vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Prevention, Pesticides And Toxic Substances (7506C) EPA 735-N-95-001 January 1995 Worker Protection Standard For Agricultural Pesticides Update Inside: Training....^ 2 Dialogue with Stakeholders 2 Proposed Actions: f Irrigation Exception ...3 * PRN on REI's for Lower Risk Pesticides., ....3 4 Training Amendment 3 * Crop Advisor Amendment..;. ....3 Limited Contact Exception...,.......3 '95 Compliance Assurance Focus A Interpretive Guidance...,....*. A Looking Ahead..A For More Info....4 EPA KICKS OFF FULL WPS IMPLEMENTATION A Message from Dr. Lynn R. Goldman, Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. EPA i * % I want to underscore our commitment to full implementation of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) beginning January 1, 1995. WPS represents a major ,';> strengthening of national efforts to safeguard over three and a half million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. These basic workplace protections afforded by WPS are long overdue. Because of its importance, EPA has undertaken one of its most extensive implementation efforts ever. EPA has met its commitment to produce and distribute an extensive number of educational and training materials (described later in this Update). Moreover, in response to some practical concerns raised by a number of agricultural groups, we have,proceeded on several fronts with the following ; proposals (published in the Federal Register in early January with 30-45 day public!^ comment periods): ' 4 shorten the time periods before \vhich employers must train workers and retrain workers and handlers in pesticide safety; , 4 exempt most crop advisors from certain requirements; s 4 reduce the early entry restrictions on certain irrigation activities;. ' - ' * % s - 4 reduce the requirements that apply Jo workers who will have , :.. """ -." ~ "limited contact* with pesticides when entering restricted areas; ;-: and, - allow workers to enter areas treated with-certain lower risk pesticides after 4 hours rather than 12 hours (approximately , 75 lower risk active ingredients are candidates for this proposal). .» As we work diligently to carry out the WPS, we will also continue to work closely with the agricultural community to promote a better understanding of the rule, to help clarify growers' responsibilities, to support outreach and educational . activities, and to continue identifying and addressing issues of concern.'r In closing, I want to express our appreciation for thenmprecedented-: cooperation and hard work by States, Tribes, farmworker groups and others; to '- provide extensive outreach and training for this rule. EPA believes strongly that the WPS will substantially reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings arid injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers-an important goal we all share: ------- WPS Training A fundamental component of the WPS is training. It is intended to inform and educate farmworkers and pesticide handlers so they can take measures necessary to protect themselves. TRAINING MATERIALS To assist employers in carrying out their training responsibilities, EPA has produced and widely distributed training materials including: WPS How to Comply Manual, Worker Training Handbook, Handler Training Handbook, and a Safety Poster. EPA has also produced a training flipchart, guidance for trainers, a train-the-trainer video, and has provided funding for English/Spanish training videos for worker and handler training. The worker training handbook has been translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Laotian, Korean, Creole, Ilocano, and Polish. Additional materials of note are: An English/Spanish worker and handler training video (Pesticide Safety - Worker Protection) prepared by the Idaho Department of Ag. (208-885-6436) An English/Spanish worker training . video (Siguiendo el Sol/Chasing the Sun) currently being produced by the National Migrant Resource Program. (512-328-7682) A handler training video available in English (Pesticide Handlers and the Worker Protection Standard), and soon to be available in Spanish, prepared by Michigan State University. (517-355-0117) A major new publication from EPA is the Guide to Heat Stress in Agriculture. The Guide will assist employers and pesticide handlers in complying with the requirement to protect persons wearing protective gear from heat stress. It presents a practical, non-technical, step-by-step program: Documents are available from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC, 20402-9328, phone 202-783-3238, as well as other sources, including Gempler's, Inc., at 1-800-551-1128. EPA has also developed a catalog of WPS materials, available from many sources, including EPA Headquarters (703/305-7371) and Regional offices, States, Cooperative Extension Services and agricultural supply companies. WPS TRAINING EVENTS EPA has worked with the agricultural community to develop and conduct numerous training programs. In preparation for the January 1 full implementation date, EPA, USDA Cooperative Extension Services, States, migrant health organizations, farmworker organizations and others have conducted thousands of pesticide safety training and compliance sessions for employers, workers, and handlers. * In addition, "train-the-trainer" pesticide safety sessions were held to give trainers information on training techniques and pesticide safety practices. Thousands of qualified trainers already have been trained and will be available throughout the agricultural community to provide future WPS safety training for both workers and handlers so that workers can reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries to thentselves and others. Of note, starting January 9th, the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, in cooperation with AmeriCorps and EPA, began training . 