How To Comply 

With the Worker Protection Standard 

For Agricultural Pesticides 

What Employers Need To Know 

Revised September 2005 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MANUAL 

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 
WHO NEEDS TO READ THIS MANUAL? 

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. 

ii 
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. 

LABELING OVERRIDES WPS 

If the pesticide product labeling contains specific instructions or requirements 

that conflict with the requirements of the Worker Protection Standard, follow 

the instructions or requirements on the labeling. For example, some 

pesticide labeling may: 

• Prohibit any early-entry activity, including short-term and emergency 

tasks. 

• Allow an early-entry activity that the WPS does not allow. 

• Require the use of personal protective equipment even if closed systems 

are used for mixing and loading. 

EXCEPTIONS TO LABELING STATEMENTS 

The WPS allows 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 warnings and posting treated areas). The WPS statements 

in the Agricultural Use Requirements box on the product labeling will tell you 

that the WPS contains these exceptions. 

Entry during a 

restricted-entry interval 

is permitted only in a 

few strictly limited 

circumstances; see 

Early Entry, p. 47 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 iii 
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 (MA, CT, RI, 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 3WC00

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, MI, MN, IN, OH, WI) 

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, KS 66101

(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 
Helpful Web Sites 

EPA Office of Pesticide Programs Worker Protection Standard page: 

www.epa.gov/oppfead1/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 

EPAAg Center Worker Protection Standard page: 

www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html 

EPAAg Center Worker Protection Standard publications page: 

www.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 
vi
WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 vii

September 2005

How To Comply 

With the Worker Protection Standard 

For Agricultural Pesticides 

What Employers Need To Know 

• Farms 

 Forests 

• Nurseries 

• Greenhouses 
viii
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 5—Further 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 
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

x 
UNIT 1 

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. 
2
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 3

DUTIES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS 

Anti-Retaliation ............................................... (p. 15) 6. Do not put worker decontamination supplies in areas being treatedDo not retaliate against a worker or handler who attempts to comply or under an REI.with the WPS 7. In areas being treated, put decontamination supplies for handlers in Information at a Central Location ................... (pp. 19-20) enclosed containers.
1. In an easily seen central location on each agricultural establishment, Employer Information Exchange ........................... (p. 26)display close together: 1. Before any application, commercial handler employers must make

• 

EPA WPS safety poster,	 sure the operator of the agricultural establishment where a pesticide will

• name, address, and telephone number of the nearest emergency be applied is aware of:


medical facility, • location and description of area to be treated,


• these facts about each pesticide application [from before each

• time and date of application,

application begins until 30 days after the restricted-entry interval

• product name, EPA registration number, active ingredient(s), and

(REI)]: REI, –	 product name, EPA registration number, and active

• whether the product label requires both oral warnings and treated

ingredient(s), area posting,

–	 location and description of treated area,

• all other safety requirements on labeling for workers or other

–	 time and date of application, and REI. people.

2. Tell workers and handlers where the information is posted, and allow 2. Operators of agricultural establishments must make sure anythem access. commercial pesticide establishment operator they hire is aware of:3. Tell them if emergency facility information changes and update the

• specific location and description of all areas on the agricultural

posted information. establishment where pesticides will be applied or where an REI4. Keep the posted information legible.	 will be in effect while the commercial handler is on thePesticide Safety 

Training .............................. (pp. 21-23) establishment,


Unless they possess a valid EPA-approved training card, train handlers 

• restrictions on entering those areas.


and workers before they begin work and at least once each 5 years: Emergency Assistance ....................................... (p. 27)

• use written and/or audiovisual materials,	 When any handler or worker may have been poisoned or injured by• use EPA WPS handler training materials for training handlers, pesticides:• use EPA WPS worker training materials for training workers, 1. Promptly make transportation available to an appropriate medical• have a certified applicator conduct the training orally and/or facility.

audiovisually in a manner the employees can understand, using 2. Promptly provide to the victim and to medical personnel:easily understood terms, and respond to questions.

• product name, EPA registration number, and active ingredient(s),

Decontamination Supplies ............................ (pp. 24-25)

• all first aid and medical information from label,


1. Establish accessible decontamination supplies located together

• description of how the pesticide was used,

within 1/4 mile of all workers and handlers. Supply: 

• information about victim’s exposure. 

