worker protection standards

Texas Department of AgricultureTexas Department of AgricultureWorker Protection ProgramWorker Protection Program

Presented by

The Worker Protection Standard for The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural PesticidesAgricultural Pesticides

WPSWPS

� FIFRA 40 CFR, Parts 156 & 170FIFRA 40 CFR, Parts 156 & 170

PurposePurpose

� To protect agricultural workers and To protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from exposure to pesticide handlers from exposure to pesticidespesticides

Which employers are covered by this Which employers are covered by this regulation?regulation?

� Any agricultural establishment that employs Any agricultural establishment that employs workers and/or handlers involved in the workers and/or handlers involved in the production or maintenance of agricultural production or maintenance of agricultural plants, where WPS-labeled pesticides are plants, where WPS-labeled pesticides are used.used.

Which employers are covered by this Which employers are covered by this regulation?regulation?

� Examples of regulated employers:Examples of regulated employers:� FarmsFarms� Nurseries and GreenhousesNurseries and Greenhouses� ForestsForests� Commercial Pesticide Applicator Commercial Pesticide Applicator

EstablishmentsEstablishments

Exempted uses:Exempted uses:

� pasture and rangeland applicationspasture and rangeland applications� vertebrate control (rodents, coyotes, etc.)vertebrate control (rodents, coyotes, etc.)� attractants or repellents used in trapsattractants or repellents used in traps� harvested parts of agricultural plantsharvested parts of agricultural plants� government-sponsored public pest controlgovernment-sponsored public pest control

Exempted Uses:Exempted Uses:

� livestock applicationslivestock applications**� homehome gardens, orchards and greenhouses gardens, orchards and greenhouses� plants in ornamental gardens, parks, golf coursesplants in ornamental gardens, parks, golf courses**� uses not directly related to agricultural plant uses not directly related to agricultural plant

production (rights of way, structural pest control)production (rights of way, structural pest control)� experimental uses of unregistered pesticidesexperimental uses of unregistered pesticides

Once exempt, self-feed producing, livestock Once exempt, self-feed producing, livestock operations now included under WPSoperations now included under WPS

BeefBeef DairyDairy FeedlotFeedlot

HogHog PoultryPoultry TurkeyTurkey

Note: Pasture and rangeland used for grazing are excluded.

Also included are Ornamental Plant or Also included are Ornamental Plant or Turf Producing Economic EnterprisesTurf Producing Economic Enterprises

Botanical GardensBotanical Gardens Public GroundsPublic Grounds Private GroundsPrivate Grounds Military Military ReservationsReservations State ParksState Parks

UniversitiesUniversities Golf CoursesGolf Courses HotelsHotels SchoolsSchools Theme ParksTheme Parks

The LabelThe Label

� ““Use this product only in Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and the accordance with its labeling and the Worker Protection Standard, 40 Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR, Part 170.”CFR, Part 170.”

Other Label ChangesOther Label Changes

� New restricted entry intervals New restricted entry intervals (REIs)(REIs)

� Specific descriptions of required Specific descriptions of required personal protective equipmentpersonal protective equipment

� Double notification requirement Double notification requirement on some labelson some labels

Which kinds of employees are covered Which kinds of employees are covered under the WPS?under the WPS?

� Agricultural workersAgricultural workers� Pesticide handlersPesticide handlers

Agricultural WorkerAgricultural Worker

� Any person employed by an agricultural Any person employed by an agricultural establishment who performs manual labor establishment who performs manual labor tasks related to the production of agricultural tasks related to the production of agricultural plants. plants.

� Examples of these tasks are:Examples of these tasks are:– -weeding-weeding–harvestingharvesting–cultivatingcultivating–pruningpruning– irrigatingirrigating

Pesticide HandlerPesticide Handler

� Any person employed by an agricultural Any person employed by an agricultural establishment (commercial pesticide applicator establishment (commercial pesticide applicator establishments included) who performs any of the establishments included) who performs any of the following tasks in the production of agricultural following tasks in the production of agricultural plants:plants:– mix, load, transfer or apply pesticidesmix, load, transfer or apply pesticides– handle opened pesticide containershandle opened pesticide containers– act as a flagger during aerial applicationsact as a flagger during aerial applications– clean, handle, adjust or repair parts of mixing, loading or clean, handle, adjust or repair parts of mixing, loading or

application equipment that may be contaminated with application equipment that may be contaminated with pesticide residuespesticide residues

Pesticide HandlerPesticide Handler (cont.) (cont.)

