Week 1 - Day 3 - Pesticide Control Equipment

ESSENTIAL READING BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF COURSE:

Urban Pest Management in Australia: 2004 Edition, UNSW Press, Sydney

by J Gerozisis and P Hadlington - Chapter 9 - Pages 75 to 84.

Chapter 9 – Insecticides – Formulations & Application  - application equipment - equipment for surface treatments - sprayers -  power sprayer - power and source pump -  tank - hose and reel - spray gun - nozzle accessories - foaming unit for slab injections - compressed air sprayer - duster - bulb (hand puffer) type - mechanical rotary type - mechanical plunger type - electrical dusters - compressed gas type - equipment space spray treatments - thermal aerosol generators - cold aerosol generators - electrical, mister type - compressed, gas - equipment maintenance - other equipment and useful items - tools for improving access - basic tools - ladders - tools for cutting floor traps - drills and drill bits - inspection aids - torch - probe - adhesive tape - hand mirror - hand lens (x10) - borescopes - sound detection devices - moisture meters - the means to record findings - computer technology - plan of building/site - sample tubes and adhesive labels - items for cleanliness - drop sheet - brush and pan - plastic sheeting, plastic bags - cleaning rags - vacuum cleaner - warning signs

Protective Equipment

To avoid poisoning, we need to protect ourselves when we are handling and applying pesticides.

Overalls

• Various types – cotton, waterproof, disposable
• Must be closed to the neck and the wrists
• Must be worn over the boots not tucked in
• Must be washed at the end of each day.

Gloves

• Must be waterproof, unlined
• Must be elbow length

Respirators

• Three types – air-purifying, supplied-air, and self-contained
• Can be half face or full face(dependant of chemicals used)
• There are some disposable respirators

Hats

Disposable or waterproof (not made with absorbent material eg. felt).

Face shields or Goggles:

• Clear plastic face cover
• Protects the face from splash particularly when handling concentrate
•  non-fogging types
• Must be worn when there is any chance of pesticide getting into the eyes

Boots

• Must be impervious to chemicals
• Must not have bootlaces that could absorb chemical.

Code of Practice

The NSW Workcover authority has prepared a code of practice as a guide for persons working in the pest control industry, green keeping and other industries. It offers practical and informative guidance on how to comply with the relevant legislation relating to the use and storage of pesticides and herbicides. A questionnaire has been developed so that you have a better understanding of the safe use of pesticides whilst working in the industry, this will be supplied to you during the first few days of the course.