- Tasks
- Plant protection products
- For users
- Personal protective equipment
- Overview
- Why do I need personal protective equipment in plant protection?
- When to use which PPE?
- BVL PPE Guideline: Which PPE is suitable?
- What are the individual requirements for PPE?
- BVL PPE data collection: How do I find suitable PPE?
- Cleaning, storage, disposal: How to handle PPE?
- Protective effect of driver's cabs in plant protection
Overview
Proper use of plant protection products includes the use of appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) to protect the hands, the body including the face and the eyes and in exceptional cases the respiratory tract. The required PPE is determined individually for each plant protection product, as it depends on the properties of the product and the application method. The packaging of a plant protection product states which equipment is required.
The BVL PPE Guideline specifies the requirements for PPE.
The BVL PPE Data Collection provides a list of suitable PPE products available on the German market.
Technical solutions can greatly reduce the contact with plant protection products for users. In Germany, suitable driver's cabs of tractors or self-propelled sprayers can replace prescribed PPE.
The BVL Cab Register (only in German) provides an overview of available tractors or self-propelled sprayers that have a high level of protection for the user and have been reported to the BVL by manufacturers. For more information on the BVL Cab Register, see the section Protective effects of driver cabs.
Further notifications of suitable products for the BVL PPE data collection or the BVL Cab Register by manufacturers and specialized trade as well as indications of necessary adaptations of product information are welcome and possible at any time. Please contact PSA-DB-Pflanzenschutz@bvl.bund.de in these cases or if you have any questions about both registers.
Why do I need personal protective equipment in plant protection?
Plant protection products are biologically active chemical mixtures. They are used to have an effect on living organisms such as pest plants and animals. In addition to the intended effect in plant protection, they can have harmful effects on health.
When handling plant protection products, ingredients can enter the human body through the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
In order to use plant protection products safely, personal protective equipment (PPE) is obligatory when required based on the risk assessment. PPE reduces absorption into the body to an acceptable level. Only if these regulations are fully observed can unacceptable risks be safely excluded. These specifications can be found as safety instructions on the label or in the instructions for use.
Further information can be found in our FAQ section (only in German).
When to use which PPE?
Basic information on work clothing
Users apply plant protection products in the crop. This includes preparation (preparing spray liquid and filling the sprayer), cleaning and disposing of empty plant protection product containers. They carry out planned actions and are aware of the possibility of (accidental) contact with the concentrate or diluted solution of the plant protection product at any time.
Long working clothes are a prerequisite for risk assessment and are also considered basic work hygiene equipment. For this reason, it is obligatory for users of plant protection products to wear long working clothes and sturdy footwear. Further details can be found in the BVL PPE Guideline. Compliance with the guideline is stipulated in the authorisation procedure (SB111).
In another exposure scenario, workers may come into contact with plant protection products during follow-up activities in treated crops. Here too, the BVL recommends always wearing long work clothing. If this is even necessary due to the risk assessment, corresponding safety instructions are prescribed with the authorisation.
Work clothing used for work involving contact with plant protection products is to be handled like personal protective equipment. This includes a change of clothing after completion of the work, appropriate storage and separate laundering.
Handling of concentrated plant protection products
When handling concentrated plant protection products, PPE may be required to protect the hands, body including face and eyes. In exceptional cases, respiratory protection is required.
Standard recommendation when preparing spray agents and filling the sprayer (mixing and loading)
As standard protective equipment when preparing spray liquid and filling the sprayer, the BVL recommends wearing protective gloves, a long-sleeved apron and a face shield in addition to work clothing and sturdy footwear.
These three elements provide comprehensive protection of the body surface and can be put on and taken off very quickly.
Handling diluted products
It may also be necessary for a user to wear PPE when applying plant protection products. PPE may be required to protect the hands, body including face and eyes, and in exceptional cases respiratory protection.
Protective effect of driver's cabs
If an enclosed driver's cab is available that meets the requirements of the BVL, it is possible to not apply PPE regulations. The application in closed driver's cabs can then usually be carried out in work clothing suitable for plant protection.
Suitable (disposable) protective gloves must be carried in the driver's cab in case technical faults on the equipment need to be fixed or measures need to be taken on the plant culture.
To protect work clothes from contamination caused by work on the plant protection equipment or the crops, a long-sleeved apron can be a practicable solution. The long-sleeved apron can be put on and taken off outside the cab, preventing contamination on clothing from plant protection products being carried into the cab.
Cleaning of equipment and disposal of empty containers
The standard clothing recommended for cleaning equipment and empty plant protection product containers for disposal is the combination of work clothing, sturdy footwear, long-sleeved apron, protective gloves and a face shield.
