CORE Ch6 Cheat Sheet: Personal Protective Equipment

🎯 Top 5 Traps

1

Label PPE = MINIMUM. Wearing less is ILLEGAL and dangerous. PPE REDUCES but does NOT ELIMINATE exposure. PPE requirements appear under "Precautionary Statements" on the label. WPS-covered products (farm/forest/nursery/greenhouse) also have separate PPE requirements in the "Agricultural Use Requirements" box — often different for early-entry workers vs applicators. State, tribal, territorial, and local regulations may be MORE RESTRICTIVE than label or federal — when so, follow the more restrictive rule.

2

The SOLVENT in the pesticide formulation determines the required glove type — NOT the active ingredient. Hands take 85% of pesticide exposure during mixing, forearms 13% — gloves reduce exposure by 99%. Common label glove types: nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, barrier laminate, Viton®. Default thickness reference: 14 MILS. NEVER use absorbent materials (leather, cloth) — they trap pesticide against skin and INCREASE absorption. EXCEPTION: cloth gloves are used with FUMIGANTS. Check gloves for leaks by filling with clean water and gently squeezing.

3

Particulate filter ratings: N-series is NOT oil-resistant; R-series is oil-resistant for up to 8 HOURS; P-series is oil-PROOF. Use the LABEL-SPECIFIED rating. Efficiency ratings: 95, 99, or 100 (higher = lower filter leakage). DO NOT use N-series with pesticide mixes containing oil OR with adjuvants (which may contain oil). Replace particulate filters per manufacturer or label, whichever is MORE FREQUENT. Default: 8 HOURS cumulative use, OR whenever damaged/torn/soiled or when breathing becomes too difficult. PAPRs use HE (High Efficiency) filters. Particulate filters DO NOT remove gases or vapors — for those, use chemical cartridges.

4

Chemical cartridges/canisters use sorbents to remove gases and vapors. ANY taste, smell, or irritation = BREAKTHROUGH — change immediately. ALWAYS dispose of chemical cartridges at the END OF THE WORKDAY (unless manufacturer directs otherwise) — pesticide trapped by sorbent may DESORB overnight and be inhaled the next day. Most typical: ORGANIC VAPOR (OV) cartridge. Chemical cartridges are essentially 100% efficient UNTIL breakthrough. Do NOT use after expiration date even if unopened. Combination cartridges include both chemical and particulate filtration — follow change-out rule for whichever expires first.

5

FIT TEST and SEAL CHECK are different procedures — both required for tight-fitting respirators. FIT TEST: selects the right size/type via QUALITATIVE (test agent outside mask checks for leakage) or QUANTITATIVE (instrumentation numerically measures leakage). Required ANNUALLY + whenever something physically changes the fit (facial scarring, dental work, cosmetic surgery, significant change in body weight). SEAL CHECK: every time you put on the mask. POSITIVE-PRESSURE (cover exhalation port + lightly exhale; air escapes through gaps) OR NEGATIVE-PRESSURE (cover/seal inhale surface + suck in; mask should collapse on face). NOTHING must interfere with seal — beards or stubble disqualify. PAPR with loose-fitting hood needs NO fit test — facial hair is OK.

🔢 Numbers You Must Know

Number

What It Represents

14 mils

Default glove thickness referenced by pesticide labels (except for polyethylene and barrier laminate gloves). Thicker gloves = longer breakthrough time under identical conditions.

85% / 13% / 99%

Pesticide exposure during mixing: 85% on hands, 13% on forearms. Wearing protective gloves reduces exposure by 99%.

8 hours

R-series particulate filter oil resistance limit. Also default replacement interval for particulate filters when no other directions are given (cumulative use).

3 oil-resistance ratings

N (NOT oil-resistant), R (oil-resistant up to 8 hours), P (oil-PROOF). HE = PAPR particulate filter rating ("High Efficiency").

3 efficiency ratings

95, 99, 100 — particulate filter efficiency. Higher = lower filter leakage. Filter class (e.g., N95, P100) marked on filter, package, or respirator box.

8 glove categories

EPA Chemical Resistance Category Selection Chart for Gloves: A through H. Category A = any waterproof material. Categories G + H = ONLY barrier laminate or Viton®.

6 NIOSH TC designations

TC-84A (filtering facepieces, APRs), TC-21C (PAPR with HE filter), TC-23C (APRs/PAPRs with chemical cartridges), TC-14G (gas masks with canisters), TC-13F (SCBA), TC-19C (supplied-air respirator)

Annual fit test

Minimum fit test frequency for tight-fitting respirators — plus any time physical changes affect facial fit (scarring, dental work, cosmetic surgery, significant weight change).

