Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

What is an appropriate response to take in the event of a pesticide spill?

1. Delay action until assistance arrives.

2. Put on the appropriate PPE before responding to the spill.

3. Use a hose to dilute the pesticide immediately.

4. Notify local media about the spill.

The correct answer is: Put on the appropriate PPE before responding to the spill.

Putting on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) before responding to a pesticide spill is crucial for ensuring personal safety. PPE is designed to protect the individual from harmful exposure to pesticides, which may include chemicals that can be hazardous to skin, eyes, or respiratory health. Before addressing any situation involving pesticides, such as a spill, it’s vital to form a barrier between the skin and the harmful substances. This step minimizes the risk of absorption and protects the responder from potential acute or chronic health effects resulting from exposure. Once the proper safety equipment is in place, the individual can take further action in a more secure manner. In contrast, delaying action until help arrives can increase the risk of harm, both to the person responding and potentially to the environment. Using a hose to dilute the spill could spread the pesticide further and exacerbate the situation, leading to larger contamination issues. Notifying the local media is not an appropriate or effective response in an emergency situation and may cause unnecessary panic instead of resolving the issue.