means that the
hazard associated with handling concentrated products is higher, for example when measuring
and mamg the product, and so greater precautions are necessary (see Fig. OH.7). When diluted
the pesticide spray is much less hazardous, because they are usually diluted with water by as
much as 100 or 200 times.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) produces a classification of pesticides based on hazard.
Tins recognises that solids are generally safer to handle than liquids, and that the oral route is
more toxic than the dermal (skin) route of entry. It puts pesticides into different categories of
hazard based on their oral and dermal LD^s and whether they are solid or liquid.
classification is shown in Table OH.2.
This
OH. 18
Figure OH.7: Handling concentrate is more hazardous and requires more precautions than using
dilute spray
^3
OH.19
Table OH.2: WHO Classification of Pesticides by Hazard
LD,'so FOR THE RAT (mg/kg body weight)
HAZARD CLASS
ORAL LD^
DERMAL LDjso
Solids
Liquids
Solids
Liquids
la Extremely Hazardous
5 or less
20 or less
10 or less
40 or less
lb Highly Hazardous
5 - 50
20 - 200
10 - 100
40 - 400
II Moderately Hazardous
50 - 500
200 - 2000
100 - 1000
400 - 4000
III Slightly hazardous
Over 500
Over 2000
Over 1000
Over 4000
Products unlikely to present
Over 2000
Over 3000
a hazard in normal use
This means that a pesticide with an oral LD^ of 100 mg a.i. per kg body weight would be classed
as a moderately hazardous product if it were a solid but the same pesticide as a liquid would be
classed as highly hazardous.
This classification is often used as a basis for legislative controls (e.g pesticides in groups la and
lb may be restricted in use or availability) and is also used for labelling.
The colour coding
systems on labels in many countries are based on this or similar classifications. The colour coding
system in Malaysia for example is:
Black
- extremely hazardous
Red
- highly hazardous
Yellow - moderately hazardous
Blue
- slightly hazardous
These are often accompanied by warning signs - the skull and crossbones is usually used to
signify a product in Class la or lb (Extremely or Highly hazardous). Farmers and other users must
be taught to recognise these colour codes and signs, so that they understand for example that a
product with a red or black band must be handled more carefully than one with a yellow band.
OH.20
KEY MESSAGES - HAZARD
Hazard involves more than just toxicity - it includes other
factors such as formulation
The WHO classification of pesticides by hazard is a good
indicator of pesticides which must be treated with more
caution
. 7
OH.21
OH. 1.2.3 RISK
Risk is part of our everyday lives. Travelling by car or by boat is potentially dangerous and we take
a risk when we do it. But risk is only part of the story because the risks must be balanced against
the benefits such as quick, easy travel, enabling large loads to be carried etc. Using pesticides
entails risk, but also gives considerable benefit (a rapid, effective way to control pests and so
improve yield or crop quality without the need for large amounts of labour). We must aim to
minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of using pesticides.
It is very difficult to give hard and fast rules for safe handling and use of all pesticides. This is
because the risk varies with different circumstances. A farmer using a highly hazardous product
with no protective clothing, in a very careless fashion and with a poorly maintained leaking
knapsack sprayer will be at much greater risk of poisoning than one using a slightly hazardous
product, with careful handling in a tractor sprayer. The precautions which should be taken must
relate to individual circumstances - for example the recommendations for protective clothing are
much more when an extremely or highly hazardous product is being used, and they are also
greater when concentrate is being handled (for example when mixing or measuring pesticide)
compared with when dilute product is being handled (for example when spraying). It is possible
that a product with a potentially high hazard can be used with low risk provided appropriate safety
precautions are used.
In general a farmer or other user should try and minimise risk for his
assessing the hazard and risk associated with his particular conditions
own circumstances by
and then taking steps to
control the risk. This can be done by asking a series of questions:
Reducing exposure
1.
Can I use another method of control not involving pesticides?
2.
Can I use another suitable pesticide which is less hazardous (in a lower hazard
category)?
3.
Is the same pesticide available in a less hazardous form e.g. granules instead of
liquids?
Once a suitable product is identified - what are the hazards?
1.
How will the pesticide be most likely to get into the body under the conditions I
intend to use?
2.
Will contact with the skin present any special problems (e.g. irritancy)
OH.22
What are the risks?
1.
Who will be exposed to the pesticides?
2.
How long and how often will the exposure be?
3.
How is the pesticide handled during storage? during use? during disposal?
4.
Will equipment failure (e.g. leaks) cause extra exposure?
Controlling the risks
1.
Can I use a pesticide which is packaged in a safer way (e.g. water soluble sachets)
2.
Can I adapt my spraying equipment or buy new equipment to make the mixing or
spraying process less likely to contaminate (e.g. closed transfer systems - which
transfer the product from the pack into the sprayer without the risk of operator
exposure)
3.
Can I improve my handling practices i.e.
use only as label recommends
better personal hygiene
sprayer maintenance to reduce leaks
greater care in handling
4.
Can I ensure that anyone using the pesticide is fully aware of the possible hazards
and trained to use the pesticide safely
5.
What is the most appropriate protective clothing to use? (refer to product label):
for mixing?
for spraying?
KEY MESSAGES - RISK
Risk is the likelihood of harm occurring, and includes a large
range of considerations including toxicity, hazard and
likelihood of exposure
Assessment of risk for an individual users circumstances is
an important way of minimising risk associated with
pesticides
37
OH.23
OH. 1.2.4 LONG TERM EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES
As well as having immediate (acute) toxic effects, some pesticides may have longer term chronic
affects. As with acute toxic effects, there is a need to be clear about the risks from these.
As part of the normal development process before a new pesticide is sold, extensive testing is
carried out to identify possible long term risks such as whether the chemicals might cause cancer.
As with the toxicity testing, it is the dose at which this occurs which indicates the level of risk,
because it relates to the quantities of chemical to which different people might be exposed (e.g.
farmers applying the chemical or people eating small amounts as residues on food). In other
words a pesticide would not be sold if it were found to cause cancer at doses at which people
might normally be expected to be exposed.
A review of health effects in man from long term exposure to pesticides has been carried out. This
looked at studies of people expected to be most exposed to pesticides i.e. those involved with
pesticide manufacture and users of pesticides, particularly farmers. These studies showed that
there was a general tendency towards lower mortality when all causes were combined. The reason
for this is assumed to be the healthier lifestyle of such groups (physical exercise, fresh air, general
lifestyle). It does not seem therefore that long term exposure to pesticides increases the risk of
death.
When global cancer was studied specifically, no evidence was found to indicate that those who
are more exposed (manufacturers and users) had different levels of cancer from the general
population. Indeed several studies showed lower overall cancer risk in the more exposed group,
which is also assumed to be because of their healthier lifestyles.
In our normal diet we are exposed to many chemicals which could cause cancer (carcinogens)
as well as naturally occurring chemicals which have pesticidal action. It has been estimated that
food plants contain between 5000 and 10000 natural pesticides and breakdown products which
are potentially toxic in humans, so that we typically eat 10,000 times more natural pesticides than
synthetic ones. The doses at which these occur in fruit and vegetables do not generally give
cause for concern, in fact the health benefits from eating plenty of fruit and vegetables far
outweigh any possible harmful effects.
This is not to say that there are no long term risks associated with pesticide use. For example,
prolonged use of some organophosphorus insecticides has led to problems with the nervous
system. It is often farmers who have been using pesticides for many years without any obvious
3^
OH.24
health problems who are the hardest people to convince that they should use safety precautions
when handling pesticides. Stressing the dangers of chronic poisoning can be helpful to overcome
this attitude.
KEY MESSAGES - LONG TERM EFFECTS
•
Extensive testing is carried out by manufacturers before a pesticide
is sold to ensure that there is no risk from long term effects on
human health.
