# How T **o Comply**  **W ith the W**  **orker Protection S t** 

**andard For Agricultural**  **Pesticides What Employers Need T**  **o Know**  Revised September 2005 Reprinted June 2006

# THE IMPOR T

ANCE OF THIS MANUAL Regulatory agencies will enforce the requirements of the federal W orker Protection S tandard (Code of Federal Regulations, T itle 40, Part 170) when you use a pesticide product with labeling that refers to the W orker Protection S tandard. If you do not comply with the W orker Protection S tandard 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 W orker Protection S tandard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides, 40 CFR part 170, as published in 1992 and as amended in 1995, 1996, and 2004. EP A

may issue additional guidance about the W orker Protection S tandard and the W o rker Protection S tandard may be amended in the future. Check with your state or tribal agency responsible for pesticides for further information and updates. This 2005 updated W orker Pr otection S tandar d for Agricultural Pesticides — How T o Comply Manual , EP A

735-B-05-002 supersedes the 1993 version, EP A

735-B-93-001. Changes to the W orker Protection S tandard have made the 1993 version obsolete and its continued use may lead an employer to be out of compliance with this regulation. Additional W orker Protection Requirements in Y our 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 W orker Protection S tandard. Material Appended to the Manual S tates, 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?

Y

ou 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 -hir e) pesticide applicator or independent cr op 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: W orker 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). Y ou 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. • Y ou 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 r estricted-use pesticides ar e cover ed by the WPS.

ii

# ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This “How T o 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 W orker Protection S tandard, follow the instructions or r equir ements on the labeling

. For example, some pesticide labeling may:
• Prohibit any early-entry activity , including short-term and emer gency 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 T O LABELING ST A

TEMENTS The WPS allows certain exceptions to three specific pesticide labeling requirements: personal pr otective equipment (p. 62) , r estricted-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
r estricted-entr y inter val is permitted only in a few strictly limited cir cumstances; see Early Entry , p. 47

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 iiiFor mor e information about the W orker Protection S tandard, or if you have questions or concerns about pesticides, contact the agency responsible for regulating pesticides in your area or the EP A

Regional Of fice nearest you. EP

A

Headquarters EP

A

Office of P esticide Progr ams U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 P ennsylvania A ve., N.W

. W

ashington, D.C. 20460 www .epa.gov/pesticides EP

A

National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center 901 North 5th Street Kansas City , KS 66101 (888) 663-2155 www .epa.gov/agriculture EP

A

Office of Compliance U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 P ennsylvania A ve., N.W

. W

ashington, D.C. 20460 (202) 564-2280 www.epa.gov/compliance EP

A

Regions Region 1 (MA, CT , RI, NH, VT , ME) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 1 P esticides P rogram (CPT) Office of Ecosystem P rotection 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 P rotection Agency , R

egion 2 P esticide T eam MS-500 2890 W oodbridge A ve., Building #5 Edison, NJ 08837 (908) 321-6769 www .epa.gov/pesticides/local/region2/index.htm Region 3 (P A, MD, V A, WV , DE) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 3 W

aste and Chemicals Management Division Mail Code 3WC00 1650 Arch St. P hiladelphia, P A

19103-2029 (800) 438-2474 www .epa.gov/reg3wcmd/pesticides.htm Region 4 (GA, NC, SC, AL, MS, KY , FL, TN) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 4 P esticides 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 P rotection Agency , R

egion 5 P esticide P rogram Section (DT -8J) 77 W est Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 353-2192 www .epa.gov/reg5rcra/ptb/pest/ Region 6 (TX, OK, AR, LA, NM) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 6 P esticides P rogram 6PD-P 1445 R oss A ve., 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 P rotection Agency , R

egion 7 P esticide Branch (PEST) 501 N. 5 th St. Kansas City , KS 66101 (913) 551-7033 www .epa.gov/R egion7/pesticides/index.htm Region 8 (CO, MT , ND, SD, UT , WY) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 8 P esticide P rogram (8P-P3T) 999 18 th St., Suite 300 Denver , CO 80202-2466 (800) 227-8917 www .epa.gov/R egion8/toxics_pesticides/pests/ pesthome.html Region 9 (CA, NV , AZ, HI, GU) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 9 P esticides Section (CED-5) 75 Hawthorne St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 947-8704 www .epa.gov/pesticides/local/region9/index.htm Region 10 (W A, OR, ID, AK) U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency , R

egion 10 P esticides Unit (ECO-084) 1200 Sixth A v e . Seattle, W A

98101-1128 (206) 553-1918 yosemite.epa.gov/R10/ECOCOMM.NSF/webpage/ P esticides

ivHelpful W eb Sites
EP A

Of fice of Pesticide Programs W orker Protection S tandard page: www .epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/workers.htm EP A