� help with the application, including help with the application, including incorporation of the chemical into the incorporation of the chemical into the soil after applicationsoil after application

Pesticide Handler Pesticide Handler (cont.)(cont.)

� enter a greenhouse or other enclosed area after enter a greenhouse or other enclosed area after application before the inhalation exposure application before the inhalation exposure level indicated on the pesticide label has been level indicated on the pesticide label has been reached or the WPS ventilation criteria have reached or the WPS ventilation criteria have been met to:been met to:

� operate ventilation equipmentoperate ventilation equipment� adjust or remove soil covers (such as tarps)adjust or remove soil covers (such as tarps)� check air concentration levelscheck air concentration levels


� enter a treated area outdoors after enter a treated area outdoors after application of a soil fumigant to remove application of a soil fumigant to remove or adjust coversor adjust covers

� dispose of pesticides or pesticide dispose of pesticides or pesticide containerscontainers


� work as a crop consultant:work as a crop consultant:� during applicationduring application� during the REIduring the REI� before inhalation exposure before inhalation exposure

levels or ventilation criteria levels or ventilation criteria have been methave been met

RetaliationRetaliation

� Employers may not retaliate against Employers may not retaliate against employees who attempt to comply with employees who attempt to comply with the WPS.the WPS.

Employer responsibilities toward his Employer responsibilities toward his employees:employees:

� Protections for workersProtections for workers� Protections for handlersProtections for handlers� Protections for bothProtections for both

General protections for both workers General protections for both workers and handlers:and handlers:

� Information at a central location:Information at a central location:� safety postersafety poster� name, address and phone number name, address and phone number

of nearest medical emergency of nearest medical emergency facilityfacility

� list of pesticide applicationslist of pesticide applications


� Pesticide safety training:Pesticide safety training:� for workers, within five days of working for workers, within five days of working

in treated areas (January 1, 1996)in treated areas (January 1, 1996)� for handlers, before any handling taskfor handlers, before any handling task� in language they can understandin language they can understand

General protections for both workers General protections for both workers and handlersand handlers::

� Pesticide safety training Pesticide safety training (cont.)(cont.)::� use EPA-approved or developed use EPA-approved or developed

materialsmaterials� written or audiovisualwritten or audiovisual� in Texas, trainer must be qualified, in Texas, trainer must be qualified,

issue verification cards and keep sign-issue verification cards and keep sign-in sheet for 5 yearsin sheet for 5 years

� The The retrainingretraining interval interval for workers and for workers and handlers is handlers is 5 years5 years..

RETRAINING INTERVAL


� Decontamination sites:Decontamination sites:� soap, water and disposable towelssoap, water and disposable towels� for handlers, add a clean change of for handlers, add a clean change of

clothing and at least 1 pint of eye flush clothing and at least 1 pint of eye flush water if label requires eye protectionwater if label requires eye protection


� Decontamination sites Decontamination sites (cont)(cont)::� within 1/4 mile of where employees within 1/4 mile of where employees

are workingare working� if nearest water source is more than if nearest water source is more than

1/4 mile away, use portable water 1/4 mile away, use portable water container and provide at least 1 gal. container and provide at least 1 gal. per worker and 3 gals. per handlerper worker and 3 gals. per handler


� Information exchange between Information exchange between grower and commercial applicator:grower and commercial applicator:

� Commercial applicator must give label Commercial applicator must give label information to grower and any required information to grower and any required warnings so he may notify his workers.warnings so he may notify his workers.


� Information exchange between Information exchange between grower and commercial applicator grower and commercial applicator (cont.)(cont.)::

� Grower must give commercial applicator Grower must give commercial applicator warning about any treated areas that will be warning about any treated areas that will be under REI within 1/4 mile while applicator under REI within 1/4 mile while applicator is present.is present.


