What action is important for ensuring safety during pesticide application?

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring safety during pesticide application. PPE, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing, serves as a barrier between the pesticide and the applicator, reducing the risk of skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion of harmful chemicals.

Applying pesticides involves handling substances that may be toxic to humans and the environment, so utilizing the appropriate protective gear is a fundamental component of safe practices. This precaution helps minimize exposure to potentially hazardous materials and ensures the applicator can perform their tasks safely.

On the other hand, avoiding pre-application checks can lead to improper pesticide use, such as applying the wrong product or applying it incorrectly. Applying pesticides in windy conditions increases the risk of drift, allowing pesticides to move from the intended target area to unintended ones, which can endanger non-target plants, wildlife, and people nearby. Utilizing the highest possible pesticide concentration is generally counterproductive and potentially harmful; it's important to follow labeled directions to ensure efficacy while minimizing risk.