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Document ID (ISN)100064
CIS number 02-1360
ISSN - Serial title 0815-6409 - Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand
Year 2001
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Cattani M., Cena K., Edwards J., Pisaniello D.
Title Pest control operators: Risk perception of the use of chlorpyrifos
Bibliographic information June 2001, Vol.17, No.3, p.295-299. 15 ref.
Abstract A questionnaire survey addressing the health symptoms and work practices of 31 Western Australian pest control operators who used chlorpyrifos was conducted. Task observations were also made. All operators reported that: all washed their hands when "dirty" or following a job; 58% spilt the concentrate at least once a week; 74% had recently spilt or splashed diluted chlorpyrifos in their eyes and 90% on their boots; and 52% believed that they would benefit from more education concerning chlorpyrifos. No significant adverse health symptoms were reported. Observations showed that: all operators were exposed to chlorpyrifos; 26% washed their hands; 78% had a spill or splash; and 48% wore inappropriate gloves or no gloves. A discrepancy therefore exists between the operators' perceptions of risk and their actual exposure.
Descriptors (primary) chlorpyrifos; risk awareness; pesticide spraying; agriculture; risk factors
Descriptors (secondary) protective gloves; Western Australia; symptoms; personal hygiene; unsafe practices; exposure evaluation; questionnaire survey; job study; spills; hazard evaluation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceAustralia
Subject(s) Agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Psychological factors
Esters and salts
Agriculture