� Emergency assistance:Emergency assistance:� take pesticide exposure victim directly take pesticide exposure victim directly

to the nearest medical emergency to the nearest medical emergency facility; orfacility; or

� call 911 or other ambulance service if call 911 or other ambulance service if availableavailable


� Emergency assistance Emergency assistance (cont.)(cont.)::� provide label information to provide label information to

medical personnelmedical personnel� provide information about the provide information about the

exposureexposure

Additional Protections for WorkersAdditional Protections for Workers

� Notification about applications:Notification about applications:� in areas being treated or under REIin areas being treated or under REI� within 1/4 mile of workerswithin 1/4 mile of workers� warn orally or by posting WPS warning warn orally or by posting WPS warning

signssigns


� Notification about applications Notification about applications (cont.)(cont.)::� warn both ways if label requires itwarn both ways if label requires it� in a language workers can understandin a language workers can understand� oral warning must include location and oral warning must include location and

description of treated area, time during which description of treated area, time during which entry is restricted and instructions not to enter entry is restricted and instructions not to enter until REI has expireduntil REI has expired


� Restrictions during application:Restrictions during application:� Keep everyone out of area being treated, Keep everyone out of area being treated,

except properly trained and equipped except properly trained and equipped handlers.handlers.


� Restrictions during application Restrictions during application (greenhouses)(greenhouses)::

� In nurseries and greenhouses a “keep-out In nurseries and greenhouses a “keep-out zone” may apply immediately around the zone” may apply immediately around the treated area.treated area.

� During some greenhouse applications, the During some greenhouse applications, the entire greenhouse may be off limits and entire greenhouse may be off limits and may have to be ventilated before anyone is may have to be ventilated before anyone is allowed inside.allowed inside.


� Restrictions after application Restrictions after application (during REI):(during REI):

� In general, keep workers out of the treated In general, keep workers out of the treated area during the REI.area during the REI.

� Three types of exceptions exist:Three types of exceptions exist:� Early entry with no contactEarly entry with no contact� Early entry with limited contactEarly entry with limited contact� Early entry with contactEarly entry with contact

Additional Protections for HandlersAdditional Protections for Handlers

� Restrictions During Applications:Restrictions During Applications:� Both pesticide handlers and their employers Both pesticide handlers and their employers

must make sure that each pesticide is applied must make sure that each pesticide is applied so that it does not contact, either directly or so that it does not contact, either directly or through drift, anyone except appropriately through drift, anyone except appropriately trained and equipped handlers.trained and equipped handlers.


� Monitoring:Monitoring:� Check on handler at least Check on handler at least once every once every

two hourstwo hours by voice or sight by voice or sight communication if handling a pesticide communication if handling a pesticide with the skull and cross bones symbol with the skull and cross bones symbol on the label.on the label.


� MonitoringMonitoring (cont.) (cont.)::� Someone with access to PPE needed Someone with access to PPE needed

for rescue must maintain for rescue must maintain constantconstant visual or voice contact with a visual or voice contact with a handler who is applying or handler who is applying or otherwise handling a fumigant in a otherwise handling a fumigant in a greenhousegreenhouse..


� Specific Instructions:Specific Instructions:� Inform handlers of all label Inform handlers of all label

requirements related to the safe use of requirements related to the safe use of the pesticide.the pesticide.

� Provide handlers access to the pesticide Provide handlers access to the pesticide labeling information during handling labeling information during handling tasks.tasks.


� Specific InstructionsSpecific Instructions (cont.) (cont.)::� Make sure handlers know how to Make sure handlers know how to

safely and correctly use all safely and correctly use all pesticide-handling equipment pesticide-handling equipment they are assigned to use.they are assigned to use.


� Equipment Safety:Equipment Safety:� Inspect pesticide-handling equipment Inspect pesticide-handling equipment

before each day of use for leaks, clogs and before each day of use for leaks, clogs and worn or damaged parts. Repair or worn or damaged parts. Repair or replace as necessary.replace as necessary.

� Remove pesticide residues from Remove pesticide residues from equipment (e.g., wash) before allowing equipment (e.g., wash) before allowing anyone other than trained and equipped anyone other than trained and equipped pesticide handlers to repair, clean, adjust pesticide handlers to repair, clean, adjust or service it.or service it.


� Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):� Provide handlers with the appropriate label-required Provide handlers with the appropriate label-required

PPE in clean and operating condition.PPE in clean and operating condition.� Make sure handler wears PPE correctly.Make sure handler wears PPE correctly.� Make sure respirators fit correctly.Make sure respirators fit correctly.� Inspect all PPE before each day of use for leaks, tears, Inspect all PPE before each day of use for leaks, tears,

holes or worn places; repair or discard damaged holes or worn places; repair or discard damaged equipment.equipment.


� Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): (PPE):

� Provide handlers clean places away from Provide handlers clean places away from pesticide storage and handling areas to:pesticide storage and handling areas to:

� store personal clothingstore personal clothing� put on and take off PPEput on and take off PPE


� Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):(PPE):

� Take any necessary steps to prevent heat Take any necessary steps to prevent heat illness while PPE is being worn.illness while PPE is being worn.

� Do not allow any handler to wear home or Do not allow any handler to wear home or take home any contaminated PPE.take home any contaminated PPE.


� Cleaning and Maintaining PPE:Cleaning and Maintaining PPE:� Keep pesticide-contaminated PPE away from Keep pesticide-contaminated PPE away from

other clothing or laundry and wash it other clothing or laundry and wash it separately.separately.

� If PPE will be reused, clean before each day of If PPE will be reused, clean before each day of use according to manufacturer’s instructions; use according to manufacturer’s instructions; if no instructions are available, wash if no instructions are available, wash thoroughly in hot water and detergent.thoroughly in hot water and detergent.


� Cleaning and Maintaining PPE:Cleaning and Maintaining PPE:� Allow PPE to dry before storing.Allow PPE to dry before storing.� Store clean PPE separately from personal Store clean PPE separately from personal

clothing and away from pesticide-clothing and away from pesticide-contaminated areas.contaminated areas.


� Replacing respirator filters, cartridges or Replacing respirator filters, cartridges or canisters:canisters:

� Replace dust/mist respirator filters:Replace dust/mist respirator filters:� when breathing becomes difficultwhen breathing becomes difficult� if filter is damaged or tornif filter is damaged or torn� according to manufacturer or pesticide label according to manufacturer or pesticide label

instructions (if they differ, replace at the shorter instructions (if they differ, replace at the shorter interval)interval)

� at the end of each day’s work period, if no other at the end of each day’s work period, if no other instructions are availableinstructions are available


� Replacing respirator filters, Replacing respirator filters, cartridges or canisters:cartridges or canisters:

� Replace gas and vapor-removing cartridges or Replace gas and vapor-removing cartridges or canisters:canisters:

� at the first indication of odor, taste or irritationat the first indication of odor, taste or irritation� according to manufacturer or pesticide label according to manufacturer or pesticide label

instructions (if they differ, replace at the shorter instructions (if they differ, replace at the shorter interval)interval)

� at the end of each day’s work period, if no at the end of each day’s work period, if no instructions are availableinstructions are available


� Disposal of PPE:Disposal of PPE:� Discard coveralls or other absorbent Discard coveralls or other absorbent

materials that have been drenched or materials that have been drenched or heavily contaminated with an undiluted heavily contaminated with an undiluted pesticide that has the signal word pesticide that has the signal word DANGERDANGER or or WARNINGWARNING on the label. on the label.

They must not be reusedThey must not be reused..


� Instructions for persons who clean Instructions for persons who clean PPE:PPE:

� Inform people who clean or launder PPE:Inform people who clean or launder PPE:� that the PPE may be contaminated with that the PPE may be contaminated with

pesticidespesticides� of the potentially harmful effects of pesticide of the potentially harmful effects of pesticide

exposureexposure� how to protect themselves when handling how to protect themselves when handling

contaminated PPEcontaminated PPE� how to clean PPE correctlyhow to clean PPE correctly


� Exceptions to PPE Requirements:Exceptions to PPE Requirements:� Closed mixing/loading systemsClosed mixing/loading systems� Enclosed cabsEnclosed cabs� Enclosed CockpitsEnclosed Cockpits

Owner and Family ExemptionOwner and Family Exemption

� The owner of the agricultural The owner of the agricultural establishment and the members of establishment and the members of his immediate family are exempt his immediate family are exempt from most of the WPS from most of the WPS requirements.requirements.

