Worker Safety & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Agarwood Operations – Protecting Workers During Induction, Harvest, and Resin Processing
Handling fungal inoculants, chemical agents, and resin extraction tools requires strict safety measures to prevent injury, infection, or chemical exposure.
1. Key Safety Risks
| Task | Potential Risk |
|---|---|
| Drilling, inoculation, or coring | Cuts, splinters, eye injury |
| Handling fungal inoculants (FusaPrime™, FusaTrinity™, Harmonia™) | Skin irritation, allergies, inhalation of spores |
| Applying abiotic agents (AgarStart™, ResinRush™) | Chemical exposure, skin/eye irritation |
| Harvesting resin (chiseling, scraping) | Cuts, hand strain, sap contact causing irritation |
| Resin processing / handling | Sticky residue, respiratory irritation if powdered or heated |
2. Recommended PPE
| PPE Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gloves (nitrile or heavy-duty work gloves) | Protect hands from cuts, chemicals, sap | Change or wash after use |
| Protective eyewear / safety goggles | Prevent sap, dust, or chemical splashes from reaching eyes | Essential during drilling or resin handling |
| Long-sleeve shirts & pants | Minimize skin contact with chemicals, fungi, and resin | Prefer breathable fabrics for hot climates |
| Face mask / respirator | Avoid inhalation of fungal spores or dust | Use N95 or equivalent when working with powdered inoculants or drilling wood |
| Safety boots | Protect feet from falling tools or wood debris | Steel-toe boots recommended for larger operations |
| Apron or chemical-resistant coveralls | During chemical application or resin processing | Protect clothing and skin |
3. Safe Work Practices
- Sanitize tools before and after use to prevent contamination or infection.
- Avoid touching face, eyes, or mouth during inoculation or handling resin.
- Work in well-ventilated areas, especially when applying chemicals or handling fungal products.
- Dispose of waste materials safely, including used gloves, paper, or excess inoculant.
- Keep first-aid kit nearby for minor cuts, splinters, or sap contact.
- Use ladders or platforms safely when working on tall trees.
4. Farmer-Friendly Summary
- Gloves + eye protection + mask = essential for every induction or harvest task
- Long sleeves + boots protect against cuts and sap
- Chemical handling requires apron, mask, and careful storage
- Safe work practices minimize accidents and contamination
Analogy:
Working with agarwood induction is like working in a lab + orchard combined: you need protection from chemicals, fungi, and physical hazards simultaneously.
5. BarIno™ Principle
Worker safety is integral to sustainable agarwood production.
Using proper PPE, sanitation, and safe handling procedures ensures that induction, densification, and harvest processes are safe, efficient, and contamination-free.