•
Wide ranging studies show that there is no evidence for increased
numbers of deaths due to possible long term effects of pesticide
exposure
HP.1
HP.1
HANDUNG AND USING PESTICIDES SAFELY
It is not difficult to use pesticides safely. Most precautions are simply common sense. The key
to teaching about safe use is to teach users to understand about hazard and risk, and then they
can make sensible decisions about how to reduce the risk and understand why they need to do
it. A farmer who does not recognise the importance of skin as the most common route of entry
in cases of poisoning during use will not take the appropriate measures to protect his skin.
Another difficulty is that of motivation - many pesticide users have used pesticides in large
quantities for many years without any apparent ill effects - why should they change their
practices? It then becomes a problem of changing attitudes, which can be difficult.
As the skin is the most important route of entry under most conditions, preventing contamination
of the skin is perhaps one of the most important aspects of safe use of pesticides.
HP.1.1
PREVENTING CONTAMINATION
When most people are asked about how they can prevent skin contamination, the most common
response is to use protective clothing. There is no doubt that protective clothing is an important
means of controlling exposure, but its limitations (which are discussed in section HP.1.1.5) mean
that it must be considered the last line of defence. There are other, better ways to prevent or
minimise the effects of contamination. This can be summed up as five golden rules:
1.
ALWAYS READ AND MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE LABEL BEFORE
STARTING TO USE ANY PESTICIDE
2.
HANDLE PESTICIDES CAREFULLY AT ALL TIMES TO AVOID CONTACT OR
CONTAMINATION
u
3.
MAINTAIN SPRAYERS WELL TO AVOID LEAKS OCCURRING DURING USE
4.
PRACTICE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE WHEN USING PESTICIDES
5.
AL WA YS USEAPPROPRIA TE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN USING PESTICIDES
However general safety guidelines which cover all circumstances of handling and use are difficult
to give. A user should always study his or her own set of circumstances carefully to determine
the best and safest way to handle and use the pesticide for their own situation.
i
HP.2
HP.1.1.1 THE PRODUCT LABEL
The product label is very important. It is the most important piece of information which tells the
user everything he needs to know to be able to use the product safely and effectively.
A sample label is shown in Figure HP.1. There is a considerable amount of information on the
label covering the effective way to use the product in terms of:
•
which pests will it control
•
for which crops is it recommended
•
what are the recommended amounts to use
•
what are the best application methods to use
There is also a large amount of safety information on the label, in particular:
•
indication of the hazard associated with the product (often shown by colour bands
or warning signs such as skull and crossbones - see section HP. 1.2.2)
•
general safety advice for handling (e.g. do not smoke, drink or eat while using this
product, washing advice) and any particular safety precautions which should be
followed
•
the protective clothing recommended for mixing and spraying that product
•
possible environmental precautions - either general warnings or specific ones such
as harmful to fish or harmful to bees
•
storage advice
•
disposal recommendations
•
probedures for first aid in an emergency
•
advice for doctors or medical staff on treatment of poisoning
Clearly the pesticide user must make sure he reads and understands all the advice given on the
label before he starts to use the product, and this must always be a key message when teaching
about safe use of pesticides.
However there is a problem with pesticide labels that people often do not bother to read them, or
they are unable to read them because of illiteracy or being unable to read small print, or they may
not understand the technical language used.
Those who are unable to read, usually have access to someone, often someone in the family, who
can read and these people should be encouraged to ask these people to read the label for them.
In addition, to help those who cannot read, many labels now have internationally recognised
HP.4
pictograms on them. These are simple pictures designed to give simple safety messages. They
are designed to be as self-explanatory as possible, however it cannot be assumed that everyone
will understand what they mean, and it is important to teach people to understand them. The
pictograms and their meanings are shown in Fig. HP.2.
Figure HP-2:
Pictograms to show safe handling recommendations
PRECAUTIONS
Keep locked up
out of the reach
of children
ACTIVITY
Handling
liquid
concentrate
Wash after use
Handling
dry
concentrate
In application
ADVICE
Wear boots
Wear gloves
Wear eye
protection
Wear protection
over nose and
mouth
Wear
respirator
kJ
Wear an overall
Wear an apron
Dangerous/harmful to animals
Dangerous/harmful to fish
do not contaminate lakes,
rivers.ponds or streams
WARNING
HP.5
The pictograms showing storage (keep locked up out of reach of children and wash after use
should be present on all product labels. The other pictograms present will vary depending on the
product involved. The activity pictograms ("handling liquid concentrate", "handling solid (dry)
concentrate" or "in application") will always be shown associated with the appropriate protective
clothing pictograms usually with a box drawn around them (see Fig. HP.3).
You would always expect to see either the "handling liquid concentrate" or the "handling solid
concentrate" pictogram (depending on the formulation involved) with at least the "wear gloves" and
"wear eye protection", as this is the minimum recommendation for handling any concentrate. If the
"application" pictogram is not shown, this means that no special extra protection is required for
spraying, a long sleeved shirt and long trousers with shoes or preferably rubber boots (the
minimum protection for any pesticide operation) is all that is required.
The environmental warnings (harmful to animals and harmful to fish - do not contaminate lakes
rivers or streams) will only appear on the label if the product is especially hazardous to animals
or fish.
Figure HP.3: Pictogram combinations
a. This means: “when mixing liquid concentrate wear rubber
gloves and eye protection"
HP.6
KEY MESSAGES - READING THE LABEL
The label contains a great deal of important safety information.
Users must always be encouraged to read the label before use
•
Pictograms help to give safety information to those who are unable
to read. Pesticide users should be taught to look for and
understand these pictograms
HP.7
HP.1.1.2 CAREFUL HANDUNG OF PESTICIDES
Avoiding contamination by careful handling involves thinking about all aspects of the normal
pesticide operation to see if there is potential for contamination, and if so, what can be done to
avoid or reduce it.
In general the most common ways to do this are:
During Mixing and Measuring:
Always open bottles or packs carefully to avoid splashing or spilling
Always pour products carefully to prevent spilling. Holding the bottle well away
from the body reduces the likelihood of splashes hitting the body or eyes.
When pouring from a large container (e.g. 4 or 5 litres in size), hold the container
so that the opening admits air during pouring (see Figure HP.4). This prevents
"glugging" of the liquid which can cause dangerous splashing.
When the product has been measured out, always replace the cap or lid
immediately to prevent spilling in the event of the bottle being knocked over.
Always place bottles, measuring jugs etc. on flat secure surfaces during
measuring, to reduce the likelihood of their falling over and spilling the contents
Always rinse empty pesticide containers and any measuring jugs or other
containers at least three times at the time of mixing, adding the rinse water to the
spray tank so that it forms part of the spray mixture. This reduces the hazard
associated with handling empty containers.
Do not overfill the sprayer, as even with the lid on, it may spill out when it is
picked up and contaminate the user
HP.8
Figure HP.4: Correct way to pour from a large container to prevent splashing
During spraying
Always keep the spray nozzle held downwind of the body to prevent the wind
blowing the spray onto the body (see Fig. HP.5)
Always start spraying at the downwind end of the field, to avoid having to walk
through crop which has been contaminated by drifting spray (see Fig. HP.6)
Do not re-enter treated crop until it is safe to do so (at least until the spray has
dried or after the label advises). Keep other people and animals away until it is
safe.
HP.10
KEY MESSAGES - CAREFUL HANDUNG PROCEDURES
Examine ail aspects of the mixing and spraying operations to see if
any practice is likely to cause contamination, then think of ways in
which this can be avoided or minimised
HP.9
Figure HP.5: Always hoW the spray nozzle downwind of the body
Figure HP.6: Always start spraying at the downwind end of the ue«d
^7
HP.1t
HP.2.1.3 SPRAYER MAINTENANCE
Leaking Spr.ye„ are one
severe coniaminarion.
