Safe Passages

Each time PCOs and technicians step in their trucks and begin the workday, they are putting themselves in a relative amount of danger. From being out on the road all day, to inspecting high and hard-to-reach locations, and encountering disease-carrying pathogens, pest management professionals sometimes put themselves in harm’s way to make a living. Granted, pest control may not be as harrowing a profession as flying fighter planes or being a stuntperson, but unless precautions are taken, pest control can be a risky business.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on-the-job fatalities decreased in 1996. But fatalities related to falls continued to increase, accounting for 11% of workplace fatalities. Think about that the next time you decide to take a short cut when inspecting a roof area. Furthermore, the BLS cited ‘construction trades,’ a business segment that is similar in many ways to pest control, as an occupation with a large number of workplace injuries and fatalities. No figures were available for the pest management industry, but take the safety issues related to construction and building service trades, add in the exposure risks some PCOs face, and you’ll probably realize that pest management is by no means a danger-free pursuit.

This does not mean that pest control is inherently dangerous or life-threatening, of course. In fact, if the proper precautions are taken it can be a very safe industry to work in. An important part of taking adequate safety precautions involves using the right safety equipment. Below is a compilation of the latest offerings in safety products for the pest control industry to get you up-to-speed on your safety product options.

PESTICIDE STORAGE CABINETS
Direct Safety Company

Available from Direct Safety Co. is the Eagle line of pesticide storage cabinets. The line features an array of size and storage options, ranging from the 12-gallon capacity cabinet, which is 23 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 35 inches high to the 45-gallon capacity cabinet, which measures 43 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 65 inches high. The storage units also include 18-gauge steel double-wall construction, a 2-inch vent with a fire baffle and cap, and manual or self-closing doors. The cabinets meet OSHA and NFPA30 standards.

GLOVES IN A BOTTLE
Gloves In A Bottle

Gloves In A Bottle is a lotion that works like a pair of gloves. It is rapidly absorbed into the outer layer of skin, forming a matrix between dead skin cells. The result is a one-way barrier that helps prevent many irritants and toxins from penetrating the skin. This barrier allows the skin to breathe and perspire naturally while it increases the retention of the skin’s natural exfoliation process.

Gloves In A Bottle needs to be reapplied every four hours for continued protection. After application, the lotion absorbs into skin after about 3 to 4 minutes. It protects against pesticides, poison ivy, poison oak, grease, solvents, thinners, herbicides and many other toxins. Gloves In A Bottle will not affect dexterity or the sense of touch, according to the manufacturer. Furthermore, it leaves no greasy or tacky feeling. All ingredients are accepted as safe by the FDA and USDA, and are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

BUTYL AND NEOPRENE GLOVES
Guardian Manufacturing Company

Guardian butyl gloves can be used to hold out 11 of the 21 ASTM F1001 chemicals, as well as many other toxins. Butyl gloves are available in a variety of thicknesses to meet various protection needs. Sizes are available in extra small through extra large.

Guardian neoprene style IN-35 is the only glove to meet NFPA 1992 splash protection specifications and NFPA 1991 vapor protection specifications (as the outer glove in a two-glove system), according to the manufacturer. Sizes 9-12 are available, as well as 14- and 32-inch lengths.

RESPIRATORS
Mine Safety Appliances Company

New National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety regulations will go into affect July 10 to increase the standards for respirators, filters and their effectiveness in filtering out particulates. Mine Safety Appliances Co. offers extensive lines of maintenance-free respirators that are already NIOSH-approved. MSA’s patented Affinity line of maintenance-free respirators includes the Affinity Plus series, the Affinity Pro series and the Affinity Ultra series. All are latex-free and provide a high level of protection that is 95% efficient. Each line has its own special features and unique advantages. MSA also offers a wide array of cartridge air-purifying elements to provide exceptional flexibility in managing respiratory protection programs.

ECONOMY SPILL KIT
New Pig Corporation

New Pig now offers pest management professionals the Economy Spill Kit, a portable spill kit that is ideal for responding quickly to leaks and spills. The Economy Spill Kit includes four individually-packed bags that each confine and absorb up to 5 gallons of hazardous materials. Each kit includes three 3 x 46-inch HAZ-MAT Pig Socks to confine hazardous spills. For universal absorption of pesticides, oils, water, acids and bases, 12, 16½ x 20-inch Pig Mat double-weight pads are included. A labeled container bag doubles as a temporary disposal unit for saturated absorbents.

RACAL BREATHE EASY 10
Racal Health & Safety, Inc.

Racal Health & Safety, Inc. a leading manufacturer of personal respiratory protection systems, has received NIOSH/MSHA approval on its Breathe Easy 10 system.

Racal’s Breathe Easy 10 system delivers comfortable, efficient, powered air purifying protection. The headpiece is an extremely lightweight, poly-coated Tyvek hood with a clear polyester visor that accommodates facial hair and glasses. The system uses a range of interchangeable filters and cartridges to protect the wearer against incident dusts, mists, gases or vapors. Filtered air passes through a breathing tube, over the user’s head and out at the base of the Tyvek cape. The hood is interchangeable with a range of supplied air valves. The powered air purifying system delivers a comfortable flow of cool, fresh air. The system is lightweight, portable and powered by a rechargeable eight-hour battery pack.

READY CAP
Reading Body Works, Inc.

With a Ready Cap from Reading Body Works, you will be separated from the various chemicals that you transport. The Ready Cap mounts on a pickup bed and allows quick, easy access to tools and equipment.

