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The Importance of This Manual
Regulatory agencies will enforce the requirements of the 1992 Federal Worker Protection
Standard (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 170) when you use a pesticide product
with labeling that refers to the Worker Protection Standard. If you do not comply with the
Worker Protection Standard requirements, you will be in violation of Federal law, since it is
illegal to use a pesticide product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. This manual, in
its official Federal format, provides the information necessary to comply with the
requirements of the 1992 Federal Worker Protection Standard. EPA may issue additional
guidance about the Worker Protection Standard and the Worker Protection Standard may be
amended in the future. Check with your State or Tribal agency responsible for pesticides for
further information and updates.
The Official Federal Format
The official Federal format contains introductory pages i through viii, Units 1
through 6 (pages 1-98), Appendices A through C (pages 99-132), and an Index
(pages 133-141).
Additional Worker Protection Requirements in Your Area
Some States, Tribes or local governments with jurisdiction over pesticide enforcement have
additional worker protection requirements beyond the requirements described in the Federal
manual. Check with these agencies to obtain the information you need to comply with all
applicable State, Tribal or local requirements.
Reproduction of the Manual
This manual may be reproduced, but the official Federal format must not be altered. If this
manual is altered in any way, it may no longer provide the information necessary for
employers to comply with the requirements of the 1992 Federal Worker Protection Standard.
Material Appended to the Manual
States, Tribes or local governments with jurisdiction over pesticide enforcement may elect to
append additional worker protection requirements to the Federal manual. These additions
may only be appended at the end of the Federal manual, after the Index. Any additional
material should be clearly identified as State, Tribal or local requirements.
Additional Compliance Information
Provisions of the 1992 Federal Worker Protection Standard will be phased into effect to
allow time for employers to learn about the changes and make plans to comply. See the
March 1993 EPA bulletin "The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides-
How Soon Do You Need To Comply?" It is available from your EPA regional office, your
State pesticide agency or your Tribal agency. This bulletin has information applicable
through April 15, 1994.
In general, prior to April 15, 1994, you must comply with label-specific worker protection
requirements as soon as you use a pesticide that refers to the Worker Protection Standard in
the Agricultural Use Requirements box on the label. In addition, after April 15, 1994, you
must comply with all requirements of the Worker Protection Standard.
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed on paper that contains
at least 50% recycled fiber
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328
ISBN 0-16-041939-5
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Who Needs To Read This Manual?
You probably need to comply with the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) if you are a
+ Manager or owner of a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse,
OR
* Labor contractor for a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse,
OR
«• Custom (for-bire) pesticide applicator or independent crop consultant hired by a farm,
forest, nursery, or greenhouse operator.
Most WPS provisions are protections that you as an employer must provide to your own employees
and, in some instances, to yourself. The WPS covers two types of employers, which are defined
according to the type of work performed by their employees:
Worker Employers
If you hire or contract for people to do agricultural worker tasks, or if you do them yourself, the
WPS considers you a worker employer. In general, agricultural workers are persons who (1) do
hand labor tasks, such as weeding, planting, cultivating, and harvesting, or (2) do other tasks
involved in the production of agricultural plants, such as moving or operating irrigation equipment
(see p. 14 for complete definition). Units 3 and 4 of this manual describe the WPS protections you
must provide to the agricultural workers you employ.
Handler Employers
If you hire people to do pesticide handling tasks, or if you do them yourself, the WPS considers you
a handler employer. In general, pesticide handlers are persons who mix, load, apply, or do other
tasks that bring them into direct contact with pesticides (see p. 14-15 for complete definition). You
must provide WPS protections to all your pesticide handler employees, whether or not they are
certified as applicators of restricted-use pesticides. Units 3 and 5 of this manual describe the WPS
protections you must provide to the pesticide handlers you employ.
* The same employee may be a worker at some times and a handler at other times,
depending on the type of task being performed.
+ You may be both a handler employer and a worker employer, depending on the tasks
that you and your employees do.
«• Both general-use pesticides and restricted-use pesticides are covered by the WPS.
About This Manual
This "How To Comply" manual will
*• Help you determine whether you are covered by the WPS,
* Give you detailed information on how to comply with the WPS requirements, including
exceptions, restrictions, exemptions, options, and examples, and
* Provide you with a "Quick Reference Guide"—a simplified route to compliance that
focuses on maximum requirements.
Important definitions and other special explanations are enclosed in shaded boxes. Reading them
will help you better understand the WPS requirements and how they apply to you.
iii
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For more information about the Worker Protection Standard, or if you have questions or
concerns about pesticides, contact the agency responsible for regulating pesticides in your
area or the EPA Regional Office nearest you.
Region! (MA,CT,RI,NH,VT,ME)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (APT)
1 Congress St
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3273
Region 2 (NY, NJ, PR, VI)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (MS-105)
2890 Woodgridge Ave., Building #10
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(908) 321-6765
Regions (PA,MD,VAWV,DE)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3
Toxics and Pesticides Branch (3AT-30)
841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-8598
Region 4 (GA, NC, SC, AL, MS, KY, FL, TN)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
Pesticides & Toxic Substances Branch (4APT-MD)
345 Courtland St., N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-5201
Regions (EL,MI,MN,IN,OH,WI)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (5SPT)
77 W.Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, EL 60604
(312) 88^6006
Regions (TX,OK,AR,IA,NM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
Pesticides and Toxics Branch (6T-P)
1445 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
(214) 655-7235
Region? (MO,KS,IA,NB)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
Toxics and Pesticides Branch (TOPE)
726 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7020
Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8
Toxic Substances Branch (8ART-TS)
One Denver Place, Suite 500
999 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202-2405
(303) 293-1730
Regions (CA,NV,AZ,HI,GU)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
Pesticides and Toxics Branch (A-4)
75 Hawthorne St
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-1090
Region 10 (WAOR,ID,AK)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (AT-083)
1200 Sixdi Ave.
Seattle, WA 98191
(206) 553-1918
Iv
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July 1993
EPA The Worker Protection
Standard for
Agricultural Pesticides-
How To Comply
What Employers
Need To Know
4- Farms
Forests
Nurseries
Greenhouses
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Contents
Unitl
Quick Reference Guide 3
Unit 2
An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard 7
What Is the Worker Protection Standard? 9
Does the Worker Protection Standard Apply to You? 12
Who Does the WPS Protect? 14
Which Pesticide Uses Are Covered? 16
Which Pesticide Uses Are Not Covered? 17
Who Must Protect Workers and Handlers? 18
Units
What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and
Handlers 21
Information at a Central Location 23
Pesticide Safety Training 25
Decontamination Sites 29
Employer Information Exchange 33
Emergency Assistance „ 35
Unit 4
Further Requirements for Employers of Workers 37
Part A—Protections for All Agricultural Workers 39
Notice About Applications 41
Restrictions During and After Applications 45
Part B—^Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries and
Greenhouses 49
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries 51
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses 53
Part C—Early Entry 57
Early-Entry Work Situations 59
General Protections for Early-Entry Workers 63
Training and Instructions for Early-Entry Workers 65
Decontamination Sites for Early-Entry Workers 67
Personal Protective Equipment for Early-Entry Workers 69
VII
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UnitB
Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers 71
Restrictions During Applications and Monitoring Handlers... 73
Specific Instructions for Handlers 75
Equipment Safety , 77
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 79
Exceptions to PPE Requirements 85
Unite
Owner Exemptions and Crop Advisors 89
Agricultural Owner Exemptions 91
Protections for Crop Advisors 95
Appendix A—Criteria for WPS Materials 99
Appendix B—Sample Forms, Fact Sheets, and Checklists 105
Appendix C—Quick Reference Guide: Large Print Version... 125
Index 133
vill
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The Worker Protection
Standard for
Agricultural Pesticides-
How To Comply
What Employers
Need To Know
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UIMIT1
Quick Reference Guide
This 2-page Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection
Standard lists the maximum WPS requirements. Fulfilling these
maximum requirements is a relatively simple way to comply, but it
may cause you to do more than is required in some situations. If you
want to look at exceptions or want more information or examples for
certain provisions, refer to the page numbers listed in the Quick
Reference Guide.
The Guide in this unit is presented on 2 pages to allow you
to view all the requirements together. For a large-print
version of this same text, see Appendix C.
July 1993
-------
QUICK REFERENCE
GUIDE TO THE
1992 WORKER
PROTECTION
STANDARD (WPS)
The WPS is a Federal regulation
designed to protect agricultural workers
(people involved in the production of
agricultural plants) and pesticide
handlers (people mixing, loading, or
applying pesticides or doing other tasks
involving direct contact with pesticides)
(see pp. 14-15). The guide on these two
pages presents the maximum WPS
requirements. It does not include
exceptions that may permit you to do
less or options that may involve different
requirements. You will be in compliance
with the Federal WPS if you make sure
that the requirements listed on these two
pages are met Each section below lists
pages in this manual where you can find
out about exceptions and options. For
more information about your
responsibilities, read pp. 12-20. There
are some exemptions for owners of
agricultural establishments and
members of then: immediate family (see
pp. 91-93).
Unit 1 * Quick Reference Guide to the 1992 Worker Protection Standard
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UNIT 2
An Introduction
to the Worker
Protection Standard
What Is the Worker Protection Standard? 9
Does the Worker Protection Standard Apply to You? 12
Who Does the WPS Protect? 14
Which Pesticide Uses Are Covered? 16
Which Pesticide Uses Are Not Covered? „... 17
Who Must Protect Workers arid Handlers? 18
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What Is the Worker
Protection Standard?
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation issued by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It covers pesticides
that are used in the production of agricultural plants on farms,
forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. The WPS requires you to take
steps to reduce the risk of pesticide-related illness and injury if you
(1) use such pesticides, or (2) employ workers or pesticide
handlers who are exposed to such pesticides.
If you are an agricultural pesticide user and/or an employer of
agricultural workers or pesticide handlers, the WPS requires you
to provide to your employees and, in some cases, to yourself and
to others:
•* information about exposure to pesticides,
4- protections against exposures to pesticides, and
4 ways to mitigate exposures to pesticides.
Information
To ensure that employees will be informed about exposure to
pesticides, the WPS requires:
•* Pesticide safety training—for workers and handlers,
4 Pesticide safety poster—to be displayed for workers
and handlers,
4 Access to labeling information—for pesticide handlers and
early-entry workers, and
4 Access to specific information—a centrally located
Application List of pesticide treatments on the establishment.
Protection
To ensure that employees will be protected from exposures to
pesticides, the WPS requires employers to:
4 prohibit handlers from applying a pesticide in a way that will
expose workers or other persons,
4 exclude workers from areas being treated with pesticides,
4 exclude workers from areas that remain under a restricted-
entry interval (REI), with narrow exceptions,
What Is the Worker Protection Standard?
-------
* + protect early-entry workers who are doing permitted tasks in
* treated areas during an REI—requirements include special
* instructions and duties related to correct use of personal
protective equipment (PPE),
4. •* notify workers about treated areas so they can avoid
• inadvertent exposures, and
* *• protect handlers during handling tasks—requirements
* include monitoring while handling highly toxic pesticides
* and duties related to correct use of PPE.
* Mitigation
* To mitigate pesticide exposures that employees receive, the
* WPS requires:
+ Decontamination sites—providing handlers and workers an
^ ample supply of water, soap, and towels for routine washing
^ and emergency decontamination,
* •* Emergency assistance—making transportation available to a
* medical care facility if an agricultural worker or handler may
* have been poisoned or injured by a pesticide, and providing
* information about the pesticide (s) to which the person may
* have been exposed.
These key terms
have very specific
meanings in the
WPS. Note that
these definitions
may be different
from definitions
found in other State
and Federal laws and
regulations.
Terms You Need To Know
These definitions will help you determine whether you are
affected by the Worker Protection Standard.
Agricultural plants: Plants grown or maintained for
commercial or research purposes. Examples: food, feed,
and fiber plants, trees, turf grass, flowers, shrubs,
ornamentals, and seedlings.
Farms: Operations, other than nurseries or forests, that
produce agricultural plants outdoors.
Forests: Operations that produce agricultural plants
outdoors for wood fiber or timber products.
Greenhouses: Operations that produce agricultural plants
indoors in an area that is enclosed with nonporous covering
and that is large enough to allow a person to enter.
Examples: polyhouses, mushroom houses and caves, and
rhubarb houses, as well as traditional greenhouses. Malls,
atriums, conservatories, arboretums, and office buildings
that grow or maintain plants primarily for decorative or
environmental benefits are not included.
10
. UNIT 2 * An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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Terms You Need To Know (conti n ued)
Nurseries: Operations that produce agricultural plants
outdoors for:
+ transplanting to another location, or
+ flower or fern cuttings.
Examples: Flowering and foliage plants or trees; tree
seedlings; live Christmas trees; vegetable, fruit, and
ornamental transplants; and turf grass produced for sod.
What is the Worker Protection Standard?
11
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: Does the Worker Protection
I Standard Apply to You?
* You need the information in this manual if:
* + You own or manage a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse
* where pesticides are used hi the production of agricultural
plants.
Even if you are the owner of the farm, forest, nursery, or
greenhouse and you or members of your family do all
the work there, you are a "WPS employer." You must
comply with SOME of the requirements described in this
manual, such as restricted-entry intervals and personal
protective equipment, and ALL the specific
requirements listed in the pesticide labeling. See
Agricultural Owner Exemptions, pp. 91-93.
You hire or contract for the services of agricultural workers
to do tasks related to the production of agricultural plants on
a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse. This includes labor
contractors and others who contract with growers to supply
agricultural laborers.
You operate a business in which you (or people you employ)
apply pesticides that are used for the production of
agricultural plants on any farm, forest, nursery,
or greenhouse.
Commercial pesticide handlers and their employees are
included with respect to such pesticides even if the
pesticide handling task (mixing, loading, disposal, etc.)
takes place somewhere other than the farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse—at the commercial handling
establishment or an airport hangar, for example.
*
*
4- You operate a business in which you (or people you employ)
perform tasks as a crop advisor on any farm, forest, nursery,
or greenhouse.
12
UNIT 2 «:»An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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"Crop advisor" means any person who is assessing pest
numbers or damage, pesticide distribution, or the status,
condition, or requirements of agricultural plants. Examples
include crop consultants and scouts. For a description of
WPS provisions for crop advisors, see pp. 95-98.
If you are in any of these categories, you must comply with the
Environmental Protection Agency's 1992 Worker Protection
Standard (40 CFR Part 170). By following the instructions in this
manual and the specific requirements in the pesticide labeling,
you will be complying with the Standard.
Does the Worker Protection Standard Apply to You?
13
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Who Does the WPS Protect?
Under the WPS, you
may be both a
worker and an
employer of workers.
Under the WPS, you
may be both a
handler and an
employer of
handlers.
The WPS requires employers to take steps to protect two types of
agricultural employees: workers and pesticide handlers. The
terms "worker" and "pesticide handler" are defined very
specifically hi the WPS, and employers of persons who meet these
definitions must comply with the WPS. Depending on the tasks
being performed, you may need to provide the same employee
with worker protections on some occasions and pesticide handler
protections on other occasions.
Owners of agricultural establishments and members of their
immediate families are exempt from many WPS requirements. See
Exemptions for Agricultural Owners, pp. 91-93.
Workers
A worker is anyone who: (1) is employed (including self-
employed) for any type of compensation and (2) is doing
tasks, such as harvesting, weeding, or watering, relating to
the production of agricultural plants on a farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse. This term does NOT include
persons who are employed by a commercial establishment to
perform tasks as crop advisors (see Protections for Crop
Advisors, pp. 95-98).