• 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, foreyeflushing, and for drinking. Do not use tank-stored water that is alsoused for mixing pesticides.3. Provide handlers the same supplies where personal protectiveequipment (PPE) is removed at the end of a task.4. Provide the same supplies at each mixing and loading site.5. Make at least 1 pint eyeflush water immediately accessible to eachhandler. 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDETO THE WORKERPROTECTION STANDARD(WPS) INCLUDING ALLREVISIONS THROUGH2004The WPS is a federal regulationdesigned to protect agriculturalworkers (people involved in theproduction of agricultural plants)and pesticide handlers (peoplemixing, loading, or applyingpesticides or doing other tasksinvolving direct contact withpesticides) (see p. 10). The guideon these two pages presents themaximum WPS requirements. Itdoes not include exceptions thatmay permit you to do less oroptions that may involvedifferent requirements. Eachsection below lists pages in thismanual where you can find outabout exceptions and options. Formore information about yourresponsibilities, read pp. 9-15.There are some exemptions forowners of agriculturalestablishments and members oftheir immediate family (pp. 71-73). 

UNIT 1 
Restrictions During Applications (p. 36)

1. In areas being treated with pesticides, allowentry only to appropriately trained and equippedhandlers.2. Keep nursery workers at least 100 feet awayfrom 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 2hours of ventilation with fans.

(Also see nursery restrictions and greenhouserestrictions) (pp 41-42, 43-45)Restricted-Entry Intervals (REIs) (p. 36) During any REI, do not allow workers to enter atreated area and contact anything treated withthe pesticide to which the REI applies.(Also see early entry by workers) (pp. 36-37, 47-56)Notice About Applications (p. 33) 1. Orally warn workers and post treated areas ifthe pesticide labeling requires.2. Otherwise, either orally warn workers or postentrances to treated areas. 

Tell workers which

method is in effect.3. Post all greenhouse applications.Posted Warning Signs (p. 33)1. Post legible 14" x 16" WPS-design signs justbefore application; keep posted during REI;remove before workers enter and within 3 daysafter the end of the REI.2. Post signs so they can be seen at all entrancesto treated areas, including entrances from laborcamps.Oral Warnings (p. 35)1. Before each application, tell workers who areon the establishment (in a manner they canunderstand):

 location and description of treated area, REI, and not to enter during REI.

2. Workers who enter the establishment afterapplication starts must receive the same warningat the start of their work period.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR

WORKER EMPLOYERS 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR HANDLER EMPLOYERS

Application Restrictions and Monitoring .................. (p. 59) Care of PPE .......................................................... (p. 62)1. Do not allow handlers to apply a pesticide so that it contacts, directly 1. Store and wash used PPE separately from other clothing and
or through drift, anyone other than trained and PPE-equipped handlers. laundry.
2. Make sight or voice contact at least every 2 hours with anyone 2. If PPE will be reused, clean it before each day of reuse, according to
handling pesticides labeled with a skull and crossbones. the instructions from the PPE manufacturer unless the pesticide
3. Make sure a trained handler equipped with labeling-specified PPE labeling specifies other requirements. If there are no other instructions,
maintains constant voice or visual contact with any handler in a wash in detergent and hot water.
greenhouse who is doing fumigant-related tasks, such as application or 3. Dry the clean PPE before storing, or hang to dry.
air-level monitoring. 4. Store clean PPE away from other clothing and away from pesticide
Specific Instructions for Handlers ......................... (p. 60) areas.
1. Before handlers do any handling task, inform them, in a manner they Replacing Respirator Purifying Elements ...................... (p. 63)can understand, of all pesticide labeling instructions for safe use. 1. Replace dust/mist filters:2. Keep pesticide labeling accessible to each handler during entire

• when breathing becomes difficult,

handling task.

• when filter is damaged or torn,

3. Before handlers use any assigned handling equipment, tell them how

• when respirator label or pesticide label requires (whichever is

to use it safely. shorter), or4. When commercial handlers will be on an agricultural establishment,

• at the end of day’s work period, in the absence of any other

inform them beforehand of: instructions or indications.

• areas on the establishment where pesticides will be applied or 2. Replace vapor-removing cartridges/canisters:


where an REI will be in effect,

• when odor/taste/irritation is noticed,


• restrictions on entering those areas.

• when respirator label or pesticide label requires (whichever is

(The agricultural establishment operator must give you these facts.) shorter), orEquipment Safety ............................................ (p. 61)

• at the end of day’s work period, in the absence of any other


instructions or indications. 1. Inspect pesticide handling equipment before each use, and repair or


replace as needed. Disposal of PPE ..................................................... (p. 63)2. Allow only appropriately trained and equipped handlers to repair, 1. Discard coveralls and other absorbent materials that are heavily
clean, or adjust pesticide equipment that contains pesticides or contaminated with undiluted pesticide having a “DANGER” or
residues. “WARNING” signal word.


2. Follow federal, state, and local laws when disposing of PPE that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ............... (pp. 62-65) cannot be cleaned correctly. (See exceptions to PPE) (pp. 66-67) Instructions for People Who Clean PPE ......................... (p. 63) Duties Related to PPE ............................................. (p. 62) Inform people who clean or launder PPE:
 1. Provide handlers with the PPE the pesticide labeling requires for the

• that PPE may be contaminated with pesticides, task, and be sure it is:• of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to pesticides,

• clean and in operating condition,

• how to protect themselves when handling PPE,

• worn and used correctly, • how to clean PPE 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. 