Follow-up activities in treated crops
Follow-up work must not be carried out in treated crops until the spray coating has dried. Nevertheless, contact with treated crops may result in the transfer of residues to unprotected skin.
Even if there are no special regulations on wearing long work clothing, the BVL recommends always using this standard protective measure.
In justified individual cases, the use of protective gloves is additionally required in addition to work clothing.
Inspections and control activities
In-house inspections and control activities fall into the category of follow-up activities. The regulations and recommendations on the use of work clothing and protective gloves must be observed.
Official inspections and control activities are partly characterised by a lack of precise knowledge about plant protection measures. This lack of information should be addressed by appropriate PPE.
For activities in dry stands, protective gloves (G1 or GR) and suitable work clothing are recommended. For precautionary reasons, certified work clothing of category C2 should be considered.
Dewy or rain-soaked stands should only be entered with liquid-tight PPE (e.g. protective suit C3, protective gloves G1).
BVL PPE Guideline: Which PPE is suitable?
General requirements for PPE
The European Regulation (EU) No. 546/2011 regulates the "Uniform Principles" for the evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products in the EU Member States. According to these, the following applies to PPE in plant protection: "where the proposed conditions of use require use of items of protective clothing and equipment, no authorisation shall be granted unless those items are effective and in accordance with the relevant EU provisions and are readily obtainable by the user ...". It is also required that the use of the PPE "... is feasible […] under the circumstances of use of the plant protection product, taking into account climatic conditions in particular".
Regulations in Germany
In Germany, the BVL PPE Guideline "Personal protective equipment when handling plant protection products" was published to determine which PPE is in principle suitable.
Further guidelines on the suitability of various protective gloves for use in plant protection have been published in a technical information leaflet.
A list of certified work clothing, protective suits against plant protection products, long-sleeved aprons and protective gloves (plant protection) that meet the requirements of the BVL PPE Guideline is available here (only in German).
Contents of the BVL PPE Guideline
The BVL PPE Guideline compiles the minimum requirements for PPE for users and workers in plant protection in accordance with the requirements from the "Uniform Principles" of Regulation (EU) No. 546/2011.
The framework is provided by the introductory definitions of the handling of plant protection products and of follow-up activities. This characterises the areas of application of PPE in plant protection.
The central part of the BVL Guideline is formed by the requirements for individual PPE elements for the protection of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. These are based on (inter)national standards. If certain standards for protective gloves and protective suits are met, it is possible to label the products with the pictogram "Erlenmeyer flask with leaf".
The section on the level of protection of driver's cabs as a substitute for PPE shows an example of technical measures to protect users.
Hierarchy of protective measures: STOP
Source: SVLFG
This approach is based on the STOP principle, according to which technical solutions to reduce exposure are to be given preference over personal protective equipment.
Further information on this topic can be found on the website of the SVLFG, the German employers' liability insurance association for the agricultural sector.
What are the individual requirements for PPE?
Work clothing in plant protection
Work clothing in plant protection consists of a long-sleeved jacket and long trousers or a long-sleeved work suit (overall).
There are two types of suitable work clothing:
- Certified work clothing of protection levels C1 or C2 according to EN ISO 27065. Such protective clothing can be labelled with the pictogram "Erlenmeyer flask with leaf".
- Non-certified work wear consisting of a mixed fabric of cotton and polyester with a minimum polyester content of 65 % and a fabric thickness (grammage) of at least 245 g/m².
In combination with the long-sleeved apron, the work clothing can be worn as an alternative to a protective suit against plant protection products, e.g. when preparing the spray liquid.
Body protection
If a protective suit (plant protection) is required for handling the plant protection product, the following types are suitable for this purpose:
- Level C3 protective clothing according to EN ISO 27065
- Protective suits according to DIN 32781 (withdrawn 2021*)
- Chemical protective suits type 3 (liquid-tight) or type 4 (spray-tight) according to EN 14605
Protective clothing can be labelled with the pictogram "Erlenmeyer flask with leaf" if it complies with EN ISO 27065 or DIN 32781.
The combination of a long-sleeved apron and long work clothing can replace a prescribed protective suit (also in combination with a "rubber apron") if the risk of contamination is limited to the front of the body (see technical bulletin of 7 June 2019, only in German).
Body protection in Plant Protection EN ISO 27065
Source: BVL
*) DIN 32781 was withdrawn in 2021. Corresponding products continue to meet the requirements of the BVL PPE Guideline and may be used as long as the instructions for use permit.