Pesticide Handlers
A pesticide handler is anyone who: (1) is employed
(including self-employed) for any type of compensation by
an agricultural establishment or a commercial pesticide
handling establishment that uses pesticides in the
production of agricultural plants on a farm, forest, nursery,
or greenhouse, and (2) is doing any of the following tasks:
+ mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides,
* handling opened containers of pesticides,
*• acting as a flagger,
+ cleaning, handling, adjusting, or repairing the parts of
mixing, loading, or application equipment that may
contain pesticide residues,
4- assisting with the application of pesticides, including
incorporating the pesticide into the soil after the
application has occurred,
14
UNIT 2 * An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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Pesticide Handlers, continued
+ entering a greenhouse or other enclosed area after
application and before the inhalation exposure level
listed on the product labeling has been reached or one
of the WPS ventilation criteria has been met to:
* operate ventilation equipment,
* adjust or remove coverings, such as tarps, used in
fumigation, or
* check air concentration levels,
*• entering a treated area outdoors after application of
any soil fumigant to adjust or remove soil coverings,
such as tarpaulins,
«• performing tasks as a crop advisor:
* during any pesticide application,
* before any inhalation exposure level or ventilation
criteria listed in the labeling has been reached or one
of the WPS ventilation criteria has been met,
* during any restricted-entry interval,
+ disposing of pesticides or pesticide containers.
A person is NOT a handler if he or she only handles pesticide
containers that have been emptied or cleaned according to
instructions on pesticide product labeling or, if the labeling has
no such instructions, have been triple-rinsed or cleaned by an
equivalent method, such as pressure rinsing.
A person is NOT a handler if he or she (I) is only handling
pesticide containers that are unopened AND (2) is not, at the
same time, also doing any handling task (such as mixing
or loading).
Examples:
You ARE a handler if you are loading unopened water-soluble
packets into a mixing tank (because you are mixing and loading
the pesticide).
You are NOT a handler if you:
+ purchase pesticides and transport them unopened to an
establishment.
*• carry unopened containers into a pesticide storage facility.
* transport unopened containers to the site where they are to
be mixed, loaded, or applied.
«. Handlers who are
» currently certified as
• applicators of
* restricted-use
• pesticides must be
• given all of the WPS
* handler protections,
* except that they
* need not receive
*• WPS training.
Who Does the WPS Protect?
15
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: Which Pesticide Uses
: Are Covered?
Most pesticide uses involved in the production of agricultural
plants on a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse are covered by
the WPS. This includes pesticides used on plants, and pesticides
used on the soil or planting medium the plants, are (or will be)
grown in. Both general-use and restricted-use pesticides are
covered by the WPS. You will know that the product is covered by
the WPS if you see the following statement in the Directions for
Use section of the pesticide labeling:
"Agricultural Use Requirements
Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and
with the Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR Part 170.
This standard contains requirements for the protection
of agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries, and
greenhouses, and handlers of agricultural pesticides. It
contains requirements for training, decontamination,
notification, and emergency assistance. It also contains
specific instructions and exceptions pertaining to the
statements on this label about personal protective
equipment, notification of workers, and restricted-entry
intervals."
• If you are using a pesticide product with labeling that refers to the
• Worker Protection Standard, you must comply with the WPS.
> Otherwise, you will be in violation of Federal law, since it is illegal
" to use a pesticide product in a manner inconsistent with
' its labeling.
16
UNIT 2 *:« An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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Which Pesticide Uses
Are Not Covered?
Some pesticide uses are not covered by the WPS, even when the
Agricultural Use Requirements section is on the labeling. For
example, if the pesticide labeling bears an Agricultural Use
Requirements section, but the product also can be applied to
rights-of-way, the rights-of-way use is not covered by die WPS. The
WPS does NOT cover pesticides applied:
+ on pastures or rangelands,
*• for control of vertebrate pests such as rodents,
*• as attractants or repellents in traps,
*• on the portions of agricultural, plants that have been
harvested, such as in packing houses or on cut timber,
«• for mosquito abatement, Mediterranean fruit fly eradication,
or similar government-sponsored wide-area public pest
control programs,
• •* on livestock or other animals, or in or around animal
premises,
+ on plants grown for other than commercial or research
purposes, which may include plants in habitations, home fruit
and vegetable gardens, and home greenhouses,
+ on plants that are in ornamental gardens, parks, golf courses,
and public or private lawns and grounds and that are
intended only for decorative or environmental benefit,
* in a manner not directly related to the production of
agricultural plants, including, for example, control of
vegetation along rights-of-way and in other noncrop areas,
and structural pest control, such as termite control and
wood preservation,
+ for research uses of unregistered pesticides.
The WPS does not cover workers who are working in an area
where a pesticide has been injected directly into die plants.
However, people who handle pesticides diat are to be applied by
direct injection ARE covered by die WPS and must receive
handler protections.
4 Pesticides used on
«. sod farms ARE
• covered by the WPS.
Direct injection does
not include
chemigation, soil
incorporation, soil
injection, hack and
squirt, or frill and
spray.
Which Pesticide Uses Are Not Covered?
17
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Who Must Protect Workers
and Handlers?
Employers are responsible for making sure that workers and
handlers receive the protections required by the pesticide labeling
and the WPS. The term "employer" has a special meaning in the
WPS—you are an employer even though you are self-employed or
use only members of your own family to do the work on your
establishment.
The WPS has very specific definitions for two types of employers.
WPS requirements apply only to employers who meet those
definitions.
Compensation: Pay
or wages, payment
through services or
goods, or barter of
services or goods.
If only one person
receives payment for
the joint work of
several people, all
are considered to be
compensated, and
are employees under
the WPS. For
example, under a
piece-rate payment
system for
harvesting crops,
even if payment is
issued to the head of
the family only, all of
the family members
who harvest crops
are considered
employees under
the WPS.
WPS Employer Definitions
Worker Employers:
Worker employers (called "agricultural employers" in the
WPS) are people who:
*• employ or contract for the services of workers
(including themselves and members of their families)
for any type of compensation to perform tasks related to
the production of agricultural plants, or
4- own or operate an agricultural establishment that uses
such workers.
(See definition of "owner," p. 91.)
(See definition of "worker," p. 14.)
If you are a worker employer, you are responsible for
providing your agricultural worker employees widi the
protections that the WPS requires for workers.
Handler Employers:
Handler employers are people who:
4- employ pesticide handlers (including members of
their family), for any type of compensation, or
4 are self-employed as pesticide handlers.
(See definition of "pesticide handler," pp. 14-15.)
If you are a handler employer, you are responsible for
providing the pesticide handlers you employ with the
protections that the WPS requires for handlers.
18
UNIT 2 * An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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If You Employ Supervisors
You must:
*• require them to make sure the workers and handlers
they supervise comply with the WPS and receive
its protections,
*• give them enough information and directions about
the WPS requirements to make sure that the workers
and handlers they supervise receive the protections
required by the WPS, and
*• tell them who is responsible for all actions necessary for
compliance with the WPS.
Even if you assign an employee to carry out the duties required
by the WPS, you are responsible for making sure that all those
duties are performed.
Retaliation Prohibited
You and your supervisors must not prevent or discourage any
worker or handler from complying or attempting to comply
with the WPS, and you must not fire or otherwise retaliate
against any worker or handler who attempts to comply.
Penalties for Noncompliance
The penalty for not complying with the Federal Worker
Protection Standard is the same as the penalty for using a
pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. In general,
the fines can be up to $1,000 per offense for private applicators
(owners/operators of agricultural establishments) and other
persons and up to $5,000 per offense for commercial
applicators (owners/operators of commercial pesticide
handling establishments) and other persons. If die WPS is
knowingly violated, the criminal penalty can be up to $1,000
and 30 days in jail for private applicators and up to $25,000 and
1 year in jail for commercial applicators. Most States and
Tribes enforce under their own laws and regulations and have
their own penalties that may differ from Federal penalties. In
addition, some local governments may impose their own
pesticide-related ordinances and may impose their
own penalties.
Who Must Protect Workers and Handlers?
1-9
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WPS and Labeling
Labeling Overrides WPS:
If the pesticide product labeling contains specific
instructions or requirements that conflict with the
requirements of the Worker Protection Standard, follow
the instructions or requirements on the labeling. For
example, some pesticide labeling may:
*• prohibit any early-entry activity, including short-term
and emergency tasks.
•» allow an early-entry activity that the WPS does
not allow.
•» require the use of personal protective equipment even
if closed systems are used for mixing and loading.
Exceptions to Labeling Statements:
The WPS allows you to make certain exceptions to three
specific pesticide labeling requirements: personal
protective equipment, restricted-entry intervals, and double
notification (the requirement on some labeling for both
oral warnings and posting treated areas). The WPS
statements in the Agricultural Use Requirements box on
the product labeling will tell you that the WPS contains
these exceptions.
20
UNIT 2 * An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard
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UNIT 3
What Employers Must Do for
Both Workers and Handlers
Some WPS protections that employers must provide are nearly
the same whether the employees are workers or handlers. This
unit describes those requirements. Unit 4 describes additional
requirements that employers must provide to their employees
who are workers. Unit 5 describes additional requirements that
employers must provide to their employees who are handlers. If
you employ both workers and handlers, you will need to read all
three of these units.
Information at a Central Location 23
Pesticide Safety Training 25
Decontamination Sites 29
Employer Information Exchange 33
Emergency Assistance , 35
-------
-------
Information at a
Central Location
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must make
sure that certain information,
described below, is displayed at a
central location whenever (1) any
worker whom they employ is on
their agricultural establishment,
and (2) a pesticide is about to be
applied or has been recently applied.
When agricultural establishments employ their own handlers,
handler employers of such establishments must make sure that
certain information, described below, is displayed at a central
location whenever (1) any handler whom they employ is on their
agricultural establishment, and (2) a pesticide is about to be
applied or has been recently applied. However, this information
does not need to be displayed if only commercial (custom)
pesticide handlers will be on the agricultural establishment.
Specific Duties
What Information Must Be Displayed?
The following three types of information must be displayed:
1. Application list, which must include:
+ the location and description of the area to be treated,
4- product name, EPA registration number, and active
ingredient(s) of the pesticide,
4- time and date the pesticide is scheduled to be applied, and
+ restricted-entry interval for the pesticide.
2. Emergency information, which must include the name,
telephone number, and address of the nearest emergency
medical facility.
3. A pesticide safety poster, which must be either the WPS safety
poster developed by EPA or an equivalent poster that
contains the concepts listed in Criteria for Pesticide
Safety Poster, p. 101.
Commercial
pesticide
handler
employers do
NOT need to
display this
information on the
commercial pesticide
handling
establishment.
*
*
» If the pesticide is not
* applied as
* scheduled, you must
* list the corrected
* time and date the
* application takes
* place. List the
* correction before the
* application takes
^ place or as soon as
^ practicable
^ thereafter.
Information at a Central Location
23
-------
Earlier display:
If you post WPS
warning signs at
treated areas, you
must display the
application list at the
central location no
later than the time
when the warning
signs are posted.
Where Must the Information Be Displayed?
Display the required information together in a central location on
your agricultural establishment where it can be easily seen and
read by workers and handlers.
Exception:
If the workplace is a forest, you may display the information near
the forest. It must be in a location where workers and handlers
can easily see and read it and where they are likely to gather or
pass by. For example, you might display the information at a
decontamination site or an equipment storage site.
When Must the Information Be Displayed?
Display the information whenever any worker or handler you
employ is on your agricultural establishment and, in the past 30
[ days, a pesticide has been applied or a restricted-entry interval has
, been in effect. It may be displayed continuously.
>
> Timing of Application List Information
K 1. If workers or handlers are on your establishment at the start
* of an application, record the required pesticide-specific
' information on the application list and display it before the
application takes place.
» 2. If workers or handlers are NOT on your establishment at the
«• start of an application, display pesticide-specific information
» no later than the beginning of their first work period.
* 3. Continue to display pesticide-specific information when
* workers or handlers are on your establishment until:
4. ^ at least 30 days after the restricted-entry interval expires, or
* 4 at least 30 days after the end of the application, if there is
* no restricted-entry interval for the pesticide.
* Other Responsibilities
«. 1. Inform workers and handlers where the information
4 is located.
* 2. Allow workers and handlers access to the information.
* 3. Be sure that the poster, emergency information, and
application list remain legible during the time they
^ are posted.
» 4. Promptly inform workers if there is any change in the
* information on emergency medical facilities and update the
* emergency information listed with the poster.
24
UNIT 3 * What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
Pesticide Safety Training
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must make
sure that handlers are trained,
as described below, about
general pesticide safety and
•about correct ways to handle
pesticides.
Worker employers must make
sure that workers have been
trained, as described below, about general pesticide safety. This
includes workers who enter treated areas on the farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse during a restricted-entry interval to
perform WPS-permitted tasks.
Specific Duties
Who Must Be Trained?
Each worker and handler must be trained.
This requirement is met if the worker or handler:
1. has been trained within the last 5 years as a WPS handler or
WPS worker, even if he or she has changed employers, OR
2. is currently a certified applicator of restricted-use pesticides,
OR
3. is currently trained (as specified in EPA's certification and
training regulations) as a handler who works under the
supervision of a certified pesticide applicator.
How Soon Must They Be Trained?
1. Handlers must be trained before they do any handling task.
2. Early-entry workers who will contact anything that has been
treated with the pesticide which caused the restricted-entry
interval must be trained BEFORE they do any early entry task
on your establishment.
3. Early-entry workers who will NOT contact anything that has
been treated with the pesticide which caused the restricted-
entry interval must be trained in the same time period as
that described for workers below.
4. Workers must be trained before they accumulate more than
5 separate days of entry into treated areas on your establish-
+
•
•
*
•
•
•
•
*
Entry during a
restricted-entry
interval is permitted
only in a few strictly
limited circumstances;
see Early Entry,
pp. 45-47,59-61.
356-843 -93-2 QL 3
Pesticide Safety Training
25
-------
ment where, within the past 30 days, a pesticide has been
applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in effect.
These 5 days of such entry need not be consecutive and may
occur over several periods of employment or over several
seasons or years.
Exception:
Starting on April 15, 1994, and until October 20, 1997, workers
must be trained about general pesticide safety before they
accumulate more than 15 separate days of entry into such treated
areas on your establishment.
How Often Must Handlers and Workers Be Trained?
Handlers and workers must be trained at least once every 5 years,
counting from the end of the month in which the previous
training was completed.
Who Can Conduct Training?
1. The person who conducts handler training must:
4 currently be a certified applicator of restricted-use
pesticides (in any category of certification),
OR
4 currently be designated as a trainer of certified pesticide
applicators or pesticide handlers by a State, Federal, or
Tribal agency having jurisdiction,
OR
4- have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program
approved by a State, Federal, or Tribal agency having
jurisdiction.
2. The person who conducts worker training must:
4 currently be qualified to present handler training, as
described immediately above,
OR
4 currently be trained (as specified in EPA's certification and
training regulations) as a handler who works under the
supervision of a certified pesticide applicator,
OR
4 currently be trained as a WPS handler,
OR
4 have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program
approved by a State, Federal, or Tribal agency having
jurisdiction.
26
UNIT 3 * What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
How To Conduct Training
1. Anyone who conducts worker or handler training must:
* use written and/or audiovisual materials,
* present the training orally or audiovisually,
•» present the information in a manner that the trainees can
understand, using a translator, if necessary,
4- respond to trainees' questions.
2. Anyone who conducts worker training must use non-
technical terms.
Content of Training
The pesticide safety training materials for workers and handlers
must be either:
4 WPS training materials developed by EPA,
OR
4 equivalent material that contains at least the concepts listed
in Criteria for Worker and Handler Training, pp. 103 and
104.
Verification of Training
If you make sure that a handler has an EPA-approved WPS
handler training card or that a worker has an EPA-approved WPS
worker or handler training card, the person does not have to be
retrained UNLESS you are aware, or have reason to know, that the
card is invalid.
A WPS training card is invalid if you, the employer:
4 are aware, or have reason to know, that the card was not
issued according to the criteria in the WPS. For example, you
know that the person who gave the training was not
qualified to conduct WPS training, or that the content of the
training did not meet the WPS criteria, or the trainee could
not understand the training when it was given.
OR
4 are aware, or have reason to know, that the card was not
issued to the person who has the card.
OR
«• know that the training for which the card was issued took
place more than 5 years before the beginning of the current
month (the card has expired)..
