What is the minimum PPE you should wear when working with pesticides?

• A. Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks
• B. Short-sleeved shirt and shorts
• C. Gloves and goggles
• D. Boots only

Answer: (A)

Dermal exposure is the main risk when working with pesticides, so covering the skin is essential. Pesticides can splash or drift onto your clothing and skin, and thick, protective clothing reduces that contact significantly. The minimum you should wear to shield skin is a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks. This setup covers the arms and legs and keeps the majority of skin away from any splashes or residues. Gloves, goggles, or other PPE are important too, especially for handling concentrates or when labels call for them, but they don’t replace the need to fully cover the skin. Short-sleeved shirts or shorts leave skin exposed; gloves or goggles alone protect only hands or eyes, not the rest of the body.