1995 Changes to the WPS1995 Changes to the WPS

� Reduced REIs for low risk pesticidesReduced REIs for low risk pesticides� Exemption for certified crop advisorsExemption for certified crop advisors� New training requirementsNew training requirements� Early entry exception for irrigation Early entry exception for irrigation

activitiesactivities� Early entry exception for limited contact Early entry exception for limited contact

activitiesactivities

Reduced REI for Low-Risk PesticidesReduced REI for Low-Risk Pesticides

� The restricted entry interval has been The restricted entry interval has been reduced from 12 hours to 4 hours for 114 reduced from 12 hours to 4 hours for 114 low-toxicity active ingredients.low-toxicity active ingredients.

� Manufacturers may submit more active Manufacturers may submit more active ingredients for EPA’s consideration.ingredients for EPA’s consideration.

New Training RequirementsNew Training Requirements

� Beginning January 1, 1996, Beginning January 1, 1996, workersworkers who have not received WPS pesticide who have not received WPS pesticide safety training will have to be trained safety training will have to be trained within 5 dayswithin 5 days of entering areas that of entering areas that were under REI were under REI within the last 30 within the last 30 days.days.

New Training RequirementsNew Training Requirements

� Before enteringBefore entering any such areas, any such areas, workersworkers must must receive some receive some basic pesticide safety basic pesticide safety informationinformation..

� This information will include:This information will include:� where pesticides are foundwhere pesticides are found� how to prevent pesticides from entering how to prevent pesticides from entering

the bodythe body� the fact that further training will be the fact that further training will be

provided within 5 daysprovided within 5 days

Early Entry Exception for Irrigation Early Entry Exception for Irrigation ActivitiesActivities

� For irrigation activities that could not have For irrigation activities that could not have been foreseen and which, if delayed, been foreseen and which, if delayed, would cause significant economic loss. would cause significant economic loss. The following conditions apply:The following conditions apply:

� worker’s contact with treated surfaces worker’s contact with treated surfaces is minimal and limited to feet, lower is minimal and limited to feet, lower legs, hands and forearmslegs, hands and forearms

Early Entry Exception for Irrigation Early Entry Exception for Irrigation ActivitiesActivities (cont.) (cont.)

� pesticide does not have double pesticide does not have double notification requirement on the labelnotification requirement on the label

� PPE is provided and conforms to label PPE is provided and conforms to label requirements or at least consists of requirements or at least consists of coveralls, chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, chemical resistant gloves, socks, chemical resistant footwear and socks, chemical resistant footwear and eyewear (if required by label)eyewear (if required by label)

Early Entry Exception for Irrigation Early Entry Exception for Irrigation Activities (cont.)Activities (cont.)

� no hand labor is performed, as defined in no hand labor is performed, as defined in WPS (hoeing, picking, etc.)WPS (hoeing, picking, etc.)

� time in treated area does not exceed 8 time in treated area does not exceed 8 hourshours

� no entry during first 4 hours of REIno entry during first 4 hours of REI� employer must give workers written or employer must give workers written or

oral notification of the specifics of the oral notification of the specifics of the exception to early entry in a language exception to early entry in a language they can understandthey can understand

Early Entry Exception for Limited Early Entry Exception for Limited Contact ActivitiesContact Activities

� For limited-contact tasks that could not have For limited-contact tasks that could not have been foreseen and which, if delayed, would been foreseen and which, if delayed, would cause significant economic loss. cause significant economic loss.

� This exception is subject to the same This exception is subject to the same conditions that apply to the early entry conditions that apply to the early entry exception for irrigation activities.exception for irrigation activities.

Exemption for Certified Crop AdvisorsExemption for Certified Crop Advisors

� All persons doing crop advising tasks were All persons doing crop advising tasks were exempt from the WPS exempt from the WPS until May 1, 1996until May 1, 1996..

� After May 1, 1996, After May 1, 1996, employees of agricultural employees of agricultural establishmentsestablishments who do crop advising tasks who do crop advising tasks within 30 days of the expiration of the REI within 30 days of the expiration of the REI must receive the same WPS protections as must receive the same WPS protections as workers.workers.