0,
,he mos, „„
is ,mp0„a„, to
can result in
QM
during spraying. This means:
checking a r
—
sprayer
with water before starting to mix up
found then the> sprayer must be repaired before use
a pesticide. If leaks are
rry g out a regular (e.g. monthly) check on the sprayer - dismantling the
P ayer and checking for any signs of wear (e.g. cracking, abrasion) on the rubber
components, and replacing any components which are seen to be worn
Aneiher common cause o< cooCmin.r.on is sprayers ,caking rhrough the ,oP onto ,he neck and
by m,klnS SUre
™S C“ b’
tilled te‘o“7 O'
"" Wt ”
HP.1.1.3.1 Dismantling a sprayer to Check for Worn Parts
IT .S VERY IMPORTANT TO CHECK THERE IS NO PRESSURE IN A SPRAYER BEFORE STARTING
THE EyTsT;-1SA 7" CAN CAUSE DANGER°US ~N. ESPEC.ALLY OF
EYES, IF IT IS TAKEN APART WHILE STILL PRESSURISED. ENSURE THERE IS NO
^SURE BY OPERATING THE TRIGGER UNTIL SPRAY NO LONGER COMES OUT OF THE
Remember too that even cleaned
sprayers may contain harmful residues, and it is advisable to
wear gloves when dismantliing a sprayer.
Even if leaks are not found when
dismantled to check for signs
checking the sprayer with water, the sprayer should be
of wear which could lead to leaks while spraying.
— ^Ich ar. Hkely tn ,.ak
iTpigure"” 7)
P.7). The most common parts of the sprayer which leak are any joints e g screw
«h7ch a'Tm
COnneC,">nS »' "’e h«“' ““ “V
a» he ch I d’
rh°
’”"nbly' ''l99,,r
plumbers t.™ (pTeT r™" O0n™0,l0ns
HD. Alternat
PAN. .«nh ..
°"
„ .o. „ng,
“« “» PumP S>Jd
"»'< •-*be tightened, and I, necessary
"P'’ °"n
”''“BP“1 ‘™“"d
sore”
,Ve y any worn sea,s can be replaced at the join.
>« correct leaks (see Fig. HR. ?
HP.12
Figure HP.7: Parts of the sprayer liable to leaks
Nozzle
Tank lid
Hose connections
Figure HP.8: Leaks at screw connections can be repaired with plumbers tape
P
o
o
Z?
HP.13
Nozzle Assembly
.
The nozzte assembly can be unscrewed. Check that the nozzle is clean, and the seal .s m good
condition (see Fig. HP.9)
Figure HP.9: Nozzle assembly
NOZZLE CAP
LANCE
NOZZLE
SEAL
-
NOZZLE FILTER
Trigger valve
The »igg.r v.b» ehou.d be Uken epeh »
»»
«" "» “P '"d
end <h. epnng. Cheek <h« <h. see., .round .he .... .nd th. »kre
•
(.e. Flg. HP.10). I. .here ... sign. o<«... »0»
screw threads.
'b*
,
... .n good eendd.en
>"« “"di,i0°
a1
Spring
i
z
TJ
-A
Trigger Valve
(partly open)
O
£
s
sa
3
CT
Lance Filter
g?
co
az
f
3
O
r
’I \
.
v?A\A
I'S
) T|
i*
I
■u
A
HP.15
Pump
The pump can be dismantled by removing the pins on the rod which connects the lever to the top
of the piston rod. Unscrew the top of the pump chamber and remove the piston. Check the piston
seal for signs of wear. The ball valves should also be checked for wear and cleanliness. One is
removed from inside the tank by unscrewing the inlet tube assembly and the other is located
below the pressure chamber, and can be checked by unscrewing the pressure chamber (see Fig.
HP.11).
Figure HP.11: Parts of the pump and pressure chamber
Piston rod
Piston
Piston seal
Valves
Although time consuming, farmers can be encouraged to maintain their sprayers for economic as
well as health reasons - a well maintained sprayer will last longer and will do the job more
effectively than a poorly maintained one.
<3
HP.16
HP. 1.3.1.2 Leaks during spraying
There may be times that even well maintained sprayers start to leak while
happens it is important to carry out the following procedure:
1.
spraying.
Stop spraying - check to see if there is any contamination of the skin or clothing
If there is then wash affected area thoroughly and change contaminated clothing
2.
Put on gloves and repair the leak. This may involve emptying the sprayer If there
w.ll be fme to continue spraying afterwards, then store the spray mix securely in
another container while carrying out the repair. If there is no time to continue
spraymg, then dispose of the spray mix carefully (see section HP. 1.2.4.2).
KEY MESSAGES - SPRAYER MAINTENANCE
to severe ill effects
Regular maintenance of sprayers will help to prevent leaks
occurring during spraying
If a leak does occur during spraying, always stop immediately,
decontaminate the skin and clothes if necessary and repair the leak
before continuing
!f this
HP. 17
HP.1.1.4 personal hygiene
Practising good personal hygiene is a very important way to prevent chemicals passing through
the skin into the body. When chemicals get onto the skin, the key factors which affect whether the
chemicals cause poisoning by this route are the amount of active ingredient present (related to
volume and concentration) and time on skin. Concentrated chemicals on the skin are more
dangerous than dilute ones, and so it is very important to wash immediately with plenty ol water
if the skin is contaminated with concentrated pesticide.
Figure HP.12;
Always wash immediately if contaminated
Routine washing, for example when finishing mixing and before spraying, and washing at the end
of the spray operation means that any pesticide does not remain on the skin for long periods (see
Fig. HP.13). Even dilute pesticide can be harmful if left on the skin for a long time.
HP.18 »
Figure HP.13: Always wash thoroughty atter spraying
When working with pesticides, a user may wish to stop for a break to smoke, drink eat or urinate.
If smoking eating or drinking is carried out with contaminated hands there is the possibility that
pesticide will be transferred to the mouth and swallowed. Urinating with contaminated hands can
cause contamination of the skin in the groin area, where uptake is most rapid (see section
OH.1.1.3 and Fig. OH.4). It is therefore very important to wash before eating, drinking smoking or
urinating.
Pesticide users must be encouraged to practice regular washing as part of their normal routine
of work. Keeping clean water and soap available at all times during mixing and spraying is good
practice which must always be stressed.
HP.19
Figure HP. 14: Always wash before eating, drinking, smoking or urinating
<1
Contaminated clothing must also be changed at the end of the spray operation, or immediately
if it gets severely contaminated, such as when a sprayer springs a leak, or if it becomes
significantly contaminated with concentrated pesticide, for example by spilling product when
mixing.
Work clothing should always be washed after use
or when contaminated.
Ensure all.work
clothing is washed separately from the normal household washing, to prevent cross contamination
of other clothes (see Figure HP.15).
5?
^7
HP.20
Figure HP. 15: Always wash work clothing separately from household washing
KEY MESSAGES - PERSONAL HYGIENE
Always wash thoroughly after spraying or handling pesticides
Always wash before eating, drinking, smoking or urinating
Always wash immediately if the skin becomes contaminated
Change and wash work clothing after spraying
Change and wash work clothing if it becomes badly contaminated,
or contaminated with concentrate during mixing or spraying
5-?
HP.21
HP. 2.1.5 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Protective clothing, also known as personal protective equipment or PPE, is intended to reduce
the likelihood of skin contamination leading to poisoning or to prevent inhalation of pesticide. It
is however, very impractical to use PPE which will completely prevent any contamination, since
a totally waterproof suit would be very hot and uncomfortable to wear. In a tropical climate,
wearing too much PPE could be dangerous, as it may lead to heat stroke, or because it is
uncomfortable to wear for long periods, may lead to users cutting corners or becoming careless
in an attempt to finish the job quickly. Wearing PPE can also lead to a false sense of security. For
example, a user wearing rubber gloves for a long period will sweat inside them; if those gloves
become contaminated on the inside due to carelessness, wearing for a long time or from small
holes in the gloves, the uptake from the pesticide inside the glove can be very rapid, because of
the sweat and the fact that the pesticide is held against the skin of the hand, yet the wearer
believes he is well protected and neglect other protection measures such as personal hygiene.
Recommendations for protective equipment are therefore a compromise between items that are
easy and relatively comfortable to wear in hot climates, and which offer a reasonable degree of
protection. Cotton has been shown to give acceptable protection for spraying, provided good
practices are also used, and has the advantage that it is relatively comfortable in hot climates.