2 wash cycles

Recommended for lightly or moderately contaminated work clothes — PLUS one additional empty cycle with detergent + hot water before using washer for household laundry.

2 respirator classes

(1) Atmosphere-supplying respirators (provide clean air from uncontaminated source — SCBA, supplied-air); (2) Air-purifying respirators / APRs (remove contaminants — particulate filters and/or chemical cartridges/canisters)

EPA PPE definition

Coveralls, apron, gloves, footwear, headgear, eyewear, respirators. Basic protective WORK CLOTHING (separate baseline): long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toed shoes, socks.

🔀 Easily Confused

Pair / Group

Distinguishing Feature

Work clothing vs PPE

Work clothing: basic baseline always required — long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toed shoes, socks. Tightly woven, free of holes, shirt collar fastened. PPE (per EPA): additional layers required by label — coveralls, apron, gloves, footwear, headgear, eyewear, respirators.

Coverall vs Apron

Coverall: loose-fitting one or two-piece garment covering ENTIRE BODY except head, hands, and feet. May be woven (cotton/twill) or nonwoven, reusable or disposable. Apron: chemical-resistant; covers FRONT of body from middle of chest to knees; required by some labels for mixing/loading or cleaning equipment.

Chemical-resistant vs Waterproof

Chemical-resistant: prevents any measurable amount of material from breaking through — required for various solvents (alcohols, ketones, petroleum distillates). Affected by contact time, concentration, temperature, product. Waterproof: required for solid or water-based formulations only. Less protective than chemical-resistant.

Solvent vs Active ingredient (glove selection)

The SOLVENT — not the active ingredient — determines the required glove type. Same active ingredient may require different glove types in different formulations. Read EACH label carefully. Categories A-H reference solvent type, not pesticide function.

Cloth gloves: forbidden vs allowed

FORBIDDEN with most pesticides — absorbent materials trap pesticide against bare skin and INCREASE absorption. EXCEPTION: cloth gloves are used WITH FUMIGANTS. The one fumigant exception to the absorbent-materials rule.

Footwear: chemical-resistant vs Leather substitution

Default chemical-resistant footwear: heavy-duty UNLINED RUBBER boots or shoe covers. Leather and canvas absorb pesticides — cannot be decontaminated. EXCEPTION: regulations allow leather as substitute for chemical-resistant boots ONLY when chemical-resistant footwear required by label is not durable enough for rough terrain. Pant legs OUTSIDE boots to prevent runoff into footwear.

Eyewear types

From minimum to maximum: SAFETY GLASSES with shields at front, brow, and temple (minimum protection — does NOT protect from splashes); GOGGLES (splash- and spray-proof, air baffle, no side vents — required for high-exposure like indoor mists/fogs/aerosols, open-cab air-blast); FACE SHIELD; FULL-FACE RESPIRATOR.

N vs R vs P particulate filter

N-series: NOT oil-resistant — do NOT use with pesticide mixes containing oil OR with adjuvants (may contain oil). R-series: oil-resistant for up to 8 HOURS. P-series: oil-PROOF. P is the most permissive choice when in doubt.

Particulate filter vs Chemical cartridge

Particulate filter: removes dusts, aerosols, sprays — does NOT remove gases or vapors. Discard when soiled (cannot be cleaned). Chemical cartridge/canister: uses sorbents to remove gases and vapors — does NOT remove particulates. Most typical: organic vapor (OV) cartridge. Discard at end of workday.

Atmosphere-supplying vs Air-purifying respirator

Atmosphere-supplying: provides clean breathable air from uncontaminated source (SCBA, supplied-air respirator). Required for IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) — e.g., phosphide fumigants in enclosed areas. Air-purifying (APR): removes contaminants from air. Does NOT supply oxygen. NEVER use in limited-oxygen or IDLH environments.

Powered (PAPR) vs Nonpowered APR

PAPR: blower passes contaminated air through purifying elements; tight-fitting facepiece OR loose-fitting hood. Nonpowered APR: tight-fitting facepiece seals directly to face. Single-use particulate-filtering facepieces, half-masks, full facepieces with replaceable elements, gas masks with canisters.

