Under Regulation 637, which of the following describes the minimum PPE required for pesticide application?

• A. Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, protective footwear, and gloves impervious to pesticides
• B. Sunglasses and hat
• C. No PPE required
• D. Respirator only

Answer: (A)

PPE is the first line of defense against skin contact with pesticides, so regulations specify a baseline level of coverage that minimizes dermal exposure. The minimum described—long pants, long-sleeved shirt, protective footwear, and gloves impervious to pesticides—provides full skin coverage and a barrier at the hands and feet, which are common points of contact during mixing, loading, and application. Long clothing shields exposed skin, protective footwear prevents pesticide contact with the feet, and gloves that resist pesticides protect the hands from absorption and contamination. Other items like sunglasses and a hat don’t address skin exposure and don’t protect against splashes or drift. A respirator protects inhalation but not skin contact, and saying no PPE is required is unsafe given the potential for dermal absorption and inhalation. Remember, the minimum PPE is a baseline; the product label may require additional protection based on toxicity and exposure risk.