Most farms, unless organic, use pesticides at some point or another.

Often people relate plant protection products with tillage farming, but weed control in grassland is a big part of pesticide use on farms.

Herbicides are the most widely used plant protection product in Ireland. In fact, approximately 60% of glyphosate sold to farmers in Ireland is used for reseeding grassland.

These products are very useful on farms, from reducing weed populations to fighting disease in crops and feeding plants nutrition. However, the products can also be harmful and so farmers need to take caution when using pesticides and dress appropriately. All farmers need to do this, no matter how often they use the products.

In the latest instalment of the health and wellbeing series, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Irish Farmers Journal travelled to Kildalton Agricultural College to chat to health and safety specialist John McNamara.

The first thing to note is that you cannot buy pesticides and are not allowed to spray unless you have completed a sprayer training course and have a pesticide operator number with the Department of Agriculture. Your sprayer must also be tested and have an in-date cert. Sprayers have to be tested every three years.

Sprayer

John noted the first thing farmers should ensure is that the sprayer is working efficiently. Farmers should use low drift nozzles where possible and spray at low pressure to reduce drift.

One of the most at risk jobs when spraying is when filling the sprayer. The product is concentrated before entering the sprayer, the fumes are strongest when a can is opened and there is a risk of spills and splashes. Farmers need to be dressed in the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at this time.

Suit

John advises all operators to wear at least a category three disposable Tyvek suit that zips up and has a hood to cover your head. If using a knapsack you should wear a higher-grade suit, up to category six, as you are very near the pesticide and the knapsack is on your back, so this is important in case of a spillage or a leak.

Wellingtons

Wellingtons are essential, and John noted that all PPE should fit you properly and be comfortable, to make sure it does not interfere with your work.

Face shield

The face shield should cover your face, forehead and chin. John noted that when measuring and pouring chemicals a face shield is essential. He also noted that it is important to have a forehead strap on the shield which tightens it, so that it is not loose and falling down while you are trying to work.

Respirator

Many products will require the use of a mask. This should be a respirator which has the correct filters for pesticides. John explained that farmers should purchase an ABEK1 filter that covers all pesticides. The respirator should be secure on your face and should be cleaned after use. The filters have a shelf life and should be disposed of and replaced when out of date.

Gloves

A good pair of gloves is essential to protect your skin. The gloves should be nitrile. John noted the gloves should be in good condition and emphasised that household gloves are not to be used under any circumstances, as they will not protect you from the chemical. The gloves should have a gauntlet that covers your wrist and goes up your arm over the suit. When purchasing PPE it is important to check products have a CE mark and an EN mark, to show that they are produced to a high standard and are going to do the job that they are supposed to do.