Laserfiche WebLink
SITE-SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN FOR WELL INSTALLATIONS <br />Other Site Hazards <br />May 4, 2017 <br />Both the leaves and the stems are covered with brittle, hollow, silky hairs as a defense <br />against grazing animals. <br />The cause of the sting is from three chemicals - a histamine to irritate the skin, <br />acetylcholine to bring on a burning sensation and hydroxytryptamine to encourage the <br />other two chemicals. <br />Bare skin brushing up against a stinging nettle plant will break the delicate defensive hairs <br />and release the trio of chemicals, usually resulting in a temporary and painful skin rash <br />similar to poison ivy, though the nettle's rash and duration are much weaker. <br />Recommendations for Protecting Workers <br />Employers should protect their workers from poisonous plants by training them about: <br />Their risk of exposure to poisonous plants <br />How to identify poisonous plants <br />How to prevent exposure to poisonous plants <br />What they should do if they are exposed to poisonous plants <br />Prevention <br />Workers can prevent contact with poisonous plants by taking these steps: <br />Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves. <br />Wash exposed clothing separately in hot water with detergent. <br />Barrier skin creams, such as a lotion containing bentoquatum, may offer some protection <br />before contact. <br />Barrier creams should be washed off and reapplied twice a day. <br />After use, clean tools with rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) or soap and <br />lots of water. Urushiol can remain active on the surface of objects for up to 5 years. <br />Wear disposable gloves during this process. <br />Do not burn plants that may be poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. <br />33