Pesticide Safety Training
27
-------
Avoiding Discrimination in Hiring
Even if you do not normally provide training in the particular
language of a job applicant, or if a translator is not readily
available, you are not exempted from your training
responsibilities under the WPS. Refusing to hire an applicant who
cannot understand the language or languages in which you
usually provide training may constitute discrimination on the basis
of national origin. Such discrimination is actionable under Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Immigration Reform and
Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).
If you want information about your responsibilities under Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, contact the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission. For details about IRCA
anti-discrimination provisions, contact the Special Counsel for
Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, U.S.
Department of Justice.
28
UNIT 3 * What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
Decontamination Sites
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must
make sure that a
decontamination site
(described below) for washing
off pesticides and pesticide
residues is provided to
handlers while they are doing
handling tasks.
Worker employers must make sure that a decontamination site
(described below) for washing off pesticide residues is provided to
workers who are working in a pesticide-treated area and are doing
tasks that involve contact with anything that has been treated with
the pesticide, including soil, water, or surfaces of plants.
Specific Duties
When Must the Site Be Provided?
For handlers, for the duration of the handling task.
For workers, until 30 days after the end of any restricted-entry
interval for that area. If there is no restricted-entry interval, until
30 days after the end of any application in that area.
For early-entry workers who will contact anything that has been
treated with the pesticide, the decontamination site requirements
are different. See Decontamination Sites for Early-Entry Workers,
pp. 67-68.
Supplies
Provide each decontamination site with:
1. Water—enough for:
•* routine washing, and
+ emergency eyeflushing.
If the water is stored in a tank, the water must not be used for
mixing pesticides, unless the tank is equipped with correctly
functioning anti-backsiphoning or check valves or other
mechanisms (such as air gaps) that prevent pesticides from
moving into the tank.
2. Soap and single-use towels—enough for workers' or
handlers' needs.
«. The WPS
4 requires that
• decontamination
» sites be provided
regardless of the
number of
employees. There is
no exemption for
employers with
only a few
employees.
Decontamination
and emergency
eyeflush water
must, at all times
when it is available
to workers or
handlers, be of a
quality and
temperature that will
not cause illness or
injury when it
contacts the skin or
eyes or if it is
swallowed.
Decontamination Sites
29
-------
3. At handler decontamination sites ALSO provide:
*• enough water for washing the entire body in case of
emergency, and
* clean change of clothes, such as one-size-fits-all coveralls, to
put on if the handler's garments are contaminated and
need to be removed right away.
How Much Water Should Be Provided?
Obviously, running water meets the requirement. However,
if it is not available, use the following guidelines.
+ Workers: At least 1 gallon of water is recommended
for each worker using the site. If you find that one
gallon per worker is inadequate to last for the entire
work period, provide more water or replenish the water
at some point during the work period.
*• Handlers: At least 3 gallons of water is
recommended for each handler using the site. If you
find that 3 gallons per handler is inadequate to last
for the entire work period, provide more water or
replenish the water at some point during the work
period.
Location
1. Worker and handler decontamination sites must be
reasonably accessible to the workers and handlers and not
more than 1/4 mile from where they are working. Handlers
mixing pesticides must have a decontamination site at the
mixing area.
Exceptions:
*• For a pilot who is applying pesticides aerially, the
decontamination site must be at the aircraft's loading
site or in the aircraft.
*• For tasks performed more than 1/4 mile from the nearest
point reachable by vehicles (cars, trucks, or tractors), the
decontamination site may be at the access point. In this
circumstance, clean water from springs, streams, lakes, or
other sources may be used for decontamination if such
water is more readily available than the water at the
decontamination site.
30
UNIT 3 * What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
2. Worker decontamination sites must NOT be in an area being
treated with pesticides or in an area under a restricted-entry
interval.
3. Handler decontamination sites may be located in an area
being treated with pesticides (or an area that has a restricted-
entryinterval in effect), only if:
+ It is in the area where the handler is doing handling tasks,
AND
+ The soap, single-use towels, and clean change of clothing
are in closed containers,
AND
> The water is running tap water or is in a closed container.
Emergency Eyeflushing
Provide each handler with at least 1 pint of emergency eyeflush
water when the pesticide labeling requires protective eyewear for
the handling task being performed. The emergency eyeflush
water must be immediately accessible. For example, it could be
carried by the handler or be on a vehicle the handler is using.
The emergency eyeflush water may be the water at the
decontamination site if the decontamination site is immediately
accessible.
Decontamination After Handling Tasks
At the site where handlers remove their personal protective
equipment (PPE), provide:
4- soap,
*• clean towels, and
4- enough water to allow handlers to wash thoroughly after
removing PPE.
Decontamination Sites
31
-------
-------
Employer Information
Exchange
Basic Responsibilities
Employers of commercial
pesticide handlers must make
sure that their customer—the
operator of the farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse—
knows certain information,
described below, about the
pesticide before it is applied on the establishment.
Operators of farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses
(agricultural employers) must make sure that, whenever a
commercial handler will be doing pesticide handling tasks
(including tasks as a crop advisor) on their establishment, the
commercial handler's employer knows specific information,
described below, concerning treated areas on the agricultural
establishment.
Specific Duties
Information for Establishment Operators
Commercial handler employers must inform their customer—the
operator of the farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse—about:
+ the specific location and description of die area(s) on die
agricultural establishment that are to be treated with
a pesticide,
*• time and date die pesticide is scheduled to be applied,
+ product name, EPA registration number, and active
ingredient(s),
+ restricted-entry interval for the pesticide,
+ whether the pesticide labeling requires both treated-area
posting and oral notification, and
* any other specific requirements on the pesticide labeling
concerning protection of workers and other persons during
or after application.
Operators of agricultural establishments must have this
information to protect dieir employees. See Information at a
Central Location, pp. 23-24, and Notice About Applications,
pp. 41-44.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
*
• •
* If the pesticide is not
* applied as
* scheduled, the
agricultural
employer must be
informed of the
^ corrected time and
4 date of the
4 application. Make
«. the correction before
• the application takes
• place or as soon as
• practicable
+ thereafter.
•
•
Employer Information Exchange
33
-------
Information for Commercial Handler Employers
Operators of agricultural establishments must provide the
following information to the commercial pesticide handler
employer that they hire:
*• Specific location and description of any areas on the
agricultural establishment:
* that may be treated with a pesticide or be under a
restricted-entry interval while the commercial handler will
be there,
AND
* that the commercial handlers may be in (or walk within
1/4 mile of).
*• Restrictions on entering those areas.
Operators of commercial pesticide handling establishments must
have this information to protect their employees. See Specific
Instructions for Handlers, p. 76.
34
UNIT 3 *• What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
Emergency Assistance
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must
provide emergency assistance,
described below, to anyone
who is or has been employed
as a worker on their farm,
forest, nursery, or greenhouse
if there is reason to believe
that die worker has been poisoned or injured by a pesticide used
on the agricultural establishment—for example, through
application, spills, splashes, drift, or contact with pesticide
residues.
Pesticide handler employers must provide emergency assistance,
described below, to anyone who is or has been employed as a
handler on their farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse or on their
commercial pesticide handling establishment, if there is reason to
believe that the handler has been poisoned or injured by a
pesticide as a result of that employment—for example, through
application, spills, splashes, drift, handling tasks, or contact with
pesticide residues.
Specific Duties
Emergency Transportation
1. Promptly make emergency transportation available to take
the worker to an emergency medical facility able to provide
treatment:
* from the agricultural establishment, or
+ from a labor camp located on the establishment.
2. Promptly make emergency transportation available to take
the handler to an emergency medical facility able to provide
treatment:
+ from thejagricultural establishment, or
«• from another handling site, such as a commercial handling
establishment or an airport hangar.
• Employers
4 can "make
*
»
*
•
*
«
*
*
•
•
*
*
»
*
•
*
•
*
•
*
transportation
available" by:
+ taking the
employee to
the emergency
medical facility,
OR
• calling an
emergency
vehicle, such as
an ambulance,
OR
«• making sure the
employee has a
ride to the medical
facility with
someone else.
Emergency Assistance
35
-------
* Emergency Information
* Provide to the worker or handler or to treating medical
personnel, promptly upon request, any obtainable
information on:
* *• product name, EPA registration number, and active
* ingredients for any product(s) to which the person may have
* been exposed,
* *• antidote, first aid, statement of practical treatment and
other medical or emergency information from the
product labeling,
• *• description of the way the pesticide was being used, and
* + circumstances of the worker's or handler's exposure to
* the pesticide.
36
UNIT 3 * What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers
-------
UNIT 4
Further Requirements for
Employers of Workers
Unit 3 described the WPS protections that employers must
provide to both worker and handler, employees. This unit
describes the additional protections that employers are
required to provide to their worker employees.
Part A - Protections for AH Agricultural Workers 39
Part B - Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries and
Greenhouses 49
Part C - Early Entry m _ 57
-------
-------
Part A
Protections for All
Agricultural Workers
The requirements described in this part are in addition
to the protections employers must provide to both
workers and handlers (Unit 3).
Notice About Applications . 41
Restrictions During and After Applications ....45
-------
-------
Notice About Applications
+
•
•
DANGER PELIGRO
PESTICIDES PESTICIDAS
KEEP OUT
NO ENTRE
Basic Responsibilities
Under most circumstances,
worker employers must make
sure that workers are notified
about areas where pesticide
applications are taking place or
where restricted-entry intervals
are in effect.
Specific Duties
Both Oral Warning and Posted
Signs
Some pesticide labels require you to notify workers BOTH orally
AND with signs posted at entrances to the treated area. If both
types of notification are required, the following statement will be
in the Directions for Use section of the pesticide labeling under
the heading Agricultural Use Requirements:
"Notify workers of the application by warning them orally
and by posting warning signs at entrances to treated areas."
Notification on Farms, Forests, and Nurseries
Unless the pesticide labeling requires both types of notification,
notify workers EITHER orally OR by the posting of warning signs
at entrances to treated areas. You must inform workers which
method of notification is being used.
Notification in Greenhouses
In greenhouses, you must post all treated areas, except as
described below. If the pesticide labeling requires both types of
notification, you must also notify workers orally.
Exceptions to Worker Notification
1. Oral warnings need NOT be given to:
4- any worker on your farm, forest, or nursery who will not be
in the treated area, or walk within 1/4 mile of a treated
area, during the pesticide application or while the
restricted-entry interval is in effect,
Notice About Applications
41
-------
Signs meeting these
requirements should
be available
commercially.
+ any worker who will not be in your greenhouse during a
pesticide application or while a restricted-entry interval is
in effect there, OR
4 any worker who applied (or supervised the application of)
the pesticide and is aware of all of the information
required to be given in the oral warning.
2. Treated area posting is NOT required if:
4 no workers on your farm, forest, or nursery will be in the
treated area, or walk within 1/4 mile of the treated area,
during the pesticide application or while the restricted-
entry interval is in effect,
«• no workers will be in the greenhouse during the pesticide
application or while the restricted-entry interval is in effect
there, OR
4 the only workers for whom you need to post applied (or
supervised the application of) the pesticide and are aware
of all of the information required to be given in the
oral warning.
Posted Warning Signs
Use WPS-design signs when you post warnings at entrances to
treated areas. For a detailed description, see Requirements for
Warning Signs, p. 102.
1. Location:
4- On farms, forests, and nurseries, post the signs so they can
be seen from all points where workers usually enter the
treated area, including at least:
* each access road,
* each border with any labor camp adjacent to the
treated area, and
* each established walking route that enters the
treated area.
[ When there are no usual points of worker entry, post the
> signs in the corners of the treated area or in places where
> they will be most easily seen.
> 4 In greenhouses, post the signs so they can be seen from all
" points where workers usually enter the treated area,
' including doorways, aisles, and other walking routes. When
* there are no usual points of worker entry to the treated
* area, post the signs in the corners of the treated area or in
places where they will be easily seen.
42
UNIT 4 •» Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
2. Timing and Visibility of Warning Signs:
«• Post signs 24 hours or less before the scheduled
application of the pesticide.
4- Keep signs posted during application and throughout the
restricted-entry interval (if any).
*• Remove the signs within 3 days after the end of the
restricted-entry interval. If there is no restricted-entry
interval for that application, remove the signs within 3 days
after the end of the application.
4- Keep workers out during the entire time the signs are
posted (except for trained and equipped early-entry
workers entering as permitted under WPS).
* Keep signs visible and legible while they are posted.
3. Posting Adjoining Areas
When several adjoining areas are to be treated with pesticides
on a rotating or sequential basis, you may post the entire area
at the same time. Worker entry, except for early entry
permitted by the WPS, is prohibited for the entire area while
the signs are posted.
4. Design and Size
4 Each warning sign must
look like the one at the
right.
4 You may put additional
information on the
warning sign, such as the
name of the pesticide or
the date of application, if
it does not lessen the
impact of the sign or
change the meaning of
the required
information. If you
add die required
DANGER PELIGRO
PESTICIDES PESTICIDAS
KEEP OUT
NO ENTRE
Red
information in other languages, the words must be
translated correctly.
The signs must be at least 14 inches by 16 inches, and the
letters must be at least 1 inch high.
For a detailed
description, see
Requirements for
Warning Signs,
p. 102.
You may use smaller
signs if the treated
area is too small to
accommodate 14- by
16-inch signs. For
example, when a
single potted plant
needs to be posted,
a smaller sign would
be appropriate.
Notice About Applications
43
-------
* Oral Warnings to Workers
1. Content
«. Oral warnings must include:
* + the location and description of the treated area,
•* the time during which entry is restricted, and
«. 4- instructions not to enter the treated area until the
* restricted-entry interval has expired.
* 2. Communication
4 Provide oral warnings to workers in a manner that they
4. can understand.
* 3. Timing
* +• Workers who are on your establishment at the start of an
* application must be orally warned before the application
takes place.
«• 4 Workers who are NOT on your establishment at the start of
» an application must be orally warned at the beginning of
* their first work period if (1) the application is still taking
* place or (2) the restricted-entry interval for the pesticide is
* hi effect.
44
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
Restrictions During and
After Applications
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must take
actions, described below, to
protect workers and other
persons during pesticide
applications on agricultural
establishments. Worker
employers also must take
actions, described below, to
protect workers during
restricted-entry intervals.
Specific Duties
During Applications
1. Keep everyone except appropriately trained and equipped
handlers out of areas being treated with pesticides.
2. In nurseries and greenhouses, during some applications, also
keep such persons out of the area immediately around the
area being treated. The size of this "keep-out zone" depends
on the pesticide used and the application method. In some
greenhouse situations, the greenhouse must be adequately
ventilated before workers are allowed to enter. (See Special
Application Restrictions in Nurseries and Greenhouses
pp. 51-52 and 53-55.)
During Restricted-Entry Intervals
In general, keep workers out of a treated area during the
restricted-entry interval. This restriction has only two types of
exceptions: (1) early entry with no contact, described below, and
(2) early entry with contact for short-term, emergency, or specially
excepted tasks (all described in Early Entry, pp. 59-61). Note
however, that entry into treated areas during a restricted-entry^
interval is also allowed to perform handling (including crop
advisor) tasks as long as the persons entering such areas are
trained and equipped as pesticide handlers and receive all other
applicable WPS handler protections.
* Entering either
* enclosed or outdoor
* fumigated areas to
ventilate, remove
* tarps or other
^ coverings used in the
^ fumigation, or to
^ measure air
«. concentration levels,
, are handling tasks,
«. not early entry. Only
• appropriately trained
• and equipped
* handlers can do
* these tasks.
Restrictions During and After Applications
45
-------
Avoiding contact by
using personal
protective
equipment does NOT
qualify as no-contact
early entry.
Restricted-Entry Interval (RED
The restricted-entry interval is the time immediately after a
pesticide application when entry into the treated area is
limited. Some pesticides have one REI, such as 12 hours, for
all crops and uses. Other products have different REI's
depending on the crop or method of application. When two
(or more) pesticides are applied at the same time, and have
different REI's, you must follow the longer interval.