75 AmeriCorps volunteers, in 12 field offices in 11 states, who in rum will offer WPS training to farmworkers. On-going training will continue for at least a year. TRAINING VERIFICATION PROGRAM To promote safety training for agricultural workers and to make it easier for agricultural employers to ensure that their workers have been trained, EPA has developed a voluntary program to issue training verification cards to workers and handlers. To date, 40 states, Puerto Rico, and two Tribes have agreed to participate in the program, and more are expected to join in the near future. States administer the program and require that trainers * provide quality, interactive training using EPA-developed or EPA-approved training materials and keep a roster of those trained. Trainers issue verification cards to those who complete the training. Workers receive blue cards, handlers receive green cards. Nearly 2.3 million cards (1.6 million worker and 650,000 handler) have been supplied to States for distribution to worker and handler trainers in the States. In the remaining States not participating in the program, WPS training is still being accomplished, through State agencies, Cooperative Extension Services, farmworker organizations, growers and others. Dialogue with WPS Stakeholders Throughout the past year, EPA made an extensive effort to meet directly with many commodity groi and farmworker organizations affe by the WPS to address their concerns. Last winter EPA held two public meetings widely attended by States, commodity organizations, growers, and farmworkers. The dialogue continued through the year as EPA met with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and over 20 commodity groups and farmworker organizations. Grower groups expressed implementation concerns unique to their operations while farmworker groups expressed concern over preserving basic protections for farmworkers and enhancing specific protection measure; Through the dialogue, all parties gained a better understanding of how WPS implementation will impact agricultural operations. Moreover, EPA identified and addressed the top concerns raised by these groups bv proposing five actions to revise the WPS (discussed below). EPA ir to continue meeting with all grou are affected by and interested in this ------- vital program, and addressing their concerns. Proposed Actions In response to requests that certain elements of the WPS be more flexible and practical for States and fanners to implement, EPA is proposing five actions to revise fhe WPS. These proposals were published in the Federal Register on January 11. The public will have a 30-45 day comment period before the Agency finalizes its actions, which are expected in March. The proposals are as follows: TRAINING RULE AMENDMENT Pesticide 'safety training provides workers and handlers with knowledge they can use to avoid exposure or mitigate harmful pesticide effects, thereby reducing the number and severity of pesticide poisonings and .other adverse effects. The current WPS regulations provide a 5-day grace period during which a worker may be employed before being trained, with an interim period allowing for a 15-day grace period and a 5-year retraining interval (number of years before workers and handlers must be retrained). Some organizations believe that these periods are too long to ensure that farmworkers and handlers are aware of the necessary pesticide safety information. The proposal offers 3 options for changing the training grace period: 0- day grace period with a one-year phase- in period before going into effect; between 1- and 5-day grace period; and, weekly training sessions for all untrained workers. In addition, the. proposal offers 3 options for changing the retraining interval: retain the current 5-year period; shorten the retraining interval to 3 years; or, annual retraining. The Agency is interested in receiving comments on all options presented. CROP ADVISOR AMENDMENT Crop advisors are defined as handlers under the WPS. As handlers, crop advisors may enter treated areas during restricted entry intervals if provided personal protective equipment and other protections. Crop advisor groups, including the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) believe that crop advisors are already adequately trained and experienced enough to determine when to follow appropriate precautions while working" in pesticide-treated areas and therefore should be exempted. EPA proposes to exempt certified or licensed crop advisors from the requirements of the rule. Employees of certified or licensed crop advisors would also be exempt from the WPS requirements except for pesticide safety training. A one-year temporary exemption for all persons doing crop advising tasks to allow time for acquiring licensing or certification also is proposed. IRRIGATION EXCEPTION WPS places a number of restrictions on activities after pesticides have been applied, in order to prevent risks from pesticide exposure. Some of these requirements apply to irrigation work - such as moving, adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment - in areas that have been recently treated with pesticides. The