735B05002
&ERA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
How To Comply With The Worker Protection Standard For Agricultural
Pesticides What Employees Need To Know
Revised September 2005
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THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS AAANUAL
Regulatory agencies will enforce the requirements of the 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 provides information to help you comply with the requirements of the
Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides, 40 CFR part 170,
as published in 1992 and as amended in 1995,1996, and 2004. 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.
This 2005 updated Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How To
Comply Manual, EPA 735-B-05-002 supersedes the 1993 version, EPA 735-B-93-001.
Changes to the Worker Protection Standard have made the 1993 version obsolete and its
continued use may lead an employer to be out of compliance with this regulation.
Additional Worker Protection Requirements in Your Area
Some states, tribes, or local governments with jurisdiction over pesticide enforcement
may 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 if this manual is altered it may no longer provide the
information to help employers comply with the requirements of the 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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 i
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Entry during a
restricted-entry interval
is permitted only in a
few strictly limited
circumstances; see
Early Entry, p. 47
WHO NEEDS TO READ THIS AAANUAL?
You probably need to comply with the 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-hire) 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 it defines according to the type of work their employees do:
Worker employer 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. 10 for complete
definition). Units 3 and 4 of this manual describe the WPS protections you must provide
to the agricultural workers you employ.
Handler employer 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. 10 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.
ll
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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.
LABItltiC* OVERWDfS WPS
If the pesticide product labeling contains specific instructions or requirements
that conflict with the requirements of the Worker Protection Standard, JMlow
the instructions or requirements on the labeling. For example, some
pesticicte 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 ijte use of personal protective equipment even if closed systems
irei
EXCEPTIONS TO USELING STATEMENTS
The WPS 'allows certain exceptions to three specific pesticide labeling
requirements: _ personal protective equipment (p. 62), restricted-entry
intervals (p. 36), and double notification (p. 33) (the requirement on some
labeling for both oral wasehings and posting treated areas), The WPS statements
in the Agricultural tifse Requirements box on the product labeling will tell you
that the WPS contains these exceptions.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 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.
EPA Headquarters
EPA Office of Pesticide Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
www. epa.gov/pesticides
EPA National Agriculture Compliance
Assistance Center
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(888)663-2155
www.epa.gov/agriculture
EPA Office of Compliance
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
(202) 564-2280
www.epa.gov/compliance
EPA Regions
Region 1 (AAA, CT, Rl, NH, VT, ME)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1
Pesticides Program (CPT)
Office of Ecosystem Protection
1 Congress St., Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114-2023
(888) 372-7341
www.epa.gov/NE/eco/pest/
Region 2 (NY, NJ, PR, VI)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Pesticide Team
MS-500
2890 Woodbridge Ave., Building #5
Edison, NJ 08837
(908)321-6769
www.epa.gov/pesticides/local/region2/index.htm
Region 3 (PA, MD, VA, WV, DE)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3
Waste and Chemicals Management Division
Mail Code 3WCOO
1650 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
(800) 438-2474
www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/pesticides.htm
Region 4 (GA, NC, SC, AL, MS, KY, FL, TN)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
Pesticides Section
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth St, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303-3104
(404) 562-8968
www.epa.gov/pesticides/local/region4/index.htm
Region 5 (IL, Ml, NM, IN, OH, Wl)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
Pesticide Program Section (DT-8J)
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312)353-2192
www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/ptb/pest/
Region 6 (TX, OK, AR, LA, NM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
Pesticides Program
6PD-P
1445 Ross Ave., Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
(800) 887-6063
www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6pd/pd p/pest.htm
Region 7 (MO, KS, IA, NE)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
Pesticide Branch (PEST)
501 N. 5th St.
Kansas City, KS66101
(913)551-7033
www.epa.gov/Region7/pesticides/index.htm
Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8
Pesticide Program (8P-P3T)
999 18th St., Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(800)227-8917
www.epa.gov/Region8/toxics_pesticides/pests/
pesthome.html
Region 9 (CA, NV, AZ, HI, GU)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
Pesticides Section (CED-5)
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)947-8704
www.epa.gov/pesticides/local/region9/index.htm
Region 10 (WA, OR, ID,AK)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Pesticides Unit (ECO-084)
1200 Sixth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101-1128
(206) 553-1918
yosemite.epa.gov/R10/ECOCOMM.NSF/webpage/
Pesticides
iv
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Helpful Web Sites
EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Worker Protection Standard page:
ww w.epa .gov/oppfead 1 /safety/workers/workers .htm
EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Agricultural Worker Protection Standard 40
CFR Parts 156 & 170 Interpretive Policy Questions and Answers
www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/workers/wpsinterpolicy.htm
EPA Ag Center Worker Protection Standard Topic page:
w ww.epa .gov/agriculture/twor.html
EPA Ag Center Worker Protection Standard Publications page:
w ww.epa .gov/agriculture/awor.html
Directory of State Regulators
aapco .ceris .purdue .edu/htm/directories .htm
State Pesticide Educators Directory
www.ipmcenters.org/contacts/PSEPdirectory.cfm
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 V
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September 2005
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
How to Comply
With the Worker Protection Standard
For Agricultural Pesticides
What Employers Need to Know
Farms
Forests
Nurseries
Greenhouses
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CONTENTS
Unit 1 - Quick Reference Guide 1
Unit 2 -An Introduction to the Worker Protection Standard 5
What Is The Worker Protection Standard? 7
Does the Worker Protection Standard Apply to You? 9
Who Does the WPS Protect? 10
Which Pesticide Uses Are Covered? 12
Which Pesticide Uses Are Not Covered? 13
Who Must Protect Workers and Handlers? 14
Unit 3 - What Employers Must Do for Both Workers and Handlers... 17
Information at a Central Location 19
Pesticide Safety Training 21
Decontamination Supplies 24
Employer Information Exchange 26
Emergency Assistance 27
Unit 4 - Further Requirements for Employers of Workers 29
Part A - Protections for All Agricultural Workers 31
Notice About Applications 33
Restrictions During and After Applications 36
Part B - Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries and Greenhouses 39
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries 41
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses 43
Part C - Early Entry 45
Early-Entry Work Situations 47
General Protections for Early-Entry Workers 52
Training and Instructions for Early-Entry Workers 53
Decontamination Supplies for Early-Entry Workers 54
Personal Protective Equipment for Early-Entry Workers 56
UNIT 5Further Requirements for Employers of Handlers 57
Restrictions During Applications and Monitoring Handlers 59
Specific Instructions for Handlers 60
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 ix
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Equipment Safety 61
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 62
Exceptions to PPE Requirements 66
Unit 6 - Owner Exemptions and Crop Advisors 69
Agricultural Owner Exemptions 71
Protections for Crop Advisors 74
APPENDIX A-Criteria for WPS Materials 81
APPENDIX B - Sample Forms, Fact Sheets and Checklists 91
Appendix C Quick Reference Guide to the Worker
Protection Standard 117
Index 125
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UNIT1
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
This 2-page Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard lists the maximum
WPS requirements. Fulfilling these maximum requirements help you 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 the same text, see Appendix C.
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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
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UNIT 2
AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE WORKER PROTECTION
STANDARD
What Is the Worker Protection Standard? 7
Does the Worker Protection Standard Apply to You? 9
Who Does the WPS Protect? 10
Which Pesticide Uses Are Covered? 12
Which Pesticide Uses Are Not Covered? 13
Who Must Protect Workers and Handlers? 14
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
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,
protections against exposures to pesticides, and
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,
Pesticide safety poster to be displayed for workers and handlers,
Access to labeling information for pesticide handlers and early-entry
workers, and
Access to specific information centrally located application information of
pesticide treatments on the establishment.
PROTECTION
To ensure that employees will be protected from exposures to pesticides, the WPS
requires employers to:
prohibit handlers from applying a pesticide in a way that will expose
workers or other persons,
exclude workers from areas being treated with pesticides,
exclude workers from areas that remain under a restricted-entry interval
(REI), with narrow exceptions.
protect early-entry workers who are doing permitted tasks in treated areas
during an REI, including special instructions and duties related to correct use of
PPE,
notify workers about treated areas so they can avoid inadvertent exposures, and
protect handlers during handling tasks, including 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 supplies 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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 7
-------
These key terms have
very specific meanings
in the WPS. Note that
these definitions may be
different/Torn
definitions found in
other state and federal
laws and regulations.
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8
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
DOES THE WORKER PROTECTION 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 in the production of agricultural plants.
Even if you aie the pwnerof the far%feปe$t,,
*s of ywi^ly derail the ^^'*fiiej^;jf
Y0o must comply witb some
such as restri
the specific requirements listed in
OwnerEfKซptJons,p]p.71-73, '
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.
ConmofcM pesticide hanctteis and ft^eiBjSto^
disposal, ซe;
forexample.
You operate a business in which you (or people you employ) perform tasks
as a crop advisor on any farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse.
"Crop advisor" means any person who is assessing pest numbers or damage,
pesticide distribution, or the status, condition,: or requirements of agricultural
ptots, Examples include crop consultants 'and. scouts. For a description of ;; -
* '.{. ^:-:?;'' ;?-....
If you are in any of these categories, you must comply with the Environmental
Protection Agency's Worker Protection Standard (40 CFR, part 170) including all
revisions through 2004.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 9
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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.
WHO DOES THE WPS PROTECT?
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 in 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 family are exempt
from many WPS requirements. See Agricultural Owner Exemptions pp. 71-73.
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. 74-80).
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,
actingasaflagger,
cleaning, handling, adjusting, or repairing the parts of mixing, loading, or
application equipment that may contain pesticide residues,
" assisting with the application of pesticides, including incorporating the pesticide
into the soil after the application has occurred,
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 have 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.
10
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
UNIT 2
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 (1) 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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 11
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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 CFR170. 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.
12
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
UNIT 2
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 the 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 the plants. However, people who handle pesticides that are to be
applied by direct injection are covered by the WPS and must receive handler protections.
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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 13
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Compensation includes
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.