4 
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
6
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD UNIT 2

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 from 

definitions found in 

other state and federal 

laws and regulations. 

Terms You Need to Know 

These definitions will help you determine whether you are affected by the Worker 

Protection Standard. 

Agricultural plants: Plants grown or maintained for commercial or research 

purposes. Examples: food, feed, and fiber plants, trees, turfgrass, flowers, shrubs, 

ornamentals, and seedlings. 

Farms: Operations, other than nurseries or forests, that produce agricultural 

plants outdoors. 

Forests: Operations that produce agricultural plants outdoors for wood fiber or 

timber products. 

Greenhouses: Operations that produce agricultural plants indoors in an area that 

is enclosed with nonporous covering and that is large enough to allow a person to 

enter. Examples: polyhouses, mushroom houses and caves, and rhubarb houses, 

as well as traditional greenhouses. Malls, atriums, conservatories, arboretums, 

and office buildings that grow or maintain plants primarily for decorative or 

environmental benefits are not included. 

Nurseries: Operations that produce agricultural plants outdoors for: 

 transplants to another location, or 

 flower or fern cuttings. 

Examples: flowering and foliage plants or trees; tree seedlings; live Christmas 

trees; vegetable, fruit, and ornamental transplants; and turfgrass produced for sod. 

8 
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD UNIT 2

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 are the owner of the farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse and you


or members of your family do all the work there, you are a “WPS employer.”


You must comply with some of the requirements described in this manual,


such as restricted-entry intervals and personal protective equipment, and all


the specific requirements listed in the pesticide labeling. See Agricultural


Owner Exemptions, pp. 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. 

Commercial pesticide handlers and their employees are included with respect


to such pesticides even if the pesticide handling task (mixing, loading,


disposal, etc.) takes place somewhere other than the farm, forest, nursery, or


greenhouse — at the commercial handling establishment or an airport hangar,


for example.


 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


plants. Examples include crop consultants and scouts. For a description of


WPS provisions for crop advisors, see pp. 74-80.


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 
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, 

• acting as a flagger, 

• 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 
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 Handlers who are 

or loading). currently certified as 

Examples: applicators of 

• You are a handler if you are loading unopened water-soluble packets into a restricted-use pesticides 

mixing tank (because you are mixing and loading the pesticide). must be given all of the 

• You are not a handler if you: WPS handler 

– purchase pesticides and transport them unopened to an establishment. protections, except that – carry unopened containers into a pesticide storage facility.	 they need not receive – transport unopened containers to the site where they are to be mixed, loaded, 

or applied.	 WPS training. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 11 
WHICH PESTICIDE USES ARE COVERED? 

Most pesticide uses involved in the production of agricultural plants on a farm, forest, 

nursery, or greenhouse are covered by the WPS. This includes pesticides used on plants, 

and pesticides used on the soil or planting medium the plants are (or will be) grown in. 

Both general-use and restricted-use pesticides are covered by the WPS. You will know 

that the product is covered by the WPS if you see the following statement in the 

Directions for Use section of the pesticide labeling: 

“AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS 

Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker 

Protection Standard, 40 CFR 170. This standard contains requirements for the 

protection of agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses, 

and handlers of agricultural pesticides. It contains requirements for training, 

decontamination, notification, and emergency assistance. It also contains specific 

instructions and exceptions pertaining to the statements on this label about 

personal protective equipment, notification of workers, and restricted-entry 

intervals.” 

If you are using a pesticide product with labeling that refers to the Worker Protection 

Standard, you must comply with the WPS. Otherwise, you will be in violation of federal 

law, since it is illegal to use a pesticide product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. 

12 
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-ofway, 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, Pesticides used on sod 

• as attractants or repellents in traps, farms are covered by the 

• on the portions of agricultural plants that have been harvested, such as in WPS.


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 Direct injection does not 

applied by direct injection are covered by the WPS and must receive handler protections. include chemigation, 

soil incorporation, soil 

injection, hack and 

squirt, or frill and spray. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 13 
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 for 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: 

Handler employers are people who: 

• 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 
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. 

Labeling Overrides WPS 

If the pesticide product labeling contains specific instructions or requirements 

that conflict with the requirements of the Worker Protection Standard, follow the 

instructions or requirements on the labeling. For example, some pesticide 

labeling may: 

• prohibit any early-entry activity, including short-term and emergency 

tasks, 

• allow an early-entry activity that the WPS does not allow, 

• require the use of personal protective equipment even if closed systems 

are used for mixing and loading. 

Exceptions to Labeling Statements 

The WPS allows 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 warnings and posting treated areas). The WPS statements 

in the Agricultural Use Requirements box on the product labeling will tell you 

that the WPS contains these exceptions. 

