What should you do to ensure personal safety before pesticide application?

Ensuring personal safety before pesticide application is crucial, and examining the area for risks is an essential step in this process. By assessing the area where the pesticide will be applied, you can identify potential hazards such as the presence of people, wildlife, or valuable plants that could be harmed by the pesticide. This step also involves checking for environmental factors like slopes or proximity to water sources that could lead to pesticide runoff, as well as evaluating the presence of any obstacles or structures that might pose a danger during application.

Addressing risks before applying pesticides contributes to creating a safer work environment and minimizes the risk of accidents or unintended exposure to chemicals.

Other steps, such as checking the weather and wearing protective clothing, while critical safety measures, do not directly involve assessing the immediate surroundings, which can vary significantly from one application to another. Consulting a colleague might be useful for general advice but does not replace the need for a thorough examination of the application area itself.