The most important thing that an applicator can do to reduce exposure is to wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the herbicide label. Follow all directions on the label regarding protective clothing. The mentioning of only one piece of safety equipment does not rule out the use of additional protection. Understanding herbicide toxicity, route of entry, length of exposure, and mixing and application methods should help you assess the hazard and select the proper protective clothing. You must know and comply with all label requirements. The greatest potential for exposure occurs while handling concentrated products during mixing and loading. Your hands and forearms offer the greatest potential for herbicide exposure. The product label or state regulations may specify additional protective clothing to be worn during loading that may not be required during application. Remember, the PPE required by the label is based on the LD50 or LC50 values, concerns about chronic exposure, and possible irritation of skin or eyes.

• Wear appropriate gloves when handling herbicide concentrates or when in contact with the spray solution, such as cleaning nozzles or adjusting the sprayer.
• Gloves should be long enough to protect the wrist.
• Liquid-proof, unlined, chemical-resistant (neoprene or nitrile) gloves are best for liquid formulations.
• Gloves should NOT be fabric-lined because the lining absorbs herbicides.
• Most labels require wearing long-sleeved shirts. Shirtsleeves should be outside of the gloves to keep the herbicide solution from running down the sleeves and into the gloves. However, when spraying or working with your hands and arms over your head, the shirtsleeves should be inside the gloves to prevent the herbicide from running from the gloves on to unprotected skin of the hands and arms.
• Gloves should be washed with soap and water before you remove them to prevent being exposed to herbicides when you remove, store, or re-use them.
• Test your gloves for leaks by filling them with water and gently squeezing.
• Replace gloves when the exterior shows signs of tearing, staining, or distress.

Since eyes can readily absorb most herbicides, wear some form of eye protection, such as safety glasses with brow and side protection, goggles, or a face shield. Liquid products can splash and dry materials can bounce or be blown into unprotected eyes.

• Be aware that goggles can fog up and present a different type of hazard.
• It's best to purchase safety glasses with UVL protection. This will help protect the eyes from the herbicide and blocks the sun's rays.
• Wash your eye protection equipment after each use so you do not become exposed to herbicide with the next use.
• When not in use, store safety glasses or goggles in a container to help protect them against scratches and breaks.

• Wear some form of head covering to protect your head anytime you are handling or applying herbicides.
• A wide-brimmed hat will help keep herbicides off your neck and face.
• Hats should not have a cloth or leather sweatband as they absorb chemicals and are difficult to clean.
• A separate sweatband should be easy to clean or be disposable.
• Baseball-type caps provide limited head protection from chemical exposure, and should be washed regularly with other clothes you wear during application.

• Sturdy shoes or boots are sufficient for most herbicide applications. Canvas or cloth boots can absorb herbicide and should be avoided.
• Boots are worn with trouser legs outside the boots to prevent the herbicide from running down your legs and into the boots.
• Neoprene or rubber boots are good precautionary gear when applying liquid herbicides in areas that must be walked through while making the application or when required by the product label.
• Rinse your neoprene boots before removing them to prevent exposure to chemicals when handling them.

The respiratory tract, including the lungs and other parts of the breathing system, is the fastest route for herbicide exposure. You must wear an approved respirator if required on the label. Very few herbicides require the use of a respirator, but follow label directions for those that do.

Dust masks can trap dust particles and pollen, but should NOT be considered to be respirators for handling pesticides.

A functional cartridge respirator absorbs herbicide vapors when the inhaled air is drawn through both a fiber filter pad and a cartridge. Cartridge respirators cover only the mouth and nose. For this reason, it is best to use one that is combined with goggles, or wear separate goggles that protect your eyes. Newer cartridge respirators are lightweight and disposable. Respirators are usually not required when using herbicides. Whether you are legally required to wear a NIOSH (National Institute of Safety and Health) approved respirator will depend on the herbicide label. If you do wear a respirator, wash it daily and check for proper fit before each use to prevent exposure to chemicals when wearing it again.

While it is beyond the scope of this manual, applicators should never wear a respirator unless they have completed an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) approved medical questionnaire, been examined by a physician if required, and been fitted by a trained professional to ensure the proper respirator is selected. It is almost impossible to successfully fit a respirator to your face if you wear a beard.