Because PPE is not totally protective, it is never a substitute for other good practices, such as
avoiding contamination, sprayer maintenance and good personal hygiene. PPE should always be
considered as the last line of defence.
It is also important to recognise that handling concentrated chemical requires more protection
than when spraying dilute product, and recommendations will always reflect this.
Different pesticides require different protective clothing. The recommendations are always given
on the product label, and these should also be supported by the use of pictograms (see section
HP.2.1.1)
The minimum requirement for any pesticide operation is a long sleeved shirt such as a cotton
shirt, long trousers and enclosed shoes, or preferably rubber boots (leather shoes or boots can
soak up pesticide.
This amount of protection is all that is required for spraying many dilute
pesticides. More toxic pesticides will require more protection - check the pesticide label to see
what is recommended for that product. If no specific advice is given about protective clothing for
spraying on the label, then the minimum protection of long sleeved shirt, long trousers and rubber
boots is assumed (see Fig. HP.16).
HP.22
When spraying upwards, such as into bushes or trees, it is advisable to wear a broad bnmmed hat
to protect the head and upper face (see Fig. HP.17).
Figure HP.16: Minimum recommended protection for spraying dilute pesticide
?
Recommended protection for spraying upwards
>4
A.
v.
A
4
HP.23^0
Handling concentrate, when mixing and measuring, requires more protection. The minimum for
handling liquid concentrate would be long sleeved shirt, long trousers, rubber boots, gloves
preferably made from nitrile rubber, which is more resistant to most chemicals than natural rubber,
and eye protection such as a face shield or goggles (see Figure HP.18). A faceshield is usually
preferable to goggles, since it protects the whole face, not just the eyes, and is cooler to wear in
hot climates. When measuring and mixing powders, the addition of a dust mask is necessary to
prevent any powder being inhaled (see Fig. HP.19). Some more toxic pesticides require more
protection, such as an apron, and the label should always be consulted for the recommended
protection for the product.
Figure HP.18:
Minimum recommended protection for handling liquid concentrate
HP.24
Figure HP.19: A dust mask to prevent inhalation of powders
Protective clothing is not always readily available, especially in rural areas. If it is unavailable,
then other hems could be used.
Eye protection
A pair of sunglasses could be used as eye protection when handling concentrate. Ahernatively a
simple face shield to protect the eyes can be made from a plastic soft drinks bottle (2 Ihre size),
as shown in Fig. HP.20.
Hand protection
Plastic bags could be used to cover the hands instead of gloves, but because chemicals will pass ’
quite quickly through the plastic bag, they should only be used once and then destroyed, and it
is always better to get proper rubber gloves If possible.
Respiratory protection
A. cotton scarf or handkerchief could be used instead of a dust mask when mixing powders.
Body protection
An apron could be made from a large plastic sack such as a fertiliser bag, tied with string.
^7
HP.2S
i: Making a tace shield from a soft drinks bottle
•8«
HP.26
Foot protection
^3
As an alternative to boots, large plastic bags could be worn over the shoes tied, around the ankles
to keep them in place. They should only be used once, however and disposed of carefully after
use.
It Is important to clean and look after protective clothing.
The long sleeved shirt and long
trousers, should preferably be kept only for use with pesticides, and all clothing and protective
equipment should be washed carefully after each use. Gloves and boots should be washed inside
as well as outside (see Figure HP.21), in case there is any contamination on the inside. Repair
any tears in clothing before re-use. If there are holes in rubber gloves, they should be thrown away *
and a new pair used. All work clothing should be washed separately from the household washing.
Figure HP.21: Clean boots and gloves both inside and out
HP.27
KEY MESSAGES - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Protective clothing is never a substitute for other good practices - it
is the last line of defence
Handling concentrate requires more protection than spraying
dilute product
The minimum protection is always a long sleeved shirt, long
trousers and rubber boots. Gloves and eye protection will also be
needed when handling concentrated chemical
Always read the label to see what is recommended for that product
when mixing and when spraying
HP.28
HP.1.2
I BUYING, TRANSPORTING, STORING AND DISPOSING OF PESTICIDES |
The hazards of pesticides are not only associated with their use. Careless handling of pesticides
at other times can not only cause harm to the user, but also endanger anyone else who comes '
across them, especially those who may not understand the dangers, such as children. There are
various precautions which should be followed when buying pesticides from the dealer, when
transporting and storing pesticides and when disposing of waste pesticide and empty containers.
Each of these situations will be considered separately.
HP.1.2.1 BUYING PESTICIDES FROM THE DEALER
When buying pesticides, the buyer should be encouraged to question the dealer about the
products he needs. Dealing with a particular pest, disease or weed problem requires that the
product is effective for that problem. However it may be possible to buy a product which is just
as effective but is less hazardous. The dealer should be able to recommend products which are
equally effective for a particular problem, and the relative hazards of each can be checked by
looking to see whether one is in a lower hazard category, by examining colour bands on the label.
Looking at the recommended protective clothing on the label is also helpful, since it is better to
select a product which does not require a large amount of protective clothing to ensure its safe
use. The buyer should also read the label carefully to make sure that the product is suitable for
his needs in terms of recommended crops etc.
When buying pesticide packs, the buyer should also examine the condition of the pack carefully.
Leaking packs are a serious hazard to anyone transporting, storing or handling the pack, and
could cause major problems, for example by contaminating other things such as food. The buyer
must always refuse to accept packs that are visibly leaking or are damaged such that they may
leak in the future. The buyer should also ensure that the pack label is firmly attached and in good ~
condition so that it is easily legible.
HP.29
Figure HP.22: Always read the label before buying pesticide
Figure HP.23: Never accept leaking or damaged packs
HP.30
A pesticide pack is carefully designed to be strong and reduce hazards associated with its use
(easy to pour, easy to clean etc.). It also has the product label which helps the user to handle it
safely. Pesticides should never be decanted into other containers, because of the risks associated
with this (for example the danger of someone mistaking the contents of an unlabelled bottle of
pesticide for a drink). The dealer must never be asked to decant or transfer his stock to another
container because a smaller quantity than the pack for sale is required.
Figure HP.24: Never ask a dealer to decant or transfer pesticide into another container
GQ c r
t
KEY MESSAGES - BUYING PESTICIDES
Always read the label before buying pesticides from the dealer
Never accept damaged or leaking packs from the dealer
Never ask the dealer to decant or transfer pesticide into another
container
:)Q
HP.31
HP.1.2L2 TRANSPORTING PESTICIDE
Transporting pesticide needs careful consideration, because of the potential for serious harm if
accidents occur. It is difficult to give detailed recommendations for all cases, because of the
range of different transport methods used, from carrying while walking to carrying in a truck.
The main dangers during transport are that:
•
Someone unfamiliar with the hazard, especially a child, might come across the
pesticide and harm themselves through ignorance
The pesticide pack might become damaged during transport and leak, causing
contamination of surfaces later touched by people or contamination of food being
transported at the same time
This means that consideration must be given to the security of the transport system, to ensure
pesticides are never left unattended, and to ways of segregating the transported pesticide from
passengers and food items. Ideally pesticides and food must never be transported at the same
time, however constraints on transport often mean that this is unavoidable, and so some means
must be found to keep the pesticide and food apart to prevent any possibility of contamination.
Fig Lire HP.25: Never leave pesticides unattended during transport
|l I7U'?/ I' 7f1| ’
HP.32
Figure HP.26: Never carry pesticides together with food
The easiest way to achieve both these things is to transport pesticides in a lockable box. This can
be easily constructed to the size necessary to hold the quantity of pesticide usually purchased,
this could be strapped to the back of a bicycle or motorbike if this is the normal transport method
used, or carried in the back of a car, truck or boat. The box enables security through locking, buf
also helps to protect the pesticide pack from damage during transport and will help to confine the
effects of a spill if leakage should occur.
