While pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, nematicides and all the other substances you may use are extremely helpful in managing your golf facility, they are also dangerous. If used incorrectly, they can cause permanent damage to your crew’s health.
It can take as little as a drop of a certain chemical coming in contact with the eyes to cause permanent vision impairment, so it’s important that you follow and enforce safety regulations as they relate to the chemical use and chemical protective clothing. Many of the chemicals pose invisible hazards and show little to no warnings. As always, one of the best ways to control the hazards is to wear personal protective equipment – in this case, chemical protective equipment. Chemical Protective Clothing There are various types of chemical protective clothing, including:
While the chemical label and SDS sheets provide information and guidelines regarding the hazards, it’s important that you develop your club’s policy as it relates to chemical protection. What PPE do you require? Where should chemicals be stored? Can chemicals be transferred to different containers? If so, what guidelines should be followed? Is there a re-entry interval? Does it vary by chemical? These are all questions that you should answer as part of your chemical protection program. How to determine what PPE should be used First of all, it’s important to clarify that no PPE or combination of PPE can provide complete protection from chemical hazards… so you need to select the PPE or combination of PPE that will provide the most protection.
However, you also need to consider the hazards that PPE may cause – such as heat stress, reduced mobility or visibility, or increased difficulty to communicate. It may sound like a good idea to overprotect your crew, but it’s not. Overprotection could cause even more hazards. Keep in mind that overprotection can be just as bad as under protection. OSHA states that chemical clothing must be used anytime a worker is exposed to a chemical. This means that all crew mixing or applying chemicals must wear some level of protective clothing.
Take note of what tasks require or involve the use of chemicals, and then do a thorough site evaluation. Consider the environment, nature of the task, and the movement needed to complete the task.
Consider whether your crew is walking through areas where the chemical is applied, or whether they will be applying the chemicals above the height of their shoulders. For example, they may need to wear rubber boots for turf applications, and a hard hat if they will be spraying pesticides on trees or other tall surfaces. Chemical Protective Ensembles Chemical protection often requires an “ensemble” of protective clothing and equipment which are combined to provide adequate protection while allowing the user to maintain mobility. Factors to take into consideration:
Considering the above, you may choose the combination of equipment that provides the most protection. Complete chemical protection usually calls for a set of equipment including:
Keep in mind that the level of protection provided varies by equipment, and by exposure. Factors such as the thickness of the material and exposure times need to be taken into consideration when evaluating equipment, and no materials can provide permanent and complete protection from all chemicals. An important note about gloves – the thicker they are, the more protection they provide. However, do not use latex or polyethylene gloves to handle chemicals. These types of gloves can actually absorb the chemical and allow it to continue to damage the skin.
RECEIVE FREE POSTERS & SAFETY TIPS
to subscribe to our newsletter, get free safety posters and more safety resources!
MORE SAFETY ARTICLES
As a superintendent, you juggle many responsibilities, and the safety of your crew is right at the top of the list. Your team works around sources of hazardous energy daily, posing risks of electric shocks, entanglement, and faulty combustion engines. In fact, nearly 10% of serious accidents in the workplace are a result of the
Fall is upon us, which means the leaves are starting to change color, there’s a fresh chill in the air, and your crew is getting ready for the tree-trimming season! When the gas-powered tools come out, that’s your cue to make sure everyone is reminded of the necessary safety precautions. While they may be fun
Summer heat records are being broken across the country this year, which means it’s more important than ever to take steps to prevent heat illness in your crew. Make sure you read these essential heat safety tips from Paul Watkins, a Texan Golf Course Superintendent who’s well-versed in battling sweltering humidity and 100°+ conditions at
This year’s summer has arrived, bringing scorching temperatures and potentially hazardous weather conditions along with it. With 2023 predicted to be one of the hottest summers on record, heat safety on the golf course is paramount this season! Scott Corwin, Director of Golf Course & Landscape Maintenance at Timber Pines in Florida, shares his insights
Although golf courses are often the picture of serenity and bliss, they can also be home to some potentially dangerous wildlife. From venomous snakes to fire ants and even the occasional coyote, it’s important that golf course maintenance crews take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and protected. Todd Dattalo, who serves as
When the golf offseason rolls around and winter approaches, it is essential for golf course maintenance crews to be aware of the potential hazards that come with colder temperatures and how to protect themselves. The safety of your team should always be a top priority, and taking the necessary steps to prepare for the season
Sign up for our newsletter here