agricultural community has expressed concerns that the irrigation requirements are unduly restrictive. In response to those concerns, EPA is proposing an exception to allow more flexibility in choosing personal protective equipment and to allow 8 hours in any 24-hour period for early entry activities in treated areas under certain conditions. The Agency is requesting additional information to ensure that irrigation workers would be adequately protected if they follow all the protective measures described in the proposal. EXCEPTION FOR LIMITED CONTACT ACTIVITIES In response to concerns raised by grower groups and NASDA, EPA is proposing an exception to the WPS for workers to be allowed to perform limited contact tasks during the "restricted entry interval" time period. The following conditions are proposed: 3 hours per 24-hour day limit during the restricted entry interval (REI); The worker's only contact with treated surfaces is to the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms; The pesticide product does not have a statement in the labeling requiring "double notification"; Personal protective equipment (PPE) for early entry is provided to the worker and shall either conform with the label requirements or include at least coveralls, chemical resistant gloves, socks and chemical resistant footwear; and, No hand labor activity is performed. EPA is seeking further information and comment to assist in determining whether the proposed exception would pose any unreasonable risks to workers performing the permitted .limited contact tasks during a restricted entry interval. SHORTER RESTRICTED ENTRY INTERVALS FOR LOWER RISK PESTICIDES EPA is proposing a Pesticide Regulation Notice (PRN) to allow registrants to reduce interim WPS restricted entry intervals (REIs) from 12 to 4 hours for some low risk pesticides. A list of 75 active ingredients has been compiled and any products containing one or more of these, and meeting certain criteria, may be candidates for reducing the REI to 4 hours. The end- use product must meet specific toxicity criteria, and have no adverse health . effects associated with post-application exposure. The proposed Notice allows registrants 1 year to make label changes for the REI using a notification process; however, after August 1995, label ------- amendments must be submitted to the Agency to modify the REI. The proposed PRN also gives 6 months for registrants to propose additions to the candidate active ingredient list. EPA is especially interested in comments on the list of candidate active ingredients and . the toxicity criteria for REI reduction. As EPA initiates full implementation, of the WPS program beginning January 1, 1995, we strongly support States in their continuing emphasis on providing assistance to the regulated community in complying with all provisions of the standard during 1995. Inspections will occur, with enforcement actions focusing on pesticide companies with incorrect label language on their products and on egregious violations of use provisions. States, the primary enforcers of the Standard, will follow their State enforcement response policies. The Agency recommends that the 5 areas under consideration for revision not be a current priority for national enforcement targeting. The only exception would be where a violation presents significant risk or exposure. When the five areas are decided, outreach and compliance assistance-on the specific revisions then would be a priority. For more information, call EPA's Office of Regulatory Enforcement at 202-564-4034. Guidance For Interpreting WPS Regulation EPA set up an Interpretive Guidance Workgroup (IGW) to answer questions encountered during WPS implementation meetings and to ensure consistency in WPS interpretations. The IGW is composed of senior staff and managers from EPA and State organizations. The IGW has received over 400 questions. Many were immediately handled through other mechanisms and the remainder prioritized for response. Final policy decisions have been issued for over half of the prioritized questions. For more information, EPA's Office of Compliance at 202- 564-2355. Looking Ahead To support outreach and education efforts and to continue to address issues of concern, EPA plans to conduct the following activities: Solicit and incorporate comments for the 5 proposed changes and finalize actions Continue dialogue with all stakeholders Focus on communications/outreach effort: AgSatellite Broadcasts; Public Service Announcements; Fact Sheets Focus on availability and quality of training sessions Continue support for State implementation efforts FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE CERTIFICATION, TRAINING AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY BRANCH: 703-305-7371 United Stales Environmental Protection Agency (7506C) Washington, D.C. 20460 Official Business Penally for Private Use $300 ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Exception for irrigation Activities In April 1995, EPA completed an exception to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that would allow, under specified conditions, workers to enter pesticide treated areas during a restricted entry interval (RED to perform irrigation tasks. The REI is the time period after a pesticide application when workers may. not enter a pesticide treated area without protective clothing. BACKGROUND Under the WPS, each pesticide label specifies an REI, usually ranging from 12 to 72 hours. The 1992 WPS limited worker early entry activity