Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
29 CFR 1926.50 · 29 CFR 1926.95 · This talk in Spanish
Why it matters
Poison ivy oil (urushiol) is so strong that an amount smaller than a grain of salt gives most adults a rash. It can stay active on tools and gloves for years, and burning brush puts it in the smoke, where it can hurt your lungs. Site clearing, fence lines, and demo of overgrown lots are where crews get coated. Today: spotting it, dressing for it, and washing it off 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.
- ✓ Right away, wash exposed skin with rubbing alcohol, a poison plant wash, or dish soap and lots of water, and rinse often so the soap does not dry and spread the 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
- Can everyone here actually identify poison ivy and oak in leaf and as bare vine?
- Where on this site is the overgrowth we will touch?
- What soap or remover is in the trucks right now?
- What is the plan for tool and glove decon after clearing?
Applicable OSHA standards
29 CFR 1926.50, 29 CFR 1926.95
Download the print-ready PDF with sign-in sheet
Free. We email you the PDF, and that is it.
GC asking for a safety plan?
We generate your site-specific safety plan in under 30 minutes, with every OSHA citation checked against our standards table, and a Spanish version for your crew.
Build your plan for $49More toolbox talks
- Insect Stings and Anaphylaxis on Site
- Snake Awareness in Southern States
- Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Prevention
- Hydration Beyond Water: Electrolytes on Long Days
- Ladder Safety
- Fall Protection Basics
Talks by trade
General ContractorLandscapingAll toolbox talks
Safety documents
Site-specific safety plan, $49JHA, $29Written safety program, $149