I Can See Clearly Now- Safety Moment

It’s been awhile since we’ve done a Safety Talk. From the stats, I know how you all love those. Safety is a necessary part of our daily pest service. Personal Protective Equipment is a MUST!

All of the labels for the pesticides and rodenticides we use have PPE requirements. Have you actually read those labels? Each one has different protective needs. Long pants. Socks. Safety shoes. Long sleeve shirt. Gloves. Respirator. Chemical proof apron. Safety eyewear.

I have worn contact lenses for the better part of 30 years, and have used some form of plastic eye protection when I needed it. Recently, I had to switch back to using my glasses because I have “graduated” to bi-focals. (Yes, I’m old) I have always kept a pair of prescription safety glasses around in case I needed them. Well, NOW, I need them.

I keep my glasses stored in the console of my truck, and pulled them out of the case to dust them off. After a quick cleaning, I tried them on. The nose piece felt a little different, and the left temple wasn’t sitting quite right. I went to look in the mirror to check my reflection. My pink and gray prescription safety glasses were crooked, not just leaning. The adjustment was SO bad, that my right eye line of sight was looking at the top of the frame.

I knew I had to get repairs done, so off to the doctor’s office I went. After several tries to straighten the frames, the technician just replaced them. “Rather than fighting with these,” she said, “I will swap the frames. You’ve still got warranty left.” SCORE!

I was excited to get my safety glasses repaired. Now, I had some with color – not those clear plastic, no style kind.

Product labels are full of information. PPE is an important part of that label and can usually be found on the first page. After you “skim” the label for application directions,(I know you do this) go back and REALLY read the Personal Protective Equipment requirements. The best time to absorb information, is BEFORE you lose sight of safety.