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.
WPS EMPLOYER DEFINITIONS
Worker Employers:
Worker employers are people who:
employ or contract tor the services of workers (including themselves
and members of their family) for any type of compensation to perform
tasks related to the production of agricultural plants, or
own or operate an agricultural establishment that uses such workers.
(See definition of "owner," p. 71,)
{See definition of "worker," p. 10.)
If you are a worker employer, you are responsible for providing your agricultural
worker employees with the protections that the WPS requires for workers. (In
the WPS itself, "worker employers" are called "agricultural employers.")
Handler Employers:
Handier employers are people who:
ป employ pesticide handlers (including members of their family), for any
type of compensation, or
are self-employed as pesticide handlers.
(See definition of "pesticide handler," p. 10.)
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.
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.
14
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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
UNIT 2
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
Agricultural and handler employers can be subject to civil and criminal penalties if found
not complying with the Federal Worker Protection Standard including all revisions
through 2004. Failure to comply is a pesticide misuse violation also known as use of a
pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Failure to comply with distinct acts of
the WPS may result in independently assessable charges, even if the violative acts
occurred during one pesticide application.
Currently, a federal civil penalty of up to $ 1,100 per violation may be assessed against
private applicators (owners/operators of agricultural establishments) and other persons,
and up to $6,500 per violation against commercial applicators (owners/operators of
pesticide handling establishments) and other persons. Since Congress passed the Civil
Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Rule under the Debt Collection Improvement Act
of 1996, civil penalties have been increased due to inflation and Congress' intent on
creating a deterrence to noncompliance. The next civil penalty adjustment is expected to
occur in 2009.
Criminal penalties can also be assessed if the WPS is knowingly violated. Federal fines
include up to $1,000 per offense 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, which may
differ from federal
penalties. Pesticide-
related ordinances and
associated penalties
may also be imposed by
local governments.
Labeling Overrides WPS
If the pesticide product labeling contains specific in
fttat conflict twth theieqซiiฎfnertts of theWorker ftotfctiffii Stendipi
instructions or requirements on the labeling. For example, some pesticide '
labeling may;
prohibit any early-entry activity, including short-terahawj eis^^Bcy
' taste, ;' _.,_ ,-:;. " y-'l "
m alow an early-entry activity tttat the WPS does not aU^ป
requite the use of personal protective equipment even if .cipsietf "lystejt
are used for mixing and loading, ;
Exceptions to Labeling Statements
The .WPS allows certain exceptions to tfafee specific pestieMJelibel|ii|
requifenปnte:' .peraowal: ppoteettow equipment (f 3$$ji"'
intervals (p. 36), and double notification (p. 33) (there
labeling for tootl oial warnings anil posting treated ateasl, 1
in the AgtwMtuial Use Requirements box onti
that Ae WPS coiitiiis ftteje exceptions.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 15
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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 19
Pesticide Safety Training 21
Decontamination Supplies 24
Employer Information Exchange 26
Emergency Assistance 27
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WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS
UNITS
INFORMATION AT
A CENTRAL LOCATION
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 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 at a central location before a
pesticide is applied:
1. Pesticide-specific application information, which must include: the location and
description of the area to be treated, product name, EPA registration number, and active
ingredient(s) of the pesticide, 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. 83.
Where Must the Information Be Displayed?
Display the required information together in a central location on your agricultural
establishment where it is readily accessible and 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 with
the decontamination supplies or at 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. The information may be displayed
continuously.
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 display the
corrected time and date
before the application
takes place. If you are
unable to make the
correction before the
application takes place,
make it as soon as
possible thereafter.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 19
-------
Earlier display: If you
post WPS warning signs
at treated areas, you
must display pesticide-
specific information at
the central location no
later than the time when
the warning signs are
posted.
Timing of Displaying Application Information
1. If workers or handlers are on your establishment at the start of an application, display
the required pesticide-specific information 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:
at least 30 days after the restricted-entry interval expires, or
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 is located.
2. Allow workers and handlers free, unhampered access to the information.
3. Be sure that the poster, emergency information, and application information 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.
20
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WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS
PESTICIDE SAFETY TRAINING
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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
Providing Basic Pesticide Safety Information to Untrained Workers
You must provide basic pesticide safety information to untrained workers before they
enter treated areas on your establishment where, within the past 30 days, a pesticide has
been applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in effect. You must:
provide the basic pesticide safety information in a manner that the untrained
workers can understand, such as through written materials, oral communication,
or other means,
be able to verify that you provided the workers with the required basic pesticide
safety information,
provide the workers with at least the following information:
- Pesticides may be on or in plants, soil, irrigation water, or drifting from
nearby applications.
- To prevent pesticides from entering your body:
Follow directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted
areas,
Wash before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using
the toilet,
Wear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues,
Wash/shower with soap and water, shampoo 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 and then as soon as possible shower,
shampoo, and change into clean clothes.
You will receive more training within 5 days (or at least before your
sixth day of work in pesticide-treated areas on this establishment).
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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 21
-------
Entry during a
restricted-entry interval
is permitted only in a
few strictly limited
circumstances, see
Early Entry, p. 47.
Under the WPS, you
may be both a handler
and an employer of
handlers.
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. Other agricultural workers, including early-entry workers who will not contact
anything that has been treated with the pesticide which caused the restricted-entry
interval must be trained before they accumulate more than 5 separate days of entry into
treated areas on your establishment where, within the past 30 days, a pesticide has been
applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in effect. These 5 days of entry need not be
consecutive and are not limited to a growing season or calendar year.
Note: You must provide untrained workers with basic pesticide safety information
before they enter into treated areas on your establishment where, within the past 30
days, a pesticide has been applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in effect (see
Providing Untrained Workers Basic Pesticide Safety Information, p. 21).
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:
currently be a certified applicator of restricted-use pesticides (in any category of
certification),
or
currently be designated as a trainer of certified pesticide applicators or pesticide
handlers by a State, Federal, or Tribal agency having jurisdiction,
or
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:
currently be qualified to present handler training, as described immediately
above,
or
currently be trained as a WPS handler,
or
have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved by a State,
Federal, or Tribal agency having jurisdiction.
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,
respond to trainees' questions.
2. Anyone who conducts worker training must use non-technical terms.
22
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WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS
UNITS
Content of Training Bปซm?ซ*
The pesticide safety training materials for workers and handlers must be either: Handlers who are
WPS training materials developed by EPA,
applicators of
equivalent material that contains at least the concepts listed in Criteria for restricted-use pesticides
Worker and Handler Training, p. 87,89. must be given all of the
Verification of Training WPS handler
If you make sure that a handler has an EPA-approved WPS handler training card or that protections, except that
a worker has an EPA-approved WPS worker or handler training card, the person does not they need not receive
have to be retrained unless you are aware, or have reason to know, that the card is invalid. WPS training.
A WPS training card is invalid if you, the employer:
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
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).
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
-------
DECONTAMINATION SUPPLIES
The WPS requires that
decontamination
supplies be provided
regardless of the
number of employees.
There is NO exemption
for employers with only
a few employees.
Note: For early-entry
workers who will
contact anything that
has been treated with
the pesticide, the
decontamination supply
requirements are
different. See
Decontamination
Supplies for Early-
Entry Workers, p. 54.
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.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
Handler employers must make sure that
decontamination supplies (described below) for
washing off pesticides and pesticide residues
are provided to handlers while they are doing
handling tasks.
Worker employers must make sure that
decontamination supplies (described below)
for washing off pesticide residues are
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 Supplies 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.
Exception
When the only pesticides used in the treated area are products with a restricted-entry
interval of 4 hours or less, the decontamination supplies must be provided until 7 days
after the end of the restricted-entry interval. Note: When products have no restricted-
entry interval listed on the label, the decontamination supplies must be provided 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 supply requirements are different. See Decontamination
Supplies for Early-Entry Workers, p. 54.
Supplies
Provide workers and handlers 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.
3. For handlers, 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.
24
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UNIT 3
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS
Recommendation: How Much Water Should Be Provided?
Obviously, running water meets the respiwaient. However, if it is not available,
use the following guidelines.
* Workers: At least I gtHoit of wafer ปleconffliejKtelfor each worker
using the sappfies. If you findI per;wofkir is inatequatts to
last for the entire work period, pswide mote water or replenish the water
as needed during the work period.
Handlers: At least 3 gallons of water is rewppieiidid fof eaehiiandler
using the supplies. If you find that 3 gallons per handler is inadequate to
last for the entire woik .periodippovide mite wafer ot^fepleuish the water
as needed during the work period.
Location
1. All decontamination supplies for workers must be located together and all
decontamination supplies for handlers must be located together. Decontamination
supplies must be reasonably accessible to the workers and handlers. Handlers mixing
pesticides must have decontamination supplies at the mixing area.
Exceptions:
For a pilot who is applying pesticides aerially, the decontamination supplies 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 supplies 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 access point.
2. Worker decontamination supplies must not be in an area being treated with
pesticides or in an area under a restricted-entry interval.
3. Handler decontamination supplies may be located in an area being treated with
pesticides (or an area that has a restricted-entry interval in effect), only if:
They are 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 water that is supplied
for general decontamination may also be used as eyeflush water, if it is immediately
accessible.
Decontamination After Handling Tasks
At the site where handlers remove their personal protective equipment (PPE), provide:
soap,
clean towels, and
enough water to allow handlers to wash thoroughly after removing PPE.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 25
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If the pesticide is not
applied as scheduled,
you must display the
corrected time and date
before the application
takes place. If you are
unable to make the
correction before the
application takes place,
make it as soon as
possible thereafter.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION EXCHANGE
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section
Below)
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 the area(s) on the agricultural
establishment that are to be treated with a pesticide,
time and date the 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 their
employees. See Information at a Central Location, pp. 19-20 and Notice about
Applications, pp. 33-35.
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. 60.
26
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WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS
UNITS
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 the 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
ป 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 the agricultural establishment, or
from another handling site, such as a commercial handling establishment or an
airport hangar.