Of fice of Pesticide Programs Agricultural W orker Protection S tandard 40 CFR Parts 156 & 170 Interpretive Policy Questions and Answers www .epa.gov/pesticides/safety/workers/wpsinterpolicy .htm EP A Ag Center W orker Protection S tandard page: www .epa.gov/agriculture/twor .html EP A Ag Center W orker Protection S tandard publications page: www .epa.gov/agriculture/awor .html Directory of S tate Regulators aapco.ceris.purdue.edu/htm/directories.htm S tate Pesticide Educators Directory www .ipmcenters.or g/contacts/PSEPdirectory .cfm

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 vviWPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 vii 

## June 200 6 

# How T **o Comply**  **W ith the W**  **orker Protection S t** 

**andard For Agricultural**  **Pesticides What Employers Need T**  **o Know** 

• 

## F arms
 

## F orests

• 

## Nurseries

• 

## Greenhousesviii

# CONTENTS

Unit 1 — Quick Reference Guide
............................................. 1 Unit 2 — An Introduction to the W orker Protection Standard
........... 5 What Is The W orker P rotection Standard?

......................................... 7 Does the W orker P rotection Standard Apply to Y o u?

.............................. 9 Who Does the WPS P rotect?

....................................................... 1 0 Which P esticide Uses Are Covered?

............................................... 1 2 Which P esticide Uses Are Not Covered?

.......................................... 1 3 Who Must P rotect W orkers and Handlers?

....................................... 1 4 

### Unit 3 — What Employers Must Do for Both W orkers and Handlers
. . . 1 7 Information at a Central Location

................................................ 1 9 P esticide Safety T raining

........................................................... 2 1 Decontamination Supplies

......................................................... 2 4 Employer Information Exchange

.................................................. 2 6 Emergency Assistance

.............................................................. 2 7 

### Unit 4 — F urther Requirements for Employers of W orkers
............ 29 P art A – P rotections for All Agricultural W orkers

................................ 3 1 Notice About Applications

..................................................... 3 3 R

estrictions During and After Applications

................................... 3 6 P art B – Special Application R estrictions in Nurseries and Greenhouses

...... 3 9 Special Application R estrictions in Nurseries

................................ 4 1 Special Application R estrictions in Greenhouses

............................ 4 3 P art C – Early Entry

................................................................. 4 5 Early-Entry W ork Situations

.................................................... 4 7 General P rotections for Early-Entry W orkers

................................ 5 2 T

r aining and Instructions for Early-Entry W orkers

........................... 5 3 Decontamination Supplies for Early-Entry W orkers

. . . . ..................... 5 4 P ersonal P rotective Equipment for Early-Entry W orkers

................... 5 6 

### UNIT 5—F urther Requirements for Employers of Handlers
............ 57 R

estrictions During Applications and Monitoring Handlers

..................... 5 9 Specific Instructions for Handlers

................................................ 6 0

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 ixEquipment Safety

.................................................................. 6 1 P ersonal P rotective Equipment (PPE)

............................................ 6 2 Exceptions to PPE R equirements

................................................. 6 6 

### Unit 6 — Owner Exemptions and Crop Adv isors
.......................... 69 Agricultural Owner Exemptions

................................................... 7 1 P rotections for Crop Advisors

..................................................... 7 4 

### APPENDIX A — Criteria for WPS Materials
................................. 81 APPENDIX B — Sample F orms, F act Sheets and Checklists
............. 91 Appendix C — Quick Reference Guide to the W orker Protection Standard
......................................................... 117 Index
.......................................................................... 125