Most states and tribes 

enforce under their own 

laws and regulations 

and have their own 

penalties, which may 

differ from federal 

penalties. Pesticiderelated ordinances and 

associated penalties 

may also be imposed by 

local governments. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 15 
16
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
18
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS UNIT 3 

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 pesticidespecific 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 
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS 

PESTICIDE SAFETY TRAINING 

UNIT 3 

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 WPSpermitted 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 
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS UNIT 3 

Content of Training 

The pesticide safety training materials for workers and handlers must be either: 

• WPS training materials developed by EPA, 

or 

• equivalent material that contains at least the concepts listed in Criteria for 

Worker and Handler Training, p. 87, 89. 

Verification of Training 

If you make sure that a handler has an EPA-approved WPS handler training card or that 

a worker has an EPA-approved WPS worker or handler training card, the person does not 

have to be retrained unless you are aware, or have reason to know, that the card is invalid. 

A WPS training card is invalid if you, the employer: 

• 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 discrimination on the basis 

of national origin. Such discrimination is actionable under Title VII of the Civil 

Rights Act of 1964 or the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). 

If you want information about your responsibilities under Title VII of the Civil 

Rights Act of 1964, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission. For details about IRCA anti-discrimination provisions, contact the 

Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, U.S. 

Department of Justice. 

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 23 
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 EarlyEntry 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. 

DECONTAMINATION SUPPLIES 

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 restrictedentry 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 

handlers’ garments are contaminated and need to be removed right away. 

24 
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS UNIT 3 

Recommendation: How Much Water Should Be Provided? 

Obviously, running water meets the requirement. However, if it is not available, 

use the following guidelines. 

• Workers: At least 1 gallon of water is recommended for each worker 

using the supplies. If you find that 1 gallon per worker is inadequate to 

last for the entire work period, provide more water or replenish the water 

as needed during the work period. 

• Handlers: At least 3 gallons of water is recommended for each handler 

using the supplies. If you find that 3 gallons per handler is inadequate to 

last for the entire work period, provide more water or replenish 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 
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 
WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS UNIT 3 

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	 Employers can “make 

• from a labor camp located on the establishment.	 transportation 2. Promptly make emergency transportation available to take the handler to an available” by: emergency medical facility able to provide treatment:  taking the employee 

• from the agricultural establishment, or to the emergency • from another handling site, such as a commercial handling establishment or an 

airport hangar.	 medical facility, or 

Emergency Information

 calling an 

Provide to the worker or handler or to treating medical personnel, promptly upon emergency vehicle, 

request, any obtainable information on: such as an 

ambulance, or 

• product name, EPA registration number, and active ingredients for any product(s) 

to which the person may have been exposed,  making sure the 

• antidote, first aid, statement of practical treatment and other medical or employee has a ride 

emergency information from the product labeling, to the medical 

• description of the way the pesticide was being used, and facility with someone 

• circumstances of the worker’s or handler’s exposure to the pesticide. else. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 27 
28
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
30
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4 

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

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 31 
32
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

NOTICE ABOUT APPLICATIONS 

UNIT 4 

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 33 
Posted Warning Signs

Signs meeting these Use WPS-design signs when you post warnings at entrances to treated areas. For a requirements should be detailed description, see Requirements for Warning Signs, p. 85. 

available commercially. 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 

For a detailed basis, you may post the entire area at the same time. Worker entry, except for early entry 

description, see permitted by the WPS, is prohibited for the entire area while the signs are posted. 

Requirements for 4. Design and Size 

Warning Signs, p. 85. • Each warning sign must look 

like this: 

Exception: 

As an option, you may use warning 

signs that replace the Spanish 

words with the same words in Red 

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. 

34 
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 

Required Height in Inches 

Maximum 

Distance 

Between 

Circle Graphic Signs*

Lettering for 

Words 

“DANGER” & 

“PELIGRO” 

Lettering for 

Other Words 

7" x 8" 

(approx.) 

3" 7/8" 1/2" 50 feet 

4 1/2" x 5" 

(approx.) 

1 1/2" 7/16" 1/4" 25 feet 

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 11⁄2 inches in 

diameter do not meet 

WPS sign requirements. 

* 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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 35 
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. 41 and 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: 

• 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 
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 pesticidetreated 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 Avoiding contact by 

during an REI if they will not touch or be touched by any pesticide residues, including: using personal 

• on plants, including both agricultural plants and weeds, protective equipment 

• on or in soil or planting medium, does not qualify as no­

• in water, such as irrigation water or water standing in drainage ditches or contact early entry. 

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.


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 
38
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4 

PART B 

SPECIAL APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS IN 

NURSERIES AND GREENHOUSES 

The WPS requires additional restrictions during some pesticide applications in nurseries 

and greenhouses. This part describes those restrictions. 

Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries ...................... 41

Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses .................. 43

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 39 
40
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

SPECIAL APPLICATION 

RESTRICTIONS IN NURSERIES 

UNIT 4 

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 offlimits during the application. 

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. 

or 

(b) Applied as a: 

 Fumigant, or 

 Smoke, or 

 Mist, or 

 Fog, or 

 Aerosol. 

Pesticide-treated area plus 100 feet in all 

directions on the nursery. 

2. (a) Applied downward using: 

 A height of greater than 12 

inches from the planting 

medium; or 

 A fine spray; or 

 A spray pressure greater than 40 

pounds per square inch and less 

than 150 pounds per square inch. 

or 

(b) Under circumstances other than 

(1)(a) or (1)(b) or (2)(a) above but 

for which the pesticide labeling 

requires the applicator to wear a 

respirator. 

Pesticide-treated area plus 25 feet in all 

directions on the nursery. 

3. In any other manner. Pesticide-treated area. 

42 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 43 
Table II

Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses 

Entire enclosed area.Entire enclosed area.Pesticide-treated area plus 25 feetin all directions within the entireenclosed area.Pesticide-treated area. 

COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C 

When a Pesticide Workers and Other Until: 

Is Applied: Persons Are Prohibited in: 

1.	 As a fumigant. Entire greenhouse plus any The ventilation criteria on the

adjacent structure that cannot be previous page are met.sealed off from the treated area. 

2.	 As a The ventilation criteria on the

previous page are met. • Smoke, or 

• Mist, or • Fog, or • Aerosol. 

The ventilation criteria on the 3.	

than in 1 or 2) for which the

Under circumstances (other

previous page are met.

pesticide labeling requires theapplicator to wear a respirator.

Application is complete. 4.	 Other than in 1, 2, or 3, but:

• From a height of greater

than 12 in. from theplanting medium, or

• As a fine spray, or• Using a spray pressure

greater than 40 pounds persquare inch. 

Application is complete. 5.	 In any other manner. 

COLUMN D

After the Expiration of

Time in Column C Until

the Restricted-Entry

Interval Expires, the

Entry-Restricted Area Is:

No entry restrictions after criteriain column C are met.Entire enclosed area is the treatedarea.Pesticide-treated area.Pesticide-treated area.Pesticide-treated area. 

44 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4

PART C 

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 
46
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

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 

UNIT 4 

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 limitedcontact 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. 

For additional 

protections that must be 

provided to workers 

who do limited-contact 

early-entry tasks, see 

pages 52-56. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 47 
Could not have been 

foreseen means that 

when you made the 

pesticide application, 

you could not have 

anticipated the 

circumstances that led 

to the need to perform 

limited-contact tasks. 

For example, you do not 

qualify if you knew that 

you would need to enter 

the treated area to 

perform routine 

watering during the 

restricted-entry interval. 

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 

restricted-entry interval is over, provided all the following conditions are met: 

• the early-entry tasks do not involve hand labor (see definition in the shaded box 

on p. 47), and 

• the early-entry tasks will not cause workers to have more than minimal contact 

with treated surfaces, and 

• contact with treated surfaces will be limited to the workers’ feet, lower legs, 

hands, and forearms, and 

• the need for the early-entry could not have been foreseen, and 

• if the early-entry tasks are delayed, the delay would cause significant economic 

loss, and there are no alternative practices that would prevent the loss, and 

• the pesticide product’s Agricultural Use Requirement box does not contain the 

following “double notification” statement: “Notify workers of the application by 

warning them orally and by posting warning signs at entrances to treated area,” 

and 

• the pesticide product does not contain a restriction prohibiting any person, other 

than an appropriately trained and equipped handler, from entering during the 

restricted-entry interval. 

You 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 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 49 
Summary of Early Entry Requirements 

Type of Early Entry 

WPS Provision 

or Requirement 

No Contact 

(see p. 37) 

Short-Term 

(see p. 47) 

Limited Contact 

(see p. 48) 

Agricultural 

Emergency 

(see p. 49) 

Entry during application 

(entry by workers during 

application is never 

acceptable) 

no entry no entry no entry no entry 

Entry before inhalation 

exposure level or 

ventilation criteria have 

no entry no entry no entry no entry 

been met 

Entry during first 

4 hours after application 

is complete 

entry permitted no entry no entry no entry 

Need for early entry 

could have been 

entry permitted entry permitted no entry no entry 

anticipated 

Need for early entry 

could not have been

anticipated 

entry permitted entry permitted entry permitted 

(if other triggers

are met, see p. 48) 

entry permitted 

(if other triggers 

are met, see p. 49) 

Entry is not an 

economic necessity 

entry permitted entry permitted no entry no entry 

Entry is an economic 

necessity

entry permitted entry permitted entry permitted 

 (if other triggers

are met, see p. 48) 

entry permitted 

(if other triggers 

are met, see p. 49) 