Where it is unavoidable that food is carried at the same time as pesticide, the box will help to
segregate them, but it is also important to make sure they are kept as far away from each other
as possible (see Figure HP.27)
7b
HP.33
Figure HP.27: Ensuring segregation of pesticides during transport
KEY MESSAGES - TRANSPORTING PESTICIDES
•
Never leave pesticides unattended during transport
•
Segregate pesticides from passengers and other items, especially
food
• A lockable box will help to transport pesticides securely and safely
\-
1
HP.34
7/
HP.1.2.3 STORING PESTICIDE
Safe storage of pesticide is very important, because the consequences of careless storage can
be very serious and may affect people other than the user, especially children.
Pesticides should NEVER be left unattended, even for a short time. This means that pesticides
must be securely stored away after mixing, before the farmer starts to carry out his spraying.
Figure HP.28: Never leave pesticides unattended
"'A.
A
The general guidelines for building a pesticide store are that it should be:
•
away from the home
•
secure, preferably lockable
•
out of the reach of children and animals
A farm shed is ideal for the purpose, provided it can be made secure. Remember that there are
other potentially hazardous items, such as sprayers, buckets, jugs etc. used for mixing pesticide,
protective equipment (gloves etc.) which should also be stored securely away from children and
animals.
J .
75
HP.35
Figure HP.29: A well designed farm pesticide store
The rules for managing pesticides in store are that:
Pesticides must always be kept in their original containers. They should never be
decanted or transferred into other containers. This is because pesticide containers
are strong, designed for the purpose of holding pesticides and have a complete
label which relates to that product (see Figure HP.30)
Do not buy large quantities of pesticide and store it for long periods. It is not only
hazardous to keep large quantities, but the product may expire and this then
presents a major disposal problem, as it is very difficult to dispose of concentrated
chemicals safely.
HP.38
HP.1.2.4 DISPOSING OF PESTICIDE WASTE
Pesticide waste arises in several ways.
7//
The most common form of waste is empty pesticide
containers. Other possible types of waste include contaminated water (e.g. sprayer washings),
excess spray mix, expired product, torn or damaged protective clothing or other equipment,
leaking packs or absorbent material used to clean up a spill.
Disposing of waste is never easy. It is always better to avoid having waste or to minimise the
quantity oroduced or reduce the hazard associated with it. This can be done in several ways
depending on the type of waste involved.
HP.1.2.4.1 Avoiding, Minimising or Reducing Hazard Associated with Waste
To avoid or reduce waste pesticide, or pesticide contaminated water (e.g. sprayer washings) or
minimise hazard associated with disposal
Only buy enough pesticide for short term needs, to avoid products going out of
date, resulting in the need to dispose of concentrate
Consider the area to be sprayed and only mix up just enough to do the job, to
avoid having to dispose of excess spray mix
When mixing pesticide, if the container is emptied, rinse it at least three times at
the time of mixing and add the rinse water to the sprayer as part of the spray mix
Before disposing of liquid pesticide waste, dilute it further with water to reduce the
hazard
To reduce the hazard associated with empty pesticide containers
Always triple rinse empty containers before disposal. This should be done during
mixing. This substantially reduces the hazard associated with empty containers.
To avoid leaking packs and contaminated absorbent material
Never accept leaking or damaged packs from the retailer
Transport and handle packs carefully to avoid damage
HP.37
Figure HP.31: Cleaning up a pesticide spiU
KEY MESSAGES - PESTICIDE STORAGE
•
Never leave pesticides unattended at any time
Always keep pesticides and other hazardous items locked up,
out of the reach of children and animals
Always keep pesticides in their original containers
term needs
J
HP.39
Figure HP.32: Consider the area to be sprayed and only mix up just enough for the job to avoid
waste
77
HP.40
Where waste is unavoidable there are various recommendations for disposal, relating to the type
of waste involved. Waste disposal might be covered by local legislation, and it is important to
comply with this where relevant.
HP. 1.2.4,2 Recommendations for Disposal of Liquid Waste
PESTICIDE CONCENTRATE (e.g. expired product, pesticide in a leaking container)
Disposing of concentrated product is never easy, because of the hazard it presents. All efforts
should be made to avoid the need for disposing of concentrate (see previous section). If it is
unavoidable, waste concentrated product should be disposed of by:
Using the product by spraying it in the normal way onto a recommended crop
Returning it to the dealer if he will accept it
Arranging for collection and disposal by professional waste contractors
SURPLUS PESTICIDE SPRAY MIX
Dilute the spray mix with further water, and overspray onto the crop, provided that by doing so the
maximum permitted dosage is not exceeded. Higher than recommended dosages can lead to
residue problems on food crops.
If it is not possible to spray an appropriate crop, the diluted spray mix should be sprayed onto a
piece of waste ground, well away from buildings, water bodies such as streams, rivers, ponds or
lakes, animals and areas where children are likely to play.
If it is not possible to spray safely onto a crop or onto a piece of waste ground, then dig a hole
and tip the diluted spray mix into it. As before, ensure the site selected for the hole is well away
from buildings and water bodies
7^
HP.41
Figure HP.33: Disposing of diluted excess spray mix by spraying onto waste ground
4. Z
\ I
L
:i
Figure HP.34: Disposing of waste spray mix into a hole
HP.42
HP. 1 -2.4.3. Disposal of empty containers and other solid waste
Empty containers should NEVER be re-used, because it is possible that harmful residues remain
in them, even after rinsing well. Their re-use for storing food or water must always be actively
discouraged because of the possible harm that could arise.
Figure HP.35: NEVER re-use empty pesticide containers as they may contain harmful residues
‘i
It is important to reduce the hazard of empty pesticide containers before disposal. This should
be done whenever a container is emptied during mixing, and is known as triple rinsing (see Figure
HP.36). The procedure to follow for triple rinsing is:
1.
Drain the remaining pesticide from the container for at least 30 seconds into the
sprayer tank.
2.
Add clean water to the empty container until it is approximately one quarter full.
3.
Replace the container cap securely, then shake the container for about 30
seconds, making sure that all the inner surfaces of the container are well rinsed.
Large containers may need to be rotated or rolled.
4.
Remove the cap and empty the rinsings into the sprayer tank, so that it forms part
of the spray mix. Allow it to drain for at least 30 seconds.
HP.43
5.
Repeat steps 2-4 twice more. If the rinse water is still coloured or milky after three
rinses, then repeat the rinsing process until the rinse water is clear.
The decontaminated containers should be stored carefully until the spraying is over for the day.
It is preferable to dispose of them as quickly as possible, i.e. the same day, to prevent large
amounts of waste building up. However, if this is not possible, store the containers securely until
they can be disposed of safely.
If there is a container collection or recycling scheme, this is the preferred disposal option, and
every effort should be made to comply with the scheme.
If there is no such scheme, empty
containers, or other solid waste such as contaminated absorbent material from a spill, could be
burnt or buried (if local legislation permits).
4
HP.44
Figure HP.36: Containers should be triple rinsed at the time of mixing
6
6
D >
\
\Z
St
J
HP.45
Burning waste
Waste which can be burnt includes triple rinsed plastic containers, paper or cardboard packs
Never try to burn aerosols, which can explode and cause injury, or containers which have held
products classed as highly flammable.
Important guidelines to follow are:
•
Site the fire well away from schools, hospitals and residential areas, and a| least
20 metres downwind of other buildings, water bodies, animals, sports facilities etc.
Make sure the fire is hot and burning well before any waste is added
Avoid breathing the smoke from the fire, stand upwind, and keep other people
away from the fire and the smoke
Remove the caps from the containers and throw them onto the fire one at a time
to make sure they bum completely at a high temperature
Keep the fire under control, and supervise it continuously until all waste is
completely destroyed
When the ashes are cool, bury them.
Figure HP.37: Disposal of waste by burning
HP.46
83
Burying waste
Before disposal, remove the caps and damage the containers to prevent their re-use for example
by cutting or puncturing plastic or by crushing metal or glass. Glass should be crushed inside
a sack to prevent injury.
Figure HP.38: Damage containers before disposal to prevent re-use
It is important to choose a safe site for burying waste. The site chosen should be:
On an isolated area of waste land at least 50 metres from water bodies (streams,
rivers, ponds, lakes etc), buildings or animals.
