Randy:

I wear rubber boots, rain pants, rain jacket, googles and
pesticide approved rubber gloves. I always hose off all of
this equipment after spraying.

I do not wear a respirator but perhaps one should. Depends on the spray being put on. I never had one spraying Imidan
years ago commercially but I have thought about it. I do admit I freak my neighbors out when I appear in my yard with all this to spray. Just an old habit, better to be safe than sorry.

My biggest concern is when I buy Imidan in 4 pound lots and
Captan in 5 pound lots. Since I have 2 orchard sites, I break the bags and re-distribute the chemical into 4 labeled Glad plastic containers. I do this in the garage where there is no wind and wear a good dust mask. A respirator would be mighty helpful for this task.

Randy,

You're probably aware each label lists it's own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

I try to follow that. I'm not saying I never allow exceptions but it's a good idea to follow it.

"Since I have 2 orchard sites, I break the bags and re-distribute the chemical into 4 labeled Glad plastic containers."

Spartan, you'll want to be very careful doing that, as it's contrary to the label.

I just read the other day about an extension agent who recalled in his earlier days about a farmer who put some paraquat in a pop bottle for later use. The farmer's young son was thirsty, drank it and died. Imidan isn't as dangerous as paraquat, but still plenty dangerous.

The risk isn't that you won't recognize the containers, it's that someone else might not. For example if you were to die, would someone going through your belongings recognize the plastic bags?

I have relabeled containers because (Captan 80 - for instance) comes in these cheap paper bags that can't be resealed very well. In that case I've put the pesticide in sealable containers that I've taken the time to write on the outside the words - Danger, Captan pesticide, do not reuse container, etc., along with skull and crossbones symbols. I also have a copy of the label in the container, so I don't think anyone could mistake what's in there.

Olpea's advice is excellent. Good labels are crucial.

As for gear: I buy the white, disposable coveralls worn by spray painters (I got mine at an auto parts store) safety goggles, and a disposable balaclava type thing so stuff doesn't get in my hair. Rubber bands around the cuffs, plastic Birkenstocks. . I don't wear a respirator but I don't handle any powders and I pay attention to what direction the breeze is when I'm spraying. Plus, I spray pretty innocuous stuff, and only a few times a year. I like to have a small bucket of warm soapy water and paper towels to wash off with as I wriggle out of the outfit.

Thanks for the replies. It helps to know protection is a good thing.

I think the most dangerous in terms of how little amount would kill you is the Lime-Sulfer stuff.

I do follow the label then a little more.

I ended up in the hospital many years ago because I screwed my lungs up. It had been very dry and hot. I had applied fire any killer around the yard then a week later did a major sweeping of my lawn with a pull behind rotating brush sweeper having forgot about the fire ant poison. I had huge clouds of dust around my tractor all afternoon. When I came in to shower I got so I could not breath.

You know what the worst part was? Trying to take a breath and smoke at the same time. I felt so stupid I quite right there on my way into the hospital.

They have pesticide rated mask at Lowes.

Olpea:

Thanks for the safety warning. When I put my captan or imidan into quart containers, I do label the side of the container and also the cover as to what the pesticide is with indelible black marker. These same quart containers
get re-used each year as needed when I re-fill them from
the bulk bag I buy the pesticide in.

The bulk bag of pesticide is stored in a large plastic tight lidded hamper to keep out moisture and anyone inquisite about the contents. Everything is marked.

Safety is a good issue. Years ago I was sent out to spray
paraquat and the boss never warned me to wear a respirator. I got real sick and ended up in the emergency room that weekend. One can never be too safe with pesticides.

Handling the concentrates is the worst of it. I think I am going to a face shield for the measuring and mixing part.

Spartan,

You mentioned in your post that you labeled the bags. I don't doubt, based on your experience, you labeled them well. My post was mainly a general FYI to anyone reading this thread.

The farmer accidentally causing the death of his own son was fresh in my mind, and I thought it was a sad lesson worth sharing.

I'm planning to spray paraquat (Bonfire) for the first time this year. I hate having to do it, but new peach trees are very susc. to glyphosate uptake through green bark. All the other broad leaf herbicides are labeled for peach trees older than one year. So unfortunately that leaves paraquat. You better believe I'll be using a respirator when I spray that stuff.

If I can get enough mulch at that site I won't have to use paraquat very much. Once the trees get established hopefully I won't have to use it at all.