Exemption for Certified Crop Advisors Exemption for Certified Crop Advisors (cont.)(cont.)

� Beginning May 1, 1996, Beginning May 1, 1996, independentindependent (for (for hire) crop advisors will have to comply with hire) crop advisors will have to comply with the pesticide safety training requirements of the pesticide safety training requirements of WPS WPS ifif they are not licensed applicators or they are not licensed applicators or certified crop advisors. They will also have certified crop advisors. They will also have to comply with several new WPS to comply with several new WPS requirements.requirements.


� Before entering a treated area, the crop advisor Before entering a treated area, the crop advisor must inform persons under his direct must inform persons under his direct supervision, through an established practice supervision, through an established practice of communication:of communication:

� name of pesticidename of pesticide� active ingredient(s)active ingredient(s)� method of applicationmethod of application� time of applicationtime of application� restricted entry interval REIrestricted entry interval REI


� the crop advisor must also instruct the crop advisor must also instruct them on:them on:

� which tasks to performwhich tasks to perform� how to contact the crop advisorhow to contact the crop advisor


� Crop advisors are Crop advisors are considered considered handlershandlers under the WPS when under the WPS when performing crop advising tasks in a performing crop advising tasks in a treated area during application or treated area during application or REI.REI.


� They are They are considered commercial considered commercial applicatorsapplicators when doing the advising when doing the advising tasks for hire.tasks for hire.

� However, these commercial However, these commercial applicators/crop advisors are out of applicators/crop advisors are out of the scope of WPS after the end of the the scope of WPS after the end of the REI.REI.


� The new crop advisor exemption The new crop advisor exemption applies only after application applies only after application endsends. It does not allow entry into . It does not allow entry into the treated area during the treated area during application.application.


� The exemption The exemption allows the crop advisor allows the crop advisor to decideto decide what is appropriate PPE for what is appropriate PPE for the job, appropriate decontamination the job, appropriate decontamination supplies and how to safely conduct the supplies and how to safely conduct the advisor tasks. advisor tasks.

� This information must be This information must be communicatedcommunicated to any persons working to any persons working under the crop advisor's direct under the crop advisor's direct supervision in a language they can supervision in a language they can understand.understand.

1996

1997

Recent Changes to the Worker Protection Standard

Remember that the WPS is aimed at theagricultural producer employing field workers and pesticide handlers

1996 Changes to the WPS1996 Changes to the WPSFinal Rule AmendmentFinal Rule Amendment

� SignsSigns

� LanguageLanguage

Standard signsStandard signs

� The standard sign shall be at least The standard sign shall be at least 14” X 16” with the words 14” X 16” with the words DANGERDANGER and and PELIGROPELIGRO in letters at least 1 inch in letters at least 1 inch in height and shall include a circle in height and shall include a circle containing an containing an upraised handupraised hand and a and a stern facestern face..


� Signs may be smaller Signs may be smaller but must be easily seen.but must be easily seen.


� The employer may replace the The employer may replace the Spanish portion of the warning Spanish portion of the warning sign with a non-English language sign with a non-English language read by the largest group of read by the largest group of workers who do not read Englishworkers who do not read English

Decontamination Decontamination RequirementsRequirements

� The primary change in The primary change in decontamination decontamination requirements is a change in requirements is a change in language from language from stationstation to to suppliessupplies. .

Decontamination Decontamination RequirementsRequirements

� The agricultural employer must provide The agricultural employer must provide decontamination decontamination suppliessupplies for all for all workers and handlers performing an workers and handlers performing an activity where they may come in contact activity where they may come in contact with anything treated with the with anything treated with the pesticide (including, but not limited to pesticide (including, but not limited to soil, water, plants, plant surfaces, and soil, water, plants, plant surfaces, and plant parts) in an area where a plant parts) in an area where a pesticide pesticide was appliedwas applied or where an or where an REI was in REI was in effecteffect within the within the last 30 dayslast 30 days. .

Decontamination RequirementsDecontamination Requirements

� The agricultural employer must The agricultural employer must provide decontamination provide decontamination suppliessupplies for for all workers and handlers within 1/4 all workers and handlers within 1/4 mile of the activity.mile of the activity.