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.
Employers 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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 27
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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 All Agricultural Workers 31
PART B - Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries
and Greenhouses 39
PART C-Early Entry 45
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
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 33
Restrictions During and After Applications 36
UNIT 4
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 31
-------
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
NOTICE ABOUT APPLICATIONS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 Warnings 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:
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,
any worker who will not be in your greenhouse during a pesticide application or
while a restricted-entry interval is in effect there, or
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:
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
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.
DANGER PELIGRO
PESTICIDES PESTICIDAS
KEEP OUT
NO ENTRE
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 33
-------
Signs meeting these
requirements should be
available commercially.
For a detailed
description, see
Requirements for
Warning Signs, p. 85.
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. 85.
1. Location:
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.
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.
2. Timing and Visibility of Warning Signs:
Post signs 24 hours or less before the scheduled application of the pesticide.
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.
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
Each warning sign must look
like this:
Red
Exception:
As an option, you may use warning
signs that replace the Spanish
words with the same words in
another language (other than
English) that is read by the largest
number of your workers who do
not read English. The replacement
sign must meet all other
requirements for the WPS warning
sign.
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 the required
information in other languages, the words must be translated correctly.
DANGER PELIGRO
PESTICIDES PESTICIDAS
KEEP OUT
NO ENTRE
34
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
The signs must be at least 14 inches by 16 inches, and the letters must be at least
1 inch high.
Exception:
On farms and forests, you may use smaller signs if the treated area is too small to
accommodate 14- by 16-inch signs. For example, when a single plant needs to be
posted, a smaller sign would be appropriate. In nurseries and greenhouses, you may,
at any time, use a sign smaller than the standard size. Whenever a small sign is used,
there are specific posting distances depending on the size of the lettering and symbol
on the sign (see table below).
Sign Size
7" x8"
(approx.)
4 1 1T x 5"
(approx.)
Required Height in Inches
Circle Graphic
3"
1 1/2"
Lettering for
Words
"DANGER" ft
"PELIGRO"
7/8"
7/16"
Lettering for
Other Words
1/2"
1/4"
Maximum
Distance
Between
Signs*
50 feet
25 feet
* This distance requirement is for places where multiple signs are used to post a
single treated area, such as a field or a greenhouse section. It does not apply where
individual signs are used for separate small treatment areas (such as single potted
plants in a greenhouse).
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
instructions not to enter the treated area until the restricted-entry interval has
expired.
2. Communication:
Provide oral warnings to workers in a manner that they 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.
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 in effect.
Signs with the words
"DANGER" and
"PELIGRO" in letters
less than 7/16 inch in
height or with any words
in letters less than 1/4
inch in height or with
the circle graphic
containing an upraised
hand and a stern face
less than 1 '/2 inches in
diameter do not meet
WPS sign requirements.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 35
-------
Avoiding contact by
using personal
protective equipment
does not qualify as no-
contact early entry.
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
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 workers and other
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. 4 land 43).
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, p. 47). 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.
RESTRICTED-ENTRY INTERVAL (REI)
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 REIs depending
on the crop or method of application. When two (or more) pesticides are applied
at the same time, and have different REIs, you must follow the longer interval,
Location of REIs on Labeling
The restricted-entry interval is listed on the pesticide labeling:
ป 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 REIs
Some pesticide labeling require 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.
36
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
NO-CONTACT EARLY ENTRY
If workers will 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:
on plants, including both agricultural plants and weeds,
on or in soil or planting medium,
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, p. 47, 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 supplies, however, need not be provided to no-
contact early-entry workers.
Avoiding contact by
using personal
protective equipment
does not qualify as no-
contact early entry.
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.
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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 37
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
PARTB
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 41
Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses 43
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 39
-------
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
SPECIAL APPLICATION
RESTRICTIONS IN NURSERIES
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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.
UNIT 4
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 41
-------
Table I
Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries
COLUMN A
While a Pesticide Is
Being Applied:
COLUMN B
Workers and Other Persons Are
Prohibited in:
1. (a) Applied:
Aerially, or
In an upward direction, or
Using a spray pressure greater
than 150 pounds per square inch.
Pesticide-treated area plus 100 feet in all
directions on the nursery.
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.
Pesticide-treated area plus 25 feet in all
directions on the nursery.
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.
Pesticide-treated area.
42
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
SPECIAL APPLICATION
RESTRICTIONS IN GREENHOUSES
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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
1. After some types of 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 following ventilation criteria is met:
The 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
- 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:
do not allow workers into the treated area (see Column D on Table II),
you may allow workers to enter the areas just outside the treated area that
were off-limits during the application.
UNIT 4
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 43
-------
COLUMN D
COLUMN C
COLUMN B
COLUMN A
After the Expiration of
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44
-------
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 47
General Protections for Early-Entry Workers 52
Training And Instructions for Early-Entry Workers 53
Decontamination Supplies for Early-Entry Workers 54
Personal Protective Equipment for Early-Entry Workers 56
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 45
-------
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
EARLY-ENTRY WORK SITUATIONS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 four work situations:
short-term tasks that last less than 1 hour and do not involve hand labor,
limited-contact tasks that could not have been foreseen, cannot be delayed, 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:
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.
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, girdling, caning, sucker removal, pruning,
disbudding, roguing, and packing produce into containers in the field.
Limited-Contact Tasks
Tasks where early-entry workers' only contact with treated surfaces including soil,
water, surfaces of plants, crops, and irrigation equipment is minimal and is limited
to their feet, lower legs, hands, and forearms. Hand labor tasks are not limited-
contact tasks.
Examples of limited-contact tasks include operating, moving, or repairing
irrigation or watering equipment; operating or repairing weather monitoring and
frost protection equipment; repairing greenhouse heating, air conditioning, and
ventilation equipment; repairing non-application field equipment; maintaining
and moving beehives.
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.
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
pages 52-56.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 47
-------
Limited-Contact Tasks that Could Not Have Been Foreseen, Cannot Be
Delayed, and Involve No Hand Labor
Early-entry workers may enter treated areas to do limited-contact tasks before the
Could not have been restricted-entry interval is over, provided all the following conditions are met:
foreseen means that the early-entry tasks do not involve hand labor (see definition in the shaded box
when you made the on p. 47), and
pesticide application, B me early-entry tasks will not cause workers to have more than minimal contact
you could not have ' with treated surf aces, and
....,,, contact with treated surfaces will be limited to the workers' feet, lower legs,
anticipated the , , &
, , hands, and forearms, and
circumstances that led ., , r ,, , , u^i i_r j
the need for the early-entry could not have been foreseen, and
to the need to perform m ^ ^ eariy.entry tasks are delayed, the delay would cause significant economic
limited-contact tasks. Ioss5 an(j there are no alternative practices that would prevent the loss, and
For example, you do not the pesticide product's Agricultural Use Requirement box does not contain the
qualify if you knew that following "double notification" statement: "Notify workers of the application by
you would need to enter warning them orally and by posting warning signs at entrances to treated area,"
the treated area to ana
perform routine " me Pestic^e Prฐduct does not contain a restriction prohibiting any person, other
, . , than an appropriately trained and equipped handler, from entering during the
watering during the . ,, . , T rr ป &
restricted-entry interval.
restricted-entry interval. YQU must provide each limited-contact early-entry worker with:
either the personal protective equipment required on the pesticide labeling for
early entry into treated areas or a standard set of PPE consisting of coveralls,
chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant footwear, and protective eyewear
(and make sure the worker wears socks) and
Note: You may eliminate the protective eyewear from the standard set of PPE in any
treated area where the pesticide label does not require it for early entry.
all the protections required for early-entry workers (see p. 56), and
oral or written notification, in a language that the workers can understand, that:
- the establishment is relying on this exception to allow workers to enter
treated areas to complete limited-contact tasks,
- no entry is allowed for the first 4 hours after an application, and until
applicable ventilation criteria have been met, and until any label-specified
inhalation exposure level has been reached,
- the time the worker spends in any treated area where a restricted-entry
interval is in effect cannot exceed 8 hours in any 24-hour period.
You must make sure that each limited-contact early-entry worker:
waits at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is completed before entering
the treated area, and
waits at least until any inhalation exposure level listed on the product labeling
has been reached or any WPS ventilation criteria have been met, and
spends no more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period on limited-contact early-entry
tasks.
48
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
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.
For additional protections that must be provided to early-entry workers, see pp. 52-56.
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
emergency actually exists for any treated areas on your establishment that remain under a
restricted-entry interval. All of the following 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.
For additional
protections that must be
provided to workers
who do limited-contact
early-entry tasks, see
page 48.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 49
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Summary of Early Entry Requirements
WPS Provision
or Requirement
Entry during application
(entry by workers during
application is never
acceptable)
Entry before inhalation
exposure level or
ventilation criteria have
been met
Entry during first
4 hours after application
is complete
Need for early entry
could have been
anticipated
Need for early entry
could not have been
anticipated
Entry is not an
economic necessity
Entry is an economic
necessity
Hours of entry
permitted per day
Hand labor tasks
permitted?
Pesticide safety training
(worker) provided?
Information at central
location provided?
Emergency assistance
provided?
Notice about
applications provided?
Restrictions during
applications in effect?
Instructions related to
personal protective
equipment provided?
Type of Early Entry
No Contact
(see p. 37)
no entry
no entry
entry permitted
entry permitted
entry permitted
entry permitted
entry permitted
no limit
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
Short-Term
(see p. 47)
no entry
no entry
no entry
entry permitted
entry permitted
entry permitted
entry permitted
1 hour
no
yes
(no 5 -day
grace period)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Limited Contact
(see p. 48)
no entry
no entry
no entry
no entry
entry permitted
(if other triggers
are met, see p. 48)
no entry
entry permitted
(if other triggers
are met, see p. 48)
8 hours
no
yes
(no 5-day
grace period)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Agricultural
Emergency
(see p. 49)
no entry
no entry
no entry
no entry
entry permitted
(if other triggers
are met, see p. 49)
no entry
entry permitted
(if other triggers
are met, see p. 49)
no limit
yes
yes
(no 5 -day
grace period)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
50
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
Summary of Early Entry Requirements (Cont.)