Preferably not on sandy soils, where contaminants can easily leach out of the pit
to contaminate ground water. Avoid areas where the ground water table is within
2 metres of the bottom of the pit. if there is any doubt about the soil or water
table, line the pit with an impervious material such as clay, butyl rubber or heavy
duty plastic (polyethylene) sheeting.
HP.47
The guidelines for digging and filling the pit are:
Dig the pit deep enough that the top of the waste level is at least 1 metre below
the normal soil surface.
Fill the hole with 10-15 cm layers of contaminated waste alternated with layers of
organic household or farm waste to help the breakdown process. Addition of lime,
chalk or wood ash will also speed up the breakdown process.
When the hole is filled to a point 1 metre below the normal soil surface, complete
the filling of the hole with the original soil
Keep a record of what is buried, as well as when and where it was done. Mark the
burial site with a warning sign and prevent access by children and animals.
Figure HP.39: Disposal of waste by burying
HP.48
'____
key messages -
WASTE DISPOSAL
Always try to avoid or reduce waste,
or minimise its hazard
before disposal
Dispose of liquid waste carefully to a
void hazard to other people,
animals or the environment
must never b. re-used ror other purposes
Empty containers
Empty containers
hazard
must always be triple rinsed to reduce
IE.1.
IE.1
DEALING WITH ILL EFFECTS FROM PESTICIDE EXPOSURE
When using pesticides, the message that PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE cannot be
emphasised enough. However there may be circumstances when someone is called upon to deal
with a serious poisoning incident. This section is not intended to be a guide to treatment of
poisoning, as that is a subject for medical doctors - it will look at emergency and first aid
procedures to be carried out in the event of someone becoming ill from pesticide exposure.
IE.1.1
HOW CHEMICALS AFFECT THE BODY
Different pesticides act in different ways on the body. This means that there are a whole range of
different signs and symptoms which may be associated with over exposure or ultimately
poisoning.
The range of effects associated with over exposure to pesticides depends on the severity and
duration of exposure.
There may be only surface effects, such as skin irritation or rashes, which are often reversible,
i.e. they disappear when the pesticide is no longer used. They do not necessarily indicate that the
person has been poisoned, but can be a useful sign of over-exposure which indicate poor use
practices such as insufficient attention to personal hygiene.
Figure IE.1: Surface effects such as skin irritation
IE.2
Sr
Other surface effects may be more serious. For example eye damage can occur from contact with
some pesticides, especially concentrated products, if not treated quickly.
Pesticides can enter the body through the skin, by swallowing and by inhalation (see section
OH.1.1). The human body does have mechanisms to detoxify or get rid of unusual chemicals.
The main organs responsible for this are the liver and the kidneys. This means that when a
pesticide enters the body, the effect it might hrve on the body varies with the different pesticides,
the amount taken in and the body’s ability to detoxify or get rid of the pesticide through excretion
in the urine.
Pesticides can affect all the main organs of the body. A pesticide entering through the skin can
move in the body to affect the brain and nervous system, the lungs, the stomach and digestive
system, the liver and kidneys etc. (see Fig. IE 2). Users need to understand that sysmptoms such
as headache or vomiting may be caused by exposure through the skin.
A person exposed through inhalation will suffer the fastest poisoning compared with skin or
stomach exposure, because it is absorbed into the blood stream very quickly.
Similarly,
swallowing pesticide is likely to lead to faster poisoning than skin exposure. However it should
be remembered that skin contamination is the most common route of exposure (see section
OH.1.1.3).
KEY MESSAGES - CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON THE BODY
Pesticides may cause only surface effects (on skin or eyes) or
enter the body to cause poisoning
The body has natural defence mechanisms to get rid of small
amounts of chemicals or make them harmless
Inhalation leads to the fastest poisoning by pesticides but
skin contamination is the commonest route of entry in normal
use
IE.3
Figure IF
Pesticides can pass through the skin and affect the major organs of the body
LUNGS
BRAIN
HEART
UVER/K1DNEYS
J;
STOMACH
INTESTINES
IE.4
IE.1.2
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVER EXPOSURE
Signs and symptoms of possible poisoning or over exposure can be linked to different parts of
the body, not necessarily near the site of exposure. A person exposed to pesticides from skin
contamination, swallowing or inhaling, cause the pesticide to be absorbed through the skin,
through the gut walls or through the walls of the respiratory surfaces in the lungs respectively. The
pesticide can then be carried from these sites to all parts of the body in the bloodstream.
Possible signs and symptoms are given for the different parts of the body which might be affected.
HEAD
Headache
EYES
Itching, burning, watering, blurred vision, unusually narrow or • .
widened pupils
MOUTH
Burning, nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting
SKIN
Irritation, burning, heavy sweating, rashes
LUNGS
Coughing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, stopping breathing
HEART
Slow or rapid pulse, chest pain, weak or absent pulse
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Restlessness, dizziness, muscle twitching, staggering, convulsions
PHYSICAL CONDITION
Weakness, tiredness, low temperature, high temperature
Most of these symptoms can also be caused by other common ailments, for example high
temperature, sweating, rapid pulse may also be caused by fever. Other common ailments which
may cause some of these symptoms include heat stroke, alcohol or drug abuse, diabetes, allergic
reactions or epilepsy.
It is therefore extremely difficult for someone who is not medically qualified to diagnose pesticide
poisoning. This must be left to the medical staff.
Even if it appears likely that pesticide poisoning has occurred, because a clear exposure can be
established, no automatic assumptions should be made, and no judgements should be made
about the seriousness of the possible poisoning. Apparently mild symptoms of poisoning do not
necessarily indicate that poisoning is not serious, since the poisoning may only be in its early
stages, and could become more severe with time.
IE.5
%
Figure IE3: Headache or vomiting may be a symptom of pesticide poisoning, or may be due to
other problems
A
A'
/ /
It is important that anyone who has to deal with a person showing some of these signs or
symptoms and who may have been exposed to pesticides, should gather as much information
about the situation as possible. This information should be passed on to medical staff when the
victim is taken to the doctor. This will help the doctor to decide the best course of action for
treatment. They should also give appropriate first aid to the victim (see section IE 1.4), and get
them to a doctor as quickly as possible.
KEY MESSAGES - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
tt is very difficult to diagnose pesticide poisoning since many of the
symptoms are similar to other problems
If you suspect someone has been poisoned gather as much
information about the circumstances as possible and get the patient
to a doctor as quickly as possible
IE.6
------------- “------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <?/
IE.1.3
GETTING INFORMATION IN A SUSPECTED POISONING INCIDENT
If you suspect someone has been poisoned by pesticides, prompt, effective action may help to
save their life. In this situation it is important to:
GIVE FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY AND GET MEDICAL HELP AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE - SEE SECTION IE.1.4
The doctor who treats the patient will need as much information as possible about the suspected
poisoning
incident.
The way that you gather information will vary depending on the,
circumstances, for example ask the patient if possible, but ask others (workmates, friends, family
etc.) as well, especially if the patient is unconscious or unable to answer. Use a variety of senses •
- key things are to ASK, LOOK and SMELL.
ASK
the patient or workmates whether work with any chemical has taken place and
whether contamination has occurred
what product has been handled and how much has been used
how long ago and for how long handling took place
what PPE had been worn
what type of ill effects have been noticed or experienced
whether the patient suffers from a known medical condition (e.g. diabetes,
epilepsy, asthma, allergic reactions, heart condition etc.)
whether alcohol, drugs or medicines have been taken
LOOK
for evidence of pesticide containers, labels or spray equipment. Collect all labels
or containers to give to the doctor
IE.7
for evidence of exposure, e.g. spillage onto ground or clothing, contamination on
skin etc.
for defective or faulty equipment, e.g. leaking sprayer
at the patient’s condition
SMELL
•
any characteristic chemical smells - some pesticides have distinct smells which
will be apparent if the patient is contaminated
any evidence of alcohol
Whether or not the patient has been poisoned, or is suffering from another condition, the action
should be the same - give immediate first aid and get medical assistance as quickly as possible.