� The employer shall provide soap and The employer shall provide soap and single-use towels in quantities single-use towels in quantities sufficient to meet the worker’s and sufficient to meet the worker’s and handler’s needs.handler’s needs.


� Workers and handlers may use clean Workers and handlers may use clean water from springs, lakes, or other water from springs, lakes, or other sources for decontamination at a sources for decontamination at a remote work site if such water is more remote work site if such water is more accessible than the water located at the accessible than the water located at the nearest place of vehicular access.nearest place of vehicular access.


� In general decontamination In general decontamination suppliessupplies shall shall NOTNOT be maintained be maintained in an area:in an area:

� currently being treated with currently being treated with pesticidespesticides

� that is in a restricted-entry intervalthat is in a restricted-entry interval


� Decontamination Decontamination suppliessupplies may also be may also be maintained in the following areas:maintained in the following areas:

(1) where early-entry activities are being (1) where early-entry activities are being performedperformed

(2) at mixing and loading sites and in (2) at mixing and loading sites and in airplanes cockpitsairplanes cockpits

1997 WPS 1997 WPS PolicyPolicy Decision Decision

� Glove requirementsGlove requirements

� Early entry for cut rose Early entry for cut rose harvestingharvesting

1997 Glove requirements

� Gloves shall be of the type specified on the pesticide product labeling.

� Separable glove liners may be worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves, unless the pesticide product label specifically prohibits their use.

1997 Glove requirements

� Used glove liners must be discarded immediately after a total of 8 hours of use or at the end of the 24-hour period during which they were used, whichever comes first.

1997 Glove Requirements1997 Glove Requirements

� Aerial applicators are no longer Aerial applicators are no longer required to wear chemical-resistant required to wear chemical-resistant gloves when entering or leaving an gloves when entering or leaving an aircraft contaminated by pesticide aircraft contaminated by pesticide residues.residues.

1997 Cut Rose Exemption1997 Cut Rose Exemption

� Allows workers to enter the Allows workers to enter the treated area for three hours per treated area for three hours per 24-hour period during an REI 24-hour period during an REI for hand harvesting of for hand harvesting of greenhouse grown roses greenhouse grown roses provided the following provided the following conditions are met:conditions are met:


� No entry for the first 4 hours and until any No entry for the first 4 hours and until any inhalation and ventilation criteria has been inhalation and ventilation criteria has been reached. reached.

� Workers must read the label or be Workers must read the label or be informed in a language that they informed in a language that they understand about all labeling understand about all labeling requirements for safe use and precautions requirements for safe use and precautions specified for early-entryspecified for early-entry


� The agricultural employer must notify The agricultural employer must notify workers (orally or in writing in a language workers (orally or in writing in a language that the worker understands) before that the worker understands) before entering the treated area, that an entering the treated area, that an exceptionexception is being used to allow workers is being used to allow workers to enter a treated area before the REI to enter a treated area before the REI expires.expires.


� Agricultural employers must Agricultural employers must provide, properly maintain, provide, properly maintain, and instruct workers to wear and instruct workers to wear early entry PPE as listed on early entry PPE as listed on the label.the label.


� Workers may wear leather gloves Workers may wear leather gloves overover the required chemical-resistant gloves, the required chemical-resistant gloves, butbut

� Once leather gloves have been worn Once leather gloves have been worn for early-entry use, they shall for early-entry use, they shall onlyonly be be worn with chemical-resistant liners worn with chemical-resistant liners and shall and shall notnot be worn for any other be worn for any other use.use.

WPS is the LAWWPS is the LAW

� Agricultural producers using WPS Agricultural producers using WPS labeled pesticides MUST follow the labeled pesticides MUST follow the LAW.LAW.

� It is the producers responsibility to It is the producers responsibility to know the WPS requirements.know the WPS requirements.

� Ignorance of the LAW is not an Ignorance of the LAW is not an acceptable excuse for non-compliance.acceptable excuse for non-compliance.

Training MaterialsTraining Materials

– Flip chartsFlip charts– VideosVideos– BooksBooks– SignsSigns

Available from EPA and Available from EPA and commercial sourcescommercial sources

worker protection standards

Education