WPS Provision
or Requirement
Labeling information
and instructions
provided?
Early entry
decontamination
supplies provided?
Personal protective
equipment provided,
cleaned, and maintained'
Type of Early Entry
No Contact
(see p. 37)
no
no
no
Short-Term
(see p. 47)
yes
yes
yes
Limited Contact
(see p. 48)
yes
yes
yes
Agricultural
Emergency
(see p. 49)
yes
yes
yes
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 51
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These requirements are
described in detail in
the next several pages.
GENERAL PROTECTIONS
FOR EARLY-ENTRY WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section
Below)
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
surf aces 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:
Information at a central location (p. 19),
Emergency assistance (p. 27),
Restrictions during applications (p. 36), and
Notice about applications (p. 33).
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:
Training and instructions,
Decontamination supplies, and
Personal protective equipment.
52
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
UNIT 4
TRAINING AND INSTRUCTIONS
FOR EARLY-ENTRY WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 p. 21) before entering a treated area on the agricultural establishment
during a restricted-entry interval.
The 5-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
how to prevent, recognize, and give correct first aid for heat illness (too much
heat stress). For more information on heat stress, see chart in Appendix B, p 115.
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,
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 page 64.
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.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 53
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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 SUPPLIES FOR
EARLY-ENTRY WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
Worker employers must provide their early-entry
workers with decontamination supplies for washing off
pesticides and pesticide residues.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Supplies
Provide early-entry workers 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.
2. Soap and single use towels enough for the needs of early-entry workers.
Location
Make sure:
Recommendation: 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 supplies. If you find that 1 f allon per
early-entry worker is inadequate to last for the entire work period,
provide more water or replenish the water as needed during the work
period.
1. The decontamination supplies are not in an area being treated with pesticides.
2. The decontamination supplies are not in an area under a restricted-entry interval,
unless that location is necessary for the supplies to be reasonably accessible to early-
entry workers.
3. The decontamination supplies are 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 decontamination supplies 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
access point.
54
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS
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 water that is supplied for
general decontamination may also be used as eyeflush water, if it is immediately
accessible.
Decontamination at the End of Exposure Period
At the site where early-entry workers take off their PPE, provide :
soap,
clean towels, and
enough water to allow early-entry workers to wash thoroughly after removing
their PPE.
UNIT 4
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 55
-------
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
FOR EARLY-ENTRY WORKERS
PPEfor early-entry
activities is listed on the
pesticide label in the
"Directions for Use "
section under the
heading "Agricultural
Use Requirements."
See PPE definitions,
p. 64.
For an example of what
to tell people who clean
PPE, see pp. 95-96.
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
Worker employers must provide their early-entry workers with the early-entry PPE
required by the pesticide labeling, make sure they 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.
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 regulations 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,
how to protect themselves when handling contaminated PPE, and
how to clean PPE correctly.
For more information about laundering pesticide-contaminated clothing, please visit the
Worker Protection Standard topic page on the Ag Center's Web site at: http://
www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html
56
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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 59
Specific Instructions for Handlers 60
Equipment Safety 61
Personal Protective Equipment 62
Exceptions to PPE Requirements 66
-------
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS
RESTRICTIONS DURING APPLICATIONS
AND MONITORING HANDLERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 that it does not contact, either directly 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 has 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 with 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 systems, adjust tarps or
other coverings used in the fumigation, or check air concentration levels. The person
monitoring the fumigant handler must:
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.
UNITS
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 59
-------
Option: You may allow
handlers to read the
labeling themselves, if
they are able to read
and understand it.
Operators of
agricultural
establishments are
required to make sure
that commercial
handler employers have
this information (p. 60).
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HANDLERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section
Below)
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,
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.
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:
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 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.
60
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS
UNITS
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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 DUTIES
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 page 97.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 61
-------
In the pesticide
labeling, PPE for
handling activities is
listed in the "Hazards to
Humans" section.
PPE is coveralls,
respirators, protective
eyewear, and chemical-
resistant suits, gloves,
footwear, aprons and
headgear. See
definitions, p. 64.
A chemical-resistance
chart is provided in
Appendix B, p. 113.
Exceptions to PPE:
Handler employers may
allow handlers to omit
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
pages 66-67.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section Below)
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.
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.
62
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS
Replacing Respirator Filters, Cartridges, or Canisters
Employers must:
1. Replace dust/mist respirator filters:
when breathing resistance becomes excessive,
if the filter is damaged or torn,
whenever the respirator manufacturer or pesticide labeling says to replace them
(if the instructions differ, change the filter at the shorter interval),
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:
at the first indication of odor, taste, or irritation,
when the respirator manufacturer or pesticide labeling says to replace them (if
instructions differ, change the cartridge or canisters at the shorter interval),
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.
2. Comply with any applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations when
disposing of PPE that cannot be cleaned correctly.
Instructions for Persons Who Clean 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 more information about laundering pesticide-contaminated clothing, please visit the
Worker Protection Standard topic page on the Ag Center's Web site at:
http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html
For an example of what to tell people who clean PPE, see page 95.
UNIT 5
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 63
-------
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, 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 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 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.
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.
64
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Definitions (Continued)
Chemical-resistant headgear:
A chemical-resistant hood or a chemical-resistant hat with a wide brim.
Gloves:
Hand-coverings that are the type listed on the pesticide label.
Gloves 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.
Chemical-resistant gloves with non-separable absorbent lining materials must
not be worn for handling or early entry activities. A chemical-resistance chart
is provided in Appendix B, p. 113.
Substitution: Leather gloves may be worn over chemical-resistant liners, if
chemical-resistant gloves with sufficient durability and suppleness are not
obtainable. 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.
Separable glove liners:
Separable glove liners are separate glove-like hand coverings, made of lightweight
material, with or without fingers.
Work gloves made from lightweight cotton or poly-type material are
considered to be glove liners, if worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves.
Unless the pesticide product labeling specifically prohibits their use, separable
glove liners may be worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves,provided the
liners do not extend outside the chemical-resistant gloves that are worn over
them.
Once used for handling or early entry activities, separable glove liners must
be discarded immediately after a total of 10 hours of use or within 24 hours
of first use, whichever occurs first. The liners must be replaced
immediately if they come into direct contact with pesticides. Pesticide-
contaminated liners must be disposed of in accordance with any Federal,
State, or local regulations.
UNITS
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 65
-------
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
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
(See Also Specific Duties Section
Below)
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 the PPE listed on the pesticide labeling, but
must wear at least:
long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and
shoes and socks.
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
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
66
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FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS
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.
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,
store the PPE in a chemical resistant container (such as a plastic bag),
wear the PPE if it is necessary to leave the cab and contact pesticide-treated
surfaces in the treated area, and
take off PPE that was worn in the treated area before reentering the cab in order
to prevent contamination of the inside of the cab.
Note: If the PPE that was worn in the treated area needs to be stored inside the
enclosed cab, it must be stored in such a way that will prevent contaminating the
inside of the cab. One way to achieve this would be to store the contaminated PPE in
a chemical-resistant container, such as a plastic bag.
Cockpits
1. Gloves when entering or leaving an aircraft Handlers have the option of
whether to wear chemical-resistant gloves when entering or leaving an aircraft used to
apply pesticides, unless the pesticide product labeling requires chemical-resistant gloves
to be worn for these activities. If gloves are worn for such a use, then if they are brought
inside the cockpit, handlers must store the used gloves in a enclosed 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 the pesticide labeling, but must wear at least:
long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and
shoes and socks.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 67
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UNIT 6
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 71
Protections for Crop Advisors 74
-------
OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS
UNIT 6
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 snares in the profit/loss from it.
Immediate family
includes only spouse,
children, stepchildren,
foster children, parents,
stepparents, foster
parents, brothers, and
sisters.
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.
Agricultural owners must provide all protections required by the WPS to persons who are
not members of their immediate family. These persons include:
workers or handlers who are their employees, and
persons who clean PPE or repair, clean, or maintain contaminated pesticide
handling equipment.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 71
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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, (p. 26)
2. Restrictions during handling tasks:
Use the personal protective equipment and other work attire listed on the
pesticide labeling for the task being performed, (pp. 64-65)
Exceptions to personal protective equipment, (pp. 66-67)
3. Restrictions during applications:
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. 59)
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.
(pp. 36-37)
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.
(p. 39-44)
4. Restrictions during restricted-entry intervals: (p. 36-37)
When two (or more) pesticides are applied at the same time, and have different
REIs, make sure that you and your family members follow the longer restricted-
entry interval, (p. 36)
No-contact early entry, (p. 37)
Short-term, limited-contact, agricultural emergency, or specially excepted early
entry (see explanation below), (p. 47)
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 or 8 hours in 24 hours, if
limited-contact 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
m Follow any other restrictions specified in the pesticide labeling for early
entry.
72
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OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS
UNIT 6
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 (p. 19)
2. Pesticide safety training (pp. 21-23)
3. Decontamination supplies (pp. 24-25)
4. Emergency assistance (p. 27)
5. Notice about applications (pp. 33-35)
6. Monitoring handlers (p. 59)
7. Specific handling instructions (p. 60)
8. Equipment safety (p. 61)
9. All the specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its use.
(p. 62-63)
10. The following duties related to early entry: (p. 53-56)
Training and instructions,
Decontamination supplies,
Specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its use.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 73
-------
PROTECTIONS FOR 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. Such a person may be either certified/licensed or
uncertified/unlicensed.
Noncommercial crop advisor
Any person who is working as a crop advisor and is employed directly by the
agricultural establishment on which the work is being done. Such a person
may be either certified/licensed or uncertified/unlicensed.