Make sure the doctor is given all the information you have obtained, including the pesticide label,
which helps to identify the product and contains treatment advice for doctors.
KEY MESSAGES - GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT
SUSPECTED POISONING
Gather as much information as possible at the scene of the
suspected poisoning incident for giving to doctor
Use different approaches to get the full picture: ask, look and
smell
IE.8
IE.1.4
FIRST AID PROCEDURES IN A POISONING INCIDENT |
Planning for emergencies will help to give appropriate assistance should a poisoning incident
occur. In particular:
1.
Determine the quickest and easiest way to get medical assistance or to transport the
patient to a medical centre
2.
Keep emergency equipment available at all times, including:
Plenty of clean water and soap for decontamination, or a supply of dry cloths or
paper for wiping pesticide from skin where no water is available
Blanket for cover in case of shock
Plastic container or sack for storage of contaminated clothing
Activated charcoal for use in cases of swallowed pesticide
The immediate help given to a victim of pesticide poisoning can be vital.
The most important things to remember are:
•
Speed is essential, but act calmly and methodically
Take care not to contaminate yourself during treatment
Act according to the priorities of the patient. The highest priority is adequate
breathing
Assess the situation and act according to the circumstances
The decision tree in Figure IE. 19
will help you to decide on appropriate action in different
circumstances. Follow it carefully.
It is important to get medical help as quickly as possible, preferably by sending someone else to
call for help, while you deal with the First Aid measures. If you are alone, then call for medical
assistance as soon as it is safe to leave the patient, in particular when he is breathing.
IE.9
IE.1.4.1 DECONTAMINATION
Pesticide which has contaminated the body, on clothing or skin, will continue to be taken up as
long as it remains in contact with the skin, It is therefore important to decontaminate the person
as quickly as possible, taking care not to contaminate yourself in the process.
The first priority is to remove the victim away from the source of contamination, if he is still in
contact with it. Drag him or her quickly away.
Figure IE.4: Remove the victim from the source of contamination
Action next will depend on the circumstances.
If someone has pesticide in the eyes, it is
important to treat this before dealing with other skin contamination, as permanent eye injuries can
occur unless prompt action is taken to wash them out.
IE.10
IE.1.4.1.1 REMOVING PESTICIDE FROM EYES
Washing of eyes should be carried out by holding the eyelids apart and rinsing thoroughly with
plenty of clean water (see Figure IE.5).
Hold the head under a gently running tap if available.
If only one eye is contaminated, take care not to contaminate the other eye during this washing
process, by tilting the head towards-the side of the contaminated eye, so that the unconfaminated
eye is uppermost.
Continue the rinsing process for at least 10 minutes to ensure that all traces of pesticide are
removed. Then ensure the patient receives medical assistance, because of the potential
seriousness of eye injuries.
Figure IE.5:
Wash eyes with plenty of clean water for at least 10 minutes
IE.11
IE.1.4.1.2 DECONTAMINATING SKIN
Once any eye contamination has been attended to, other areas of contamination should be dealt
with. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing and wash the patient well in plenty of water, using
soap if available. If no water is available, gently wipe the skin with cloths or paper. Avoid harsh
rubbing or scrubbing of the skin.
Figure IE-6: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with plenty of water
o
'l.
o
e
IE.12
IE-1-4-2 FIRST AID PROCEDURES
Giving first aid to a poisoning victim uses many of the basic first aid techniques applicable in
many other situations. The following procedures are intended as a reminder for someone who has
received basic first aid training. The product label is an important source of First Aid advice for
that product, and should always be checked to determine actions to take. The decision chart in
Fig. IE.21 will help you to decide the sequence of actions to take for different circumstances.
General points to follow are:
Keep reassuring the patient throughout- he or she may be very frightened and can
become agitated.
Keep the patient at rest, some poisoning can be made worse by movement
Observe breathing and consciousness closely.
Prompt action is essential if
breathing stops, as brain damage and then death can occur within minutes, unless
action is taken.
The basic first steps in treating a patient involve the checking the A B C of first aid, airway,
breathing and circulation:
A
Airway
B
Breathing
c
Circulation
The following sections tell you how to do this.
IE.13
IE.1.C2.1
CHECKING AIRWAYS, BREATHING AND CIRCULATION
A. CLEAR AND OPEN AIRWAYS
1.
Examine patient’s mouth/throat for obstructions (objects, vomit etc) and remove
if present.
2.
Open the airway by gently pulling the chin forwards while pressing the forehead
backwards (see Fig. IE.7)
Figure IE.7: Opening the airway
IE.14
B. CHECK IF PATIENT IS BREATHING
Place your ear above patient’s mouth and look along chest and abdomen (see Fig.
IE.8). If patient is breathing you will hear and feel breath and see movement of the
chest and/or abdomen. If not CHECK HEART BEAT (C)
Figure IE.8: Checking for breathing
C. CIRCULATION - CHECK IF HEART IS BEATING
1.
Feel for the pulse in the neck by gently placing the fingertips against the voice box
(Adam’s apple) and sliding them down into the groove between at the side of the
neck nearest you. If checking pulse of an infant find it on the inside of the upper
arm (between shoulder and elbow).
loo
IE.15
2a.
If no pulse is present start CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR - see later
section)
2b.
If pulse is present but patient is not breathing, start MOUTH TO MOUTH/
NOSE VENTILATION
Figure IE.9: Checking the pulse in an adult
Figure IE.10: Checking for a pulse in an infant
IE.16
IE. 1.4.2,2 MOinH-TO-MOUTH/MOlJTH-TO-NOSE VENTILATION
1.
Turn patient on back. CLEAR AND OPEN THE AIRWAY (see previous section)
2.
Pinch the nostrils together and place your lips around the open mouth. If there is
pesticide contamination around the mouth then use mouth-to-nose ventilation by
closing the mouth with your thumb and sealing your lips around the nose.
3.
Blow into patient looking along chest to see chest rise.(Blow more gently into a
child or infant). Remove your mouth and watch chest fall.
4.
Continue ventilations at rate of one every 5 seconds until natural breathing starts
(If being done on a child give one ventilation every 3 seconds). Check pulse after
every 10 ventilations.
Figure IE.11: Giving mouth-to-mouth ventilation
1 'C’
I
CB - \ (TO
08669
pox-
IE.17
Figure IE. 12: Giving mouth-to-nose ventilation
IE.18
IE.1.4.2.3 CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) FOR ADULTS (OVER 9 YEARS)
This is carried out if the heart has stopped and combines artificial ventilation with chest
compression. It should only be attempted by somebody who has been trained in its use, since it-
is possible to cause injury if not done correctly. If this is being carried out on a child or infant go
to the next section.
1.
Put patient onto back and CLEAR AND OPEN AIRWAY
2.
Give two VENTILATIONS (see previous section on mouth-to-mouth/nose ventilation)
3.
Feel with your fingers for junction where bottom of ribs meet breastbone.
4.
Place heel of hand at a position two fingers width above this junction.
5.
Cover this hand with your other hand and interlock fingers (see Fig. IE. 13)
6.
Keeping your shoulders directly above hands and your arms straight, press down vertically
on the breastbone moving it 4-5 cm (V/2-2 inches). Immediately release pressure. Continue
smoothly at a rate of 80 per minute.
7.
Give 15 compressions (count out loud) followed by two VENTILATIONS
8.
If two first aiders are present, one can give compressions and the other give
VENTILATIONS but instead give 5 compressions followed by 1 ventilation.
IE.19
Figure IE.13: Carrying out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult
I.E.1.4.2.4 CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS (UNDER
9 YEARS)
This is carried out if the heart has stopped and combines artificial ventilation with chest
compression. For adult CPR see previous section. Only do this if you have been trained in its use,
since it is possible to injure a patient if not done properly.
1.
Put patient onto back and CLEAR AND OPEN AIRWAY
2.
Give two VENTILATIONS
3.
Feel with your fingers for junction where bottom of ribs meet breastbone.
4.
Place heel of hand at a position two fingers width above this junction. Do not use two
hands for pressure, as more gentle pressure is required than for an adult, (see fig. IE.14).
