Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Why it matters

Poison ivy oil (urushiol) is so potent that a billionth of a gram raises a rash, it stays active on tools and gloves for months, and burning brush puts it in the air where it can blister lungs. Site clearing, fence lines, and demo of overgrown lots are where crews get coated. Leaves of three is the start, but winter vines and roots carry oil too. Today: spotting it, dressing for it, and decontaminating before it spreads.

Hazards

• ⚠ Rash and blisters from direct plant contact
• ⚠ Oil transferred from tools, gloves, ropes, and dog-hair equipment days later
• ⚠ Airborne exposure from burning brush piles: NEVER burn it
• ⚠ Winter exposure from bare vines and roots that still carry oil
• ⚠ Scratching spreading oil in the first hours
• ⚠ Severe allergic reactions needing medical care

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Learn the plants for this region and walk the clearing area before work starts.
• ✓ Long sleeves, long pants, and gloves for clearing; barrier creams add a layer for sensitive workers.
• ✓ Never burn brush that might contain it; the smoke carries urushiol into eyes and lungs.
• ✓ Wash exposed skin with dish soap or a urushiol remover and COOL water within an hour; hot water spreads oil.
• ✓ Wash tools, gloves, and machine grab points with degreaser after clearing days; the oil waits for months.
• ✓ Bag clearing clothes for a separate hot wash.
• ✓ Swelling of face or throat, or rash covering large areas, gets medical attention, not toughness.

Crew discussion questions

1. Can everyone here actually identify poison ivy and oak in leaf and as bare vine?
2. Where on this site is the overgrowth we will touch?
3. What soap or remover is in the trucks right now?
4. What is the plan for tool and glove decon after clearing?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.50, 29 CFR 1926.95

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