Certified or licensed crop advisor
Any person who is certified or licensed as a crop advisor by a program
acknowledged, in writing, as appropriate by EPA or a state or tribal lead
agency for pesticide enforcement. The certification or licensing program
must require pesticide safety training that includes at least all the information
specified for WPS pesticide handler training (see p, 21).
Direct supervision
A person is considered to be under a certified/licensed crop advisor's direct
supervision (and therefore eligible for crop advisor exceptions) only when the
crop advisor has informed the person about all of the following:
the appropriate personal protective equipment,
ป the appropriate decontamination supplies,
how to conduct the crop advising tasks safely,
the pesticide products and active ingredients) applied,
the method of application,
the time of application,
the restricted-entry interval,
which crop advisor tasks to undertake, and
how to contact the certified/licensed crop advisor.
Direct supervision does not require that the crop advisor be physically present
at all times, but the crop advisor must be readily accessible to the employees
at all times.
74
-------
OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The WPS requires employers to provide certain protections to their employees who are
working as crop advisors.
DUTIES FOR UNCERTIFIED/UNLICENSED CROP ADVISORS
Exemption
Certified/licensed crop advisors and persons performing crop advising tasks under
their direct supervision are exempt from certain WPS duties and requirements when
specific conditions are met. See Certified/Licensed Crop Advisor Exemption on p. 77.
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.
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
period, do not apply to crop advisors.
3. Required Protections
Information at a central location (p. 19)
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 (p. 21)
Decontamination supplies (p. 24)
Emergency assistance (p. 27)
Monitoring handlers (p. 59)
Note: After the application is complete, crop advisors entering a treated area
during a restricted-entry interval need not be monitored.
Special instructions for handlers (p. 60)
Duties related to PPE (p. 62)
4. Personal Protective Equipment During REIs
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:
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 75
-------
Crop advisors may
enter treated areas
during an application
or during a restricted-
entry interval if they
receive handler-type
protections.
See p. 74 for definition
of certified/licensed
crop advisor.
Application has been completed for at least 4 hours, and
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
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. Noncommercial Crop Advisors
When noncommercial crop advisors (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 (p. 19)
- certain information (pesticide safety poster, application information, 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 (p. 21)
- crop advisors must be trained about general pesticide safety before they
accumulate 5 days 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 supplies (p. 24)
- decontamination supplies for washing off pesticide residues must be provided
to any crop advisor who is working an area where a pesticide has recently
been applied and who is doing tasks that involve contact with anything that
has been treated with the pesticide, including soil, water, or surfaces of
plants.
Emergency assistance (p. 27)
- 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 (p. 33)
- with a few exceptions, the crop advisor must be notified about areas on the
agricultural establishment where pesticide applications are taking place or
where restricted-entry intervals are in effect.
Restrictions during and after applications (p. 36)
- the crop advisor must be protected during pesticide applications and during
restricted-entry intervals on the agricultural establishment.
76
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OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS
UNIT 6
DUTIES FOR CERTIFIED/LICENSED CROP ADVISORS:
CROP ADVISOR EXEMPTION
Certified/licensed crop advisors and persons performing crop advising tasks under their
direct supervision are exempt from certain WPS duties and requirements, provided the
certified/licensed crop advisors:
do not enter, or allow persons under their supervision to enter, treated areas until
after application is completed, and
perform, and make sure that persons under their supervision perform, crop
advisor tasks only, including assessing pest numbers or damage, checking
pesticide distribution, or determining the status, condition, or requirements of
agricultural plants, and
specifically determine the appropriate personal protective equipment, and the
appropriate decontamination supplies and how to conduct the crop advising tasks
safely, and
inform each person under their direct supervision - in a language that the person
can understand about the appropriate personal protective equipment, the
appropriate decontamination supplies, and how to conduct the crop advising
tasks safely, and
using an established practice of communication, inform each person under their
direct supervision about all the following:
- the pesticide product(s) and active ingredient(s) applied,
- the method of application,
- the time of application,
- the restricted entry interval,
- which crop advisor tasks to undertake,
- how to contact the certified/licensed crop advisor.
Requirements for Entry During an Application
The certified/licensed crop advisor exemption does not apply when crop advisors or
persons under their direct supervision enter an area before application is completed.
Required Protections for Entry During an REI
When crop advisors enter into treated areas while a restricted-entry interval is in effect,
they are defined in the WPS as pesticide handlers. When all the conditions of the
certified/licensed crop advisor exemption are met, certified/licensed crop advisors and
persons under their direct supervision are exempt from the following WPS handler
requirements:
Decontamination supplies (p. 24)
Emergency assistance (p. 27)
Special instructions for handlers (p. 60)
Note: Despite this exemption, the WPS does require that any agricultural
establishment owner or operator who hires a commercial crop advisor must
inform the employer of that advisor about the specific location and description of
any areas on the agricultural establishment (1) that may be treated with a
pesticide or be under a restricted-entry interval while the commercial crop
advisor will be there, and (2) that the commercial crop advisor may be in (or
walk within 1/4 mile of). The operator must also provide information about
restrictions on entering those areas.
Duties related to PPE (p. 62)
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 77
-------
For specific information
about each of these
protections, see the
pages referenced.
However, while a restricted-entry interval is in effect, employers must provide the
following WPS protections to certified/licensed crop advisors and persons under
such crop advisors' direct supervision:
Information at a central location (p. 19)
- certain information (pesticide safety poster, application information, 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.
Exception
The requirement above applies only to noncommercial certified/licensed crop
advisors (employees of the establishment where they are working). Employers
who hire independent (commercial) crop advisors do not have to provide those
crop advisors with information at a central location.
Pesticide handler training (p. 21)
Exception
As a requirement of any approved certification or licensing program, certified/
licensed crop advisors have received pesticide safety training equivalent to WPS
pesticide handler training. Employers do not need to retrain either commercial or
noncommercial certified/licensed crop advisors. However, WPS pesticide
handler training IS required for any unlicensed/uncertified crop advisors working
under the direct supervision of certified/licensed crop advisors, and they must be
retrained at least once every 5 years.
REQUIRED PROTECTIONS AFTER THE REI
1. Independent (Commercial) Crop Advisors
When certified/licensed 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. Noncommercial Crop Advisors
When noncommercial crop advisors (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, they are defined in the WPS as
agricultural workers. When all the conditions of the certified/licensed crop advisor
exemption are met, certified/licensed crop advisors or persons under their direct
supervision are exempt from the following WPS agricultural worker requirements:
Decontamination supplies (p. 24)
Emergency assistance (p. 27)
However, agricultural employers must provide the following WPS protections to their
employees who are certified/licensed crop advisors, or who are persons under such crop
advisors' direct supervision, when the employees enter treated areas on the agricultural
establishment where no application is underway and when no restricted-entry interval is
in effect:
Information at a central location (p. 19)
- certain information (pesticide safety poster, application information, 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.
78
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OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS
UNIT 6
Pesticide safety training and safety information for workers (p. 21)
Exception
As a requirement of any approved certification or licensing program, certified/
licensed crop advisors have received pesticide safety training equivalent to WPS
pesticide handler training. They need not be retrained. However, uncertified/
unlicensed crop advisors working under the direct supervision of a certified/
licensed crop advisor must receive pesticide safety training and safety
information for workers and must be retrained within 5 years.
Notice about applications, (p. 33)
- with a few exceptions, the crop advisor must be notified about areas on the
agricultural establishment where pesticide applications are taking place or
where restricted-entry intervals are in effect.
Restrictions during and after applications (p. 36)
- the crop advisor must be protected during pesticide applications and during
restricted-entry intervals on the agricultural establishment.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 79
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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 has developed 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 as listed in this appendix.
Criteria for Pesticide Safety Poster 83
Requirements for Warning Signs 85
Criteria for Worker Training 87
Criteria for Handler Training 89
-------
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS
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.
APPENDIX A
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 83
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CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS
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.
Exception
As an option, you may use warning signs that replace the Spanish words with the
same words in another language (other than English) that is read by the largest
number of your workers who do not read English. The replacement sign must
meet all of the other requirements for the WPS warning sign.
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 the circle.
The hand and a large portion of the face must contrast with the inside of the
circle.
The remainder of the inside of the circle must be red.
The length of the hand must be at least twice the height of the smallest letters.
The length of the face must be only slightly smaller than the hand.
3. Additional Information:
You may put additional information on the warning sign, such as the name of the
pesticide and the date of application, if it does not detract from the appearance of the sign
or change the meaning of the 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
On farms and in forests, you may use smaller signs if the treated area is too small to
accommodate 14- by 16-inch signs. For example, when a single plant needs to be
posted, a smaller sign would be appropriate. In nurseries and greenhouses, you may
use a sign smaller than the standard size. Whenever a small sign is used, there are
specific posting distances depending on the size of the lettering and symbol on the
sign (see table on the next page).
APPENDIX A
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 85
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Signs with the words
"DANGER" and
"PELIGRO" in letters
less than 7/16 inch in
height or with any
words in letters less than
1/4 inch in height or
with the circle graphic
containing an upraised
hand and a stern face
less than V/2 inches in
diameter do not meet
WPS sign requirements.
Sign Size
7" x 8"
(approx.)
41/2"x5"
(approx.)
Required Height in Inches
Circle Graphic
3"
1 1/2"
Lettering for
Words
"DANGER" a
"PELIGRO"
7/8"
7/16"
Lettering for
Other Words
1/2"
1/4"
Maximum
Distance
Between
Signs*
50 feet
25 feet
* This distance requirement is for places where multiple signs are used to post a single
treated area, such as a nursery or a greenhouse section. It does not apply where individual
signs are used for separate small treatment areas (such as single potted plants in a
greenhouse).
86
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CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS
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
eyeflushing 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.
APPENDIX A
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 87
-------
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS
CRITERIA FOR HANDLER TRAINING
WPS training for handlers must include at least the following information:
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.
APPENDIX A
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 89
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APPENDIX B
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT
SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
Appendix B includes a sample Application Information form with space for 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 the necessary information.
Finally, Appendix B includes some checklists and charts you can use as reminders of
your WPS duties.