in treated areas under an REI to 1 hour in a 24 hour period. In July 1994, EPA received a petition from a coalition of agricultural organizations. These organizations recommended an exception to the WPS for performing irrigation tasks. EPA considered the petition, and in a January 1995 Federal Register Notice, proposed to grant such a nationwide exception. In the Notice, EPA also solicited public comment. The public comments received helped to persuade EPA that there could be significant economic impacts if certain irrigation tasks were prohibited during the REI. Therefore^ the Agency is granting an exception to the early entry prohibition for certain irrigation activities. SUMMARY OF FINAL ACTION . This exception allows workers the flexibility during an REI to perform irrigation tasks that could not have been foreseen and which, if delayed, would cause significant economic loss. At the same--time, the exception includes significant provisions to limit pesticide exposure and risk to employees performing irrigation tasks. The conditions of the exception for early entry irrigation activities are: The workers' contact with treated surfaces is minimal and is limited to the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms; The pesticide product does not have a statement in the labeling requiring double notification (workers must be notified both verbally and by posting of these high toxicity pesticides); ' Personal protective equipment for early entry is provided to the worker and must either conform with the label requirements or include at least coveralls, chemical resistant gloves, socks, chemical resistant footwear, and eyewear (if eye wear is required by the product labeling); No hand labor activity (such as, hoeing, picking, pruning, etc.) is performed; The time in treated areas under a REI for any worker may not exceed 8 hours in a 24 hour period; The workers do not enter the area during the first 4 hours, and until applicable ventilation criteria have been met, and until any label specified inhalation exposure level has been reached; Before workers enter a treated area under an REI, the agricultural employer shall give them oral or written notification of the specifics of the exception to early entry. The notification must be in a language that the workers understand. For more information call (703) 305-7666 or 305-7371. 4/95 ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Exception for Limited Contact Activities In April 1995, EPA completed an exception to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that would allow, under specified conditions, workers to enter pesticide treated areas during a restricted entry interval (RED to perform tasks that involve limited contact with pesticide treated surfaces. The REI is the time period after a pesticide application when workers may not enter a pesticide treated area without protective clothing. BACKGROUND Under the-WPS, each pesticide label specifies an REI, usually ranging from 12 to 72 hours. The 1992 WPS limited worker early entry activity in treated areas under an REI to 1 hour in a 24 hour period. In July 1994, EPA received a petition from a coalition of agricultural organizations. These organizations recommended an exception to the WPS for performing tasks involving limited contact with pesticide treated surfaces. EPA considered the petition, and in a January 1995 Federal Register Notice, proposed to grant such a nationwide exception. In the Notice, EPA also solicited public comment. The public comments received helped to persuade EPA that there could be significant economic impacts if certain limited contact tasks were prohibited during the REI. Therefore, the Agency is granting an exception to the early entry prohibition for limited contact activities. . SUMMARY OF FINAL ACTION This exception allows workers the flexibility during an REI to perform limited contact tasks that could not have been foreseen and which, if delayed, would cause significant economic loss. At the same time, the exception includes significant provisions to limit pesticide exposure and risk to employees performing limited contact tasks. The conditions of the exception for limited contact, early entry activities are: The workers' contact with treated surfaces is minimal and is limited to the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms; The pesticide product does not have a statement in the labeling requiring double notification (workers must be notified both verbally and by posting of these high toxicity pesticides); Personal protective equipment for early entry is provided to the worker and must either conform with the label requirements or include at least coveralls, chemical resistant gloves, socks, chemical resistant footwear, and eyewear (if eyewear is required by the product labeling); No hand labor activity (such as, hoeing, picking, pruning, etc.) is performed; The time in treated areas under a REI for any worker may not exceed 8 hours in a 24 hour period; The workers do not enter the area during the first 4 hours, and until applicable ventilation criteria have been met, and until any label specified inhalation exposure level has been reached; Before workers enter a treated area under an REI, the agricultural employer snail give them oral or written notification of the specifics of the exception to early entry. The notification must be in a language that the workers understand. For more information call (703) 305-7666 or 305-7371. 