What is a key safety measure when handling highly hazardous pesticides?

• A. No additional safety measures
• B. Post-application only
• C. Use outdoors only
• D. Closed transfer system to minimize exposure during handling

Answer: (D)

Minimizing exposure during handling is the key safety goal. A closed transfer system keeps the pesticide contained as it’s moved from the container to where it’s loaded or mixed, preventing spills, vapors, and aerosols from reaching the worker. This engineering control directly reduces skin contact and inhalation risk, which is crucial when dealing with highly hazardous pesticides. Other approaches don’t address exposure during the handling moment itself—no extra safety measures leave the worker more exposed, post-application timing misses the critical handling period, and using outdoors only doesn’t automatically ensure containment during transfer. So the closed transfer system is the most effective measure to minimize exposure during handling.