Location of REI's on Labeling
The restricted-entry interval is listed on the pesticide
labeling:
4- under the heading Agricultural Use
Requirements in the Directions for Use
section of the pesticide labeling, or
* next to the crop or application method
to which it applies.
Arid Area REI's
Some pesticide labeling requires a different REI for arid
areas. Labeling might say, for example, "72 hours in outdoor
areas where average annual rainfall is less than 25 inches a
year." You can get information on average annual rainfall
for your area from any nearby weather bureau, such as one
located at a local airport or one affiliated with the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
No-Contact Early Entry
If workers wUl have no contact with anything that has been treated
with the pesticide to which the restricted-entry interval applies,
you may permit them to enter pesticide-treated areas when the
application is finished.
1. After any inhalation exposure level listed on the product
labeling has been reached or any WPS ventilation criteria
have been met, you may permit workers into a treated area
during an REI if they will not touch or be touched by any
pesticide residues, including:
4 on plants, including both agricultural plants and weeds,
4- on or in soil or planting medium,
46
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
+ in water, such as irrigation water or water standing in
drainage ditches or puddles,
«• in air, if pesticide remains suspended after application,
such as after fumigation or after a smoke, mist, fog, or'
aerosol application.
No-contact early-entry workers do NOT have to be provided
the special protections required in Early Entry, pp. 63-70.
However, they must be provided the following protections
offered to other agricultural workers: information at a
central location, pesticide safety training for workers,
notification, restrictions during applications and during
restricted-entry intervals, and emergency assistance.
Decontamination sites, however, need NOT be provided to
no-contact early-entry workers.
2. The following are examples of situations where a worker
would NOT be expected to contact pesticide residues in a
treated area after sprays, dusts, and vapors have settled out of
the air:
+ The worker is wearing footwear and is walking in aisles or
on roads, footpaths, or other pathways through the treated
area where the plants or other treated surfaces cannot
brush against the worker and cannot drop or drip
pesticides onto the worker.
+ The worker is in an open-cab vehicle in a treated area
where the plants cannot brush against the worker and
cannot drop or drip pesticide onto the worker.
4- After a pesticide application that is incorporated or
injected into the soil, the worker is doing tasks that do not
involve touching or disrupting the soil subsurface.
«• The worker is in an enclosed cab on a truck, tractor, or
other vehicle.
Restrictions During and After Applications
47
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-------
Part B
Special Application
Restrictions in Nurseries
and Greenhouses
The WPS requires additional restrictions during some
pesticide applications in nurseries and greenhouses. This
part describes those restrictions.
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries 51
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses 53
-------
-------
Special Application
Restrictions in Nurseries
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must make
sure that, during certain
nursery applications, workers
and other persons do not
enter treated areas on the
nursery or, in some
circumstances, do not enter
areas that are near the treated
area.
Specific Duties
Application Restrictions on Nurseries
During any application described in column A of Table I, do not
allow or direct any person, other than an appropriately trained
and equipped handler, to be in the areas on the nursery specified
in column B. After the application is finished and during the
restricted-entry interval:
+ keep workers out of the treated area (the area to which the
pesticide was directed),
+ you may allow workers in the areas just outside the treated
area that were off-limits during the application.
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries
51
-------
TABLE I
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries
COLUMN A
While a Pesticide Is
Being Applied:
•if^^»
1. (a) Applied:
* Aerially, or
4 In an upward direction, or
* Using a spray pressure
greater than 150
pounds per square inch.
OR
(b) Applied as a:
* Fumigant, or
* Smoke, or
* Mist, or
* Fog, or
* Aerosol.
2. (a) Applied downward using:
* A height of greater than
12 inches from the
planting medium; or
* A fine spray, or
* A spray pressure greater
than 40 pounds per
square inch and less
than 150 pounds per
square inch.
OR
(b) Under circumstances
other than (l)(a) or (l)(b)
or (2) (a) above but for which
the pesticide labeling
requires the applicator to
wear a respirator.
3. In any other manner.
COLUMN B
Workers and Other
Persons Are Prohibited in:
•••••••••••
Pesticide-treated area plus
100 feet in all directions
on the nursery
Pesticide-treated area plus
25 feet in all directions on
the nursery
Pesticide-treated area
52
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
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Special Application
Restrictions in Greenhouses
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must make sure
that workers and other persons do
not enter specific areas within
the greenhouse during—and,
in some instances, after—
certain greenhouse
applications.
Specific Duties
Application Restrictions in
Greenhouses
During any application described in column A of Table II do not
allow or direct any person, other than an appropriately trained
and equipped handler, to be in the areas specified in column B.
Ventilation Criteria for Greenhouses
r-r u^T ^eS °f Pesticide applications listed in column A
of Table II, you must make sure that adequate ventilation has
occurred before you allow workers to enter the areas
specified in column B. If column C indicates that ventilation
restrictions apply, make sure that one of the f ollowing
ventilation criteria is met:
* Thf concentration of the pesticide in the air is measured to
be less than or equal to any inhalation exposure level
required on the labeling.
«• If no inhalation exposure level is listed on the labeling
keep workers out until after:
* 10 air exchanges, or
* 2 hours of ventilation using fans or other mechanical
ventilating systems, or
* 4 hours of ventilation using vents, windows or other
passive ventilation, or
* 11 hours with no ventilation followed by 1 hour of
mechanical ventilation, or
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses
53
-------
* 11 hours with no ventilation followed by 2 hours of
passive ventilation, or
* 24 hours with no ventilation.
2. After ventilation criteria are met and until the restricted-entry
interval expires:
4- do not allow workers into the treated area (see Column D
on Table II),
+ you may allow workers into the areas just outside the
treated area that were off-limits during the application.
54
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
COLUMN D
After the Expiration of
Time in COLUMN C Until
the Restricted-Entry
Interval Expires, the Entry-
Restricted Area Is:
COLUMN C
Until:
COLUMN B
Workers and
Other Persons
Are Prohibited in:
COLUMN A
When a Pesticide Is Applied:
No entry restrictions
after criteria in
column C are met.
The ventilation criteria
on the previous pages
are met.
Entire greenhouse plus any
adjacent structure that
cannot be sealed off
from the treated area.
1. As a fumigant.
Entire enclosed area
is the treated area.
The ventilation criteria
on the previous pages
are met.
Entire enclosed area.
>-,
v o % ~3
"o «- . T. o
Sw bo SH
- ™ 9 r° £
V) ,>, ft, •<
CNJ
Pesticide-treated area.
The ventilation criteria
on the previous pages
are met.
Entire enclosed area.
3. Under circumstances (other
than in 1 or 2) for which the
pesticide labeling requires
the applicator to wear a
respirator.
Pesticide-treated area.
a
. jj
u
EA
1
3
1
Pesticide-treated area
plus 25 feet in all
directions within the
entire enclosed area.
4. Other than in 1, 2, or 3, but:
» From a height of greater
than 12 in. from the
planting medium, or
* As a fine spray, or
* Using a spray pressure
greater than 40 pounds
per square inch.
Pesticide-treated area.
V
t
o
0
CO
a
_o
"a,
Pesticide-treated area.
5. In any other manner.
• — ' —
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses
55
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PARTC
Early Entry
The WPS allows entry into a treated area that remains under
a restricted-entry interval only in a few narrow work
situations. When early entry is permitted under the WPS,
special protections must be given to the early-entry workers.
This subsection describes those work situations and
protections.
Early-Entry Work Situations 59
General Protections for Early-Entry Workers 63
Training and Instructions for Early-Entry Workers 65
Decontamination Sites for Early-Entry Workers 67
Personal Protective Equipment for
Early-Entry Workers 69
356-843 O - 93 - 3
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Early-Entry Work Situations
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must not
allow their workers to enter
treated areas where they will
contact treated surfaces,
except in a few very limited
work situations.
Worker employers must
provide special protections to
any of their workers who do early-entry tasks involving contact
with anything that has been treated with a pesticide, including
soil, water, air, and surfaces of plants.
Specific Duties
Early entry involving contact with treated surfaces is permitted in
only three work situations:
+ short-term tasks that last less than 1 hour and do not involve
hand labor,
+ emergency tasks that take place because of an agricultural
emergency, and
+ specific tasks approved by EPA through a formal
exception process.
Short-Term Tasks With No Hand Labor
Workers may enter treated areas before the restricted-entry
interval is over to do short-term jobs that do not involve hand
labor, if provided with the protections and PPE required for early
entry. Each worker must:
4- wait at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is
completed before entering the treated area, AND
* wait at least until any inhalation exposure level listed on the
product labeling has been reached or any WPS ventilation
criteria have been met, AND
* spend no more than 1 hour in a 24-hour period on short-
term early-entry tasks.
• Employers should
* make every effort to
* schedule pesticide
* applications and
* worker tasks in a
* way that will avoid
the necessity of early
entry of workers into
treated areas.
For additional
protections that
must be provided to
workers who do
short-term early-
entry tasks, see
pp. 63-70.
*
*
Early-Entry Work Situations
59
-------
Hand labor:
Any agricultural activity performed by hand, or with hand
tools, that might cause a worker to have substantial contact
with surfaces (such as plants, plant parts, or soil) that may
contain pesticide residues. Examples of hand labor tasks
include: harvesting, detasseling, thinning, weeding, topping,
planting, sucker removal, pruning, disbudding, roguing,
and packing produce into containers in the field.
Examples of short-term tasks NOT considered hand labor
include: operating, moving, or repairing irrigation or
watering equipment not used to apply pesticides.
Only appropriately trained and equipped pesticide handlers
may operate, move, or repair the parts of chemigation
equipment that may contain pesticide residues.
(Chemigation equipment is equipment used to apply
pesticides with irrigation water.)
For additional
protections that
must be provided to
early-entry workers,
see pp. 63-70.
Tasks During an Agricultural Emergency:
Early-entry workers may enter treated areas before the restricted-
entry interval is over to do tasks that are necessary because of an
agricultural emergency, if provided with the protections and PPE
required for early entry. Each worker must:
+ do only those tasks relating to mitigating the emergency,
AND
*• wait at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is
completed before entering the treated area,
AND
*• wait at least until any inhalation exposure level listed on the
product labeling has been reached or any WPS ventilation
criteria have been met.
1. Declaring a Potential Agricultural Emergency
A State, Tribal, or Federal agency having jurisdiction must
declare that circumstances exist, have occurred, or are
forecast that might cause an agricultural emergency where
your establishment is located. Such circumstances may
include, for example, flooding, hail, high winds, hurricane,
tornado, freeze, or frost.
2. Agricultural Emergency on Your Establishment
Once such an agency has declared that circumstances might
cause (or might already have caused) an agricultural
emergency in your area, you must decide if an agricultural
60
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
emergency actually exists for any treated areas on your
establishment that remain under a restricted-entry interval.
All of the f oUowing conditions must be met before you may
let workers go into a treated area where a restricted-entry
interval is in effect:
* You could not have anticipated the circumstances that led
to the emergency when you made the pesticide
application. For example, you do not qualify if weather
forecasts before the application warned you that the
emergency was imminent.
«• You had no control over the circumstances that led to the
emergency. For example, you do not qualify if you forgot
to heat your greenhouse or over-watered with an
irrigation system.
+ Early entry is the only practice that will prevent or reduce a
substantial economic loss involving the crop in that treated
area. For example, you do not qualify if you have access to
mechanical harvesting equipment that could harvest your
crop in lieu of hand-harvesting.
+ If early entry does not occur, the loss of profit will be
greater than the loss that would be expected on the basis
of experience and the variation in crop yields in
previous years. The contribution of mismanagement
cannot be considered in determining the loss.
EPA-Approved Exceptions
EPA has established a formal regulatory process for considering
additional exceptions to the restrictions on entering treated areas
during an REI. If any such exceptions are approved, EPA will
publish them in the Federal Register and intends to inform State
and Tribal pesticide agencies, the Cooperative Extension Service
affected commodity, industry, and worker associations, and other
interested parties. Check with them or the EPA office in your
region for an updated list of approved exceptions and for
information about the requirements and limitations of those
exceptions.
Early-Entry Work Situations
61
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-------
General Protections for
Early-Entry Workers
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must
provide several types of
protections, described below,
to their early-entry workers
who contact anything that has
been treated with a pesticide,
including soil, water, air, and
surfaces of plants.
Specific Duties
Protections Required by the Pesticide Labeling
Provide any protections required by the pesticide labeling for
early-entry tasks.
Required Protections That Are the Same as for Other Workers
Provide protections that are required for all agricultural workers:
4 Information at a central location (pp. 23-24),
4 Emergency assistance (pp. 35-36),
«• Restrictions during applications (pp. 45, 51-52, 53-55), and
4 Notice about applications (pp. 41-44).
Special Protections for Early-Entry Workers
A few WPS requirements for early-entry workers differ from those
for other agricultural workers. Provide special protections to early-
entry workers in the following areas:
4- Training and instructions,
4 Decontamination sites, and
4 Personal protective equipment.
+
•
*
•
•
+
*
•
*
•
These requirements
are described in
detail in the next
several pages.
General Protections for Early-Entry Workers
63
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-------
Training and Instructions
for Early-Entry Workers
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must make
sure that each of their early-
entry workers is currently
trained as a WPS worker and,
in addition, receives specific
information and instructions,
described below.
Specific Duties
Training
Make sure that each early-entry worker is currently trained as a
WPS worker (see requirements on pp. 25-28,103) before
entering a treated area on the agricultural establishment during a
restricted-entry interval.
The 5-day (or 15-day) grace period for training that applies to
other agricultural workers does NOT apply to early-entry workers.
Instructions Related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Instruct early-entry workers, in a manner they can understand:
«• how to put on, use, and take off early-entry PPE correctly,
+ about the importance of washing thoroughly after removing
PPE, and S
4- how to prevent, recognize, and give correct first aid for heat
illness (too much heat stress).
Labeling Information and Instructions
Inform early-entry workers, in a manner they can understand,
about the safety information and instructions on the labeling of
the pesticide (s) to which the REI applies, including:
+ human hazard statements and precautions,
+ first aid,
4 signs and symptoms of poisoning,
* PPE required for early entry, and
* any other precautions or instructions related to safe use or .
early entry.
* For definitions of
PPE, see pp. 82-83.
Option: You may
allow workers who
will do early-entry
tasks to read the
labeling themselves,
if they are able to
read and
understand it.
Training and Instructions for Early-Entry Workers
65
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-------
Decontamination Sites
for Early-Entry Workers
Basic Responsibilities
Worker employers must provide
their early-entry workers with
decontamination sites for washing
off pesticides and pesticide
residues.
Specific Duties
Supplies
Provide each decontamination site with:
1 . Water — enough for:
+ routine washing, and
•* emergency eyeflushing.
If the water is stored in a tank, the water must not be used for
mixing pesticides, unless the tank is equipped with correctly
functioning antibacksiphoning or check valves or other
mechanisms (such as air gaps) that prevent pesticides from
moving into the tank.
*
•»
How Much Water Should Be Provided?
Obviously, running water meets the requirement. However,
if it is not available, use the following guidelines:
+ Early-Entry Workers: At least 1 gallon of water is
recommended for each early-entry worker using the site.
If you find that 1 gallon per early-entry worker is
inadequate to last for the entire work period, provide
more water or replenish the water at some point during
the work period.
2. Soap and single-use towels—enough for the needs of early-
entry workers.
Decontamination
and emergency
^ eyeflush water must,
^ at all times when it is
«. available to early-
« entry workers, be of
• a quality and
• temperature that will
• not cause illness or
* injury when it
* contacts the skin or
* eyes or if it is
* swallowed.
Decontamination Sites for Early Entry Workers
67
-------
Location
Make sure:
1. The decontamination site is not in an area being treated
with pesticides.
2. The decontamination site is not in an area under a restricted-
entry interval, UNLESS that location is necessary for the site
to be reasonably accessible to early-entry workers.
3. The decontamination site is reasonably accessible to and not
more than 1/4 mile from early-entry workers.