Hours of entry 

permitted per day 

no limit 1 hour 8 hours no limit 

Hand labor tasks 

permitted? 

yes no no yes 

Pesticide safety training 

(worker) provided? 

yes yes 

(no 5-day 

grace period) 

yes 

(no 5-day 

grace period) 

yes 

(no 5-day 

grace period) 

Information at central 

location provided? 

yes yes yes yes 

Emergency assistance 

provided? 

yes yes yes yes 

Notice about 

applications provided? 

yes yes yes yes 

Restrictions during 

applications in effect? 

yes yes yes yes 

Instructions related to 

personal protective 

equipment provided? 

no yes yes yes 

50 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4 

Summary of Early Entry Requirements (Cont.) 

Type of Early Entry 

WPS Provision 

or Requirement 

No Contact 

(see p. 37) 

Short-Term 

(see p. 47) 

Limited Contact 

(see p. 48) 

Agricultural 

Emergency 

(see p. 49) 

Labeling information 

and instructions 

provided? 

no yes yes yes 

Early entry 

decontamination 

supplies provided? 

no yes yes yes 

Personal protective 

equipment provided, 

cleaned, and maintained? 

no yes yes yes 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 51 
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 

surfaces of plants. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES 

Protections Required By the Pesticide Labeling 

Provide any protections required by the pesticide labeling for early-entry tasks. 

Required Protections That Are the Same As For Other Workers 

Provide protections that are required for all agricultural workers: 

• 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 
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 
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. 

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 gallon 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. 

Location 

Make sure: 

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 earlyentry 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 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS UNIT 4

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.


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 55 
PPE for 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. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

FOR EARLY-ENTRY WORKERS 

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 pesticidecontaminated 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 
UNIT 5 

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
58
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS 

RESTRICTIONS DURING APPLICATIONS 

AND MONITORING HANDLERS 

UNIT 5 

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. 

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. 26). 

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 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS UNIT 5

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 chemicalresistant 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 pesticidecontaminated areas. 

62 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS UNIT 5

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. 

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 earlyentry 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 nonPPE 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 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS UNIT 5

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.


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 
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS UNIT 5

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 
68
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
70
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: Immediate family 

You do not qualify for the agricultural owner exemptions if:	 includes only spouse, 

children, stepchildren, 

1. you have rented out or leased out your farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse foster children, parents, to another person and you have no part in the management or profit/loss from stepparents, foster it. The person to whom you have rented or leased your property is the 

“owner” for the purposes of the WPS. parents, brothers, and 

sisters. 

2. you are hired to operate a farm, forest, nursery, or greenhouse, but the


person who owns the property makes some of the decisions as to the


management of it or shares in the profit/loss from it.


The WPS does not allow any exemptions for owners of commercial pesticide handling 

establishments or for persons who operate or manage, but do not own, an agricultural 

establishment. 

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 
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 restrictedentry 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-handlabor) 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 

• Follow any other restrictions specified in the pesticide labeling for early 

entry. 

72 
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 

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

The WPS requires employers to provide certain protections to their employees who are 

working as crop advisors. 

Crop advisor 

Any person who is assessing pest numbers or damage, pesticide distribution, 

or the status, condition, or requirements of agricultural plants. The term does 

not include any person who is performing hand labor tasks, such as weeding, 

planting, cultivating, or harvesting. Examples of crop advisors are crop 

consultants, scouts, and integrated pest management monitors. 

Independent or commercial crop advisor 

Any person who is working as a crop advisor and is employed (including 

self-employed) by anyone other than the agricultural establishment on which 

the work is being done. 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, 

• the appropriate decontamination supplies, 

• how to conduct the crop advising tasks safely, 

• the pesticide products and active ingredient(s) 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 UNIT 6

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: 

• 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.


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 75 
Crop advisors may 

enter treated areas 

during an application 

or during a restrictedentry interval if they 

receive handler-type 

protections. 

See p. 74 for definition 

of certified/licensed 

crop advisor. 

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 
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 
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 
Summary of WPS Requirements for Employers of Crop Advisors 

WPS Provision Uncertified and Unlicensed Crop Advisor Certified or Licensed Crop Advisor

Noncommercial (Employed Directly 

 by Ag Establishment) 

Independent (Commercial) Noncommercial (Employed Directly 

by Ag Establishment)

Independent (Commercial)

During

Application 

Information at a YES Central LocationPesticide Safety YES Training & (handler) InformationDecontamination YES Supplies (handler) Emergency YES Assistance (handler) Monitoring YES HandlersSpecial YES Instructions forHandlersDuties YES Related to PPENotice About NO ApplicationsRestrictions NO During and After Applications 