x

# UNIT 1 

# QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

This 2-page Quick Reference Guide to the W orker Protection S tandard 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 lar ge-print version of the same text, see Appendix C.2QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 3DUTIES FORALLEMPLOYERSAnti-Retaliation...............................................(p. 15)6.Do not putworkerdecontamination supplies in areas being treatedDo not retaliate against a worker or handler who attempts to complyor under an REI.with theWPS7.In areas being treated, put decontamination supplies forhandlersinInformation 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•EPAWPS safety poster,sure the operator of the agricultural establishment where a pesticide will•name, address, and telephone number of the nearest emergencybe 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, EPAregistration number, active ingredient(s), and(REI)]:REI,–product name, EPAregistration number, and active•whether the product label requires both oral warnings and treatedingredient(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 allow2.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 agriculturalposted 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 SafetyTraining..............................(pp. 21-23)establishment,Unless they possess a valid EPA-approved training card, trainhandlers•restrictions on entering those areas.and workersbefore 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 EPAWPS handler training materials for training handlers,pesticides:•use EPAWPS worker training materials for training workers,1. Promptly make transportation available to an appropriate medical•have a certified applicator conduct the training orally and/orfacility.audiovisually in a manner the employees can understand, using2. Promptly provide to the victim and to medical personnel:easily understood terms, and respond to questions.•product name, EPAregistration 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 andfor 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.Providehandlersthe 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 GUIDETOTHEWORKERPROTECTION STANDARD(WPS) INCLUDINGALLREVISIONS THROUGH2004TheWPS is a federal regulationdesigned to protectagriculturalworkers(people involved in theproduction of agricultural plants)andpesticide handlers(peoplemixing, loading, or applyingpesticides or doing other tasksinvolving direct contact withpesticides) (see p. 10).The guideon these two pages presents themaximumWPS 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 1Restrictions DuringApplications(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 levelis 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 allowworkersto 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)NoticeAboutApplications(p. 33)1.Orally warn workersandpost treated areas ifthe pesticide labeling requires.2.Otherwise,eitherorally warn workers or postentrances to treated areas.Tell workers whichmethod 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 FORWORKER EMPLOYERSADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR HANDLER EMPLOYERSApplication Restrictions and Monitoring..................(p. 59)Care of PPE..........................................................(p. 62)1. Do not allow handlers to apply a pesticide so that it contacts, directly1.Store and wash used PPE separately from other clothing andor through drift, anyone other than trained and PPE-equipped handlers.laundry.2. Make sight or voice contact at least every 2 hours with anyone2.If PPE will be reused, clean it before each day of reuse, according tohandling pesticides labeled with a skull and crossbones.the instructions from the PPE manufacturer unless the pesticide3. Make sure a trained handler equipped with labeling-specified PPElabeling specifies other requirements.If there are no other instructions,maintains constant voice or visual contact with any handler in awash in detergent and hot water.greenhouse who is doing fumigant-related tasks, such as application or3.Dry the clean PPE before storing, or hang to dry.air-level monitoring.4.Store clean PPE away from other clothing and away from pesticideSpecific Instructions for Handlers.........................(p. 60)areas.1. Before handlers do any handling task, inform them, in a manner theyReplacing 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 entirewhen breathing becomes difficult,handling task.when filter is damaged or torn,3. Before handlers use any assigned handling equipment, tell them howwhen respirator label or pesticide label requires (whichever isto 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 otherinform them beforehand of:instructions or indications.areas on the establishment where pesticides will be applied or2.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 otherinstructions or indications.1. Inspect pesticide handling equipment before each use, and repair orreplace 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 heavilyclean, or adjust pesticide equipment that contains pesticides orcontaminated with undiluted pesticide having a “DANGER” orresidues.“WARNING” signal word.2.Follow federal, state, and local laws when disposing of PPE thatPersonal 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 thethat 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 T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD

What Is the W orker Protection Standard?
............................ 7 Does the W orker Protection Standard Apply to Y ou?
................ 9 Who Does the WPS Protect?
........................................... 1 0 Which P esticide Uses Are Covered?
.................................. 1 2 Which P esticide Uses Are Not Covered?
............................. 1 3 Who Must Protect W orkers and Handlers?
.......................... 1 46

## UNIT 2 AN INTRODUCTION T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD


# WHA T IS THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD?
The W orker Protection S tandard (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. 

### INFORMA TION T

o 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 T

o ensure that employees will be protected from exposures to pesticides, the WPS requires employers to:
 pr ohibit handlers fr om applying a pesticide in a way that will expose workers or other persons ,  exclude workers fr om ar eas being tr eated with pesticides,  exclude workers fr om ar eas that r emain under a r estricted-entr y interval (REI) , with narrow exceptions.  pr otect early-entr y 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  pr otect handlers during handling tasks , including monitoring while handling highly toxic pesticides, and duties related to correct use of PPE. 

