For advice about workplace exposure to pesticides call
SafeWork NSW (formerly WorkCover) on 131 050.
Information
on dealing with pesticide exposure is provided in Chapter 11 of SafeWork NSW's
Safe Use of Pesticides including Herbicides in Non-agricultural Workplaces Code of Practice 2006. This information includes
11.3
Emergency treatment - first aid procedures
11.3.1
General procedures
- read
and follow the instructions on the label
- if
the sufferer is unconscious, do not induce vomiting and do not administer
anything by mouth
- first
aid is only the first step, and is not a substitute for full professional
medical treatment
- following
first aid, take the sufferer to a doctor or hospital and make sure you take
along the pesticide container or label, or MSDS.
11.3.2
Specific first aid
instructions
Check
the following procedures for each route of entry
- spilled on the skin or clothing, remove the
clothing immediately and thoroughly wash the skin with water or soap. Do not
scrub the skin harshly and do not use ointments, powders or medication unless
instructed to do so by a doctor.
- inhaled, get the sufferer to fresh air and
keep him/her lying down, warm and calm. If breathing stops, use
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- splashed into the eye, hold the eyelid open
and gently wash the eye with clean running water for 15 minutes. Cover the
eye with a clean cloth and seek medical attention immediately.
- swallowed, read the instruction on the label -
it will direct whether or not vomiting should be induced. Examples where you
should not induce vomiting are pesticides that are petroleum based
('Emulsifiable Concentrate') or corrosive (acid or alkali).
The
OHS Regulation requires employers to maintain a first aid kit. Consider keeping
a suitable kit in each pest control vehicle.
Source:
Chapter 11 Planning Emergency Procedures, Safe Use of Pesticides including Herbicides in Non-agricultural Workplaces Code of Practice 2006,
WorkCover NSW