What must you wear when you mix, load, or apply pesticides?

Wearing eye protection is crucial when mixing, loading, or applying pesticides due to the potential hazards associated with chemical exposure. Pesticides can contain harmful substances that may splash or aerosolize during these processes, posing a risk of eye injury or irritation. Appropriate eye protection, such as goggles or face shields, is designed to provide a barrier against these risks, ensuring that harmful chemicals do not contact the eyes.

While regular eyeglasses may offer some protection, they do not provide the same level of coverage or seal around the eyes, making them less effective in preventing exposure to pesticide splashes or vapors. Sunblock is not relevant to the immediate safety concerns associated with pesticide handling, as it is focused on protecting the skin from UV radiation rather than preventing chemical exposure. Heavy gloves are indeed important for protecting the hands, but they do not address the critical need for safeguarding the eyes during pesticide application activities. Thus, eye protection is the most essential component in ensuring safety when handling these chemicals.