### MITIGA TION T

o 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 emer gency 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 7These key terms have very specific meanings in the WPS. Note that these definitions may be differ ent fr om definitions found in other state and federal laws and r egulations. T erms Y ou Need to Know These definitions will help you determine whether you are af fected by the W orker Protection S tandard.

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. For ests : Operations that produce agricultural plants outdoors for wood fiber or timber products. Gr eenhouses: Operations that produce agricultural plants indoors in an area that is enclosed with nonporous covering and that is lar ge 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 of fice 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

## UNIT 2 AN INTRODUCTION T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD


# DOES THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD APPL Y TO YOU?

Y

ou need the information in this manual if:
 Y ou own or manage a farm, for est, nursery , or gr eenhouse wher e pesticides ar e used in the pr oduction 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 .” Y

ou 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.

 Y ou hir e 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.  Y ou 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.

 Y ou operate a business in which you (or people you employ) perform tasks as a cr op 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 ar e in any of these categories, you must comply with the Envir onmental Pr otection Agency’ s W orker Pr otection S tandard (40 CFR, par t 170) including all r evisions thr ough 2004.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 9Under 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.

10AN INTRODUCTION T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD 

## 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 ar e or loading). cur r ently cer tified as Examples: applicators of • Y ou are a handler if you are loading unopened water -soluble packets into a r estricted-use pesticides mixing tank (because you are mixing and loading the pesticide). must be given all of the • Y ou are not a handler if you: WPS handler

– purchase pesticides and transport them unopened to an establishment. p r otections, except that

– carry unopened containers into a pesticide storage facility

. they need not r eceive

– 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. Y ou 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: “AGRICUL TURAL USE REQUIREMENTS Use this pr oduct only in accordance with its labeling and with the W orker Pr otection S tandard, 40 CFR 170. This standard contains r equir ements for the pr otection of agricultural workers on farms, for ests, nurseries, and gr eenhouses, and handlers of agricultural pesticides. It contains r equir ements for training, decontamination, notification, and emergency assistance. It also contains specific instructions and exceptions pertaining to the statements on this label about personal pr otective equipment, notification of workers, and r estricted-entr y intervals.” If you are using a pesticide product with labeling that refers to the W orker Protection S tandard, 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.

12AN INTRODUCTION T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD 

## 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 cover ed 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 Dir ect 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 squir t, or frill and spray

.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 13Compensation includes pay or wages, payment thr ough ser vices or goods, or barter of services or goods. If only one person
r eceives payment for the joint work of several people, all ar e consider ed to be compensated, and ar e employees under the WPS. For example, under a piece-rate payment system for har vesting cr ops, even if payment is issued to the head of the family only , all of the family members who harvest
cr

ops ar e consider ed 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 W orker Employers: W

orker 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 • ar e 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 Y ou Employ Superv isors Y

ou 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 ar e r esponsible for making sure that all those duties are performed.

14AN INTRODUCTION T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD 

## UNIT 2

Retaliation Prohibited Y

ou 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

. P enalties for Noncompliance Agricultural and handler employers can be subject to civil and criminal penalties if found not complying with the federal W orker Protection S tandard 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 char ges, 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 of fense 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 W orker Protection S tandard, follow the instructions or r equir ements on the labeling

. For example, some pesticide labeling may:
• prohibit any early-entry activity , including short-term and emer gency 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 pr otective equipment (p. 62) , r estricted-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 enfor ce under their own laws and r egulations and have their own penalties, which may differ fr om federalpenalties. Pesticider elated or dinances and associated penalties may also be imposed by local governments.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 1516

# UNIT 3 

# WHA T 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 Centr al Location
.................................... 1 9 P esticide Safety T r

aining
.............................................. 2 1 Decontamination Supplies
............................................ 2 4 Employer Information Exchange
..................................... 2 6 Emergency Assistance
................................................. 2 718WHA T

EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS 

## UNIT 3


# INFORMA TION AT A CENTRAL LOCA TION
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker 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, EP A

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 emer gency medical facility

. 3. A pesticide safety poster , which must be either the WPS safety poster developed by EP A

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 ef fect. The information may be displayed continuously

. Commercial pesticide handler employers do not need to display this information on the
commer cial pesticide handling establishment.