Application Information 93
Fact Sheets:
Information About Cleaning PPE 95
Working Safely With Pesticide Equipment 97
Agricultural Owners and Operators Information to Be
Provided to Employers of Custom Applicators and
Independent Crop Advisors 99
Custom Applicators Information to Be Provided to
Agricultural Establishment Owners and Operators 101
Checklists:
WPS Requirements for Agricultural Workers 103
WPS Requirements for Pesticide Handlers 105
WPS Requirements for Commercial Handlers 107
WPS Exemptions for Agricultural Owners 109
WPS Requirement to Provide Basic Pesticide Safety
Information to Untrained Workers 111
Charts:
EPA Chemical Resistance Category Chart 113
Heat Stress - Preventable Measures, Illnesses, and
First Aid Treatments 115
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
APPENDIX B
PESTICIDE APPLICATION INFORMATION
AGRICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT OWNERS AND OPERATORS:
The use of this form is optional, but if the information about an application is entered, it
will help you comply with the Federal Worker Protection Standard including all revisions
through 2004 for information that must be displayed at a central place to inform workers
and handlers about specific pesticide applications. For complete information, see p. 19
of the EPA manual "The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides: How To
Comply."
Application #1
Application #2
Area Treated:
Location & Description
Product Name
EPA Registration
Number
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 Certified
Applicators of Federally Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). For more information on the
RUP recordkeeping requirements, contact Agricultural Marketing Service, USD A, 8609
Sudley Road, Suite 203, Manassas, VA 20110, (703) 330-7826. Please consult the
"USDA Recordkeeping Manual" at the following Web site for a complete list of all USDA
record keeping requirements: http://www.ams.usda.gov/science/prb/Prbforms.htm
Some states, tribes, or local governments with jurisdiction over pesticide enforcement
may have additional worker protection requirements beyond these requirements. Check
with these agencies to obtain the information you need to comply with all applicable
State, Tribal, or local requirements.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 93
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
Note to Employers:
This 2-page 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 pass along the necessary information.
INFORMATION ABOUT CLEANING PPE
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM PESTICIDES
Q 1. The clothing and protective equipment items you will be cleaning may have
pesticides on them.
Q 2. 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.
Q 3. 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 breathe them or get them in your mouth.
Q 4. To avoid harm from the pesticide, you should:
Pour the clothes from their container into the washer without touching them.
Handle only the inner surfaces, such as the inside of boots, aprons, or coveralls.
Do not breathe the steam from the washer and dryer.
Q 5. 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.
Q 6. 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.
APPENDIX B
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 95
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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 generalise 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
Q 1. 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.
fj 2. Recommended procedure for washing most PPE:
a. Rinse in a washing machine or by hand.
b. Wash in a washing machine, using a heavy-duty detergent and hot water for the
wash cycle.
c. Wash only a few items at a time to allow plenty of agitation and water for
dilution. Use the highest water-level setting.
d. Rinse twice using two rinse cycles and warm water.
e. Use two entire machine cycles to wash items that are moderately to heavily
contaminated.
f. Run the washer through at least one more entire cycle without clothing, using
detergent and hot water, to clean the machine.
Q 3. 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.
Q 4. Some items, such as heavy-duty boots and rigid hats or helmets, should be
washed by hand using hot water and heavy-duty detergent.
L^ 5. 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.
Q 6. 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.
96
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
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 you
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 pass along the
necessary information.
WORKING SAFELY WITH PESTICIDE EQUIPMENT
n 1. 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.
Q 2. 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.
Q 3. 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.
Q 4. You should not let pesticides stay on your hands:
Wash your hands as soon as you finish handling the equipment.
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.
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
APPENDIX B
AGRICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT
OWNERS & OPERATORS
Agricultural Establishment Owners and Operators:
The me of this form 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 Federal Worker Protection Standard including all
revisions through 2004. For complete information, see p. 26 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
with in 114 mile of on foot, while working on this agricultural establishment.
Application #1
Application #2
Areas to be Treated or
Under Restricted
Entry Intervals:
Location & Description
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 Federal Worker
Protection Standard including all revisions through 2004.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 99
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
APPENDIX B
CUSTOM APPLICATORS
Custom (for hire) Applicators:
The use of this form 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 Federal Worker Protection
Standard including all revisions through 2004. For complete information, seep. 26 of the EPA
manual "The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides: How To Comply."
INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO AGRICULTURAL
ESTABLISHMENT OWNERS AND OPERATORS
Application #1 Application #2
Area to be Treated:
Location & Description
Product Name
EPA Registration Number
Active Ingredient:
Common or Chemical Name
Application:
Month/Day/Time*
Entry Restricted Until:
Month/Day/Time
Are Both Treated Area
Posting and Oral
Notifications Required?
Other Label Requirements
to Protect Workers,
Handlers, and Others
PPE Required for Handlers*"
Early Entry PPE Required
for Workers**
Other
*Ifthe pesticide is not applied as scheduled, the customer must be notified of the
corrected time and date before the application takes place. If you are unable to make the
correction before the application takes place, make it as soon as possible thereafter.
**The only early entry allowed is that permitted by the Federal Worker Protection
Standard including all revisions through 2004.
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
CHECKLIST:
WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR
AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
Have you given your agricultural workers 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."
Q] 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application information,
location of emergency medical facility) H-T-Cpp. 19-20
[] 2. Pesticide safety training for workers H-T-C pp. 21-23
Q 3. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, etc.) H-T-C pp. 24-25
Q 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) H-T-C p. 27
Q 5. Restrictions during applications (do not allow workers
in area) H-T-C pp. 36-37
Q 6. Special application restrictions in nurseries H-T-C pp. 41-42
Q 7. Special application restrictions in greenhouses H-T-C pp. 43-44
Q 8. Restrictions during restricted-entry intervals (and limitations
on early entry) H-T-C pp. 36-37
and 47-56
Q 9. Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated
area posting) H-T-C pp. 33-35
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
CHECKLIST:
WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR
PESTICIDE HANDLERS
Have you given your pesticide handlers 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."
Q] 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application
information, location of emergency medical facility) H-T-C pp. 19-20
Q 2. Pesticide safety training for handlers H-T-C pp. 21-23
2 3. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, change of
clothing, etc.) H-T-C pp. 24-25
Q] 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) H-T-C p. 27
Q 5. Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact
anyone directly or through drift) H-T-C p. 59
Q 6. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides
anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) H-T-C p. 59
Q 7. Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information
and how to use application equipment) H-T-C p. 60
Q 8. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application
equipment) H-T-C p. 61
Q 9. Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE,
and prevent heat illness) H-T-C pp. 62-63
Q 10. Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems,
enclosed cabs, and open and enclosed cockpits) H-T-C pp. 66-67
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
CHECKLIST:
WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR
COMMERCIAL HANDLERS
Have you given the handler employees of your commercial pesticide handling
establishment 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."
[[] 1. Pesticide safety training for handlers H-T-C pp. 21-23
Q 2. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, change of
clothing, etc) H-T-C pp. 24-25
Q 3. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) H-T-C pp. 27
ฃ] 4. Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact
anyone directly or through drift) H-T-C p. 59
n 5. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides
anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) H-T-C p. 59
Q 6. Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and
how to use application equipment) H-T-C p. 60
Q 7. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application
equipment) H-T-C p. 61
Q 8. Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE, and
prevent heat illness) H-T-C pp. 62-63
Q 9. Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems,
enclosed cabs, and open and enclosed cockpits) H-T-C pp. 66-67
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
CHECKLIST:
WPS EXEMPTIONS FOR
AGRICULTURAL OWNERS
Although agricultural owners are encouraged to give 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:
2 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application
information, and location of emergency medical facility) H-T-C pp. 19-20
Q] 2. Pesticide safety training for workers or handlers H-T-C pp. 21 -23
[] 3. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, change of
clothing, etc.) H-T-C pp. 24-25
n 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) H-T-C p. 27
Q 5. Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated area posting). H-T-C p. 33-35
Q 6. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides
anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) H-T-C p. 59
n 7. Specific handling instructions (pesticide label information and
how to use application equipment) H-T-C p. 60
[] 8. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application
equipment) H-T-C p. 61
Q 9. All the specific duties related to the care of PPE and management
of its use (provide, clean, maintain PPE and prevent heat illness) .. H-T-C pp. 62-63
n 10. The following duties related to early entry: H-T-C pp. 53-56
Training and instructions
Decontamination supplies
Specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its use.
* Remember that you must provide all protections required by the WPS to persons
who are not members of your immediate family.
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
CHECKLIST:
WPS REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE BASIC
PESTICIDE SAFETY INFORMATION TO
UNTRAINED WORKERS
You must provide basic pesticide safety information to untrained workers
before they enter treated areas on your establishment where, within the past
30 days, a pesticide has been applied or a restricted-entry interval has been in
effect. For a complete explanation, refer to "The Worker Protection Standard
for Agricultural Pesticides How To Comply."
The following is a list of things that you must provide:
Q 1. Basic pesticide safety information in a manner that the untrained workers can
understand, such as through written materials, oral communication, or other means.
n 2. Verification that you provided the workers with the required basic pesticide safety
information.
Q 3. At least the following information:
Pesticides may be on or in plants, soil, irrigation water, or drifting from nearby
applications.
To prevent pesticides from entering your body:
- Follow directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted
areas,
- Wash before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the
toilet,
- Wear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues,
- Wash/shower with soap and water, shampoo 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 and then as soon as possible shower, shampoo,
and change into clean clothes.
You will receive more training within 5 days (or at least before your sixth day of
work in pesticide-treated areas on this establishment).
APPENDIX B
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
APPENDIX B
EPA CHEMICAL RESISTANCE CATEGORY CHART
This chart is to be used when PPE section on the pesticide label lists a chemical
resistance category. The Worker Protection Standard requires that labels of pesticides
used on farms, and in forests, nurseries and greenhouses list the type of personal
protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn with each product. Labels will refer to
chemical resistance categories (A-H) for PPE. Items in these categories are made of
materials that the pesticide cannot pass through during the times indicated below the
chart. Choose the category of resistance which best matches the handling task duration.