Long-Sleeved Apron
The long sleeved apron protects the front and side of the body from the neck to the shoes (for example, from splashes of pesticide concentrate). Combined with long work clothing, it can replace a prescribed protective suit as well as the combination of protective suit and "rubber apron" if the risk of contamination is limited to the front of the body.
Suitable long-sleeved aprons must be certified either according to EN 14605 (type 3 or 4) or EN ISO 27065 (level C3).
The latter can be labelled with the pictogram "Erlenmeyer flask with leaf".
After use (e.g. preparation of spray liquid), the long sleeved apron is taken off again immediately. This avoids the transfer of residues from the long sleeved apron to other surfaces, for example the inside of the tractor cab.
The long sleeved apron can also be worn in combination with work clothing as an alternative to a protective suit against plant protection products during activities outside the driver's cab during application. This applies when the front side of the body in particular could come into contact with plant protection products, e.g. when repairing equipment faults.
Further information and examples on the use of long sleeved aprons in crop protection can be found in the technical bulletin: "The long-sleeved apron as a new element of personal protective equipment for users" of 7 June 2019 (only in German).
Protective gloves
Most exposure when handling plant protection products occurs via the skin. Unprotected hands are the most significant entry point for chemicals into the body relative to other areas of the body. Therefore, protection of the hands requires special attention.
Which protective gloves are suitable?
The concentration of the plant protection product and the type of activity require different levels of protection and mechanical properties of the gloves. Therefore, there are different types of protective gloves for use in crop protection. ISO 18889 specifies the following three levels of protection:
- G2: protective gloves tested against mechanical risks with high impermeability to test chemicals for handling concentrated plant protection products.
- G1: protective gloves not tested against mechanical risks with lower impermeability to test chemicals; NOT suitable for handling concentrated plant protection products
- GR: partially coated protective gloves for follow-up activities in treated crops with dried (on) residues.
Protective gloves certified according to ISO 18889 can be labelled with the pictogram "Erlenmeyer flask with leaf".
Protective gloves according to ISO 18889
Source: SVLFG
Chemical protective gloves as an alternative to ISO 18889
Protective gloves that meet the requirements of the BVL PPE Guideline with regard to test chemicals as well as suitability according to EN374-1 (chemical risks) and EN388 (mechanical risks) are also suitable.
Suitability of protective gloves in plant protection
Source: BVL
Which glove for which activity?
The table from the technical information "Use of protective gloves in plant protection" shows an allocation of suitable protective gloves of protection levels G2, G1 and GR to various activities in plant protection and control or inspection activities. All activities are explained in detail in the technical information.
Use of suitable protective gloves in plant protection
Source: BVL
Head protection
If head protection is required when applying plant protection products, this refers to the permanently attached hood on work clothing or protective suits.
This is intended to protect the user from aerosols and possible dripping of the plant protection product, for example, during overhead application in indoor crops.
Face/eye protection
If eye or face protection is prescribed for handling plant protection products, this means either tightly fitting protective goggles or a face shield/visor.
Only basket-shaped safety goggles (full-view goggles) are suitable for use as safety goggles. A face shield/visor protects the entire face from splashes and closes tightly at the forehead.
Breathing apparatus and face shields/visors cannot normally be combined. If respiratory protection is required in addition to eye or face protection, this can be provided by combining goggles and a respirator.
A respirator helmet or hood or a full face mask can also provide the required protection for the eyes and facial skin.
Further information on standards to be complied with (EN 166) can be found in the BVL PPE Guideline.
Respiratory protection
In individual cases, respiratory protection is required for handling plant protection products. This means at least a certified (particle) filtering half mask or a half mask with removable filters. Full-face masks or respirator hoods and helmets with appropriate filter equipment are also suitable. The required (minimum) protection against particles and gases is specified in the authorisation.
The tight fit of the breathing connection is critical for the protective effect of the respirator. It should be noted that the air-tightness of full and half masks as well as filtering respirators can be impaired at the sealing lines by facial hair. The combinability with glasses should also be considered in this regard.
Foot protection
If sturdy footwear or rubber boots are required when handling plant protection products, the following minimum requirements apply:
Solid footwear:
Category "S2" according to EN 20345 fulfils basic requirements regarding closed heel area, antistatic properties, energy absorption capacity in the heel area, fuel resistance, protection from water penetration and water absorption.
Rubber boots:
Labelling category "S4" or "S5" and height "D" according to the size table in the EN 20345 standard.
BVL PPE data collection: How do I find suitable PPE?