Fit test vs Seal check

Fit test: SELECTS the right size/type of mask for your face. Annual + after physical changes. Qualitative (test agent outside) or quantitative (instrumentation). Seal check: CONFIRMS proper seating EVERY TIME you put on the mask. Positive-pressure (exhale into closed exhalation port) or negative-pressure (suck in with sealed inhale).

Qualitative vs Quantitative fit test

Qualitative: test agent outside the mask checks for leakage at the seal. Kits available, easy to use. Quantitative: instrumentation numerically measures leakage into the respirator.

Positive vs Negative pressure seal check

Positive-pressure: cover exhalation port with palm and lightly EXHALE — feel air escaping through gaps. Negative-pressure: cover inhalation surface and SUCK IN — mask should collapse on face if sealed. Preferably perform BOTH every time you put on the mask.

Tight-fitting respirator vs PAPR loose-fitting hood

Tight-fitting: requires fit test + seal check; nothing can interfere with seal (no beards/stubble). PAPR with loose-fitting hood: NO fit test required; people with FACIAL HAIR can use it; useful when you cannot get a proper fit with tight-fitting.

Particulate filter vs Chemical cartridge replacement schedule

Particulate filters: per manufacturer or label (whichever more frequent), default 8 HOURS cumulative use, or sooner if damaged/torn/soiled. Chemical cartridges: at END OF WORKDAY (pesticide may desorb overnight) — OR immediately upon any taste, smell, or irritation (breakthrough).

👤 PPE by Body Part Quick Reference

Body / Equipment

Requirements

Key Notes

Body — Work clothing (always)

Long-sleeved shirt + long pants + closed-toed shoes + socks. Tightly woven fabrics, no holes/tears, fasten shirt collar.

ALWAYS the minimum, even for very low hazard pesticides. Store and launder separately from family laundry. Don't use for non-pesticide tasks.

Body — Coveralls

Loose-fitting one- or two-piece. Covers entire body except head, hands, feet. Woven (cotton, twill) or nonwoven; reusable or disposable.

Required by some labels as second layer. Disposable coveralls reduce decontamination time. Lessens taking pesticides home. Replace regularly + at any sign of wear.

Mixing/loading — Apron

Chemical-resistant. Covers front of body from middle of chest to knees.

Required by some labels for mixing/loading, cleaning equipment, or when otherwise exposed to concentrate. Watch around moving equipment (PTO can catch strings).

Head — Headgear

For overhead applications: chemical-resistant hat with wide brim OR hood (hood attached to jacket/suit also protects neck/back).

NO cotton, leather, or straw — absorbent materials trap pesticide. Wash at end of day.

Feet — Footwear

Closed toes minimum. Chemical-resistant when required: heavy-duty UNLINED RUBBER boots or shoe covers. Leather/canvas allowed only when chemical-resistant not durable enough for rough terrain.

PUT PANT LEGS OUTSIDE BOOTS to prevent runoff into footwear. Boots extending past ankle and at least halfway to knee for entering treated areas. Wash inside AND outside. Do NOT wear work footwear home.

Hands — Gloves

Common label types: nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, barrier laminate, Viton®. Default thickness 14 mils. Solvent (NOT active ingredient) determines glove type. EPA Reference Categories A-H.

NO absorbent materials (leather, cloth) — EXCEPT cloth gloves with FUMIGANTS. Fit matters: too tight stretches, too loose lets pesticide run inside. Wash before removing. Replace at any sign of wear or leak. Discard if leak found by water-fill test.

Eyes — Eyewear

Minimum: SAFETY GLASSES with shields at front, brow, and temple. For splash/spray: GOGGLES (splash- and spray-proof, air baffle, NO side vents). FACE SHIELD or FULL-FACE RESPIRATOR for full coverage.

Safety glasses do NOT protect from splashes. Goggles required for indoor mists/fogs/aerosols, open-cab air-blast. Eyewash dispenser available when goggles required. Consult eye doctor if you wear contact lenses.

Lungs — Respirator

Must be NIOSH-approved. Type specified by label depends on formulation, application method, environment.

NEVER interchange parts/cartridges/filters between manufacturers. Get medical evaluation before using. Tight-fitting requires annual fit test + seal check at every use. Don't store with or near pesticides.

😷 Respirator Types + Filters/Cartridges Quick Reference

Type

What It Does

When / Key Specifics

Atmosphere-supplying: SCBA

Self-contained breathing apparatus — provides clean air from uncontaminated source.

Required for IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) environments — e.g., phosphide fumigants in enclosed areas. Pressure-demand SCBA with full facepiece.