During


REI


YES

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

NO

YESYES

NONO 

After REI


Expires


YES

YES

(worker)

YES

(worker)

YES

(worker)

NO

NO NO


YES
YES 

During


Application


NO 

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

YES 

YESYES


NO
NO 

During


REI


NO 

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

YES

(handler)

NO

YESYES

NONO 

After REI


Expires


NO 

NO 

NO NO 

NO

NO NO 

NONO 

During


Application


Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not 

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not 

applicable

Not 

applicable 

During


REI


YES


YES


(handler)


NO
NO


NO


NO
NO 

NONO 

After REI


Expires


YES


YES


(worker)


NO
NO


NO


NO
NO


YES
YES 

During


Application


Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not 

applicable

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Not 

applicable

Not 

applicable 

During After REI 

REI Expires 

NO NO 

YES NO 

(handler)

NO NO NO NO 

NO NO 

NO NO NO NO 

NO NO NO NO 

80 
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
82
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS APPENDIX A

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 83 
84
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS APPENDIX A

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). 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 85 
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 11⁄2 inches in 

diameter do not meet 

WPS sign requirements. * 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). 

Sign Size 

Required Height in Inches 

Maximum 

Distance 

Between 

Circle Graphic Signs*

Lettering for 

Words 

“DANGER” & 

“PELIGRO” 

Lettering for 

Other Words 

7" x 8" 

(approx.) 

3" 7/8" 1/2" 50 feet 

4 1/2" x 5" 

(approx.) 

1 1/2" 7/16" 1/4" 25 feet 

86 
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS APPENDIX A

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 87 
88
CRITERIA FOR WPS MATERIALS APPENDIX A

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 89 
90
APPENDIX B 

SAMPLE FORMS, FACT 

SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

Appendix B includes a sample Pesticide 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. 

Pesticide 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
92
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, USDA, 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 
94
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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 PPE for you. 

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 

• 1. The clothing and protective equipment items you will be cleaning may have 

pesticides on them. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 95 
RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR CLEANING PPE 

Cleaning Eyewear and Respirators 

Hand-wash reusable respirator facepieces, goggles, face shields, and shielded safety 

glasses, following manufacturer’s instructions. In general, use mild detergent and warm 

water to wash the items thoroughly. Rinse well. Wipe dry, or hang in a clean area to air 

dry. 

Cleaning Other PPE 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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 
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 97 
98
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B 

AGRICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT 

OWNERS & OPERATORS 

Agricultural Establishment Owners and Operators: 

The use 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 1/4 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 
100
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, see p. 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


*If the 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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 101 
102
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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.” 

• 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application information,


location of emergency medical facility) .........................................H-T-C pp. 19-20


• 2. Pesticide safety training for workers .........................................H-T-C pp. 21-23


• 3. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, etc.) ................H-T-C pp. 24-25


• 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) ............H-T-C p. 27


• 5. Restrictions during applications (do not allow workers


in area)...........................................................................................H-T-C pp. 36-37


• 6. Special application restrictions in nurseries...............................H-T-C pp. 41-42


• 7. Special application restrictions in greenhouses .........................H-T-C pp. 43-44


• 8. Restrictions during restricted-entry intervals (and limitations 

on early entry)................................................................................H-T-C pp. 36-37


and 47-56


• 9. Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated


area posting) ...................................................................................H-T-Cpp. 33-35


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 103 
104
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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.” 

• 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application


information, location of emergency medical facility) .....................H-T-C pp. 19-20


• 2. Pesticide safety training for handlers.........................................H-T-C pp. 21-23


• 3. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, change of


clothing, etc.) .................................................................................H-T-C pp. 24-25


• 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) ............H-T-C p. 27


• 5. Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact


anyone directly or through drift) ....................................................H-T-C p. 59


• 6. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides


anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) .........................................H-T-C p. 59


• 7. Specific instructions for handlers (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


• 9. Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE,


and prevent heat illness) ................................................................H-T-C pp. 62-63


• 10. Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems,


enclosed cabs, and open and enclosed cockpits) ............................H-T-C pp. 66-67


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 105 
106
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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


• 2. Decontamination supplies (water, soap, towels, change of


clothing, etc)..................................................................................H-T-C pp. 24-25


• 3. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) ............H-T-C pp. 27


• 4. Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact


anyone directly or through drift) ....................................................H-T-C p. 59


• 5. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides


anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) .........................................H-T-C p. 59


• 6. Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and


how to use application equipment).................................................H-T-C p. 60


• 7. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application


equipment).....................................................................................H-T-C p. 61


• 8. Personal protective equipment (provide, clean, maintain PPE, and


prevent heat illness) .......................................................................H-T-C pp. 62-63


• 9. Exceptions to personal protective equipment (closed systems,


enclosed cabs, and open and enclosed cockpits) ............................H-T-C pp. 66-67


WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 107 
108
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B

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: 

• 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster, application


information, and location of emergency medical facility) .............. H-T-C pp. 19-20


• 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


• 4. Emergency assistance (transportation and information) ............ H-T-C p. 27


• 5. Notice about applications (oral warnings and treated area posting) . H-T-C p. 33-35


• 6. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides


anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses) ......................................... H-T-C p. 59


• 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


• 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


• 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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 109 
110
SAMPLE FORMS, FACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS APPENDIX B 

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: 

• 1. Basic pesticide safety information in a manner that the untrained workers can 

understand, such as through written materials, oral communication, or other means. 

