In the United States, garments worn by pesticide applicators range from long pant and long-sleeved shirt to chemical-resistant coverall. Typically, in hot climatic conditions applicators tend to wear the minimum level required to improve comfort. However, Washington state tree fruit applicators typically wear rain suits over regular clothing when the label requires long-sleeved shirt and long pant noting their concerns for any pesticide exposure and wetness from open cab, orchard airblast spray. A wear study was conducted in Washington to determine the user acceptance, durability and overall performance of four lighter-weight disposable coveralls that could provide a balance between protection and comfort. Participant response and visual observations of the coveralls were used to list the pros and cons for each garment. Feedback was provided to the manufacturers for their coverall(s) to assist in improving the garment design to be more suitable for agricultural spray applications.

Study of disposable coveralls worn by operators during spray application in orchards

248th National Meeting (2014)

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