Pick hearing protection based on comfort and the level of protection it will provide. The higher the NRR (noise reduction rating) rating, the more protection you’ll have from noise. Muffs and earplugs both reduce noise 15-30dB depending on how they are made and how well they fit. If noise exposures are very loud, you can use ear muffs and ear plugs together for an additional protection factor of approximately 5dB above the highest NRR rating of the two hearing protection products that you are using.

How is sound measured?
Sound is measured in units of decibels (dB). The higher the decibel (dB) levels the louder the noise. Continual exposure to noise levels at 85dB and higher may cause permanent damage to hearing.

Noise is too loud when you have to raise your voice in order to communicate over the sound. Noise is also too loud when you experience one of these warning signs:

• Your ears ring after prolonged exposure to noise.

• Speech and other sounds seem muffled after exposure.
• You lose the ability to tell musical tones apart.
• You fail to hear high pitched sound.
• You feel a fullness in your ears.
  

Noise levels of typical sounds on a farm

Degradation is a reduction of one or more physical properties of a glove due to contact with a chemical. Certain glove materials may become hard, stiff, and brittle or they may become softer, weaker, and swell to several times their original size. If significant degradation occurs, a gloves permeation resistance is quickly impaired, but degradation and permeation do not always correlate.

Glove thickness affects the protective qualities. It takes longer for chemicals to penetrate or permeate thicker materials than thinner ones. The thicker the glove, the more protection provided.

Glove thickness is measured in millimeters(mil). The higher the number, the thicker the glove.  Nitrile gloves are availbale in 7-22 mil thickness. Single use gloves are between 4-8mil. Reusable gloves should be at least 14 mil thick.

• Remember to wash the reusable gloves while they are still on your hands.  Do not put contaminated gloves in the washing machine or in the dryer.

Glove length needs to change with your task. For most tasks, a glove must cover your wrist and probably should be about 12 inches long. You can get gloves that reach over your elbows if you need to reach into chemicals.

Glove fit. Your glove size should be the same as your hand measures in inches around your palm. If your hand is 9 inches around the palm, try a Medium and a Large size to see which works best for you.

• 5-7 Extra small
• 7-8 Small
• 8-9 Medium
• 9-10 Large
• 10-12 Extra large

Glove replacement. All gloves must be replaced frequently. Pesticides can permeate glove materials without showing evidence of damage to the glove. You may not see any pesticide on them, but tests with fluorescent dyes have shown that gloves are easily contaminated during pesticide handling. Disposable gloves may only be worn a few minutes, then thrown away. Watch for the warning signs that show when reusable gloves need replacement:

• staining, or color change;
• softening, swelling, or bubbling;
• stiffening or cracking;
• dissolving or getting jelly-like; and/or leaking.

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COVERALLS

Tyvek® is an inexpensive, particulate resistant, disposable clothing fabric made to resist most hazardous dusts and provide light splash protection. Tyvek® provides inherent barrier protection against dry particle hazards, including: mold, lead, and asbestos. For further information regarding the variety of Tyvek® fabrics please read: Wear Coveralls and Aprons, by Iowa State University Extension.

Tyvek® DuPont™ coveralls offer a balance of protection, comfort and durability and are recommended for protection against all toxicity classes of dry pesticide formulations (granules, dust and powders) except chlorinated hydrocarbons. These coveralls give the same protection from dusts and fine spray mists as cotton twill coveralls and better protection from liquid sprays but are NOT waterproof.

Tyvek® garments are fully cut to allow greater freedom of movement and reduce "tearing out" in critical areas.  Zipper front allows for easy on and off.  The fabric is not intended to be washed since the fabric may be damaged by washing.

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PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR

The most common causes of eye injuries are from chemicals, dust particles, flying objects and sun exposure.

Particles of rocks, soil, crop material or other foreign objects thrown from farm equipment that chops or grinds can cause unexpected eye injury to the operator or bystander. Eye injuries are more likely to occur when servicing farm equipment than when operating it. Simple hand tools can cause severe eye injuries.
Protective eyewear should:

- Be carefully selected
- Durable
- Reasonably comfortably
- Fit snugly without interfering with the movements or vision of the wearer
- Clean and in good repair
- Capable of being disinfected
- Be stored in clean, dust-proof containers

Purchase only protective eyewear that meets American National Standards Institute performance standards. ANSI Z87.1 should be printed on the glasses or the box.

Standard eyeglasses and sunglasses provide frontal protection only. For outside work, look for safety glasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays. All safety glasses should be impact resistant with wrap-around lenses for the most complete protection. If you already wear prescription eyeglasses, use ventilated plastic goggles that fit over your glasses to protect your eyes. 

Source: NECAS- Protecting Your Sight: An Eye Safety Guide for Farmers and Iowa State University Extension

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RESPIRATORS

You must always use the proper respirator for the specific hazard! For example, your dust/mist respirator will not protect you from ammonia fumes, though the two may look very similar. Check out this chart of common hazards and the appropriate type of respirator to wear.