• 2. Verification that you provided the workers with the required basic pesticide safety 

information. 

• 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). 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 111 
112
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 Types of Personal Protective Material 

Pesticide 

Label 

Barrier 

Laminate 

Butyl 

Rubber 

≥ 14 mils 

Nitrile 

Rubber 

≥ mils 

Neoprene 

Rubber 

≥ 14 mils 

Natural 

Rubber 

≥14 mils 

Polyethelene Polyvinyl 

Chloride 

(PVC) 

≥14 mils 

Viton 

≥14 mils 

A (a dry and 

water-based 

formulation) 

high high high high high high high high 

B high high slight slight none slight slight slight 

C high high high high moderate moderate high high 

D high high moderate moderate none none none slight 

E high slight high high slight none moderate high 

F high high high moderate slight none slight high 

G high slight slight slight none none none high 

H high slight slight slight none none none 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 
114
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” (EPA 750-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 ILLNESSES AND FIRST AID MEASURES 

Chart taken from EPA’s “A Guide to Heat Stress in Agriculture” (EPA 750-B-92-001) 

Illness Signs and Symptoms Cause and Problem Treatment 

Early heat illness  Mild dizziness, 

fatigue, or irritability; 

decreased 

concentration; impaired 

judgement 

 Reduced flow of 

blood to the brain 

 May lead to heat 

exhaustion or heat 

stroke 

 Loosen or remove 

clothing 

 Rest in shade 30 

minutes or more 

 Drink water 

Heat rash 

“prickly heat” 

 Tiny, blister-like 

red spots on the skin; 

pricking sensations 

 Commonly found 

on clothed areas of the 

body 

 Sweat glands 

become plugged and 

inflamed from 

unrelieved exposure of 

skin to heat, humidity, and sweat 

 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 

Heat cramps  Painful spasms of 

leg, arm, or abdominal 

muscles 

 Heavy sweating, 

thirst 

 Occurs during or 

after hard work 

 Loss of body salt in 

sweat 

 May be totally 

disabling 

 Loosen clothing 

 Drink lightly salted 

beverages 

 Massage 

 Rest 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 115 
HEAT ILLNESS AND

FIRST AID MEASURES (cont.)

Illness Signs and Symptoms Cause and Problem Treatment 

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 

99.5–101.3 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 

 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 

 Removal 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 proven 

otherwise  Loosen or remove 

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 

Heat stroke 

Immediate Treatment 

Required 

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 

 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 

 Move to a shaded 

area  Remove outer 

clothing/shoes  Immediately wrap in 

wet 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 
APPENDIX C 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO 

THE WORKER PROTECTION 

STANDARD 

Including All Revisions Through 2004 

(Large Print Version) 
118
Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard APPENDIX C 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO 

THE WORKER PROTECTION 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 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 119 
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 
Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard APPENDIX C 

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 121 
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) (pp 41-42, 43-45) 

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 ......................................................... (p. 33)

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 ................................................................... (p. 35)

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. 

122 
Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard APPENDIX C 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR 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......................................................... (p. 62)

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. 

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 123 
Care of PPE ..................................................................... (p. 62)

1.	 Store and wash used PPE separately from other clothing and laundry. 

2. If PPE will be reused, clean it before each day of reuse, according to the instructions 

from the PPE manufacturer unless the pesticide labeling specifies other requirements. If 

there are no other 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 ................................. (p. 63)

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 ................................................................. (p. 63)

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 ................................... (p. 63)

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. 

124 
C 

INDEX 

A 

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, 53 74, 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 

D 

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 

E 

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 

F 

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 
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 

G 

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 

L 

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 

O 

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 

P 

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 
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 sign 

protective eyewear 25, 48, 55, 62, 64, 

66, 67 See also personal protective 

equipment 

Q 

quick reference guide 3, 117, 119 

large print version 117 

R 

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 

S 

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 

T 

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 

treated area posting 3, 103, 109, 121 

See also notification 

U 

uncertified crop advisor 78 

unlicensed crop advisor 75, 79, 80 

V 

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 

WPS — How to Comply Manual as Revised 2005 127 
128
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (MC 7506C)


1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20460


EPA/735-B-05-002


September 2005


www.epa.gov/agriculture