Kenya has launched the first ISO-Certified personal protective clothing in Africa to address operator safety issues when carrying out agricultural activities such as spraying of pesticides on crops.
The new protective clothing, certified under KS ISO 27065 C1, is a result of a collaboration between the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the International Center for Personal Protective Equipment (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, BASF, and Syngenta.
It meets performance requirements for minimum protective clothing worn by operators applying crop protection solutions and for re-entry workers. A certified ISO laboratory has tested the fabric and garments, which perform similarly to garments worn in most operator exposure studies.
“Handling and using pesticides should be done with adherence to safety measures, among them effective use of PPE,” said Fredrick N. Muchiri, PCPB CEO.
He added that the PCPB board is committed to regulating pest control products in the country and ensuring the PPEs meet the right standards, are affordable, and are available in the markets.
The ISO-certified personal protective clothing is made of breathable, reusable textile materials. “One of the challenges with users not wearing appropriate protective clothing is due to heat stress and comfort. This is an even bigger issue in tropical climates. Our approach with the new ISO-certified garment is to balance protection and comfort”, said Anugrah Shaw, coordinator of the ICPPE Initiative.
More than 110 farmers throughout Kenya participated in a wear study and gave feedback on comfort, durability, color, and other design preferences.
“PPE is vital to sustainable farmer productivity. Farmers who use PPE correctly are motivated to carry out farming activities, they deliver better output. Creating more awareness on the correct PPE to use remains a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders”, said Ambrose Kirobi, a farmer representative.
The launch of the ISO 27065-certified personal protective garment in Kenya represents a significant milestone in promoting safe agricultural practices, fostering a culture of safety among farmers, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
“By investing in personal protective clothing, we are not only protecting the health and safety of our farmers and the communities in which we operate. We are committed to ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for the world around us”, said Gift Mbaya, Country Cluster Head and Head of Agriculture Solutions, BASF East Africa Ltd.
“This innovative protective garment enhances responsible crop protection handling practices and promotes a safety culture among farmers and operators across the country and potentially beyond. Every farmer deserves access to quality protective gear, enabling them to work sustainably”, said Given Mudenda, Syngenta Area Head in East and Southern Africa.
As the adoption of this protective gear upsurges, it will inspire a broader shift towards prioritizing safety and responsible practices for Kenyan farmers, their communities, and the environment.
Source Credits: https://scienceafrica.co.ke