BVL PPE data collection
The BVL PPE Guideline describes in detail the requirements for the elements of personal protective equipment. The requirements of the guideline also form the basis for the BVL PPE Data Collection, in which suitable protective clothing is compiled.
The table contains an overview of certified work clothing, protective suits, long-sleeved aprons and protective gloves. The BVL PPE Data Collection is a service offered by the BVL. It collects the results of a consultation with manufacturers and lists reported products. The list does not claim to be complete. Further reports of suitable products by manufacturers of protective clothing and specialised trade are welcome and possible at any time at PSA-DB-Pflanzenschutz@bvl.bund.de.
Cleaning, storage, disposal: How to handle PPE?
Cleaning
Any obvious contamination has to be rinsed off with water. PPE for single use must then be disposed of. PPE for repeated use can be washed in a standard household washing machine. PPE must always be cleaned separately from normal household laundry. The manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care of the PPE must be observed to ensure that the protective effect is not impaired.
Storage
The manufacturer's instructions for storing PPE must be observed, especially with regard to temperature, humidity and shelf life. PPE must be stored in a clean and dry condition in a separate place.
Disposal
PPE for single use must be disposed of after use. PPE with obvious damage or signs of wear must be disposed of because it no longer has the required protective effect. The manufacturer's instructions for the PPE must be observed.
Protective effect of driver's cabs in plant protection
What protective effect do driver's cabs provide in crop protection?
Tightly sealed driver's cabs with air filtration offer a technical alternative to effectively protect users from exposure to spray mist during the application of plant protection products. In appropriate driver's cabs, protective clothing can therefore be omitted. The use of driver's cabs with a high level of protection is strongly recommended by the BVL.
The protective effect depends on the technical design and handling of the various cabs and can be divided into categories with different levels of protection.
Category 1:
Vehicles without a defined level of protection or without a tightly closing driver's cab. Mandatory personal protective equipment cannot be omitted under any circumstances.
Categorie 2*:
Tightly closed driver's cabs with supply air filtering and air conditioning protect against spray mist. Prescribed protective suits, protective gloves and eye or face protection do not have to be worn when the cab is closed.
Categories 3 and 4:
Cabins that comply with categories 3 or 4 according to EN 15695-1 and -2 are also suitable to replace mandatory respiratory protection. Due to the filter design, cabs of both categories can replace particle-filtering respiratory protection. Only category 4 cabins provide adequate protection against gaseous hazardous substances.
The following figure is taken from the technical report "Use of tightly closing driver's cabs with air filtration in plant protection" of 8 January 2020 (only in German). It provides an overview of the PPE that can be omitted when using high-quality driver's cabs.
Possible replacement of prescribed PPE by driver cabs
Source: BVL
The technical testing of cabins for tractors and self-propelled sprayers can be carried out at the JKI. After successful testing, it is confirmed to the applicant that the criteria for the respective cabin category according to EN 15695-1 have been met.
In order to maintain the protective effect of driver's cabs in the long term, filters integrated in the ventilation system must be changed regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If suitable higher-quality filters with a retention function for aerosols and gaseous substances are available for category 2* and 3 cabins, it is recommended to use them for plant protection purposes.
Further details and recommendations were published in the technical bulletin "Use of tightly closing driver's cabs with air filtration in plant protection" of 8 January 2020 (only in German).
BVL Cab Register: Which tractors and self-propelled machines are equipped with high-quality driver cabs?
The BVL technical bulletin "Use of tightly closing driver's cabs with air filtration in plant protection" of 8 January 2020 (only in German) provides a summary on the suitability of vehicles for use in crop protection. For new purchases of tractors and self-propelled vehicles it is recommended to choose equipment with certified pressurised cabins of categories 3 and 4 (according to EN1 5695-1 and -2).
To document the availability of corresponding vehicles, the BVL has created an overview in close cooperation with the companies organised in the VDMA (German Agricultural Machinery Association). The newly established Cab Register is a directory of tractors and self-propelled vehicles.
The BVL Cab Register (only in German) is a service offered by the BVL. The contents of the product reports are provided by the companies listed on a voluntary basis. There is no obligation to report products to the BVL. In this respect, the Cab Register does not claim to be complete. It is solely an information platform for reported vehicles and equipment variants. For further information, links to the manufacturers' websites are provided.
Further notifications of appropriate products by manufacturers of tractors and self-propelled vehicles for use in plant protection are welcome. Adjustments to existing list entries are also possible at any time. To contact us, please send an e-mail to PSA-DB-Pflanzenschutz@bvl.bund.de.