If the pesticide is not applied as scheduled, you must display the
corr ected time and date befor e the application takes place. If you ar e unable to make the
cor r ection befor e the application takes place, make it as soon as possible ther eafter

.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 19Earlier display: If you post WPS warning signs at tr eated ar eas, youmust display pesticidespecific information at the central location no later than the time when the warning signs ar e posted. T iming 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 befor e 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 , emer gency 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 emer gency medical facilities and update the emer gency information listed with the poster

.

20WHA T

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. W orker 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 Prov iding Basic P esticide Safety Information to Untr ained W orkers Y

ou 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 ef fect. Y ou 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.

– T o prevent pesticides from entering your body: • Follow directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted areas, • W ash before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the toilet, • W ear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues, • W ash/shower with soap and water , shampoo hair , and put on clean clothes after work, • W ash work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again, • W ash 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. • Y ou 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 T r ained? 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 EP A

’ 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 21Entry during a
r estricted-entr y inter val is permitted only in a few strictly limited cir cumstances. See Early Entr y

, p. 47.

Under the WPS, you may be both a handler and an employer of handlers. How Soon Must They Be T r ained? 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 ef fect. These 5 days of entry need not be consecutive and are not limited to a growing season or calendar year

. Note: Y ou 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 ef fect (see Providing Untrained W orkers Basic Pesticide Safety Information, p. 21). How Often Must Handlers and W orkers Be T r ained? 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 T r aining? 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 T o Conduct T r aining 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.

22WHA T

EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS 

## UNIT 3

Content of T r aining The pesticide safety training materials for workers and handlers must be either:
• WPS training materials developed by EP A, or • equivalent material that contains at least the concepts listed in Criteria for W

orker and Handler T raining, p. 87, 89. V

erification of T r aining If you make sure that a handler has an EP A-approved WPS handler training card or that a worker has an EP A-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). A

voiding 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 T itle 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 T itle 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 ar e
cur r ently cer tified as applicators of
r estricted-use pesticides must be given all of the WPS handler p r

otections, except that they need not r eceive WPS training.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 23The WPS r e quir es that decontamination supplies be pr ovided
r egar dless of the number of employees. Ther e is no exemption for employers with only a few employees.

Note: For early-entry workers who will cont act anything that has been tr eated with the pesticide, the decontamination supply
r equir ements ar e differ ent. See DecontaminationSupplies for EarlyEntr y W orkers, p. 54.

Decontamination and emergency eyeflush water must, at all times when it is available to workers or handlers, be of a quality and temperatur e that will not cause illness or injury when it contacts the skin or eyes or if it is swallowed. 

# DECONT AMINA TION SUPPLIES
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) Handler employers must make sure that decontamination supplies (described below) for washing of f pesticides and pesticide residues are provided to handlers while they are doing handling tasks. W orker employers must make sure that decontamination supplies (described below) for washing of f 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 Prov ided? 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 dif ferent. See Decontamination Supplies for Early-Entry W orkers, p. 54. Supplies Provide workers and handlers with: 1. W ater — enough for:
• routine washing, and • emer gency eyeflushing. If the water is stor ed in a tank, the water must not be used for mixing pesticides, unless the tank is equipped with corr ectly functioning anti-backsiphoning or check valves or other mechanisms (such as air gaps) that pr event pesticides fr om 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 entir e body in case of emer gency , 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

## UNIT 3 WHA T

EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS

Recommendation: How Much W ater Should Be Prov ided? Obviously , running water meets the requirement. However , if it is not available, use the following guidelines.
• W orkers: 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. W orker 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 ef fect), 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 emer gency eyeflush water when the pesticide labeling requires protective eyewear for the handling task being performed. The emer gency 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 T asks 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 25If the pesticide is not applied as scheduled, you must display the
cor r ected time and date befor e the application takes place. If you are unable to make the correction before the application t a kes place, make it as soon as possible thereaf ter
. 

# EMPLOYER INFORMA TION EXCHANGE
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) Employers of commer cial 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, for ests, nurseries, and gr eenhouses (agricultural employers) must make sure that, whenever a commer cial handler will be doing pesticide handling tasks (including tasks as a crop advisor) on their establishment, the commer cial handler ’ s employer knows specific information , described below , concerning treated areas on the agricultural establishment. 

### SPECIFIC DUTIES Information for Establishment Oper ators 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, EP A

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.