The categories are based on the solvents used in the pesticides, not the pesticides
themselves. Therefore, there will be instances where the same pesticide with two
different formulations (wettable powder-WP and emulsifiable concentrate-EC, for
example) will require PPE from two different chemical resistance categories.
Selection
Category
Listed on
Pesticide
Label
A (a dry and
water-based
formulation)
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Types of Personal Protective Material
Barrier
Laminate
high
high
high
high
high
high
high
high
Butyl
Rubber
> 14 mils
high
high
high
high
slight
high
slight
slight
Nitrile
Rubber
> mils
high
slight
high
moderate
high
high
slight
slight
Neoprene
Rubber
> 14 mils
high
slight
high
moderate
high
moderate
slight
slight
Natural
Rubber
>14 mils
high
none
moderate
none
slight
slight
none
none
Poly-
ethelene
high
slight
moderate
none
none
none
none
none
Polyvinyl
Chloride
(PVC)
>14 mils
high
slight
high
none
moderate
slight
none
none
Viton
>14 mils
high
slight
high
slight
high
high
high
high
HIGH: Highly chemical-resistant. Clean or replace PPE at end of each day's work period. Rinse
off pesticides at rest breaks.
MODERATE: Moderately chemical-resistant. Clean or replace PPE within an hour or two of
contact.
SLIGHT: Slightly chemical-resistant. Clean or replace PPE within ten minutes of contact.
NONE: No chemical-resistance. Do not wear this type of material as PPE when contact is
possible.
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 113
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SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS
APPENDIX B
HEAT STRESS - PREVENTABLE MEASURES,
ILLNESSES, AND FIRST AID TREATMENTS
WAYS TO CONTROL HEAT STRESS IN AGRICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Taken from EPA's "Controlling Heat Stress in Agriculture" (EPA750-F-95-001)
Key Elements
Drinking enough water to replace body fluid lost through sweating
Gradually adjusting to working in the heat
Taking periodic breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area whenever possible
Monitoring by supervisors of environmental conditions and workers.
Basic Steps
Training in how to control heat stress and to recognize, prevent, and treat heat
illnesses.
Accounting for the weather, workload, protective gear to be worn, and condition
of the workers.
Determining minimum amounts of water workers should drink.
Adjusting work practices for the conditions of each day.
Giving first aid when workers become ill.
HEAT ILLNESS AND FIRST AID MEASURES
Chart taken from EPA's "A Guide to Heat Stress in Agriculture" (EPA 750-B-92-001)
Illness
Early heat illness
Heat rash
"prickly heat"
Heat cramps
Signs and Symptoms
Mild dizziness,
fatigue, or irritability;
decreased
concentration; impaired
judgement
Tiny, blister-like
red spots on the skin;
pricking sensations
Commonly found
on clothed areas of the
body
Painful spasms of
leg, arm, or abdominal
muscles
Heavy sweating,
thirst
Occurs during or
after hard work
Cause and Problem
Reduced flow of
blood to the brain.
May lead to heat
exhaustion or heat
stroke
Sweat glands
become plugged and
inflamed from
unrelieved exposure of
skin to heat, humidity,
and sweat
Loss of body salt in
sweat
May be totally
disabling
Treatment
Loosen or remove
clothing
Rest in shade 30
minutes or more
Drink water
Clean skin, apply
mild drying lotion or
cornstarch
Wear loose clothing
Preventable by
regular bathing and
drying the skin and by
periodic relief from
humid conditions of
work
See physician if
rash persists
Loosen clothing
Drink lightly salted
beverages
Massage
Rest
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 115
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HEAT ILLNESS AND
FIRST AID MEASURES (cont.)
Illness Signs and Symptoms
Heat exhaustion Fatigue, headache,
dizziness, muscle
weakness, loss of
coordination, fainting,
collapse
Profuse sweating;
pale, moist, cool skin;
excessive thirst, dry
mouth; dark yellow
urine
Fast pulse, if
conscious
Low or normal oral
temperature, rectal
temperature usually
99.5-1. 103 degrees F
May also have heat
cramps, nausea, urge to
defecate, rapid
breathing, chills,
tingling of the hands or
feet, confusion,
giddiness, slurred
speech, irritability
Heat stroke Life-threatening
medical emergency
Often occurs
suddenly
Headache,
dizziness, confusion,
irrational behavior,
coma
Sweating may slow
down or stop
Fast pulse, if
conscious
Rapid breathing
Rectal temperature
104 degrees F and over
May also have
convulsions, nausea,
incoherent speech, very
aggressive behavior
Cause and Problem
Dehydration, lack of
acclimatization;
reduction of blood in
circulation; strain on
circulatory system,
reduced flow of blood
to the brain
Worker may resist
treatment
May lead to heat
stroke
Sustained exertion
in heat, lack of
acclimatization,
dehydration ,
individual risk factors;
reduced flow of blood
to the brain and other
vital organs, body's
temperature-regulating
system fails, body can
not cool itself
Risk of damage to
vital organs, including
the heart, brain,
central nervous
system, liver, and
kidney
Worker may resist
treatment
Brain damage and
death can result even
with prompt
treatment.
Treatment
Remove to cooler,
shaded area as quickly
as possible
Rest lying down
If conscious, have
worker drink as much
water as possible
Do not give salt
If unconscious or if
heat stroke is also
suspected, treat for heat
stroke until provide
otherwise
Loosen or remove
1 4- 1, '
clothing
Splash cold water on
body
Massage legs and
arms
If worker collapsed,
get evaluation by
physician, nurse, or
EMT before worker
leaves for the day;
shower in cold water;
rest for balance of day
and overnight
Move to a shaded
area
Remove outer
clothing/shoes
Immediately wrap in
web sheet, pour water
on and fan vigorously,
avoid over-cooling
Treat shock if
present, once
temperature is lowered
If worker vomits,
make sure all vomit is
cleared from mouth and
nose to prevent choking
on vomit
Transport to nearest
medical treatment
facility at once
While awaiting or
during transport,
elevate legs, continue
pouring on water and
fanning
If conscious, have
worker drink as much
water as possible
Do not give salt
116
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APPENDIX C
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO
THE WORKER PROTECTION
STANDARD
Including All Revisions Through 2004
(Large Print Version)
-------
Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO
THE WORKER PRpTECTION STANDARD (WPS)
Including All Revisions Through 2004
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 p. 10). 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. 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. 9-15. There are some exemptions for owners of agricultural
establishments and members of their immediate family (pp. 71-73).
TOPICS
DUTIES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS
Anti-Retaliation
Information at a Central Location
Pesticide Safety Training
Decontamination Supplies
Employer Information Exchange
Emergency Assistance
ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR WORKER EMPLOYERS
Restrictions During Applications
Restricted-Entry Intervals (REIs)
Notice About Applications
- Posted Warning Signs
- Oral Warnings
ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR HANDLER EMPLOYERS
Application Restrictions and Monitoring
Specific Instructions for Handlers
Equipment Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Duties Related to PPE
- Care of PPE
- Replacing Respirator Purifying Elements
- Disposal of PPE
- Instructions for People Who Clean PPE
APPENDIX C
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 119
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DUTIES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS
ANTI-RETALIATION (p. 15)
Do not retaliate against a worker or handler who attempts to comply with the WPS
INFORMATION AT A CENTRAL LOCATION (p. 19-20)
1. In an easily seen central location on each agricultural establishment, display close
together:
EPA WPS safety poster,
name, address, and telephone 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 description 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. 21-23)
Unless they 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 audiovisual 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 SUPPLIES (pp. 24-25)
1. Establish accessible decontamination supplies located together within 1/4 mile of all
workers and handlers. Supply:
enough water for routine and emergency whole-body washing and for
eyeflushing,
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 protective 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 of eyeflush water immediately accessible to each handler.
6. Do not put worker decontamination supplies in areas being treated or under an REI.
120
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Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard
7. In areas being treated, put decontamination supplies for handlers in enclosed
containers.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION EXCHANGE (p. 26)
1. Before any application, commercial 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 application,
product name, EPA registration number, active ingredient(s), and REI,
whether the product label requires both oral warnings and treated area posting,
all other safety requirements 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 description 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 (p. 27)
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 registration number, and active ingredient(s),
all first aid and medical information from label,
description of how the pesticide was used,
information about victim's exposure.
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WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 121
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ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR WORKER EMPLOYERS
RESTRICTIONS DURING APPLICATIONS (p. 36)
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 application,
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) (p. 41,43)
RESTRICTED-ENTRY INTERVALS (REIs) (p. 36)
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) (p. 36-37,47-56)
NOTICE ABOUT APPLICATIONS (p. 33)
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 applications.
Posted Warning Signs
1. Post legible 14" X 16" WPS-design signs just before application; 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 establishment (in a manner they
can understand):
location and description of treated area,
REI, and not to enter during REI.
2. Workers who enter the establishment after application starts must receive the same
warning at the start of their work period.
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Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard
ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF HANDLER EMPLOYERS
APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS AND MONITORING (p. 59)
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-specified 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 (p. 60)
1. Before handlers do any handling task, inform them, in a manner they can understand,
of all pesticide labeling instructions for safe use.
2. Keep pesticide labeling accessible 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 establishment operator must give you these facts.)
EQUIPMENT SAFETY (p. 61)
1. Inspect pesticide handling equipment before each use, and repair or replace as needed.
2. Allow only appropriately trained and equipped handlers to repair, clean, or adjust
pesticide equipment that contains pesticides or residues.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) (pp. 62-65)
(See exceptions to PPE) (pp. 66-67)
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 correctly.
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.
Care of PPE:
1. Store and wash used PPE separately from other clothing and laundry.
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WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 123
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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 instructions, 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,
when filter is damaged or torn,
when respirator label or pesticide label requires (whichever is shorter), or
at the end of day's work period, in the absence of any other instructions or
indications.