Exception:
For tasks performed more than 1/4 mile from the nearest point
reachable by vehicle (car, truck, or tractor), the decontamina-
tion site may be at the access point. In this circumstance, clean
water from springs, streams, lakes, or other sources may be used
for decontamination if such water is more readily available than
the water at the decontamination site.
Emergency Eyeflushing
Provide each early-entry worker with at least 1 pint of emergency
eyeflush water when the pesticide labeling requires protective
eyewear for early entry. The emergency eyeflush water must be
immediately accessible. For example, it could be carried by the
handler or be on a vehicle the early-entry worker is using. The
emergency eyeflush water may be the water at the
decontamination site if the decontamination site is
immediately accessible.
Decontamination at the End of Exposure Period
At the site where early-entry workers take off their PPE, provide:
4- soap,
*• clean towels, and
*• enough water to allow early-entry workers to wash thoroughly
after removing their PPE.
68
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
Personal Protective
Equipment for
Early-Entry Workers
Basic Responsibilities
* PPE for early-entry
* activities is listed on
Worker employers must provide their early-entry workers with the
early-entry PPE required by the pesticide labeling, make sure they * the pesticide label
wear the PPE, and make sure they use the PPE correctly.
Specific Duties
Duties Related to Personal Protective Equipment
1. Provide the appropriate PPE in clean and operating
condition to each early-entry worker.
2. Make sure early-entry workers wear PPE correctly for its
intended purpose and use it according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
3. Inspect all PPE before each day of use for leaks, holes, tears,
or worn places. Repair or discard any damaged equipment.
4. Provide early-entry workers clean places away from pesticide
storage and pesticide use areas to:
+ store personal clothing not in use,
+ put on PPE at the start of any exposure period, and
+ take off PPE at the end of any exposure period.
5. Take necessary steps to prevent heat illness (too much heat
stress) while PPE is being worn.
6. Do not allow early-entry workers to wear home or take home
PPE contaminated with pesticides.
Cleaning and Maintaining PPE
1. Keep pesticide-contaminated PPE separate from other
clothing or laundry, and wash it separately.
2. If PPE will be reused, clean it before each day of reuse
according to the instructions from the PPE manufacturer,
unless the pesticide labeling specifies different requirements.
If there are no such instructions or requirements, wash the
PPE thoroughly in detergent and hot water.
in the Directions for
Use section under
* the heading
^ Agricultural Use
^ Requirements.
^ See PPE definitions,
» pp. 82-83.
Personal Protective Equipment for Early-Entry Workers
69
-------
For an example of
what to tell people
who clean PPE, see
pp. 109-110.
3. Thoroughly dry the clean PPE before it is stored, or put it in
a well-ventilated place to dry.
4. Store clean PPE separately from personal clothing and away
from pesticide-contaminated areas.
Disposal of PPE
Comply with any applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and local regu-
lations when you dispose of PPE that cannot be cleaned correctly.
Instructions for Persons Who Clean PPE
Inform anyone who cleans or launders PPE:
<* that PPE may be contaminated with pesticides,
«• of the potentially harmful effects of pesticides,
4- how to protect themselves when handling contaminated
PPE, and
•» how to clean PPE correctly.
70
UNIT 4 * Further Requirements for Employers of Workers
-------
UNITS
Further Requirements for
Employers of Handlers
Unit 3 described the WPS protections that employers
must provide to both worker and handler employees.
This unit describes the additional WPS protections that
employers are required to provide only to their handler
employees.
Restrictions During Applications and Monitoring Handlers 73
Specific Instructions for Handlers 75
Equipment Safety 77
Personal Protective Equipment 79
Exceptions to PPE Requirements 85
-------
-------
Restrictions During
Applications and
Monitoring Handlers
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must
make sure that:
«• pesticides do not touch
people, other than
appropriately trained
and equipped handlers,
during pesticide
applications, and
* pesticide handlers are monitored, as described below, when
handling certain types of pesticides.
Pesticide handlers must make sure that pesticides do not touch
people, other than appropriately trained and equipped handlers,
during pesticide applications.
Specific Duties
Restrictions During Applications
Both handler employers and pesticide handlers must make sure
that each pesticide is applied so diat it does not contact, either
direcdy or through drift, anyone except appropriately trained and
equipped handlers.
Monitoring Handlers
1. Pesticides With Skull and Crossbones
At least once every 2 hours, someone must check on—by
sight or by voice communication—any handler who is
handling a pesticide that hats a skull and crossbones symbol
on its label. (For monitoring the handling of fumigants in
greenhouses, see immediately below.)
2. Fumigants Handled in Greenhouses
Someone must maintain .constant visual or voice contact widi
any handler who is applying or otherwise handling a
fumigant in a greenhouse. This includes handlers who enter
the greenhouse during fumigation to operate ventilation
Restrictions During Applications and Monitoring Handlers
73
-------
*
*
systems, adjust tarps or other coverings used in the
fumigation, or check air concentration levels. The person
monitoring the fumigant handler must:
4- be trained as a pesticide handler, and
+ have immediate access to the PPE that the fumigant
labeling requires for applicators.
Fumigant: Any pesticide product that is a vapor or gas, or
forms a vapor or gas on application, and whose method of
pesticidal action is through the gaseous state.
74
UNIT 5 * Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers
-------
Specific Instructions
for Handlers
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must
make sure that, before
handlers do any handling task,
the handlers:
+ are given information
from the pesticide
labeling and have access
to the labeling itself, and
«• are instructed in the safe operation of the equipment they
will be using.
Commercial (custom) handler employers must make sure that,
whenever one of their handlers will be doing pesticide handling
tasks (including tasks as a crop advisor) on an agricultural
establishment, he or she is aware of specific information,
described below, concerning pesticide-treated areas on the
agricultural establishment.
Specific Duties
Labeling Access and Information
1. Inform handlers, in a manner they can understand, about all
labeling requirements related to safe use of the pesticide,
including at least:
*• the signal word,
•» human hazard statements and precautions,
+ personal protective equipment requirements,
*• first aid instructions,
4- environmental precautions, and
+ any additional precautions about the handling task to
be performed.
2. Provide handlers access to the pesticide labeling information
during handling tasks.
Option: You may
allow handlers to
read the labeling
themselves, if they
are able to read and
understand it.
Specific Instructions for Handlers
75
-------
Operators of
agricultural
establishments are
required to make
sure that commercial
handler employers
have this
information
(pp. 33-34).
Safe Operation of Equipment
Make sure that handlers know how to safely and correctly use all
equipment they are assigned to use for handling pesticides,
including, if applicable, how to avoid drift and how to use
chemigation equipment safely.
Instructions for Commercial Pesticide Handlers
Commercial (custom) pesticide handler employers must make
sure that their handler employees are informed about:
1. Specific location and description of any areas on the
agricultural establishment:
4- that may be treated with a pesticide or be under a
restricted-entry interval while the commercial handler
will be there,
AND
4 that the commercial handler may be in (or walk within
1/4 mile of).
2. Restrictions on entering those areas. For example, if custom
applicators are scheduled to use ground equipment to apply
a pesticide on a farm, they need to be informed of any nearby
areas on the farm that they should stay out of because the
area has an REI in effect. Or if commercial crop advisors are
scheduled to scout in an area on a farm that remains under
an REI, they need to be told what personal protective
[ equipment they must wear while in that area.
76
UNIT 5 * Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers
-------
Equipment Safety
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must make
sure that equipment used for
mixing, loading, transferring,
or applying pesticides
(pesticide handling
equipment) is inspected and
repaired and that persons
repairing, cleaning, or adjusting such equipment are protected or
informed, as described below.
Specific Dirties
Equipment Inspection
Inspect pesticide handling equipment before each day of use for
leaks, clogging, and worn or damaged parts. Repair or replace
any damaged equipment.
Protections for Persons Maintaining Equipment
Remove pesticide residues from pesticide handling equipment
before anyone other than an appropriately trained and equipped
handler is allowed to repair, clean, or adjust it.
Exception:
If it is not feasible to remove pesticide residues from pesticide
handling equipment, and the people who will be repairing,
cleaning, or adjusting the equipment are not your employees
(and, therefore, are not handlers for whom you are responsible
under the WPS), you must inform them:
+ that the equipment may be contaminated with pesticides,
*• of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to
pesticides, and
+ how to correctly handle such equipment.
For an example of what information to give those who clean and
maintain equipment for you, see p. 111.
Equipment Safety
77
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-------
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers must make sure that pesticide handlers:
,«• are provided with the PPE the pesticide labeling requires for
the task,
* wear the PPE for the entire handling task, and
* use the PPE correctly,
Each pesticide handler is responsible for wearing the required
personal protective equipment during the entire handling task.
Specific Duties
Duties Related to Personal Protective Equipment
Employers must:
1. Provide handlers with the appropriate PPE in clean and
operating condition.
2. Make sure the handlers wear the PPE correctly and use it
according to the manufacturer's instructions. If a handler
wears a respirator, make sure that it fits the wearer correctly.
3. Inspect all PPE before each day of use for leaks, holes, tears,
or worn places, and repair or discard any damaged
equipment.
4. Provide handlers with clean places away from pesticide
storage and pesticide use areas to:
«• store personal clothing not in use,
* put on PPE at the start of any exposure period,
* take off PPE at the end of any exposure period.
5. Take any necessary steps to prevent heat illness (too much
heat stress) while PPE is being worn.
6. Do not allow any handler to wear home or take home PPE
contaminated with pesticides.
PPE is coveralls,
respirators,
protective eyewear,
• and chemical-
* resistant suits,
* gloves, footwear,
* aprons, and
* headgear. See
* definitions,
* pp. 82-83.
^ In the pesticide
, labeling, PPE for
» handling activities is
«. listed in the Hazards
• to Humans section.
• Exceptions to PPE:
» Handler employers
• may allow handlers
* to omH some of the
» PPE listed on the
* pesticide
* labeling for
a handling
* activity if
the handlers
^ are using a
^ closed system or
^ are working in a
» cockpit or in an
> enclosed cab.
» See pp. 85-87.
(Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
79
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* Cleaning and Maintaining PPE
Employers must do the following:
* 1. Keep pesticide-contaminated PPE away from other clothing
• or laundry, and wash it separately.
* 2. If PPE will be reused, clean it before each day of reuse
* according to the instructions from the PPE manufacturer
* unless the pesticide labeling specifies other requirements. If
* there are no such instructions or requirements, wash PPE
thoroughly in detergent and hot water.
• 3. Thoroughly dry the clean PPE before it is stored, or put it in
* a well-ventilated place to dry.
* 4. Store clean PPE separately from personal clothing and away
* from pesticide-contaminated areas.
* Replacing Respirator Filters, Cartridges, or Canisters
• Employers must:
* 1. Replace dust/mist respirator filters:
4 when breathing resistance becomes excessive,
* 4 if the filter is damaged or torn,
* 4 whenever the respirator manufacturer or pesticide labeling
* says to replace them (if the instructions differ, change the
* filter at the shorter interval),
«. .......
«. 4 at the end of each day's work period, if no other
«. instructions or indications of service life are available.
* 2. Replace gas- and vapor-removing respirator cartridges
* or canisters:
^ 4 at the first indication of odor, taste, or irritation,
* 4 when the respirator manufacturer or pesticide labeling says
* to replace them (if instructions differ, change the cartridge
* or canisters at the shorter interval),
4 at the end of each day's work period, if no other
instruction or indications of service life are available.
*
*
Disposal of PPE
Employers must:
1. Discard coveralls or other absorbent materials that have been
drenched or heavily contaminated with an undiluted
pesticide that has the signal word DANGER or WARNING on
the labeling. They must not be reused.
80
UNIT 5 <» Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers
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2. Comply with any applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and
local regulations when disposing of PPE that cannot be
cleaned correctly.
Instructions for Persons Who C lean PPE
Employers must inform people who clean or launder PPE:
+ that the PPE may be contaminated with pesticides,
+ of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to pesticides,
+ how to protect themselves when handling contaminated
PPE, and
* how to clean PPE correctly.
For an example of what to tell people who clean PPE,
see pp. 109-110.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
81
356-843 0-93-4
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Definitions
Personal protective equipment: Apparel and devices worn
to protect the body from contact with pesticides or pesticide
residues, including:
* coveralls,
+ chemical-resistant suits, gloves, footwear, aprons,
and headgear,
*• protective eyewear, and
+ respirators.
While the following attire is not defined as PPE, the labeling
may require pesticide handlers or early-entry workers to
wear it for some tasks:
*• long- and short-sleeved shirts,
4- long and short pants,
*• shoes and socks,
+ other items of regular work clothing.
If such non-PPE attire is required, the employer must make
sure that it is worn.
Chemical-resistant: Allows no measurable amount of
the pesticide being used to move through the material
during use.
Waterproof: Allows no measurable movement of water (or
water-based solutions) through the material during use.
Chemical-resistant suit: A loose-fitting, one- or two-piece,
chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the
entire body except head, hands, and feet.
Coverall: A loose-fitting one- or two-piece garment that
covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands,
and feet. Coveralls are made of fabric such as cotton or a
cotton-polyester blend, and are not chemical-resistant. The
pesticide labeling may specify that the coveralls be worn over
a layer of clothing. Substitution: A chemical-resistant suit may
be worn instead of coveralls and any required inner layer of
clothing.
Chemical-resistant apron: An apron that is made of
chemical-resistant material and that covers the front of the
body from mid-chest to the knees. Substitution: If a
chemical-resistant suit is worn, no apron is required.
82
UNIT 5 * Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers
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PPE Definitions, continued
Gloves: Hand coverings that are the type listed on the
pesticide label. Gloves or glove linings made of leather,
cotton, or other absorbent materials must not be worn for
handling or early-entry activities unless these materials are
listed on the pesticide labeling as acceptable for such use.
Substitution: Leather gloves may be worn over chemical-
resistant liners, if chemical-resistant gloves with sufficient
durability and suppleness are not obtainable for tasks with
roses or other plants with sharp thorns. However, after
leather gloves have been worn for protection from pesticide
exposure, they may only be worn with chemical-resistant
liners and may not be worn for any other use.
Chemical-resistant footwear: Chemical-resistant shoes;
chemical-resistant boots; or chemical-resistant shoe
coverings worn over shoes or boots. Substitution: Leather
boots may be worn in rough terrain, if chemical-resistant
footwear with sufficient durability and a tread appropriate
for wear in such terrain is not obtainable.
Protective eyewear: Goggles, a face shield, or safety
glasses with front, brow, and temple protection.
Substitution: A full-face respirator may be worn instead of
protective eyewear.
Chemical-resistant headgear: A chemical-resistant hood
or a chemical-resistant hat with a wide brim.
Respirator: A device that protects the respiratory system. It
must be the type listed on the pesticide label (or one that is
more protective) and must be appropriate for the pesticide
product being used and for the activity being performed.
Substitutions: A respirator with a canister approved for
pesticides or with an organic-vapor cartridge equipped with
a pesticide prefilter may be worn instead of a dust/mist
filtering respirator.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
83
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-------
Exceptions to PPE
Requirements
Basic Responsibilities
Handler employers may allow
handlers to omit some of the
PPE listed on the pesticide
labeling for a handling task if
the handlers are:
*• using a closed system, or
«• in an enclosed cab, or
* in a cockpit.
Specific Duties
Closed Systems
Closed systems are systems designed by the manufacturer to
enclose the pesticide to prevent it from contacting handlers or
other people while it is being handled. Such systems must
function properly and be used and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's written operating instructions.
1 . When using a closed system to mix or load pesticides with the
signal word DANGER or WARNING, handlers need not wear
all the PPE listed on the pesticide labeling, but must wear
at least:
+ long-sleeved shirt and long pants,
+ shoes and socks,
«• a chemical-resistant apron, and
+ protective gloves specified on the pesticide labeling for
mixing, loading, and other handling tasks.
2. When using a closed system to mix or load pesticides with the
signal word CAUTION, handlers need not wear all die PPE
listed on the pesticide labeling, but must wear at least:
•* long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and
+ shoes and socks.
These exceptions to
PPE are allowed
unless expressly
prohibited by
product labeling.
