Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

When is it necessary to wear goggles or a full face shield?

1. Whenever working with any chemical

2. Only when in a confined space

3. Whenever pesticide could contact your eyes

4. Only during transportation of pesticides

The correct answer is: Whenever pesticide could contact your eyes

Wearing goggles or a full face shield is necessary whenever there is a risk that pesticide could contact your eyes. This is an important safety measure designed to protect your eyes from harmful chemicals, which can cause serious injuries or long-term damage. Pesticides often contain toxic substances that can lead to severe irritation, burns, or even permanent vision impairment if they come into contact with the eyes. The other choices do not provide a comprehensive understanding of appropriate protective measures. For instance, while some chemicals might require goggles, not all chemicals pose the same risk to the eyes, and thus a blanket requirement for goggles with any chemical isn't practical. In addition, wearing protective gear only in confined spaces does not account for situations where pesticides can splatter or be aerosolized during application, which could easily happen in open areas. Lastly, the idea that goggles or face shields are only necessary during transportation ignores the potential for exposure during handling and application, where direct contact with sprays or spills is more likely to occur. Hence, the emphasis on using eye protection whenever pesticide application could result in contact with the eyes is the most accurate and safety-oriented approach.