Atmosphere-supplying: Supplied-air

Airline respirator — clean air piped from external source.

For high-toxicity exposure. Pressure-demand full facepiece air-line with SCBA escape bottle for emergencies in IDLH situations.

Air-purifying: Nonpowered APR

Tight-fitting facepiece seals to face. Single-use particulate-filtering facepieces, half-masks, full facepieces with replaceable elements.

Removes contaminants from air. Does NOT supply oxygen — NEVER use in limited-oxygen or IDLH environments. Requires fit test + seal check.

Air-purifying: Powered (PAPR)

Blower passes contaminated air through purifying elements. Tight-fitting facepiece OR loose-fitting hood.

PAPR with loose-fitting hood: NO fit test required; facial hair OK. Particulate filters use HE rating.

Air-purifying: Gas mask

APR using canisters (instead of cartridges). May have particulate filter as well.

NIOSH designation TC-14G. Tight-fitting PAPR with gas canister also TC-14G.

N-series filter

Particulate filter — NOT oil-resistant.

Do NOT use with oil-containing pesticide mixes OR with adjuvants (may contain oil). Cannot be cleaned once soiled.

R-series filter

Particulate filter — oil-resistant for up to 8 HOURS.

Limited oil exposure tolerance. Replace at 8 hours cumulative or sooner if damaged.

P-series filter

Particulate filter — oil-PROOF.

Most permissive choice when in doubt. Effective with oil-containing mixes and adjuvants.

HE filter

High Efficiency particulate filter for PAPR.

The PAPR equivalent of nonpowered APR particulate filters. Specified by label as "HE."

Filter efficiency 95/99/100

Particulate filter efficiency rating. Higher = lower filter leakage.

If label requires efficiency 100 for any oil-resistance category, may use N100, R100, or P100. Class clearly marked on filter.

Chemical cartridge / Canister

Sorbent removes specific gases and vapors. Most typical for pesticides: organic vapor (OV).

Does NOT remove particulates. Essentially 100% efficient until breakthrough. Any taste, smell, or irritation = change immediately. ALWAYS dispose at end of workday (pesticide may desorb overnight). Don't use after expiration date.

Combination cartridge + filter

Single unit (or cartridge + retaining-ring N/R/P filter for nonpowered, HE for PAPR).

Required when label calls for both gas/vapor and particulate protection. Follow change-out for whichever expires first (e.g., breakthrough on chemical = change cartridge even if filter still good).

Fit test

Selects right size/type of tight-fitting respirator for your face.

QUALITATIVE (test agent outside mask checks leakage) or QUANTITATIVE (instrumentation measures leakage). Annually + whenever physical changes affect fit (scarring, dental work, cosmetic surgery, significant weight change).

Seal check

Confirms proper seating EVERY time mask is put on.

POSITIVE-PRESSURE: cover exhalation port + lightly exhale; air escapes through gaps. NEGATIVE-PRESSURE: cover/seal inhale surface + suck in; mask should collapse on face. Preferably both.

💡 Memory Hooks

Label PPE is the floor: "Label PPE is the minimum, not the maximum." Wearing less is illegal; PPE reduces but doesn't eliminate.

Glove selection driver: "Solvent picks the glove, not the active ingredient." Same active ingredient may need different gloves in different formulations.

Glove power: "Hands get 85 percent; gloves cut it 99 percent." Why gloves matter most.

Cloth gloves exception: "Cloth only with fumigants." The one fumigant carve-out from the absorbent-materials rule.

Pant runoff prevention: "Pant legs outside the boots." Stops pesticide from running into footwear.

Particulate filter mnemonic: "N is no oil; R is for hours; P is oil-proof." Three filter ratings for oil resistance.

Filter vs cartridge: "Particulates need filters; gases need cartridges." Two different threats, two different elements.

Cartridge daily disposal: "Cartridges out at the end of the day." Pesticide desorbs overnight.

Cartridge replacement signal: "Taste, smell, or irritation = breakthrough." Replace immediately.

Two procedures, two purposes: "Fit test selects; seal check confirms." Annual selection vs every-use confirmation.

Fit test frequency: "Annual fit test plus whenever your face changes." Scarring, dental work, cosmetic surgery, significant weight change.

Beards break the seal: "Tight-fitting needs a clean face." PAPR with loose hood is the workaround for facial hair.

PPE laundering: "Hot water, longest cycle, separate from family." Plus one empty cycle before household laundry.

Storage rule: "Don't store PPE near pesticides." Cross-contamination prevention.