PPE and Safety Equipment When Using Chemicals

PPE and Safety Equipment When Using Chemicals

Everyone working with chemicals must make sure they wear the right safety gear – also called personal protection equipment or PPE. Workers are entitled to have PPE provided by the employer or PCBU. It is the employer or PCBU’s responsibility to make sure that the PPE is suitable for the work or hazard, that it is clean and maintained and that it fits the workers who use it. 

What is the right safety gear?

The exact gear needed will depend on the product you are using and the job you are doing.

You may need specific gear depending on whether you are:

  • mixing
  • handling
  • applying
  • cleaning application equipment
  • cleaning up spills

The product label and SDS (safety data sheet) will tell you about the hazards of the product and the precautions you should take. 

Equipment

Generally, you should have available: 

  • WSNZ_3821_Feb 21 AGRICHEMICALS Chemical-resistant gloves
  •  Chemical-resistant goggles or full face mask 
  • Overalls 
  • Respirator with correct filter or cartridge 
  • Chemical resistant footwear 

Not all gloves are the same There are different types of gloves for different chemicals. Most safety clothing manufacturers will have a chemical resistance chart which tells you which gloves are suitable for which chemicals. Make sure that the gloves that you have are fit for purpose for the chemicals you are handling. 

Equipment Checks

Check your:

  • Skin is fully covered when handling chemicals
  • Safety gear is right for the chemicals you use
  • Respirators and filters or cartridges are the right type
  • Safety gear fits properly – if it does not fit, it will not protect you
  • Safety gear is cleaned at the end of the day and stored securely

Cleaning Up

Always wash your hands, arms and face after working with agrichemicals, especially before:

  • eating
  • drinking
  • smoking
  • going to the toilet

Once you have finished using agrichemicals for the day, have a shower or bath with soap and water, shampoo your hair, and put on clean clothes. Wash your clothes separately from other clothes before using them again.

For more information on Agrichemicals visit WorkSafe’s website.

  • on April 5, 2024