2. Replace vapor-removing cartridges/canisters:
when odor/taste/irritation is noticed,
when respirator label or pesticide label requires (whichever is shorter), or
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
correctly.
Instructions for People Who Clean PPE:
Inform people who clean or launder PPE:
that PPE may be contaminated with pesticides,
of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to pesticides,
how to protect themselves when handling PPE,
how to clean PPE correctly.
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INDEX
agricultural emergency 47, 49, 72
agricultural employer 14, 26, 78
agricultural owner 9, 10, 69, 71-73,91,
101, 109 See also employer
agricultural plants ii, 3, 7-9, 10, 12, 13,
14, 37, 5374, 77, 119
agricultural worker ii, 3, 7, 9, 12, 14, 22,
31, 37, 52, 53, 76, 78, 91, 103, 119
requirements checklist 29
air exchanges 43
anti-retaliation 3, 119, 120
See also retaliation
apparel 64
application information 7, 19, 20, 76, 78,
91, 93, 103
application restrictions 4, 29, 36, 39, 41,
42, 43, 44, 103, 119, 123
applicator 3, 11, 15, 21, 22, 23,42,44,
59, 60, 91, 93, 99, 103, 120
arid areas 36
B
boots 95. See also footwear
central location 3, 17, 19, 20, 26,
37, 52, 73, 75, 78, 80, 91, 103,
105, 109, 119, 120.
certified applicator 3, 21, 22, 93, 120
certified crop advisor 78
charts 91
checklists, See also forms
requirements for pesticide handlers 91
exemptions for agricultural workers
WPS requirements for agricultural workers
103
WPS requirements for pesticide handlers
105
WPS requirements for commercial handlers
107
WPS exemptions for agricultural owners
109
WPS requirement to provide basic
pesticide safety information to
untrained workers 111
chemical-resistant 48, 62, 64, 65, 66, 67
chemigation 13, 47, 60, 87
closed system 15, 62, 66, 105, 107
clothing. See also personal protective
equipment
cockpits 67, 105, 107
commercial crop advisor 60, 74, 76, 77, 78
commercial pesticide handler 9, 19, 26
requirements checklist 60. See also
pesticide handler
commercial pesticide handling establishment
10, 19, 27, 71, 107
coveralls 4, 24, 48, 62, 63, 64, 95, 96,
124
crop advisor 9, 10, 26, 36, 60, 69,
74-80, 91, 99
crop consultant 9, 74
custom applicator 60,91, 99, 101
decontamination 12, 19, 17, 24, 25, 37,
45, 52, 54, 55, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78,
80, 103, 105, 107, 109, 119, 120, 121
for workers 3
water quantity 7
direct supervision 74, 75, 77, 78, 79
discrimination 23
displaying application information 20
disposal 4, 63, 119, 124
of personal protective equipment 9
double notification 15, 48
drift 4, 21, 27, 59, 60, 72, 76, 83,
87, 89, 105, 107, 111, 123
early entry 22, 34, 36, 37, 45, 47-49,
50, 51, 53, 55,65,72,73, 75, 76,
99, 101, 103, 109, 122
with no contact 4, 29
emergency 3, 7, 17, 19, 25, 27, 49,
50-52, 55, 73, 75-8, 80, 87,
89, 103, 105, 107, 109, 119, 121
emergency assistance 3,7, 12,27,37,
50, 52, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78,
103, 105, 107, 109, 119, 121
emergency information 19,20, 27
emergency medical facility
3, 19, 27, 103, 105, 109, 120
employers 3, 4, 10, 17, 26, 27, 47, 62
63, 75, 78, 80, 91, 95, 97, 99, 119,
120, 122, 123
information exchange 14
enclosed cabs 66, 67, 105, 107
equipment 3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 25, 36,
47, 53, 57, 60-62, 64, 65, 73, 75, 77,
89, 91, 95, 97, 105, 107, 109, 119, 123
instructions for nonemployees 45
eyeflush water 3, 24, 25, 54, 55, 120
eyewear 25, 48, 55, 62, 64, 66, 67, 96
face shield 64, 96
farms 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 33, 34, 35, 85, 113
flagger 10
footwear 37, 48, 62, 64, 67, 96
forests 7, 8, 12, 26, 33, 34, 35, 85, 113
specific provisions for 8
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forms 59, 93 See also checklists
forms, factsheets, and checklists 91
application information 93
fact sheets:
information about cleaning PPE 95
working safely with pesticide equipment
97
agricultural owners and operators informa-
tion to be provided to employers of
custom applicators and independent
crop advisors 99
custom applicators information to be
provided to agricultural establishment
owners and operators 101
checklists:
WPS requirements for agricultural workers
103
WPS requirements for pesticide handlers
105
WPS requirements for commercial handlers
107
WPS exemptions for Agricultural owners
109
WPS requirement to provide basic pesti-
cide safety information to untrained
workers 111
charts:
EPA chemical resistance category chart 113
heat stress - preventable measures,
illnesses, and first aid treatments 115
information for employers of custom
applicators 91
fumigant 4, 10, 42, 44, 59, 60, 105, 107,
109, 123
gloves 48, 62, 64-67, 96, 97
goggles 64, 96
greenhouses 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 29, 33, 36,
39, 43, 44, 59, 72, 85, 103, 105,
107, 109, 113
H
hand labor 47, 48, 50, 74
handler 3,4, 5, 10, 11, 14, 17, 21, 23,
24, 25, 26, 57, 59, 60, 61, 62, 66, 67, 75,
80, 81, 89, 91, 99, 101, 105, 119, 123
See also pesticide handler
handler employee 4, 29, 57, 60, 105, 107,
123
handler employer 14, 21, 24, 26,27,
59, 60-62, 66,89, 119, 121
headgear 62, 64, 65
heat illness 4, 53, 62, 105, 107, 109, 115,
116, 123
heat stress 53, 62, 91
I
immediate family 3, 10, 71-73, 109, 119
independent crop advisor 91, 99
information exchange 3, 26,72, 119, 121
integrated pest management monitor 74
irrigation 21, 37, 47, 49, 83, 111
labeling 3, 4, 7, 10-15, 25-27, 33, 36, 37,
42, 43, 44, 47-49, 51 52, 53, 55, 59,
60, 63-67, 72, 75, 76, 89, 121-124
exceptions to 9
labor contractor 9
language 23, 34, 50, 48, 77, 85
licensed crop advisor 74-80
M
medical care 87, 89
transportation to. See also emergency
medical facility
monitoring 4, 7, 47, 59, 73, 74, 75, 80, 105,
107, 109, 115
N
no-contact early entry. 36, 72
See also early entry
noncommercial crop advisor 74, 76, 78
notification 12, 15, 26, 33, 37, 48, 101
treated-area posting 33
nurseries 7, 8, 12, 26, 29, 33, 34,
36, 39, 41, 42, 72, 85, 103, 113
specific provisions for 8
oral warnings 3,4, 15, 33, 35, 87, 103,
109, 119, 121, 122
owner 3,9, 10, 14, 15, 69, 71-73,91,
93, 99, 101, 109, 119
See also employer
owner exemption 9, 10,69, 71
penalties 15
personal protective equipment (PPE) 3,
4, 7, 9,12,15,25, 36,47, 48, 49,
53, 55, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 71,
73, 75, 76, 77, 80, 81, 91, 95, 96, 99, 101,
105, 107, 109, 113, 119, 120, 123, 124
types of 4, 45
See also personal protective equipment
pesticide application information. 93
See also application information
126
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INDEX
pesticide handler training 59, 60, 75, 78,
91, 105
See also commercial pesticide handler
3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 26,
36, 47, 59, 60, 62, 64, 74, 75, 77-79,
105, 119
pesticide handler employer 19, 26, 27,60
pesticide uses 5, 12, 13
poster 3, 7, 19, 20, 76, 78, 81, 83, 103,
105, 109, 120 See also sisn
protective eyewear 25, 48, 55, 62, 64,
66, 67 See also personal protective
equipment
quick reference guide 3, 117,119
large print version 117
REI 3, 4, 7, 37, 49, 53, 60, 72, 75,
76, 77, 78, 80, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123.
See also restricted entry interval
respirator 4, 42, 44, 62, 64, 66, 67, 96,
119, 123, 124
maintenance of 63
restricted-entry interval (REI) 3, 4, 7, 9,
10, 12, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 33,
34, 36, 37, 41, 45, 47, 48, 49, 53,
54, 60, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 103,
111, 119, 120, 122
restrictions during applications.
See also application restrictions
retaliation 15, 119
prohibition against 3
treated area posting 3, 103, 109, 121
See a(so notification
u
uncertified crop advisor 78
unlicensed crop advisor 75, 79, 80
ventilation criteria 10, 37, 43, 44, 47,
48, 49, 50, 72, 75
w
warning signs 4, 20, 33, 34, 48, 81, 85, 87
119, 122
criteria for 34
worker 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 19,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 33, 34,
35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 52,
54, 63, 81, 91, 93, 99, 101, 103,
105, 107, 111, 113, 116, 117, 119, 122
worker employer 4, 14, 19, 21, 24, 27, 33,
36, 41, 43, 47, 52, 53, 54119, 122
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) 1, 3, 5,
7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 63, 93, 99, 101, 103,
105, 107, 111, 113, 117, 119
safety glasses 96.
See also eyewear, protection
safety poster 3, 7, 19, 76, 78, 81, 83,
103, 105, 109, 120
scout 60, 74. See also crop advisor
separable glove liners 65
sign size 35, 87
skull and crossbones 4, 59, 105, 107, 109, 123
sod farms 13
supervisors 14, 15, 115
training 3, 7, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 37, 50
53, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 81, 83, 87, 89,
103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 115, 119, 120
verification of 3
translator 22, 23
treated area 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 21, 24,
26, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42, 43, 44
45, 47, 49, 53, 60, 67, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78,
85, 86, 101, 103, 109, 111, 120, 121,
122
WPS - How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 127
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