CPA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information on a pesticide label tells you exactly which PPE is required for the applicator?
- The ingredient statement
- The precautionary statements / personal protective equipment section (Correct answer)
- The directions for use section
- The storage and disposal section
Correct answer: The precautionary statements / personal protective equipment section
The precautionary statements section of the label specifically lists required PPE for handlers, mixers, loaders, and applicators.
Question 2: After handling pesticides, in what order should you remove contaminated PPE?
- Remove gloves first, then wash hands, then remove other PPE (Correct answer)
- Remove all PPE at once to minimize exposure time
- Remove outer garments first, then gloves last after washing hands
- The order does not matter as long as PPE is removed before leaving the site
Correct answer: Remove gloves first, then wash hands, then remove other PPE
Removing gloves first while avoiding skin contact, then washing hands, prevents contaminating hands when removing remaining PPE.
Question 3: Which NIOSH approval prefix indicates a respirator cartridge designed to protect against organic vapor pesticides?
- P100
- OV (Organic Vapor) (Correct answer)
- N95
- HEPA
Correct answer: OV (Organic Vapor)
An OV (Organic Vapor) cartridge is approved for protection against volatile organic compounds found in many pesticide formulations.
Question 4: A pesticide label states 'wear chemical-resistant footwear.' Which footwear would NOT meet this requirement?
- Rubber boots
- PVC boots
- Neoprene boots
- Leather work boots (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Leather work boots
Leather is not chemical-resistant and can absorb pesticides, contaminating the material and exposing the wearer over time.
Question 5: Why must facial hair be controlled when wearing a tight-fitting respirator?
- Facial hair can clog respirator cartridge filters
- Facial hair prevents an adequate face seal, allowing unfiltered air in (Correct answer)
- Regulations prohibit facial hair in pesticide handling areas
- Facial hair is not a concern for respirator use
Correct answer: Facial hair prevents an adequate face seal, allowing unfiltered air in
Facial hair between the facepiece and skin breaks the seal, allowing contaminated air to bypass the respirator filter.
Question 6: Which pesticide application scenario typically requires the HIGHEST level of PPE?
- Applying a ready-to-use product with a handheld sprayer outdoors
- Mixing and loading a concentrated liquid pesticide (Correct answer)
- Walking through a previously treated area after re-entry interval has passed
- Applying granular bait in a bait station
Correct answer: Mixing and loading a concentrated liquid pesticide
Mixing and loading concentrated pesticides carries the greatest exposure risk, requiring the most protective PPE.
Question 7: How should contaminated chemical-resistant PPE (boots, gloves) be cleaned after use?
- Place in regular laundry with household detergent
- Rinse with clean water and wash with soap, then allow to dry away from living areas (Correct answer)
- Dispose of after each use regardless of contamination level
- Wipe with a dry cloth to remove visible residue only
Correct answer: Rinse with clean water and wash with soap, then allow to dry away from living areas
Chemical-resistant PPE should be rinsed and washed with soap and water, then dried away from living quarters to remove pesticide residues.
CPA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3
What information on a pesticide label tells you exactly which PPE is required for the applicator?