PPE should always be worn when using hazardous chemicals.
As the saying goes, the dose makes the poison. Everything is a chemical, but the dose of that chemical is what can make it dangerous.
Farm work often requires handling large amounts of chemicals like cleaning supplies, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, process-specific chemicals, and water.
Specific chemical use will vary depending widely. Each type of farm, different crops or livestock, and individual farming practices all require different chemicals.
Ensuring all workers are using chemicals safely will help mitigate potentially harmful exposures.
Common Chemicals Used on Farms
All farms use chemicals of some form, even organic produce farms. Synthetic chemicals are no more dangerous, and no safer, than ‘natural’ chemicals.
This means that all farm workers have at least some exposures to chemical hazards.
Some common chemical types that are used include:
- Fertilizers - Various fertilizers are used to provide essential nutrients to the soil and promote plant growth. Common fertilizers include ammonium nitrate, urea, superphosphate, and potassium chloride.
- Pesticides and herbicides - Used to control weeds, pests, and insects that damage crops. Common substances include nicotine sulphate, copper sulphate, atrazine, simazine, glyphosate, benzoic acids, organophosphates, and metham sodium.
- Cleaning products - Equipment, vehicles, even animals and people are often cleaned with chemical cleaning products. Disinfectants, bleaches, soaps, and detergents are all commonly used.
- Veterinary Medications - Farms with livestock often use veterinary medications to treat and prevent diseases in animals. These may include antibiotics, dewormers, vaccines, and insecticides to control parasites like ticks and flies.
- Rodenticides - These chemicals are used to control rodent populations that can cause damage to crops and stored grain. Common rodenticides include warfarin, bromadiolone, and zinc phosphide.
- Adjuvants - Adjuvants are substances added to pesticides and herbicides to enhance their effectiveness and improve their application. These can include surfactants, spreaders, stickers, and penetrants.
- Water - Continual exposure to water, such as regular hand washing, can lead to skin problems.
- Vehicle fluids - Chemicals used for the operation and maintenance of farm vehicles, such as petrol, coolants, and lubricants.
Exposure
Exposure to some of these substances can lead to a variety of short-term and chronic conditions. Depending on the chemical concentration and dose, harmful exposure could occur with a very small amount, or over a prolonged period.
Symptoms of harmful chemical exposure can include:
- Headache
- Skin irritation including rashes and dermatitis
- Irritation of the respiratory system
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chemical burns
- Nervous system disorders
- Poisoning
- Birth defects
- Lung, liver, or kidney disorders
Increasing Chemical Safety on the Farm
The best way to keep the farm chemically safe is to ensure that all state and national regulations are followed.
All hazardous chemicals should be labelled, stored, and used according to their safety data sheets. This includes appropriate signage around where chemicals are stored and used. Safety data sheets must be accessible to all workers, and a central list of dangerous substances should be created. Safe Work Australia has a bank of information which should be consulted.
Workers should be trained in safe handling of all chemicals they will be using. Safe handling includes proper use, storage, and response to exposure of chemicals. This means, at a minimum, basic first aid training. Depending on the chemicals used on the farm, further training specific to these chemicals may be needed.
Certain airborne chemicals, such as sprays, should be appropriately monitored to ensure that safe levels are maintained. Workplace exposure standards must be always adhered to.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, shoe covers, and masks. Using the correct PPE can mitigate mild accidental exposure to many chemicals.
First Aid for Chemical Exposure
All workers should receive appropriate training in safe handling of all chemicals used on the farm. Training should include reviewing safety data sheets, which have emergency first aid instructions for each chemical.
In cases of severe exposure, Triple Zero should be called immediately. Get medical help right away, even if the exposure happens in a remote location. Seek medical advice and attention as soon as possible.
As a general guide, if the skin or eye is exposed to hazardous chemicals, the area should be flushed with lots of water. Starting treatment quickly after suspected exposure reduces damage, so it's important to act promptly.
If the person needs to be transported for treatment, continue flushing the site while transporting.
If clothing is compromised, it needs to be removed immediately to reduce the risk of further exposure.
In the event that a hazardous chemical is ingested, do not induce vomiting. Contact the Poison Information Centre on 131 126 immediately.
If a hazardous chemical or toxic fumes are inhaled, move the person to fresh air immediately. Ventilate the area by opening windows and turning on fans if possible. Seek medical attention straight away by calling Triple Zero and/or the Poison Information Centre. Make the person comfortable by loosening any tight clothing to assist with breathing.
If your First Aid training is not up to date, contact us today to arrange for a refresher.
Related Articles
Almost every job involves using the body to carry out some type of manual task. Some tasks may be hazardous, causing injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Knowing how to manage them is a legal responsibility of all workplaces.
In Australia, workplace safety is a top priority, and First Aid plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of employees. Workplaces are expected to adhere to specific regulations and guidelines outlined by Safe Work Australia. How does your workplace stack up?
No matter how experienced you are as an outdoor activity leader, there are some things you should always do to keep your group safe. Nature can be unpredictable, and so it’s best to be prepared.
As you raise your glass to toast to good times, let's also raise awareness about safety, because partying responsibly is about more than just having a great time – it's about ensuring that everyone goes home unscathed.
A well-prepared first aid kit is an essential tool for any home baker. Accidents can happen at any time, and having the necessary supplies on hand can make a significant difference in the outcome of minor injuries.
Choking is a frightening situation that demands immediate action. Babies are particularly vulnerable to choking hazards. In such a critical moment, knowing how to react can be the difference between a minor scare and a life-threatening emergency.
With the weather warming up, many people are heading back to the water. There is, however, one common thing that many people do which is putting your child’s life in danger.
Within your own home, there is a surprising amount of dangerous chemicals that can cause severe damage to your health if you lack the knowledge of identifying and treating them. This article will provide an understanding of common household acids, their symptoms when they come into contact with the skin, appropriate first aid treatment, and when to seek medical assistance.
Electric shocks can be dangerous and even deadly. Knowing how to identify electrical hazards, understanding home electrical safety tips, preparing for electrical emergencies, and taking a first aid course to help deal with electric shock injuries can help you shock-proof your home.
Electricity is a vital energy source used in various industrial and domestic settings.
Understanding and awareness of the potential dangers of electricity in the workplace is crucial. Electrical hazards pose a significant risk to workers' safety, including the risk of electric shock, electrical burns, and arc flash.