Approved Eyewash Solutions - Worker Protection
December 30, 2007
Can ONLY approved eyewash solutions can be used in rinsing eyes contaminated with pesticides?
True or False?
Answer: FALSE
Clear, clean water is more than adequate for flushing and rinsing eyes that have been affected by pesticides. Published recommendations are that the flushing with water or other eyewash solutions be continuous for up to 15 minutes to assure total removal of residues of chemicals.
The water should be clean and clear, preferably potable and should not be too warm or excessively cold. (One of the approved EPA WPS (worker protection standards) Training tapes shows an instructor demonstrating how to flush a worker’s eyes out with water from an Igloo cooler, which hopefully was not ice water).
Specialized eyewash solutions must be current and fresh. We have a tendency to set-up eyewash stations and then let them sit unattended for long periods (sometimes years) and then, when we need to use the solution, it has decomposed and smells of sewer water!. This is not good for the eyes! The eyewash solutions should be replaced every 6 months and more frequently if the station is out in direct sunlight.
Posting Spray Records - Worker Protection Safety
December 30, 2007
Spray records posted in the “Central Location” to inform workers of applications should have the same information as the records kept by the licensed applicator as required by law.
True or False?
Answer: FALSE
The Worker Protection Standard requires that the data posted in the “Central Location” to inform workers of spray applications contain the following items:
- Date and time of application
- Location sprayed
- Product(s) applied
- EPA numbers
- Active ingredients
- Reentry period
- Date and time it will be safe to enter the area
These sheets must be kept posted for 30 days.
Spray records required of the applicators must contain the following data:
- Date
- Location
- Size of area treated
- Crop(s)
- Product(s) applied
- EPA Numbers
- Active ingredients
- Formulation X 100 gallons
- Total gallons used
- Method of application
- Name of applicator
- Name of licensee
- REI
- PPE used
- Posting requirements
These records, signed by the applicator or supervisor, must be kept on file for 2 years.