If being done on infant (under 1 year) use two fingers instead of heel of hand (see Fig.
IE.15). Keeping your shoulder directly above hand and your arm straight, press down
vertically on the breastbone with light pressure moving it only 3-4 cm (1-1 Vz inches) - even
IE.20
less if being done on an infant. Immediately release pressure. Continue smoothly at a rate
/oy
of 100 per minute.
7.
8.
If two first aiders are present, one can give compressions and the other give
VENTILATIONS but use instead 5 compressions followed by 1 ventilation.
Figure IE. 14: Carrying out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a child
I
f
Figure IE. 15: Carrying out Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant
IE.21
IE.1.4.2.5 THE RECOVERY POSmON
Once you have checked the airway, breathing and circulation and the person is breathing and has
a pulse, it is important to put the person into a position which ensures the airway remains clear,
even if the patient should vomit. This is known as the RECOVERY POSITION. If you have to leave
a patient, for example to get medical help, this is the safest position to leave them in, since the
airways are clear, and the patient cannot easily roll onto his or her back. This can be done in the
following way:
1.
Carry out A,B,C: CHECK AIRWAY IS CLEAR , CHECK PATIENT IS BREATHING
and HEART IS BEATING
2.
Kneel beside the patient and remove spectacles if present.
3.
Straighten his legs and place his nearest arm at right angles to his body, elbow
bent and palm upwards.
4.
Bring his far arm across his chest. Hold his hand palm outwards against his
nearest cheek.
5.
With your other hand grasp his far thigh. Pull his knee up keeping his foot on the
ground (see Figure lE.IBa).
6.
Holding the hand against the cheek, pull knee towards you to roll patient onto
side.
Tilt head back to maintain open airway and adjust hand under cheek if necessary
to maintain head position (see Figure IE.16b).
8.
Adjust upper leg so that hip and knee are bent at right angles.
9.
CHECK BREATHING and PULSE at frequent intervals.
IE.22
^7
Figure IE-16: Putting a patient into the recovery position
7'/
/1
Z
A
ir-_
A
a. Pull the knee up, keeping the foot on the ground
«
log
IE.23
IE-1.4.2.6 INDUCING VOMITING
If pesticide is swallowed, vomiting should only be induced under the following circumstances.
WHEN PATIENT IS CONSCIOUS AND PESTICIDE LABEL RECOMMENDS IT AND MEDICAL
HELP IS MORE THAN 1 HOUR AWAY
Unless all three conditions are met, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, simply get medical help as
quickly as possible, as this is a technique which is better carried out by a qualified medical
person.
If the medical help is a long way away, the pesticide label advises induction of vomiting and the
patient is conscious, then vomiting can be induced in the following way:
1.
Give the patient some clean water to drink.
2.
With the patient in a sitting or standing position pinch his cheeks between his teeth with
one of your hands, to prevent him biting your fingers.
3.
Standing to one side of the patient (not directly in front as you may get contaminated when
vomiting occurs), tickle the back of his throat with two fingers, until vomiting occurs (see
Fig. IE.17).
4.
After vomiting has occurred or if induction of vomiting is unsuccessful, give 3 tablespoons
of activated charcoal in half a glass of water to drink. Repeat as often as possible until
medical help is obtained
5.
Put patient into recovery position and get medical help as quickly as possible.
e
Io<l
IE.24
Figure IE. 17: Inducing vomiting in a patient
IE.1.4.2.7 MANAGING CONVULSIONS
Occasionally some pesticides cause convulsions or fits. If this happens, do not try to restrain the
patient. Simply move away from any objects which might cause injury, and then check airway
breathing and circulation when the fit is over.
'Io
IE.25
Figure IE. 18: Dealing with convulsions
IE.1.4.2.8 OTHER POINTS
WHEN DEALING WITH A SUSPECTED POISONING DO NOT:
•
Allow patient to smoke
Give alcohol or milk, as it may speed the uptake of pesticides
WHEN OBTAINING MEDICAL HELP, MAKE SURE:
•
The doctor is given all the information about the case and any first aid treatment
given
The doctor is given the product pack with the label attached (or the label alone if
it is not possible to bring the pack)
IE.26
Always get medical help and give the doctor the product tabeL
V/o
. Wj
/
I
MANAGING TEMPERATURE
Some pesticides lead to unusually high or low body temperatures
.
If body temperature is too high, try to lower it by sponging patient with cold water
.
If body temperature is too low, keep patient warm by covering with a blanket or
coat
!|1
</2IE.27
Figure IE.20: Managing patient temperature
b. If too cold, cover with blanket, coat etc.
AFTER A CASE OF POISONING HAS OCCURRED:
Record the poisoning and its circumstances
Evaluate the circumstances and identify the cause of the poisoning
Take action to prevent the poisoning incident happening again
IE.28
!,3
Figure IE21: What to do if someone has been poisoned
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN POISONS
A^0CHEMICftLS
IF IT IS ON SKIN OR HAS
BEEN INHALED
HOW DID POISONING COOUR7
IF rr IS SWALLOWED
|
i-
t
;
IS PATIENT BREATHING’ I-
:
t
r
NO
~ El
MAKE SURE AIRWAYS
ARE CLEAR
CLEAR AIRWAYS. GIVE
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
MONITOR BREATHING
CAREFULLY
IS PATIENT STILL IN CONTACT
.. WITH CONTAMINATION SOURCE’
(SPRAYER.CONTAINER eici
YES
MOVE AWAY FROM CONTAMINATION
DO NOT CONTAMINATE YOURSELF
USE GLOVES IF NECESSARY
'! IS PATIENT BREATHING’ 1
YES
• MAKE SURE AIRWAYS ^-*1
I IS HEART BEATING’ J
,,E2
ARE CLEAR
GIVE CARDIAC MASSAGE WITH
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
IF NECESSARY
K
IS PATIENT CONSCIOUS? i-**"**'
CLEAR AIRWAYS GIVE
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION. MONITOR
BREATHING CAREFULLY
LL__
.1
I
Y
CHECK PRODUCT LABELS FOR
!
FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
IS HEART BEATING’
—------------ :
|
I
YES
_____
L----- i.—
CHECK PRODUCT LABELS FOR ■.—
YES
I YES
DOES LASEL RECOMMEND
MAKING PATIENT VOMIT QB
IS PRODUCT CLASSIFIED AS
TOXIC OR HIGHLY TOXIC’
JI____
IS TIME TO TAKE PATIENT TO
MEDICAL TREATMENT LIKELY TO l(
TAKE MORE THAN 1 HOUR’
•
NO
first aid instructions
NO-OR
NO LABEL
PRESENT
NO
f cs
|
WASH OUT EYES WITH LOTS ,
OF CLE AN WATER FOR AT I.
LEAST 10 MINUTES:
GIVE CARDIAC MASSAGE WITH
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
IF NECESSARY
f
---------------- ------------ —.
frd IS rr. in the eyes’ j
YES
REMOVE CONTAMINATED I
■ CLOTHING AND CLEAN SKIN |
WITH WATER
|
iPLACE PATIENT IN RECOVERY'
.1 POSITION (CONTINUE TO
CHECK BREATHING i
INDUCE vomiting IF there isT
high RISK OF DANGER FROM
PRODUCT
IS THE PATIENT’
—
Y
HAVING FITS/CONVUIVSIONS7
TOO COLD’
TOO HOT’
i
t
REMOVE ALL DANGEROUS OBJECTS FROM AROUND
PATIENT. DO NOT FORCIBLY RESTRAIN
SPONGE WITH COLD
WATER
;
!
________
Kgpp WARM WITH A BLANKET. COAT etc...
J
11H
IE.29
j KEY MESSAGES- FIRST AID IN A POISONING INCIDENT
Act calmly and methodically - highest priority « BREA THING
.
Always seek medical help as soon as possible
Always lake the product label or the whole container with
label attached to the doctor
.
Evaluate a poisoning incident to ensure it does not happen
again
1
Position: 742 (6 views)