During what activities is it especially important to wear eye protection when working with pesticides?

Wearing eye protection during the activities of mixing, loading, and applying pesticides is critical because these tasks present the highest risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. When mixing, there is the potential for splashes or spills, which can result in pesticide contact with the eyes. Similarly, during the loading process, the risk increases as well, particularly if the pesticides are being transferred from one container to another or if any dust or vapors are released. The application phase also poses risks, especially if the herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides are being sprayed, where there is not only the potential for drift but also the possibility of accidental contact due to wind or other factors.

The other activities mentioned in the alternative choices, such as transporting or storing pesticides, typically involve less immediate risk to the eyes compared to the direct handling and application processes. While it is still important to implement safety measures in those scenarios to prevent any potential incidents, the highest priority for eye protection is undeniably during mixing, loading, and applying, where the likelihood of direct exposure to hazardous substances is greatest.