Operator hazard assessment (agr)
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 in public health 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 -> generally involves the diluted pesticide product
- Cleaning and maintenance of the spray equipment -> involves either the concentrated or the diluted pesticide product
The most important route of exposure of pesticide operators in public health is dermal; exposure by inhalation may be relevant for volatile pesticides, for fine sprays or mists and for aerosols.
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.