4/95 ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Rule Amendment - Crop Advisors In April 1995, EPA completed a final rule amendment to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) that exempts certified or licensed crop advisors and persons under their direct supervision while performing crop advisor tasks from WPS provisions except for pesticide safety training. BACKGROUND In July 1994, EPA received a petition from a coalition of agricultural organizations that recommended exempting crop advisors from the WPS. In a January 1995 Federal Register Notice, EPA proposed for comment an exemption of certain crop advisors from certain WPS requirements. EPA has considered comments received and has issued a final determination. SUMMARY OF FINAL RULE AMENDMENT Certified or licensed crop advisors and persons under their direct supervision are exempt from WPS provisions except for pesticide safety training. The exemption applies only after pesticide application ends and while- performing crop advising tasks. * > The exemption describes what constitutes "direct supervision" and the information that crop advisors must convey to those under their direct supervision. Certified or licensed crop advisors may substitute pesticide safety training received during certification or licensing, if it is equivalent to WPS pesticide handler training. In order to allow time for acquiring certification or licensing, these provisions will be phased in by exempting from WPS all persons doing crop advising tasks until May 1, 1996. DISCUSSION As handlers under the WPS, crop advisors may enter treated areas during application and the restricted entry interval without time limitations, if .provided with the required personal protective equipment (PPE) specified on the product labeling and other protection provided for handlers. Employees of agricultural establishments who are performing crop advisor tasks in a treated area within 30 days of the expiration of the restricted entry interval are provided the same protection as workers under WPS. The exemption established by this action allows certified or licensed crop advisors to choose appropriate protection to be utilized while performing crop advising tasks in treated areas after the end of pesticide application. This rule also establishes a temporary exemption for all persons while doing crop advising tasks in order to allow time to acquire certification or licensing. EPA is exempting knowledgeable and experienced crop advisors, and persons under their direct supervision, from the PPE, knowledge of labeling and site specific information, decontamination, and emergency assistance requirements of the WPS after pesticide application ends and only when performing crop advising tasks. Certified or licensed crop advisors may substitute pesticide safety training received during the Federal, State or Tribal approved certification or licensing program if such training is at least equivalent to the WPS training. For more information call (703) 305-7666 or 305-7371. 4/95 ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Final Rule Amendment - Training Requirements In April 1995, EPA completed a final rule amendment to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regarding the grace period (time before a worker must be trained) and the retraining interval for worker pesticide safety training. BACKGROUND. In a January 1995 Federal Register Notice, EPA addressed concerns raised by farmworker groups and agricultural employer groups regarding the grace period and the retraining period for worker pesticide safety training. In this Notice, the agency proposed various options to modify these WPS requirements and solicited public comment. The Agency has considered comments received and has issued a final determination. SUMMARY OF FINAL RULE AMENDMENT The 5-day grace period for worker training will become effective January 1, 1996. Beginning January 1. 1996, agricultural employers must assure that untrained workers receive basic pesticide safety information before they enter a treated area on the establishment. No more than 5 days after their initial employment has commenced, all untrained agricultural workers must receive the complete WPS pesticide safety training. The retraining interval for workers and handlers is 5 years. . h. DISCUSSION As of January 1, 1996, the agricultural employer shall assure that a worker receives basic pesticide safety information before they enter a treated area on the establishment. This would provide basic safety information to workers while they wait for the complete WPS pesticide safety training which is required within the first 5 days of entering a treated area. The agricultural employer must assure the information is communicated to agricultural workers in a manner they can understand. In cooperation with USDA and States, EPA will develop and distribute a model handout that will provide the basic pesticide safety information. Agricultural employers may use this handout, develop their own, or use other materials that contain the required basic safety information. Agricultural employers must be able to verify compliance with this requirement. ' The basic pesticide safety information must include the following concepts: Pesticides may be on or in plants, soil, irrigation water, or drifting from nearby applications. Prevent pesticides from entering your body by: Following directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted areas Washing before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the toilet Wearing work clothing that protects the body from