What are the primary safety precautions aerial applicators must take?

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for aerial applicators to ensure their safety while handling potentially hazardous materials. This equipment can include respirators, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing that safeguard against chemical exposure during the application process. PPE not only protects the applicator from direct contact with pesticides but also from inhalation of harmful substances that might occur during mixing and loading of chemicals or while they are being released into the environment from an aircraft.

Other strategies, while potentially relevant, do not address the immediate personal safety of the applicator as effectively as the use of PPE. For instance, while utilizing technology like GPS can aid in precision and efficiency, it does not provide physical protection. Flying at lower altitudes may help in targeting applications better, but it can also increase the risk of accidents and expose the applicator to other hazards. Lastly, limiting applications to daylight hours can ensure better visibility and control, but it does not directly enhance the personal safety measures that effective use of PPE provides. Thus, the emphasis on PPE highlights its essential role in maintaining health and safety standards in aerial application practices.