What is the minimum step in maintaining personal safety while handling pesticides?

The choice of wearing chemical-resistant gloves is essential for maintaining personal safety while handling pesticides because these gloves are specifically designed to protect the skin from harmful substances. Pesticides can contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, leading to potential health risks. Chemical-resistant gloves are made from materials that prevent these substances from penetrating the glove, ensuring a barrier between the pesticide and the skin.

While wearing leather gloves, having proper ventilation, and using disposable masks can also contribute to overall safety when dealing with pesticides, they do not provide the same level of protection against chemical exposure. Leather gloves are not resistant to chemicals and may not offer adequate protection. Ventilation is important but primarily helps to reduce inhalation exposure rather than direct skin contact. Disposable masks help with inhalation protection but do not guard against skin absorption. Therefore, using chemical-resistant gloves directly addresses the critical risk involved in handling pesticides and is a fundamental step in ensuring personal safety.