Pesticide handler employees must always have what kind of gloves?

Pesticide handler employees are required to wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect themselves from potential exposure to harmful substances found in pesticides. These gloves are specifically designed to withstand and prevent the absorption of various chemicals, ensuring adequate protection for the skin while the handler is applying, mixing, or transferring pesticides.

Chemical-resistant gloves are constructed from materials such as nitrile, PVC, or neoprene, which have been tested against specific pesticides and demonstrate an ability to resist permeation. This level of protection is crucial as it helps reduce the risk of skin infections, chemical burns, and systemic toxicity that can arise from direct contact with pesticides.

In contrast, other types of gloves, such as disposable gloves, fabric gloves, or non-resistant gloves, do not provide the necessary barrier to protect against the chemical hazards associated with pesticide handling. Disposable gloves may not be durable enough for long periods of use or for handling certain pesticides, while fabric gloves offer no chemical resistance. Non-resistant gloves are explicitly unsuitable for handling pesticides, as they can easily allow chemicals to permeate and reach the skin.

Thus, the requirement for chemical-resistant gloves is grounded in ensuring the safety and health of pesticide handler employees in their work environment.