Even when
reduced PPE
is permitted
to be worn
during a task,
handlers must
be provided all
PPE required by the
pesticide labeling for
that task and have it
immediately
available for use in
an emergency.
Exceptions to PPE Requirements
85
-------
3. When using a closed system to do handling tasks other than
mixing and loading with ANY pesticide, handlers need not
wear all of the PPE listed on the pesticide labeling, but must
wear at least:
*• long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and
4 shoes and socks.
Such closed systems might include closed application systems
designed to incorporate pesticides into soil, but only if the
system does not allow any pesticide contact with the air
throughout the entire application process.
4. When using a closed system that operates under pressure,
handlers may wear the reduced PPE specified above, but
must add protective eyewear.
Enclosed Cabs
Enclosed cabs must have a nonporous barrier that totally
surrounds the occupants and prevents contact with pesticides
outside of the cab.
Enclosed cabs that provide respiratory protection must have a
properly functioning ventilation system that is used and
maintained according to the manufacturer's written operating
instructions. The cab must be declared in writing by the
manufacturer or by a governmental agency to provide at least as
much respiratory protection as the type of respirator listed on the
pesticide labeling.
Examples:
Some enclosed-cab systems provide respiratory protection
equivalent to a dust/mist filtering respirator and could, therefore,
be used as a substitute when that type of respirator is specified on
the product labeling. Other enclosed-cab systems are equipped to
remove organic vapors as well as dusts and mists and could be
used as a substitute when either the dust/mist filtering respirator
or an organic-vapor-removing respirator is specified on the
product labeling.
1. Enclosed cabs that do not provide respiratory protection—In
an enclosed cab that does not provide respiratory protection,
handlers need not wear all the PPE listed on the pesticide
labeling, but must wear at least:
+ long-sleeved shirt and long pants,
«• shoes and socks, and
*• any respirator required for the handling task.
86
UNIT 5 * Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers
-------
2. Enclosed cabs that provide respiratory protection—In an
enclosed cab that provides respiratory protection equal to the
labeling-required respirator, handlers need not wear all the
PPE listed on the pesticide labeling, but must wear at least:
«• long-sleeved shirt and.long pants, and
+ shoes and socks.
3. In any enclosed cab where reduced PPE is worn—
Handlers must:
+ keep immediately available all PPE listed on the labeling
for the type of task being performed,
+ wear the PPE if it is necessary to leave the cab and contact
pesticide-treated surfaces in the treated area,
+ take off PPE that was worn, in the treated area before
reentering the cab, and
+ store all PPE in a chemical-resistant container, such as a
plastic bag, to prevent contamination of the inside of
the cab.
Cockpits
1. Gloves when entering or leaving an aircraft—Handlers must:
+ wear chemical-resistant gloves when entering or leaving an
aircraft contaminated by pesticide residues, and
+ store used gloves in a closed, chemical-resistant container,
such as a plastic bag, to prevent contamination of the
inside of the cockpit.
2. Open cockpits—In an open cockpit, handlers must wear any
gloves, respirator, and body protection listed on the pesticide
labeling for application tasks. However, they may wear:
«• shoes and socks instead of chemical-resistant footwear,
*• a helmet instead of a chemical-resistant hat or hood, and
* a visor instead of protective eyewear.
3. Enclosed cockpits—In an enclosed cockpit, handlers need
not wear all the PPE listed on die pesticide labeling, but must
wear at least:
+ long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and
* shoes and socks.
Exceptions to PPE Requirements
87
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UNIT6
Owner Exemptions and
Crop Advisors
The WPS exempts owners of agricultural establishments
from many WPS requirements, and it contains specific
protections for crop advisors. This unit describes these
owner exemptions and crop advisor provisions.
Agricultural Owner Exemptions 91
Protections for Crop Advisors 95
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Agricultural Owner
Exemptions
Owners of agricultural
establishments and members
of their immediate family are
exempt from many WPS
requirements. However, EPA
encourages owners to provide
themselves and their families
with all WPS protections.
Owner: Any person who has a present possessory interest
(fee, leasehold, rental, or other) in an agricultural
establishment covered by the WPS. A person who has both
leased such agricultural establishment to another person
and granted that same person the right and full authority to
manage and govern the use of such agricultural
establishment is NOT an owner under the WPS.
Examples:
You do not qualify for the agricultural owner exemptions if:
1. you have rented out or leased out your farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse to another person AND you
have no part in the management or profit/loss from it.
The person to whom you have rented or leased your
property is the "owner" for the purposes of the WPS.
2. you are hired to operate a farm, forest, nursery, or
greenhouse, but the person who owns the property
makes some of the decisions as to the management of it
or shares in the profit/loss from it.
The WPS does NOT allow any exemptions for owners of
commercial pesticide handling establishments or for persons who
operate or manage, but do not own, an agricultural establishment.
Immediate family
includes only
spouse, children,
stepchildren, foster
children, parents,
stepparents, foster
parents, brothers,
and sisters.
Agricultural Owner Exemptions
91
-------
Agricultural owners must provide all protections required by the
WPS to persons who are NOT members of their immediate family.
These persons include:
4 workers or handlers who are their employees, and
4 persons who clean PPE or repair, clean, or maintain
contaminated pesticide handling equipment.
Requirements Agricultural Owners Must Comply With
The following requirements and provisions DO apply to owners of
agricultural establishments and to members of their immediate
family:
1. Employer information exchange, (pp. 33-34)
2. Restrictions during handling tasks:
4 Use the personal protective equipment and other work
attire listed on the pesticide labeling for the task being
" performed, (pp. 82-83)
[ 4 Exceptions to personal protective equipment, (pp. 85-87)
> 3. Restrictions during applications:
> 4 Make sure that each pesticide is applied so that it does not
> contact, either directly or through drift, anyone (including
* you and members of your immediate family), except
* appropriately trained and equipped handlers, (p. 73)
I 4 Make sure that you, your family members, and all other
* persons, except correctly trained and equipped handlers,
* are kept out of areas being treated with pesticides, (p. 45)
* 4 Make sure that you, your family members, and all other
* persons, except correctly trained and equipped handlers,
* are kept out of areas immediately around the area being
* treated during certain pesticide applications in nurseries
and greenhouses, (pp. 51-55)
«. 4. Restrictions during restricted-entry intervals (pp. 45-46):
* 4 When two (or more) pesticides are applied at the same
* time, and have different REI's, make sure that you and your
* family members follow the longer restricted-entry interval.
* (p. 46)
4. 4 No-contact early entry, (pp. 46-47)
* 4 Short-term, agricultural emergency, or specially excepted
* early entry (see explanation below). (pp. 59-61)
92
UNIT 6 * Owner Exemptions and Crop Advisors
-------
If agricultural owners or members of their immediate family
enter a treated area and contact treated surfaces during a
restricted-entry interval, they must:
+ Wait at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is
completed before entering the treated area, AND
+ Wait at least until any inhalation exposure level listed on
the product labeling has been reached or any WPS
ventilation criteria have been met, AND
+ Obey the time limitation of 1 hour in 24 hours, if short-
term (non-hand-labor) early-entry tasks are being
performed, AND
«• Wear the personal protective equipment specified on
the pesticide labeling for early-entry tasks, AND
* Follow any other restrictions specified in any special
exception under which the early entry takes place, AND
+ Follow any other restrictions specified in the pesticide
labeling for early entry.
Exemptions for Agricultural Owners
Agricultural owners are NOT required to provide themselves or
members of their immediate family with the following protections
of the WPS:
1. Information at a central location (pp. 23-24)
2. Pesticide safety training (pp. 25-28)
3. Decontamination sites (pp. 29-31)
4. Emergency assistance (pp. 35-36)
5. Notice about applications (pp. 41—44)
6. Monitoring handlers (pp. 73-74)
7. Specific handling instructions (pp. 75-76)
8. Equipment safety (p. 77)
9. All the specific duties related to the care of PPE and
management of its use. (pp. 79-81)
10. The following duties related to early entry (pp. 65-70):
+ Training and instructions,
+ Decontamination sites,
•» Specific duties related to the care of PPE and management
of its use.
Agricultural Owner Exemptions
93
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Protections for Crop Advisors
Basic Responsibilities
The WPS requires employers to
provide certain protections to their
employees who are working as crop
advisors.
Crop advisor: Any person who is
assessing pest numbers or
damage, pesticide distribution,
or the status, condition, or
requirements of agricultural
plants. The term does NOT
include any person who is
performing hand labor tasks,
such as weeding, planting,
cultivating, or harvesting. Examples of crop advisors are
crop consultants, scouts, and integrated pest management
monitors.
Independent or commercial crop advisor: Any person who is
working as a crop advisor and is employed (including self-
employed) by anyone other than the agricultural
establishment on which the work is being done.
Specific Duties
Required Protections During or Soon After a Pesticide
Application
1. Same Protections as Pesticide Handlers
Employers must provide their crop advisors with the WPS
protections required for pesticide handlers IF the crop
advisor enters an area on an agricultural establishment:
* while a pesticide is being applied,
+ before any inhalation exposure level listed in the pesticide
labeling has been reached or before one of the ventilation
criteria in the WPS or in the pesticide labeling has
been reached,
+ while a restricted-entry interval is in effect.
Protections for Crop Advisors
95
-------
•*•
*
2. No Time Limits
Crop advisors may enter an area during a pesticide
application or during a restricted-entry interval as long as
they are trained as pesticide handlers, are given other
pesticide-handler protections (listed below), and are wearing
the appropriate personal protective equipment. The
restrictions on entry, such as waiting for 4 hours after
application is completed or limiting the time spent in the
entry-restricted area to 1 hour (or any other time period),
DO NOT APPLY to crop advisors.
3. Required Protections
+ Information at a central location (pp. 23-24)
Exception:
Employers of independent (commercial) crop advisors do
NOT have to provide their crop advisors with information
at a central location.
+ Pesticide safety training for handlers (pp. 25-28)
+ Decontamination sites (pp. 29-31)
+ Emergency assistance (pp. 35-36)
4- Monitoring handlers (pp. 73-74)
Exception:
Crop advisors entering a treated area during a restricted-
entry interval need NOT be monitored.
+ Special instructions for handlers (pp. 75-76)
«• Duties related to PPE (pp. 79-83)
4. Personal Protective Equipment During REI's
Early-Entry PPE for Early Entry "With Contact": Crop
advisors who enter a treated area during a restricted-entry
interval, and whose crop advisor activities involve contact with
anything that has been treated with a pesticide, including
soil, water, and surfaces of plants, may wear the PPE listed on
the pesticide labeling for early-entry tasks (instead of the PPE
listed for handling tasks), if:
+ Application has been completed for at least 4 hours, and
4 Any inhalation exposure level listed in the labeling has
been reached or any ventilation requirements established
by the WPS or pesticide labeling have been met.
No PPE for "No Contact" Early Entry: Crop advisors who
enter a treated area during a restricted-entry interval and
whose crop advisor activities do NOT involve contact with
96
UNIT 6 •> Owner Exemptions and Crop Advisors
-------
anything that has been treated with the pesticide to which the
restricted-entry interval applies are not required to wear
personal protective equipment.
Required Protections After the REI
1. Independent (Commercial) Crop Advisors
When independent (commercial) crop advisors enter any
area on an agricultural establishment where no application is
underway and no restricted-entry interval is in effect, their
employers need NOT provide them with any WPS
protections.
2. Employees of the Agricultural Establishment
When crop advisors who are employees of the farm, forest,
nursery, or greenhouse enter any area on the agricultural
establishment where no application is underway and no
restricted-entry interval is in effect, their employer must
provide them with the WPS protections required for
agricultural workers. For specific information about each of
these protections, see the pages referenced below. The
protections include:
+ Information at a central location (pp. 23-24)
Certain information (pesticide safety poster, application
list, location of emergency facility) must be displayed at a
central location whenever (1) the crop advisor is on the
agricultural establishment, and (2) a pesticide has recently
been applied.
•» Pesticide safety training for workers (pp. 25-28)
Crop advisors must be trained about general pesticide
safety before they accumulate 5 days (15 days until
October 20, 1997) of entry into treated areas on the
establishment where, within the past 30 days, a pesticide
has been applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in
effect.
*• Decontamination sites (pp. 29-31)
A decontamination site for washing off pesticide residues
must be provided to any crop advisor who is working in an
area where a pesticide has recendy been applied and who is
doing tasks that involve contact with anything that has been
treated with die pesticide, including soil, water, or surfaces
of plants.
Protections for Crop Advisors
97
-------
Crop advisors may
enter treated areas
during an application
or during a
restricted-entry
interval if they
receive handler-type
protections.
«• Emergency assistance (pp. 35-36)
Emergency assistance must be provided to the crop
advisor if there is reason to believe that the employee has
been poisoned or injured by a pesticide used on the
agricultural establishment—for example, through
application, spills, splashes, drift, or contact with pesticide
residues.
+ Notice about applications (pp. 41-44)
With a few exceptions, the crop advisor must be notified
about areas on die agricultural establishment where
pesticide applications are taking place or where restricted-
entry intervals are in effect.
*• Restrictions during and after applications (pp. 45-46,
51-52, 53-55)
The crop advisor must be protected during pesticide
applications and during restricted-entry intervals on the
agricultural establishment.
98
UNIT 6 * Owner Exemptions and Crop Advisors
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APPENDIX A
Criteria for WPS Materials
The WPS contains specific criteria for the design of the sign
required for treated-area posting and for the content of the
safety poster, worker training materials, and handler
training materials. This appendix lists those criteria.
EPA is developing a safety poster, warning sign, and worker
and handler training programs to meet the requirements of
the WPS. You may use these materials, or you may use
alternative materials that meet the criteria listed in this
appendix.
Criteria for Pesticide Safety Poster 101
Requirements for Warning Signs 102
Criteria for Worker Training 103
Criteria for Handler Training 104
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Criteria for Pesticide
Safety Poster
Each WPS safety poster must convey to workers and handlers:
1. That there are Federal rules to protect them, including a
requirement for safety training.
2. How to help keep pesticides from getting on or into their
bodies. The poster must include the following instructions:
+• Avoid getting on your skin or into your body any pesticides
that may be on plants and soil, in irrigation water, or
drifting from nearby applications.
*• Wash before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco,
or using the toilet.
+ Wear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide
residues, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes,
socks, and hats or scarves.
+ Wash or shower with soap and water, shampoo your hair,
and put on clean clothes after work.
+ Wash work clothes separately from other clothes before
wearing them again.
«• Wash immediately in the nearest clean water if pesticides
are spilled or sprayed on your body. As soon as possible,
shower, shampoo, and change into clean clothes.
+ Follow directions about keeping out of treated or
restricted areas.
Criteria for Pesticide Safety Poster
101
-------
: Requirements for
: Warning Signs
1. Required Words:
* The words "DANGER—PELIGRO" and "PESTICIDES—
PESTICIDAS" must be located at the top of the sign and
"KEEP OUT—NO ENTRE" at the bottom.
+ The words must be clearly legible.
2. Required Design:
+ A circle containing an upraised hand on the left and a
stern face on the right must be near the center of the sign.
+ The background outside the circle must contrast with the
inside of die circle.
* The hand and a large portion of the face must contrast
with the inside of die circle.
+ The remainder of the inside of die circle must be red.
«• The lengdi of die hand must be at least twice the height of
the smallest letters.
+ The lengdi of die face must be only slighdy smaller than
the hand.
3. Additional Information:
You may put additional information on die warning sign,
such as die name of the pesticide and the date of application,
if it does not detract from die appearance of die sign or
change die meaning of die required information.
4. Size:
The signs must be at least 14 inches by 16 inches, and the
letters must be at least 1 inch high.
Exception:
You may use smaller signs if die treated area is too small to
accommodate 14- by 16-inch signs. For example, when a
single potted plant needs to be posted, a smaller sign would
be appropriate.
102
APPENDIX A * Requirements for Warning Signs
-------
Criteria for Worker Training
1. WPS training for workers must include at least the
following information:
+ Where and in what form pesticides may be encountered
during work activities.
