When pesticides are used according to
label directions there is very little
chance that they could cause harm,
however, in spite of all precautions an
accident with a pesticide could happen.
This video does not replace a first-aid
course but gives some tips on what you
can do if you or a co worker is exposed
to pesticides. Learn the signs of a
pesticide poisoning and what to do in an
emergency.
The symptoms of a pesticide poisoning
can be clear and immediate or can be
delayed and more subtle. Pesticide
poisoning symptoms can look like the flu
or heat exhaustion. If someone has been
working near pesticides and you see any
possible symptoms of pesticide poisoning
take first-aid action immediately. Prompt
action may save a life.
First-aid is the help that you can give
at the scene until the person receives
professional medical help.
There should be staff at your workplace
that is trained in first aid. In any
emergency, call that person. If the first
aider is not available and you can help,
always protect yourself first and check
the scene to make sure it is safe for
you to help. If you see someone
unconscious in an enclosed area, such as
a greenhouse, do not enter. There could be
something dangerous in the air. Get help
from someone who is trained to wear a
respirator. In an emergency call 911 or ask someone else
to call. If the person is unconscious
check to see if the person is breathing.
If not, check the airway for obstructions
and start CPR. If the person is breathing
put them in the recovery position. If the
person is conscious ask them if they
need help. If you think that pesticide
poisoning has occurred call someone who
is trained to handle pesticides and to
follow the instructions they get from
the pesticide label, safety data sheet or
the Ontario poison center. Stay with the
person until more help arrives.
Remember first-aid is not a substitute
for professional medical help. Get the
person medical help right away if needed.
If you breathe in a pesticide get to
fresh air immediately and call for help.
Loosen any tight clothing, sit down so it
is easier to breathe, and stay calm. Try
to breathe normally.
Your employer and first aider will
help see if you need further medical
support. Eyes can absorb pesticides very
easily. If you get pesticide in your eyes,
flush your eyes immediately with clean
cool water. Don't pry your eyes open, let
them open naturally under a gentle
stream of water. If pesticides are only
in one eye, tilt your head so that the
affected eye is facing down and the
water flows to the ground and not into
your other eye. Keep flushing your eyes
for at least 15 minutes. Your employer
and first aider will help see if you
need further medical support. Skin
contact is the most common way that
people can be poisoned from pesticides.
If you get pesticides on you, stop the
exposure and remove any contaminated
clothing. Wash or shower with lots of
soap and cool water right away. Wash your
skin, hair, and under your nails
thoroughly for 15 minutes. 15 minutes may
seem like a long time to wash but it is
necessary to remove as much of the
pesticide as possible and prevent it
from being absorbed into your skin. Put
on clean clothes and watch for any
allergy symptoms such as swelling or a
rash. If you have breathing or eye or
skin issues later you may need to see a
doctor. Your employer and first aider
will help see if you need further
medical support. If a pesticide is
swallowed, call for help immediately.
Don't try vomiting, it could make you
sicker. Wash your face and lips and rinse
your mouth with lots of water then spit
it out. Call or get someone else to call
the interior poison center. The interior
poison center will want to know what,
when, and how much pesticide was
swallowed, and the size of the person so
they can give the best advice for
treatment. Working on a hot day can make
you sick from the heat. Heat exposure or
sickness can look like pesticide
poisoning and can be very serious. Become
familiar with the signs and symptoms of
heat sickness such as headache, heavy
sweating, or shortness of breath and the
more serious symptoms of dizziness,
nausea or vomiting. If you feel the early
signs of heat sickness stop what you are
doing,
tell your employer and first aider, then
cool yourself down by drinking some
water and taking a break in a cool shady
area. If someone has heatstroke and
faints, passes out, or has convulsions,
call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency and fast action may
save the person's life. While waiting for
emergency services, remove excess
clothing, fan and cool the person with
water. If the person is conscious offer
sips of cool water. On hot days, consider
working with a buddy. Look out for early
signs and symptoms of heat sickness in
others and remind them to take
preventative steps like drinking water
frequently and resting in the shade.
Wherever you work, be prepared for an
emergency.
Know who at your work is trained in
first aid and CPR and also who is
trained in pesticide safety. Carry a
phone and know who else can call 911 for
help.
Know where to find clean water and the
first aid kit quickly. This can be part
of the emergency plan at your workplace
which should be reviewed every year.
Consider taking more training yourself
and be prepared to respond if you or a
co-worker is exposed to pesticides.
Knowing what to do quickly can keep you
and your co-workers safe
 