pesticide residues Washing/showering with soap and water, shampoo hair.and put on clean clothes after work Washing work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again Washing immediately in the nearest clean water if pesticides are spilled or sprayed on the body and, as soon as possible, showering, shampooing, and changing into clean clothes Further training will be provided within 5 days . . For more information call (703) 305-7666 or 305-7371 4/95 ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Reduced Restricted Entry Intervals for Low Risk Pesticides ' . / ' In April 1995; EPA completed a pesticide regulation action that would reduce the restricted entry intervals (REIs) from 12 hours to 4 hours for certain .low risk pesticides covered by the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The REI is the time period after a pesticide application when workers may not enter a pesticide treated area without protective clothing. This action to-reduce REIs applies only to low risk pesticide .products that have active ingredients on the candidate list published in the Federal Register Notice of this action. .'.".-..- . BACKGROUND The 1992 WPS established an interim minimum REI of 12 hours for all end use pesticide products for agricultural uses. Longer interim REIs were established for more toxic products. Since 1992. numerous 'registrants and pesticide users' have asked EPA to consider reducing the minimum 12 hour REI for lower toxicity products that they believe do not need a 12 hour REI to protect workers. In response, in January 1995, the Agency addressed these concerns with a published a proposal for public comment. The Agency;has considered the comments received and determined that reducing^the REIs for low risk pesticides would still provide adequate protection to workers. Moreover, reducing the REI would provide agricultural producers with greater flexibility and may promote the use of these inherently less toxic -.-,-,..'. products over those with greater risks and longer REIs., The Agency concludes that the'modification of ; the REIs will not result in unreasonable risk to workers. Accordingly, the Agency established a selection criteria for active ingredients with low toxicity, which would make products with these active ingredients eligibleifpr shorter REIs. As a result of this action, a list of 114 active'ingredfents, currently subject to WPS requirements* weredetermined to meet the lowertbxicity criteria. SUMMARY OF FINAL ACTION : : This action will allow pesticide registrants, whose products active ingredients meet the Agency's lower toxicity criteria, to: ''".. Reduce the WPS REIs- from 12 to4 hours for certain low risk pesticides: Revise their labeling to reflect the reduced REI by notifying EPA; Make REI label changes by notification until December 1995; Make REI label changes through the regular label amendment process; after December 1995: Propose additions to the candidate active ingredient list until November 1995. For more information call (703) 305-7666 or 305-7371. : , 4/95<. ------- Worker Protection Program Update: Rule Amendment - Decontamination In June 1996, EPA amended the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) to reduce the number of days decontamination supplies (soap, water, paper towels) are required to be available to workers after application of pesticides which are low risk and have Restricted Entry Intervals (REIs) of four hours or less. BACKGROUND In July 1994, EPA received a petition from a coalition of agricultural organizations that requested that EPA only require decontamination supplies during Restricted-Entry Intervals (REIs) specified on the label or immediately following pesticide application. REI's are the time period after application of a pesticide when worker entry into the treated area is restricted. In September 1995, EPA proposed to reduce the time decontamination supplies are required from thirty days to a range of one to fifteen days following use of pesticides with REIs of four hours or less. During the public comment period, EPA received comments from growers, farmworker groups, state agencies, and private citizens. SUMMARY OF FINAL RULE AMENDMENT Decontamination supplies (soap, water, paper towels) must be available when a worker enters a treated area and will contact a treated surface. i-~ Decontamination supplies are required for seven days following the REI for low risk pesticides defined as pesticides with REIs of four hours or less. This reduced time period does not apply when two or more pesticides are mixed together, unless all of the pesticides in the mix have REIs of four hours or less. For pesticides that have longer REIs, the requirement remains the same, i.e., supplies must be maintained for thirty days. Because of the relatively low cost of supplying and maintaining decontamination supplies and the high potential risks which workers face from exposure to pesticides, EPA is not amending other aspects of the decontamination requirement. DISCUSSION Through a screening process, EPA has determined that certain pesticides with REIs of four hours or less pose low potential risk, and that the current thirty day decontamination requirement is not appropriate for these pesticides. EPA is unwilling to alter the thirty day decontamination requirement for other pesticides. For those pesticides which qualify for the reduced period, employers may still choose to provide decontamination supplies for longer periods of time. For more information call (703) 305-7666. ------- |