QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

Why should leather and cloth gloves not be used for handling liquid pesticides?

1. They provide no protection

2. They will absorb liquid pesticide

3. They are too cumbersome

4. They are not readily available

The correct answer is: They will absorb liquid pesticide

The reasoning behind the choice that leather and cloth gloves should not be used for handling liquid pesticides primarily revolves around their ability to absorb substances. These materials can retain the liquid, which means that if a pesticide comes into contact with them, the gloves can become saturated with the harmful chemicals. This absorption poses a significant risk as it increases the likelihood of the pesticide being transferred onto the skin of the person wearing the gloves during subsequent handling or touching of other surfaces. In contrast, gloves designed specifically for handling pesticides are made from materials that do not absorb liquids and often have barriers that effectively prevent chemical penetration. Therefore, the selection of appropriate protective gear is crucial for safety in pesticide application and handling to mitigate exposure to harmful substances. Focusing on the remaining options, while leather and cloth gloves may not provide the same level of dexterity as some alternatives, their primary failure lies in absorption rather than being cumbersome or unavailable. Environmental and practical concerns about availability might influence the decision to use certain types of gloves, but those factors do not directly address the critical issue of pesticide exposure.