Wearing the right respiratory protection is an essential PPE component for all pest managers.
Every day, pest managers can be exposed to different types of pesticides, in the form of a solid, liquid, powder or gas, which are all potentially damaging to health. There are also fumigant gases (e.g. hydrogen cyanide, methyl bromide and ethylene oxide) as well as potential exposure to building-related chemicals including lead and asbestos. Pesticide poisoning may occur shortly after a single exposure (acute poisoning), or gradually after repeated exposures over a period of time (chronic poisoning). For pest managers, the risk of chronic poisoning can be a reality unless appropriate safety measures are taken.
The three main ways pesticides can enter the body is through ingestion (swallowing), absorption via the skin or eyes (direct contact) or inhalation (breathing). Pest managers can protect against ingestion and absorption by using traditional PPE such as gloves and eyewear. But what about the risk of inhalation? Choosing the right respirator for the job is an important decision.
Selecting a respirator
Pest managers should carefully read the label and SDS for each pesticide they use to determine the type of respirator and filters they require to achieve optimal respiratory protection. This is dependent upon factors such as the type and concentration of pesticide, frequency and length of use and application method.
The respirator selected should meet Australian Standards AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory Protective Devices and AS/NZS 1715: Selection Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices. The Standard includes a guide to respiratory management programs.
The two main types of respirators used by pest managers are non-powered air-purifying respirators as a half-face piece or full-face piece. As a general rule, a half-face respirator with particle and gas combination filter is adequate for pesticide mixing and spraying tasks, but a full-face respirator is required for fumigation.
The half-face respirator is designed to provide a close fit over the nose, mouth and chin, and may have one or two replaceable filtration cartridges. Made of one silicon piece, the Sundström SR100 half-mask is designed for heavy-duty use during full-time exposure. It comes in three sizes and has an adjustable head harness for best facial fit.
The full-face respirator is designed to protect the respiratory airways and provides a seal around the face and chin. This option is best for those who also need eye, nose and mouth protection when spraying overhead or if spray drift is possible. The full-face SR200 mask (main picture, above) uses the same Sundström particle and gas filters as the SR100 half-mask. The respirator achieves a higher protection factor than the half-mask.
Both Sundström respirators are equipped with two exhalation valves ensuring very low breathing resistance and comfort for the wearer. Facial hair may become an issue if a good seal is not achieved between the respirator and the face. It is therefore recommended to be clean shaven to achieve a good facial seal when wearing a halfmask or full-face mask. Tight-fitting respirators must be fit tested and correctly maintained.
Another option to achieve full protection, including eyes and skin, is the use of head-top coverings connected to a fan unit, such as a soft hood that protects the head, neck and shoulders.
This option is also best for pest managers who have beards. Sundstrom offers a range of different head-tops, from lightweight hoods to hard shields, which can all be used with the Sundström SR500 powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) fitted with Sundström particle and gas filters. Using a PAPR is recommended for extended periods of hard work in warm and confined environments (such as roofs and subfloors).
Selecting the right filters
If working with dusts and sprays, it is recommended to use particulate filters for respirators of Class P3, which are intended for use against all particulates, including dust generated from the droppings and nest materials from rodents and birds. If exposed to gases, such as methyl bromide, or pesticides that produce organic vapours, it is recommended to use a gas filter as well.
Pest managers should always refer to the SDS when selecting filter types (Figure 1). The type of gas filter depends on the chemical compounds used, but a good all-round gas filter of the ABE type will be of use in many pest control and fumigation exercises.
Safety is the number one priority for employers and employees alike and decisions about safety equipment need serious consideration. When it comes to face masks and respirators, a paper disposable mask simply isn’t fit for purpose. The health risks from pesticide exposure during application, and particulate exposure when in roof voids and subfloors, is significant.
Selecting the correct respirator and filter combination is essential and Sundström provides quality options for all situations.
