Interpreting PPE Statements on Pesticide Labels

When the label says...	You need to wear...
Chemical-resistant	PPE made of material that allows no measurable movement of the pesticide being used through the material during use
Chemical-resistant apron	An apron that covers the front of the body from mid-chest to the knees; a chemical-resistant suit may be substituted for the requirement to wear coveralls and a chemical-resistant apron
Chemical-resistant apron worn over coverall or over long-sleeved shirt and long pants	Chemical-resistant apron worn over coverall or long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated coverall, or Rubber or plastic suit
Chemical-resistant boots	Chemical-resistant boots
Chemical-resistant footwear	Chemical-resistant shoes, or Chemical-resistant boots, or Chemical-resistant shoe coverings worn over shoes or boots (booties)
Chemical-resistant gloves	Barrier-laminate gloves, or Other gloves that glove selection charts or guidance documents indicate are chemical-resistant to the pesticide for the period of time required to perform the task
Chemical-resistant gloves such as butyl or nitrile	Butyl gloves, or Nitrile gloves, or Other gloves that glove selection charts or guidance documents indicate are chemical-resistant to the pesticide for the period of time required to perform the task
Chemical-resistant headgear (Chemical-resistant hood or chemical-resistant wide-brimmed hat)	Rubber- or plastic-coated safari-style hat, or Rubber- or plastic-coated firefighter-style hat, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated hood, or Rubber or plastic hood, or Full hood or helmet that is part of some respirators
Chemical-resistant protective suit	A loose-fitting, one- or two-piece chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated coveralls, or Rubber or plastic suit
Coveralls	Loose-fitting, one- or two-piece garment, such as a cotton or cotton and polyester coverall, that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet; the pesticide product labeling may specify that the coveralls be worn over another layer of clothing, orChemical-resistant suit (and any requirement for an additional layer of clothing beneath is waived)
Coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants	Coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or Coverall worn over another coverall, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated coverall, or Rubber or plastic suit
Coverall worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants	Coverall worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants, or Coverall worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or Coverall worn over another coverall, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated coverall, or Rubber or plastic suit
Gloves	Gloves shall be of the type specified by the product labeling. Gloves or glove linings made of leather, cotton, or other absorbent material shall not be worn for handling activities unless such materials are listed on the product labeling as acceptable for such use.
Long-sleeved shirt and long pants	Long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or Woven or nonwoven coverall, or Plastic- or other barrier-coated coverall, or Rubber or plastic suit
Protective eyewear	Goggles, or Face shield, or Safety glasses with front, brow, and temple protection, or Full-face respirator
Respirator	A respirator appropriate for the pesticide product being used and for the activity to be performed; the employer shall assure that the respirator fits correctly [each employee who is required to wear a respirator MUST participate in the Cornell University Respiratory Protection Program]
Shoes	Leather, canvas, or fabric shoes, or Chemical-resistant shoes, or Chemical-resistant boots, or Chemical-resistant shoe coverings (booties)
Waterproof	PPE made of material that allows no measurable movement of water or aqueous solutions through the material during use
Waterproof gloves	Any rubber of plastic gloves sturdy enough to remain intact throughout the task being performed
Waterproof suit or liquidproof suit	Plastic- or other barrier-coated coveralls, or Rubber or plastic suit

Adapted from: 40 CFR 170.240 Personal Protective Equipment and Coveralls, Gloves, and Other Skin Protection, U.S. EPA, 5/93