After handling pesticides, what steps should workers take to decontaminate and avoid cross-contamination?

• A. Remove PPE correctly, wash exposed skin with soap and water, launder contaminated clothing separately, shower, and clean or decontaminate equipment.
• B. Immediately re-use PPE without cleaning.
• C. Only rinse hands with water.
• D. Spray the body with the pesticide to neutralize.

Answer: (A)

After handling pesticides, the goal is to remove residues from skin, clothing, and equipment and to prevent spreading contamination to others or to clean areas. The recommended sequence addresses all routes of contact and transfer: remove PPE correctly so contaminated surfaces don’t contact skin, wash any exposed skin with soap and water to remove residues, launder contaminated clothing separately to avoid transferring pesticides to clean garments, shower to remove residues from hair and skin, and clean or decontaminate equipment to prevent carrying residues to other areas or people. This approach minimizes exposure and cross-contamination.

Other options fall short because reusing PPE without cleaning can spread residues to you and others; rinsing only the hands misses skin and clothing contamination and doesn’t address equipment or work surfaces; and spraying the body with pesticide to neutralize it is unsafe and ineffective.