08 Sep Poisonous Plants and Harmful Algae

Poisonous Plants and Harmful Algae

Employees working outdoors may encounter poisonous plants or harmful algae that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or illness. Workers should learn to recognize hazards common to their work area and take precautions to prevent exposure.

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, may occur in freshwater, brackish water, and marine environments. Harmful blooms may appear as surface scum, mats, streaks, foam, or spilled paint and can vary in color.

Exposure may occur through skin contact, swallowing contaminated water, or inhaling droplets or aerosols.

When blue-green algae or a suspected harmful algal bloom is present:

• “When in doubt, stay out.” Avoid entering visibly affected water whenever possible.
• Do not drink or intentionally contact affected water.
• Wear appropriate gloves, boots, and protective clothing when work near contaminated water is unavoidable.
• Cover cuts and broken skin before beginning work.
• Minimize splashing, spraying, or agitation that could generate aerosols.
• Conduct preparation and other tasks away from the affected area whenever practical to minimize exposure time.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands or gloves.
• Rinse exposed skin promptly with clean, uncontaminated water.
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Clean contaminated equipment and PPE after use.

Report suspected harmful algal blooms and follow site-specific procedures before entering affected areas.

Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants

Poison ivy and related plants contain urushiol, an oil that can cause an allergic skin reaction. The oil can be transferred directly from the plant or indirectly from contaminated clothing, gloves, tools, equipment, footwear, and animal fur.

Learn to recognize poisonous plants that may be present in the geographic area where you are working.

Poison ivy commonly:

• Grows as a vine or low shrub.
• Has leaves arranged in groups of three leaflets.
• Can vary considerably in appearance depending on location and season.
• Remains hazardous even when the plant is dormant or dead.

Remember the common warning:

“Leaves of three, let them be.”

Preventing Plant Exposure

When working where poison ivy, poison oak, or other irritating plants may be present:

• Inspect the work area before beginning.
• Avoid contact whenever possible.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and appropriate footwear.
• Avoid touching your face or exposed skin with contaminated gloves.
• Do not handle suspected poisonous plants with bare hands.
• Carefully remove contaminated clothing to avoid transferring plant oils to your skin.
• Wash exposed skin promptly with soap and water or an appropriate poison-plant cleanser.
• Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.
• Thoroughly clean tools, equipment, footwear, and other surfaces that contacted the plants.

Plant oils such as urushiol can remain on contaminated objects for a long time, allowing exposure to occur well after the original contact.

Never Burn Poisonous Plants

Never burn poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or unidentified vegetation suspected of containing these plants.

Smoke and airborne particles can carry plant oils and cause serious exposure to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Employees who may have inhaled smoke from burning poisonous plants should promptly report the exposure and seek medical evaluation.

If Exposure Occurs

Symptoms from poisonous plants may include itching, redness, swelling, rash, and blisters. Avoid scratching affected areas because broken skin can become infected.

Seek medical attention for severe reactions, extensive blistering or swelling, involvement of the eyes or face, difficulty breathing, or suspected inhalation exposure.

For suspected blue-green algae exposure, wash or rinse exposed areas with clean water and report symptoms or significant exposure according to company procedures.

Remember

Learn to recognize the environmental hazards where you work and avoid unnecessary contact. Wear appropriate protective clothing, clean contaminated equipment and clothing, and practice good personal hygiene.

For poisonous plants: “Leaves of three, let them be.”
For suspicious water: “When in doubt, stay out.”