Operator hazard assessment (php).
Principle
This assessment evaluates the hazard of the formulated product to pesticide operators. A hazard assessment is based on the intrinsic toxicity of the product and does not take into account the degree of exposure of the operator or worker to the pesticide.
A hazard assessment consists of hazard identification and hazard characterization, which is described in more detail the Hazard identification and characterization method
Procedures
See the Hazard identification and characterization method for more information.
A hazard assessment for operators will generally focus on the following activities:
- Mixing and loading of the pesticide in the spray equipment -> involves the concentrated pesticide formulation
- Application of the pesticide -> involves either the concentrated or the diluted pesticide product
- Cleaning of the spray equipment and rinsing of empty containers -> involves either the concentrated or the diluted pesticide product
- Storage of left-over pesticide -> involves the concentrated pesticide formulation
The most important route of exposure of pesticide operators is often dermal; exposure by inhalation may be relevant for volatile pesticides, dust formulations and fine sprays or mists.
Many operators will work with pesticides for prolonged periods of time. In addition to acute hazards, chronic hazards should therefore also be taken into account.