What is the first step to take when encountering a damaged pesticide container?

When encountering a damaged pesticide container, the first step is to put on proper protective equipment (PPE). This is essential for personal safety because pesticides can be hazardous and may pose health risks through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Proper PPE acts as a barrier, shielding the individual from exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Ensuring safety through PPE is critical before taking any further actions, such as containing the pesticide or transferring it to another container. This sequence is important to prevent exposure while addressing the issue. Additionally, reporting the incident to local authorities may be necessary later, but it should occur after ensuring personal safety.