+ Hazards of pesticides resulting from toxicity and exposure,
including acute effects, chronic effects, delayed effects, and
sensitization.
+ Routes through which pesticides can enter the body,
«• Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide
poisoning.
+ Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings.
+ How to obtain emergency medical care.
+ Routine and emergency decontamination procedures,
including emergency eyef lushing techniques.
+ Hazards from chemigation and drift.
+• Hazards from pesticide residues on clothing.
*• Warnings about taking pesticides or pesticide
containers home.
+ An explanation of the WPS requirements designed to
protect workers, including application and entry
restrictions, design of the warning sign, posting of warning
signs, oral warnings, availability of specific information
about applications, and protection against retaliatory acts.
2. WPS worker training materials must use terms that the
worker can understand.
Criteria for Worker Training
103
-------
: Criteria for Handler Training
* WPS training for handlers must include at least the following
* information:
4- Format and meaning of information on pesticide labels and
«. in labeling, including safety information such as
* precautionary statements about human health hazards.
* + Hazards of pesticides resulting from toxicity and exposure,
* including acute effects, chronic effects, delayed effects,
* and sensitization.
* + Routes through which pesticides can enter the body.
* + Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisoning.
* «• Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings.
^ + How to obtain emergency medical care.
* * Routine and emergency decontamination procedures,
* including emergency eyeflushing techniques.
* + Need for and appropriate use of personal protective
equipment.
* «• Prevention, recognition, and first aid treatment of heat-
* related illness.
* «• Safety requirements for handling, transporting, storing, and
* disposing of pesticides, including general procedures for
spill cleanup.
* + Environmental concerns such as drift, runoff, and wildlife
* hazards.
* *• Warnings about taking pesticides or pesticide containers
* home.
* * An explanation of WPS requirements that handler employers
^ must follow for the protection of handlers and others,
• including the prohibition against applying pesticides in a
• manner that will cause contact with workers or other persons,
» the requirement to use personal protective equipment, the
» provisions for training and decontamination, and the
» protection against retaliatory acts.
104
APPENDIX A * Criteria for Handler Training
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APPENDIX B
Sample Forms, Fact Sheets,
and Checklists
Appendix B includes a sample Application List form with
space for all the pesticide application information the WPS
requires to be listed at a central location on each
agricultural establishment. The WPS does not specify a
format for presenting the information—you may copy this
form or design another that meets your needs.
Appendix B also includes several fact sheets to help you
comply with sections of the WPS that require you to provide
information to others. Although the WPS does not
require you to provide this information in written form,
you may find that using photocopies of these fact
sheets is a convenient way to make sure you convey
all the necessary information.
Finally, Appendix B includes some checklists you can
use as reminders of your WPS duties.
Pesticide Application List 107
Fact Sheets:
Information About Cleaning PPE 109-110
Working Safely With Pesticide Equipment .......111
Custom Applicators Information To Be Provided to
Agricultural Establishment Owners and Operators 113
Agricultural Owners and Operators Information To
Be Provided to Employers of Custom Applicators
and Independent Crop Advisors 115
Checklists:
WPS Requirements for Agricultural Workers 117
WPS Requirements for Pesticide Handlers 119
WPS Requirements for Commercial Handlers 121
WPS Exemptions for Agricultural Owners 123
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-------
Application List
Agncultural Establ.shment Owners and Operators: The use of Ms farm is optional, but if
all the information about an application is entered, you will satisfy the 1992 Federal Worker Protection
Standard requirement for information that must be displayed at a central place to inform workers and
handlers about specific pesticide applications. See pp. 23-24 of the EPA manual "The Worker
Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides: How To Comply. "
Area Treated:
Location & Description
Product Name
EPA Registration
Number
Application #1
Application #2
Active Ingredient:
Common or
Chemical Name
Application:
Month/Day/Time
Restricted Entry Interval
Do Not Enter Until:
Month/Day/Time
Similar data is required by the Federal Recordkeeping Requirements for Certifieo.
Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). For more information on the RUPrecordkeeping requirements contact
Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, 8700 Centerville Rd, Manassas, VA22110. (703)330-7826.
of Federally
107
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Note to Employers: This 2-f age fact sheet will help you comply with the section of the WPS that
requires you to provide information to people (other than your own handlers) who clean PPEforyou.
You are not required to give them this information in written form, but you may find that photocopying
this fact sheet is an easy way to be sure you pass along all the necessary information.
Information About Gleaning PPE
Protect Yourself From Pesticides
I The clothing and protective equipment items you will be cleaning may have pesticides
on them.
I Although you may not be able to see or smell the pesticides, they can rub off on you
when you touch the clothing and equipment.
I If pesticides get on you, they can hurt you. They can:
4 cause skin rashes or burns,
+ go through your skin and into your body and make you ill,
*• burn your eyes,
+ make you ill if you breathe them or get them in your mouth.
I To avoid harm from the pesticide, you should:
* Pour the clothes from their container into the washer without touching them.
4- Handle only the inner surfaces, such as the inside of boots, aprons, or coveralls.
*• Do not breathe the steam from the washer and dryer.
I Pesticides should not be allowed to stay on your hands:
+ When you wash clothing or equipment by hand, use plenty of water and rinse your
hands often.
+ Wash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using
the toilet.
* Wash your hands as soon as you finish handling the clothing or equipment.
I You should not allow clothing and equipment with pesticides on them to be washed
with regular laundry. The pesticides can rub off on other items.
109
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Recommended Methods for Cleaning PPE
Cleaning Eyewear and Respirators
Hand-wash reusable respirator facepieces, goggles, face shields, and shielded safety glasses,
following manufacturer's instructions. In general, use mild detergent and warm water to
wash the items thoroughly. Rinse well. Wipe dry, or hang in a clean area to air dry.
Cleaning Other PPE
I Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. If the instructions say only to wash
the item, or if there are no cleaning instructions, follow the procedure below.
Recommended procedure for washing most PPE:
1. Rinse in a washing machine or by hand.
2. Wash in a washing machine, using a heavy-duty detergent and hot water for the
wash cycle.
3. Wash only a few items at a time to allow plenty of agitation and water for
dilution. Use the highest water-level setting.
4. Rinse twice using two rinse cycles and warm water.
5. Use two entire machine cycles to wash items that are moderately to heavily
contaminated.
6. Run the washer through at least one more entire cycle without clothing, using
detergent and hot water, to clean the machine.
I Some plastic or rubber items that are not flat, such as gloves, footwear, and coveralls,
must be washed twice—once to clean the outside and a second time after turning the
item inside out.
I Some items, such as heavy-duty boots and rigid hats or helmets, should be washed by
hand using hot water and heavy-duty detergent.
I Hang the items to dry, if possible. Let them hang for at least 24 hours in an area with
plenty of fresh air—preferably outdoors. Do not hang items in enclosed living areas.
I You may use a clothes dryer for fabric items if it is not possible to hang them to dry.
But after repeated use, the dryer may become contaminated with pesticides.
110
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Note to Employers: This fact sheet will help you comply with the section of the WPS that requires
you to provide information to people (other than your own handlers) who clean or maintain your
pesticide equipment. You are not required to give them this information in written form, but you may
find that photocopying this fact sheet is an easy way to be sure you pass along all the necessary
information.
Working Safely With Pesticide
Equipment
The equipment you will be cleaning, adjusting, or repairing may have pesticides on it.
Although you may not be able to see or smell the pesticides, they can rub off on you
when you touch the equipment.
If pesticides get on you, they can hurt you. They can:
•* cause skin rashes or burns,
+• go through your skin and into your body and make you ill,
+ burn your eyes,
+ make you ill if you get them in your mouth.
You should wear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues, such as
long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks. If possible, avoid touching the parts
of the equipment where the pesticide is most likely to be. Or, if practical for the job
that you will be doing, consider wearing rubber or plastic gloves and an apron.
You should not let pesticides stay on your hands:
* Wash your hands as soon as you finish handling the equipment.
4- Wash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using
the toilet.
+ Wash or shower with soap and water, shampoo your hair, and put on clean clothes
after work.
«• Wash work clothes that may have pesticides on them separately from other clothes
before wearing them again.
111
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Agricultural Establishment
Owners & Operators
Agricultural Establishment Owners and Operators: The use of this farm is optional, but, if
you hire custom applicators or independent crop advisors, you must provide this information to the
employers of those persons. This information is necessary to assure that custom applicators and
independent crop advisors are protected according to the 1992 Federal Worker Protection Standard.
See pp. 33-34 of the EPA manual "The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides-
How To Comply."
information To Be Provided to Employers of Custom Applicators and
Independent Crop Advisors
The following information refers to areas that your employees may need to enter, or come within
1/4 mile of on foot, while working on this agricultural establishment.
Areas to be Treated or
Under Restricted
Entry Intervals:
Location & Description
Application #1
Application #2
Entry Restricted Until:
Month/Day/Time
PPE Required for Handlers*
Early Entry PPE Required
for Workers*
* The only early entry allowed is that which is permitted by the 1992 Federal Worker Protection
Standard.
113
356-843 0-93-5
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Custom Applicators
Custom (for Hire) Applicators; The use of this farm is optional, but you must provide this
information to the agricultural owners and operators who hire you to apply pesticides. This
information is necessary to assure that the grower's employees are protected according to the 1992
Federal Worker Protection Standard. Seep. 33 of the EPA manual "The Worker Protection Standard
jor Agricultural Pesticides: How To Comply. "
Information to be Provided to Agricultural Establishment
Owners and Operators
Area to be Treated:
Location & Description
Product Name
EPA Registration Number
Application #1
Application #2
Active Ingredient-
Common or Chemical Name
Application:
Month/Day/Time*
Entry Restricted Until:
Month/Day/Time
Are Both Treated Area Posting
and Oral Notification Required?
PPE Required for Handlers**
Early Entry PPE Required for
Workers**
Other Label Requirements to
Protect Workers & Others
If the pesticide is not applied as scheduled, the customer must be notified of the corrected time and
date before the application, or as soon as possible after the application.
The only early entry allowed is that permitted by the 1992 Federal Worker Protection Standard.
115
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Checklist:
WPS Requiremients for
Agricultural Workers
Have you given your agricultural workers all the
protections required by the EPA Worker Protection
Standard? Use this list as a reminder. Remember that
you have duties to persons other than your worker
employees. For complete explanations, refer to "The
Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides—How To Comply."
nformation at a central location (WPS safety poster, application list,
location of emergency medical facility)
pp. 23-24
esticide safety training for workers pp. 25-28
Decontamination sites (water, soap, towels, etc.) pp. 29-31
Emergency assistance (transportation and information) pp. 35-36
estrictions during applications (do not allow workers in area) p. 45
Special application restrictions in nurseries pp. 51-52
Special application restrictions in greenhouses pp. 53-55
.estrictions during restricted-entry intervals (and limitations on early
entI7) pp. 45-47, 59-70
Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated area posting) pp. 41-44
Checklist: WPS Requirements for Agricultural Workers
117
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Checklist:
WPS Requirements for
Pesticide Handlers
Have you given your pesticide handlers all the
protections required by the EPA Worker Protection
Standard? Use this list as a reminder. Remember that
you have duties to persons other than your handler
employees. For complete explanations, refer to "The
Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides—How To Comply."
Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application list,
location of emergency medical facility) ' pp. 23-24
Pesticide safety training for handlers p 25-28
>
Decontamination site (water, soap, towels, change of clothing, etc.) pp. 29-31
Emergency assistance (transportation and information) pp. 35.35
Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact anyone
directly or through drift) 7a
Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides anywhere
or fumigants in greenhouses) 73-74
Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and how to use
application equipment)
Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment) p. 77
Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE, and prevent
heat illness) ^
pp. 79-83
Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems, enclosed cabs
and open and enclosed cockpits) ' QK Q>7
r pp. oo—ov
Checklist: WPS Requirements for Pesticide Handlers
119
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Checklist:
WPS Requirements for
Commercial Handlers
Have you given the handler employees of your
commercial pesticide handling (establishment all the
protections required by the EPA Worker Protection
Standard? Use this list as a reminder. Remember that
you have duties to persons other than your handler
employees. For complete explanations, refer to "The Worker Protection Standard for
Agricultural Pesticides—How To Comply."
Pesticide safety training for handlers . pp. 25-28
Decontamination site (water, soap, towels, change of clothing, etc.) pp. 29-31
Emergency assistance (transportation and information) pp. 35-35
Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact anyone
directly or through drift) „ _ 7o
Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides anywhere or
fumigants in greenhouses) p 73.74
Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and how to use
application equipment) ^ 75-76
Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment) p. 77
Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE, and prevent
heat illness) „
pp. 79-83
Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems, enclosed cabs
and open and enclosed cockpits) 85-87
Checklist: WPS Requirements for Commercial Handlers
121
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Checklist: WPS Exemptions
for Agricultural Owners
Although agricultural owners are encouraged to give all
WPS protections to themselves and their families,* the
WPS does not REQUIRE them to provide themselves or
members of their immediate family with the following:
+
SO I
Information at a central location (WPS safety poster,
application list, and location of emergency medical facility) ............................. pp. 23-24
Pesticide safety training for workers or handlers pp 25-28
^/Decontamination sites (water, soap, towels, change of clothing, etc.) .......pp. 29-31
Emergency assistance (transportation andinformation) ;.pp. 35_36
Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated area posting) pp. 41-44
Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides anywhere
or fumigants in greenhouses) ' 73-74
Specific handling instructions (pesticide label information and how to use
application equipment) 75-76
Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment) .p. 77
^
All the specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its use
(provide, clean, maintain PPE and prevent heat illness) pp. y9_81
The following duties related to early entry: ..... ................ . ............................... 65_7o
* Training and instructions ................
* Decontamination sites
4- Specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its
use.
*"*"* a11 Protections -quired by the WPS to persons who are NOT members of yo
Checklist: WPS Exemptions for Agricultural Owners
123
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APPENDIX C
Quick Reference Guide to
the 1992 Worker
Protection Standard
(Large-Print Version)
-------
-------
The WPS is a Federal regulation designed to protect agricultural
workers (people involved in the production of agricultural
plants) and pesticide handlers; (people mixing, loading, or
applying pesticides or doing other tasks involving direct contact
with pesticides) (see pp. 14-15). This guide presents the maxi-
mum WPS requirements. It does not include exceptions that
may permit you to do less or options that may involve different
requirements. You will be in compliance with the Federal WPS if
you make sure that the requirements listed here are met. Each
section lists pages in this manual where you can find out about
exceptions and options. For more information about your
responsibilities, read pp. 12-20. There are some exemptions for
owners of agricultural establishments and members of their
immediate family (see pp. 91-93).
Topics
Duties for AH Employers
Anti-Retaliation
Information at a Central Location
Pesticide Safety Training
Decontamination Sites
Employer Information Exchange
Emergency Assistance
Additional Duties for Worker Employers
Restrictions During Applications
Restricted-EntryIntervals (REI's)
Notice About Applications
Posted Warning Signs '
Oral Warnings '
4
Additional Duties for Handler Employers 4
Application Restrictions and Monitoring ]
Specific Instructions for Handlers ' ' «
Equipment Safety «
Personal Protective Equipment {PPE) *
Duties Related to PPE 4
Care of PPE •
Replacing Respirator Purifying Elements *
Disposal of PPE
*
Instructions for People Who Clean PPE >
QUICK
REFERENCE
GUIDE TO
THE 1992
WORKER
PROTECTION
STANDARD
(WPS)
July 1993
127
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DUTIES * Anti-Retaliation (p. 19)
* Do not retaliate against a worker
or handler who attempts to
comply with the WPS.
FOR ALL
EMPLOYERS
Information at a Central
Location (pp. 23-24)
1. In an easily seen central
location on each agricultural
establishment, display close
together:
+ EPA WPS safety poster,
•* name, address, and tele-
phone number of the
nearest emergency medical
facility,
«• these facts about each
pesticide application [from
before each application
begins until 30 days after
the restricted-entry interval
(REI)]:
* product name, EPA
registration number,
and active
ingredient(s),
<• location and descrip-
tion of treated area,
»
* time and date of
application, and REI.