The full-width, full-height side and rear doors let you reach everything inside the pickup bed quickly and easily. The side doors operate on pneumatic props that flip up automatically when the T-handle door latch is disengaged. A swing-out door also provides access to the pickup bed.

The Ready Cap is constructed of two-sided, zinc-coated A60 “galvannealed” steel giving strength, durability and the first layer of rust protection. Lectro-Life immersion priming is the second layer of rust protection. Reading backs the Ready Cap with a five-year limited warranty.

PESTICIDE/MATERIAL STORAGE STRUCTURES
Safety Storage, Inc.

Safety Storage, Inc. offers custom-engineered, prefabricated structures for a cost-effective way to safely isolate hazardous materials, and protect materials and equipment from weather, theft and vandalism. Toxic, caustic and flammable products can be stored in the structure to protect personnel and property, while limiting outside liability and complying with federal, state and local regulations.

A new model, the 1610FS Fire Shield, is a pre-fabricated, movable building for the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids and hazardous materials. The structure is designed to accommodate 28 55-gallon drums or a greater quantity of smaller containers that will fit into its 112-square foot storage area. A built-in secondary spill containment sump is also contained in the structure, as well as lights, sprinkler system and an exhaust fan.

PESTICIDE/PAINT RESPIRATOR KIT
Safety Wear

Available from Safety Wear is the Moldex 8000 Series Pesticide/Paint Spray Respirator Kit. According to the manufacturer, the kit contains everything the user will need for the respirator, including organic vapor cartridges and pre-filters packed in a bucket along with hearing protection.

The Moldex 8000 Series Respirator is made of a soft, durable material that conforms to the face. The facepiece and filters feature a low-profile design that allows for excellent vision and protective eyewear to be used.

SOLVA-GARD NITRILE GLOVES
Saf-T-Gard International, Inc.

Solva-Gard nitrile gloves from Saf-T-Gard, are premium quality gloves for use in the pest control industry and other applications where harsh chemicals are used, according to the manufacturer. The Solva-Gard glove resists most pesticides, acids, caustics, oils, greases and alcohol. It also provides protection from abrasions, cuts, punctures and snags. The Solva-Gard’s embossed palms and textured fingers are designed to easily grab onto wet, slippery materials, and the glove is available unlined or flock-lined in a variety of lengths and sizes.

SPILL KIT AND EYEWASH STATION
SAS Safety Corporation

Accidental spills can be cleaned easily and quickly with the SAS Safety Emergency Spill Kit, according to the manufacturer. The kit contains boom coils, absorbent pads, waste storage bags, pesticide resistant gloves and goggles that are necessary to pick up most minor spills. The kit is packed in a conveniently sized box which stores easily behind most bench seats of pickup-style trucks. SAS also offers a new “low-profile” self-contained, gravity-fed Emergency Eyewash Station. The station supplies water at a constant flow for a minimum of 15 minutes, requires no plumbing and meets or exceeds ANSI regulations.

PESTICIDE/PAINT SPRAY RESPIRATORS
Survivair

Part of the Low Maintenance Series, the Pesticide/Paint Spray Respirator from Survivair is suited for conventional users of half-mask air-purifying respirators, including sprayers and handlers of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Low Maintenance Pesticide/Paint Spray Respirators are available in three sizes and are compatible with Survivair’s 2000 Series, Blue 1 and 4000 Series facepieces. Pre-assembled and easy to use, the respirator is designed to eliminate assembly time.

TRUCK STORAGE SYSTEMS
Tailgater

Tailgater offers a line of vehicle storage products, including a SecureShell line for trucks. The SecureShell product is constructed of aluminum and is thus lighter than comparable tops made of steel or fiberglass, according to the manufacturer. Shelving, drawer and cabinet systems are available as options and can be configured to a user’s needs.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Uvex Safety, Inc.

Uvex Safety recently introduced a new line of safety spectacles providing exceptional eye protection with style, according to the manufacturer. The Uvex Bandit is characterized by its sleek styling and wrap-around frame, as well as its patented replaceable single-lens design with integral side-shields and browguards. This design has a dual-lens look while providing the optimum protection and visual acuity, according to the manufacturer. The lightweight frames are available in black, slate blue and copper. The Uvex Bandit meets ANSI standards and provides 99.9% UV protection. The lenses are also available with the company’s “uvextreme AF,” a new anti-fog coating. The coating provides superior fog resistance even under extreme conditions, according to the manufacturer.

STEEL-TOED SAFETY SHOES
Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Inc.

A rugged oxford and a high-top athletic shoe, with the style name Code 3 Enforcers, are the latest additions to the Weinbrenner line to feature a steel-toe cap that meets or exceeds the highest ANSI ratings for foot protection, according to the manufacturer. The new styles feature full grain, high shine leather, Dri-Lex linings to wick away moisture, well-padded collars and tongues, removable Poly-pillow Footpacer insoles and Vibram abrasion- and slip-resisting rubber outsoles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on-the-job fatalities decreased in 1996. But fatalities related to falls continued to increase, accounting for 11% of workplace fatalities. Think about that the next time you decide to take a short cut when inspecting a roof area. Furthermore, the BLS cited ‘construction trades,’ a business segment that is similar in many ways to pest control, as an occupation with a large number of workplace injuries and fatalities. No figures were available for the pest management industry, but take the safety issues related to construction and building service trades, add in the exposure risks some PCOs face, and you’ll probably realize that pest management is by no means a danger-free pursuit.