Prevention

Prevention
Prevention is key to decreasing the medical costs in a group that is already financially 
stressed.  Personal protective devices like respirators are essential in preventing 
disabilities from respiratory disease.  The rural clinics and health care professionals
 have been a missing component in prevention of agricultural illnesses and injuries.
Asking about work practices and exposures when the opportunity presents itself 
is very important in maintaining a viable agricultural community.  Appropriate
 brochures can be obtained from the University of Minnesota Extension and displayed
 in the waiting rooms.



Clothing
o  Read the labels and wear the recommended non-absorbable clothing, gloves, 
    shoes, and hats when working around liquids that can splash
o  Wash chemical contaminated clothing separately from other laundry and dry on the line.

Respirators
o  Wear NIOSH approved 2 strap respirators around dusts/mists
o  Wear chemical cartridges around ammonia and pesticides
o  Dust masks do not protect against chemicals or lack of oxygen
o  Use gas cartridges around high concentrations of chemicals but adequate oxygen
o  Use SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) around oxygen deficient areas or 
    high levels of hydrogen sulfide, nitrous oxides

Decrease exposures
o  Add water to bales before chopping
o  Increase ventilation
o  Avoid using moldy hay or grain
o  Add oil to food and mist to decrease dust production
o  Use mechanical, closed automated feeding
o  Use sand or alternatives to straw for bedding
o  Routinely wear hearing protection around loud noises 
o  Carry a squeeze bottle with water and 5 gallons of water when working around 
    chemicals and anhydrous ammonia
o  Wear face shields (preferably) or at least goggles when working with chemicals 
    that can splash as well as a respirator.