> 2. Tell workers and handlers
> where the information is
> posted, and allow them access.
> 3. Tell them if emergency
* facility information changes
* and update the posted
* information.
* 4. Keep the posted information
legible.
» Pesticide Safety Training
* (pp. 25-28)
* Unless diey possess a valid EPA-
* approved training card, train
* handlers and workers before they
* begin work and at least once
* each 5 years:
* use written and/or audiovi-
sual materials,
+ use EPA WPS handler
training materials for
training handlers,
+ use EPA WPS worker
training materials for
training workers,
+ have a certified applicator
conduct the training orally
and/or audiovisually in a
manner the employees can
understand, using easily
understood terms, and
respond to questions.
Decontamination Sites
(pp. 29-31)
1. Establish a decontamination
site within 1/4 mile of all
workers and handlers. Supply:
+ enough water for routine
and emergency whole-body
washing and for eye-
flushing,
*• plenty of soap and single-
use towels,
* a clean coverall.
2. Provide water that is safe and
cool enough for washing, for
eyeflushing, and for drinking.
Do not use tank-stored water
that is also used for mixing
pesticides.
3. Provide handlers the same
supplies where personal pro-
tective equipment (PPE) is
removed at the end of a task.
4. Provide the same supplies at
each mixing and loading site.
5. Make at least 1 pint eyeflush
water immediately accessible to
each handler.
6. Do not put worker decontami-
nation sites in areas being
treated or under an REI.
128
APPENDIX C * Quick Reference Guide to the 1992
Worker Protection Standard (7/93)
-------
7. In areas being treated, put
decontamination supplies for
handlers in enclosed
containers.
Employer Information
Exchange (pp. 33-34)
1. Before any application, com-
mercial handler employers.
must make sure the operator of
the agricultural establishment
where a pesticide will be
applied is aware of:
* location and description of
area to be treated,
* time and date of applica-
tion,
* product name, EPA registra-
tion number, active
ingredient(s), and REI,
+ whether the product label
requires both oral warnings
and treated area posting,
*• all other safety require-
ments on labeling for
workers or other people.
2. Operators of agricultural
establishments must make sure
any commercial pesticide
establishment operator they
hire is aware of:
+ specific location and de-
scription of all areas on the
agricultural establishment
where pesticides will be
applied or where an REI
will be in effect while the
commercial handler is on
the establishment,
+ restrictions on entering
those areas.
Emergency Assistance
(pp. 35-36)
When any handler or worker may
have been poisoned or injured by
pesticides:
1. Promptly make transportation
available to an appropriate
medical facility.
2. Promptly provide to the victim
and to medical personnel:
* product name, EPA regis-
tration number, and active
ingredient(s),
* all first aid and medical
information from label,
4- description of how the
pesticide was used,
4 information about victim's
exposure.
DUTIES
FOR ALL
EMPLOYERS
*
*
Quick Reference Guide to the 1992 Worker Protection Standard (7/93)
129
-------
ADDITIONAL
DUTIES FOR
WORKER
EMPLOYERS
Restrictions During
Applications (p. 45)
1. In areas being treated with
pesticides, allow entry only to
appropriately trained and
equipped handlers.
2. Keep nursery workers at least
100 feet away from nursery
areas being treated.
3. Allow only handlers to be in a
greenhouse:
•* during a pesticide applica-
tion,
*• until labeling-listed air
concentration level is met
or, if no such level, until
after 2 hours of ventilation
with fans.
(Also see nursery restrictions and
greenhouse restrictions.) (pp.
51-52,53-55)
Restricted-Entry Intervals
(REI's) (pp. 45-46)
During any REI, do not allow
•workers to enter a treated area
and contact anything treated
with the pesticide to which the
REI applies.
(Also see early entry by workers.)
[ (pp. 46-47,59-70)
Notice About Applications
(pp. 41-44)
1. Orally warn workers and post
treated areas if the pesticide
labeling requires.
2. Otherwise, either orally warn
workers or post entrances to
treated areas. Tell workers
which method is in effect.
3. Post all greenhouse applica-
tions.
Posted Warning Signs:
1. Post legible 14" X 16" WPS-
design signs just before appli-
cation; keep posted during
REI; remove before workers
enter and within 3 days after
the end of the REI.
2. Post signs so they can be seen
at all entrances to treated
areas, including entrances
from labor camps.
Oral Warnings:
1. Before each application, .tell
workers who are on the estab-
lishment (in a manner they can
understand):
«• location and description of
treated area,
+ REI, and not to enter
during REI.
2. Workers who enter the estab-
lishment after application
starts must receive the same
warning at the start of their
work period.
130
APPENDIX C * Quick Reference Guide to the 1992
Worker Protection Standard (7/93)
-------
Application Restrictions
and Monitoring (pp. 73-74)
1. Do not allow handlers to apply
a pesticide so that it contacts,
directly or through drift,
anyone other than trained and
PPE-equipped handlers.
2. Make sight or voice contact at
least every 2 hours with anyone
handling pesticides labeled
with a skull and crossbones.
3. Make sure a trained handler
equipped with labeling-speci-
fied PPE maintains constant
voice or visual contact with any
handler in a greenhouse who
is doing fumigant-related tasks,
such as application or air-level
monitoring.
Specific Instructions for
Handlers (pp. 75-76)
1. Before handlers do any han-
dling task, inform them, in a
manner they can understand,
of all pesticide labeling in-
structions for safe use.
2. Keep pesticide labeling acces-
sible to each handler during
entire handling task.
3. Before handlers use any
assigned handling equipment,
tell them how to use it safely.
4. When commercial handlers
will be on an agricultural
establishment, inform them
beforehand of:
*• areas on the establishment
where pesticides will be
applied or where an REI
will be in effect,
* restrictions on entering
those areas.
(The agricultural establish-
ment operator must give you
these facts.)
Equipment Safety (p. 77)
1. Inspect pesticide handling
equipment before each use,
and repair or replace as
needed.
2. Allow only appropriately
trained and equipped han-
dlers to repair, clean, or adjust
pesticide equipment that
contains pesticides or residues.
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
(pp. 79-83)
(See exceptions to PPE,
pp. 85-87)
Duties Related to PPE:
1. Provide handlers with the PPE
the pesticide labeling requires
for the task, and be sure it is:
+ clean and in operating
condition,
+ worn and used correctly,
+ inspected before each day
of use,
*• repaired or replaced as
needed.
2. Be sure respirators fit cor-
rectly.
3. Take steps to avoid heat
illness.
4. Provide handlers a pesticide-
free area for:
* storing personal clothing
not in use,
+ • putting on PPE at start of
task,
+ taking off PPE at end of
task.
5. Do not allow used PPE to be
worn home or taken home.
ADDITIONAL
DUTIES FOR
HANDLER
EMPLOYERS
*
*
Quick Reference Guide to the 1992 Worker Protection Standard (7/93)
131
-------
ADDITIONAL
DUTIES FOR
HANDLER
EMPLOYERS
Care of PPE:
1. Store and wash used PPE
separately from other cloth-
ing and laundry.
2. If PPE will be reused, clean it
before each day of reuse,
according to the instructions
from the PPE manufacturer
unless the pesticide labeling
specifies other requirements.
If there are no other instruc-
tions, wash in detergent and
hot water.
3. Dry the clean PPE before
storing, or hang to dry.
4. Store clean PPE away from
other clothing and away from
pesticide areas.
Replacing Respirator Purifying
Elements:
1. Replace dust/mist filters:
•*• when breathing becomes
difficult,
4- when filter is damaged or
torn,
•* when respirator label or
pesticide label requires
(whichever is shorter), OR
4- at the end of day's work
period, in the absence of
any other instructions or
indications.
2. Replace vapor-removing
cartridges/canisters:
4 when odor/taste/irritation
is noticed,
4 when respirator label or
pesticide label requires
(whichever is shorter), OR
4 at the end of day's work
period, in the absence of
any other instructions or
indications.
Disposal of PPE:
1. Discard coveralls and other
absorbent materials that are
heavily contaminated with
undiluted pesticide having a
DANGER or WARNING signal
word.
2. Follow Federal, State, and local
laws when disposing of PPE
that cannot be cleaned cor-
rectly.
Instructions for People Who
Clean PPE:
Inform people who clean or
launder PPE:
4 that PPE may be contami-
nated with pesticides,
4 of the potentially harmful
effects of exposure to
pesticides,
+• how to protect themselves
when handling PPE,
* how to clean PPE correcdy.
132
APPENDIX C * Quick Reference Guide to the 1992
Worker Protection Standard (7/93)
-------
Index
-------
-------
Index
agricultural emergency... .......... . ......................................... 59,60-61
agricultural employer ................. ........ .... .............................. lg
agricultural owner [[[ . gj
compliance requirements of ...... „ .......... . ........................ 91-93
exemptions from WPS [[[ . 93
information for ........................................ .... 33 113
(See also employer)
agricultural plants ........................................ ....... . . . .. JQ
agricultural worker .................. ........ ........................... j4
requirements checklist ........... ..... .... ..... . ....... . ........ 1^7
air exchanges, greenhouse ................ ... ............... ........................ 53
anti-retaliation (see retaliation)
apparel (see personal protective equipment)
application list... ............. ....... ; ..... . ........ . ........................... 9 23 g4
contents ...... .......... .... ............ .......... ..... . 23
sample form ............................ ... ......... ..... ....... . . 107
timing ............. ....... ..... ............ ....,...,„„;, ........... ............. ..............24
application restrictions
general ............ ..... ......... . ............. ............. ........... .........45,63,73,92
greenhouses ............... ........ . ...................... . 53-55
nurseries.... ............................. . ..... ...... ...... .............. 51-52
applicator (see commercial pesticide handler; pesticide handler)
applicator, certified..:...... .......... .... ...... .. ..... . ...... ....... .....1525-26
arid areas .............;... ...................... ...... .......... 46
boots (see footwear) .
centrallocation ....... .. ................. ................... ............ 23-24,47,63,97
change areas ;v... ........ . ..... . ........... ......................... .......... ;31,68,69,79
checklists
exemptions for agricultural owners ........ ........ . ..... ..... ...123
requirements for agricultural workers ..... ..... ..... .. ...... ...... 117
' Page numbers in boldface type denote definitions.
-------
checklists (continued)
requirements for commercial handlers 121
requirements for pesticide handlers 119
QO
chemical-resistant • °*
chemigation... 17,60,76
closed systems 85~86
clothing (see personal protective equipment)
cockpits 85'87
commercial crop advisor 95-98
commercial pesticide handler 12,14,33-34
instructions for • 75-76
penalties iy
requirements checklist 121
(see also pesticide handler)
commercial pesticide handling establishment 12,14,19,
33-34,35,75-76,91,113,115,121
coveralls 30'82
crop advisor 12,13,14,15,33,34,95-98
crop consultant (see crop advisor)
custom applicator (see commercial pesticide handler)
decontamination
change of clothing 30,31
eyeflush water 29,31
for early-entry workers 67-68
for pesticide handlers r 29-31
for workers 29-31
in remote areas '• 30,68
sites 29-31,47,67-68
supplies 29-30,67
water quality • 29,67
water quantity • 29-30,67,68
discrimination 19,28
136
INDEX
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disposal
of containers 15
of personal protective equipment 70,80-81
double notification 20,33,41
drift -. 45,51-52,53-55,73,76,92
early entry 20,25,46-47,59-70,92,96-97
agricultural emergency 59,60-61,92
decontamination sites for 67-68
exceptions to restrictions ...46-47,57-61,96
instructions for 65
personal protective equipment for 65,68,69-70,82
protections for 46-47,63-70
short-term tasks 59-60,92
special exceptions 59,61,92
training for 25,27,47,63,65
with contact 45,59-70,92-96
with no contact 45, 46-47,92,96-97
emergency (see agricultural emergency; emergency assistance)
emergency assistance 35-36,47,63
emergency information .....23,24,35-36
emergency medical facility 23,24,35
employers 18
information exchange 33-34,92
enclosed cabs 47,85,87
engineering controls 85-87
closed systems .....85-86
cockpits.. 85,87
enclosed cabs 47,85,86-87
equipment—mixing, loading, and application 76,77,93
cleaning and maintenance of 77
inspection of 77
instructions for nonemployees 77,111
(see also personal protective equipment)
eyeflush water 29,31,67,68
eyewear, protective 31,68,82,83,86,87
INDEX
137
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face shield (see eyewear, protective)
farms [[[ 1°
flagger (see commercial pesticide handler; pesticide handler)
footwear [[[ 47,82,83,87
10
forests.
24
specific provision for
for-hire applicator (see commercial pesticide handler)
forms
"Pesticide Application List"
"Information for Agricultural Establishment Owners and
Operators" [[[ 113
"Information for Employers of Custom Applicators and
Independent Crop Advisors" ............................................... 115
fumigant [[[ 55,73-74
gloves... [[[ 82,83,85,87
goggles (see eyewear, protective)
greenhouses [[[ *"
specific provisions for ................................. 41,42,45,53-55,73-74
hand labor [[[ 60
handler (see commercial pesticide handler; pesticide handler)
handler employer (see pesticide handler employer)
headgear [[[ 82,83,87
heat illness, heat stress [[[ 65,69,79
immediate family [[[ 91
independent crop advisor (see crop advisor)
-------
medical care, transportation to 35
(see also emergency assistance; emergency information;
emergency medical facility)
mixer 30,85-86
(see also commercial pesticide handler; pesticide handler)
monitoring of pesticide handlers 73-74,93,96
no-contact early entry (see early entry)
non-English-speaking employees 27,28,44,65,75
notification ...33-34,41-44,47,63,76,93
commercial pesticide handlers 76
double 20,33,41
exceptions to 41-42 93
oral 33,41-42,44
treated-area posting 33,41-43
nurseries U
specific provisions for ..45,51-52
operator of agricultural establishment 33-34,76, 91,113, 115
(see also agricultural owner; employer)
oral warnings 41-42 44
owner (see agricultural owner; employer)
owner exemption 91-93 123
penalties jg
personal protective equipment (PPE) 82-83
change areas 31,68,69,79
changing respirator filters 80
cleaning of 69-70,80,81,109-110
disposal of ; 70,80-81
duties related to 69-70,79-81,93,109-110
exceptions to 85-87
for early entry 65,69-70
for pesticide handlers 79-81
inspection of gg yg
instructions about 55
INDEX
139
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PPE (continued)
69-70,79-80
maintenance
mitigation of heat illness '
8 . f 69,79
provision or
v . 82-83
types of
pesticide application list (see application list)
pesticide handler
requirements checklist •
specific instructions for
. . 25-28
training '
(see also commercial pesticide handler)
18
pesticide handler employer
v . ., 16-17
pesticide uses
covered by WPS
not covered by WPS
poster (see safety poster; sign)
PPE (see personal protective equipment)
"Quick Reference Guide"
^ 127-132
large-print version
16
reference statement
REI (see restricted-entry interval)
83
respirator
- 79
fit of /y
f 80
maintenance ot
A £t
restricted-entry interval (REV) • -
restrictions after applications (see early entry)
restrictions during applications (see application restrictions)
19
retaliation, prohibition against
safety glasses (see eyewear, protective)
23 24
safety poster '
. . . 101
criteria for
scout (see crop advisor)
140
INDEX
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sign, treated-area posting (see warning signs)
skull and crossbones labels 73
sod farms ; 17
supervisors 19
trainers 26
of pesticide handlers 26-27
of workers 26-27
qualifications of 26-27
training 25-28
content of 27,103,104
criteria for 27,103,104
exception to requirement 25,26,93
for early-entry workers 25,47,65
for pesticide handlers 25-28
for workers. '. 25—28
timing of 25-26,65
verification of 27
translator 27-28
treated area 51
treated-area posting (see notification)
ventilation criteria , 46,53-54,55,59,60
warning signs 24,41-43
criteria for 102
water for decontamination 29-30,67,68
worker 14
worker employer 18
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) 9_20
INDEX
141
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