26WHA T

EMPLOYERS MUST DO FOR BOTH WORKERS AND HANDLERS 

## UNIT 3


# EMERGENCY ASSIST ANCE
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker employers must provide emer gency 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 emer gency 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 T r ansportation 1. Promptly make emer gency transportation available to take the worker to an emer gency 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 emer gency transportation available to take the handler to an available” by: emer gency medical facility able to provide treatment:  taking the employee • from the agricultural establishment, or to the emer gency • 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 emer gency vehicle, request, any obtainable information on: such as an ambulance, or • product name, EP A

registration number , and active ingredients for any product(s) to which the person may have been exposed,  making sur e the
• antidote, first aid, statement of practical treatment and other medical or employee has a ride
emer gency 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 2728

# UNIT 4 

# FUR THER 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.


### P

A R T

A – Protections for All Agricultur al W orkers
.................. 3 1 P

A R T

B - Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries and Greenhouses
............................................ 3 9 P

A R T

C - Early Entry
.................................................... 4 530FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

## UNIT 4


# PA R T A PROTECTIONS FOR ALL AGRICUL TURAL 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
............................................. 3 3 Restrictions During and After Applications
......................... 3 6

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 3132FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS


# NOTICE ABOUT APPLICA TIONS 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 ef fect. 

### SPECIFIC DUTIES Both Or a l W arnings and P osted 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 tr eated ar eas .” Notification on F arms, F orests, 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. Y ou must inform workers which method of notification is being used. Notification in Greenhouses In greenhouses, you must post all tr eated ar eas , except as described below

. If the pesticide labeling requires both types of notification, you must also notify workers orally

. Exceptions to W orker 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 ef fect, • any worker who will not be in your greenhouse during a pesticide application or while a restricted-entry interval is in ef fect 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. T r eated ar ea 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 ef fect, • no workers will be in the greenhouse during the pesticide application or while the restricted-entry interval is in ef fect 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 33P osted W arning Signs Signs meeting these Use WPS-design signs when you post warnings at entrances to treated areas. For a r equir ements should be detailed description, see Requirements for W arning Signs, p. 85. available commer cially

. 1. Location:
• On farms, for ests, 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 gr eenhouses , 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. T iming and V isibility of W arning 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 Ar eas 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. W orker entry , except for early entry description, see permitted by the WPS, is prohibited for the entire area while the signs are posted. Requir ements for 4. Design and Size W

arning 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 lar gest number of your workers who do not read English. The replacement sign must meet all other requirements for the WPS warning sign.
• Y ou 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

.

34FUR THER 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

Signs* Circle Gr aphic Lettering for W o rds “DANGER” &

“PELIGRO” Lettering for Other W ords 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 wor d

s “DANGER” and “PELIGRO” in letters less than 7/16 inch in height orwith any wor d

s in letters less than 1/4 inch in height orwith the cir cle graphic containing an upraised hand and a stern face less than 11⁄2 inches in diameter do not meet WPS sign r e quir ements.

* 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). Or al W arnings to W orkers 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. T iming : • W orkers who are on your establishment at the start of an application must be orally warned befor e the application takes place

. • W orkers 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 ef fect.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 35Entering either enclosed or outdoor fumigated ar eas to ventilate, r emove tarps or other coverings used in the fumigation, or to
measur e air concentration levels ar e handling tasks , not early entr y

. Only appr opriately trained and equipped handlers can do these tasks. 

# RESTRICTIONS DURING AND AFTER APPLICA TIONS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker employers must take actions, described below , to protect workers and other persons during pesticide applications on agricultural establishments. W orker 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 ar ound 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, emer gency , 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-ENTR Y

INTER V

A L (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 dif ferent REIs depending on the crop or method of application. When two (or more) pesticides are applied at the same time, and have dif ferent 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 dif ferent 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 .” Y ou 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 af filiated with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
36FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

## UNIT 4

NO-CONT ACT EARL Y

ENTR Y If workers will have no contact with anything that has been tr eated with the pesticideto 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 A voiding 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, p r otective 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 entr y

. 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 of fered to other agricultural workers: information at a central location, pesticide safety training for workers, notification, restrictions during applications and during restricted-entry intervals, and emer gency 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 3738FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

## UNIT 4


# PA R T B SPECIAL APPLICA TION 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
...................... 4 1 Special Application Restrictions in Greenhouses
.................. 4 3

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 3940FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS


# SPECIAL APPLICA TION RESTRICTIONS IN NURSERIES UNIT 4

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker 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 T able 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 41T able I Special Application Restrictions in Nurseries COLUMN A While a P esticide Is Being Applied: COLUMN B W orkers and Other P ersons 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

## UNIT 4 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS


# SPECIAL APPLICA TION RESTRICTIONS IN GREENHOUSES
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker 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 T able 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. V

entilation Criteria for Greenhouses 1. After some types of pesticide applications listed in column A of T able 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 sur e 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

– 1 1 hours with no ventilation followed by 1 hour of mechanical ventilation, or

– 1 1 hours with no ventilation followed by 2 hours of passive ventilation, or

– 24 hours with no ventilation. 2. After ventilation criteria ar e met and until the restricted entry interval expires:
• do not allow workers into the treated area (see Column D on T able II), • you may allow workers to enter the areas just outside the treated area that were o f

f-limits during the application.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 43Table IISpecialApplication Restrictions in GreenhousesCOLUMN ACOLUMNBCOLUMNCCOLUMNDWhen a PesticideWorkers and OtherUntil:After the Expiration ofIsApplied:PersonsAreProhibitedin:Time in Column C Untilthe Restricted-EntryInterval Expires, theEntry-Restricted AreaIs:1.As a fumigant.2.Asa•Smoke, or•Mist, or•Fog, or•Aerosol.3.Under circumstances (otherthan in 1 or 2) for which thepesticide labeling requires theapplicator to wear a respirator.4.Other than in 1, 2, or 3, but:•From a height of greaterthan 12 in. from theplanting medium, or•As a fine spray, or•Using a spray pressuregreater than 40 pounds persquare inch.5.In any other manner.Entire greenhouse plus anyadjacent structure that cannot besealed off from the treated area.Entire enclosed area.Entire enclosed area.Pesticide-treated area plus 25 feetin all directions within the entireenclosed area.Pesticide-treated area.The ventilation criteria on theprevious page are met.The ventilation criteria on theprevious page are met.The ventilation criteria on theprevious page are met.Application is complete.Application is complete.No entry restrictions after criteriain column C are met.Entire enclosed area is thetreatedarea.Pesticide-treated area.Pesticide-treated area.Pesticide-treated area.

44

## UNIT 4 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS


# PA R T C EARL Y ENTR Y
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 W ork Situations
........................................... 4 7 Gener al Protections for Early-Entry W orkers
...................... 5 2 T

r

aining and Instructions for Early-Entry W orkers
................ 5 3 Decontamination Supplies for Early-Entry W orkers
............... 5 4 P ersonal Protective Equipment for Early-Entry W orkers
......... 5 6

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 4546FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS


# EARL Y -ENTR Y WORK SITUA TIONS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker employers must not allow their workers to enter treated areas where they will contact treated surfaces, except in a few very limited work situations. W orker 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 emer gency , and • specific tasks approved by EP A

through a formal exception process. Short-term T asks With No Hand Labor W orkers may enter tr eated ar eas befor e the r estricted-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:
• W ait at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is completed before entering the treated area, and • W ait 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 T asks T

asks 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 tr eated
a r

eas.

For additional p r

otections that must be p r

ovided to workers who do short-term early-entry tasks, see pages 52-56.

For additional p r

otections that must be p r

ovided to workers who do limited-contact early-entry tasks, see pages 52-56.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 47Could not have been foreseen means that when you made the pesticide application, you could not have anticipated the cir cumstances 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 tr eated ar ea to perform r outine watering during the
r estricted-entr y inter val. Limited-Contact T asks That Could Not Have Been F o reseen, 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 ar e 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. Y

ou 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 : Y ou 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 ef fect cannot exceed 8 hours in any 24-hour period. Y

ou 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

## UNIT 4 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS

T

asks During An Agricultur al 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 emer gency , if provided with the protections and PPE required for early entry

. Each worker must:
• do only those tasks relating to mitigating the emer gency , 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 emer gency where your establishment is located. Such circumstances may include, for example, flooding, hail, high winds, hurricane, tornado, freeze, or frost. 2. Agricultural Emergency on Y our Establishment Once such an agency has declared that circumstances might cause (or might already have caused) an agricultural emer gency in your area, you must decide if an agricultural emer gency 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 ef fect:
• Y ou could not have anticipated the circumstances that led to the emer gency when you made the pesticide application. For example, you do not qualify if weather forecasts befor e the application warned you that the emer gency was imminent. • Y ou had no control over the circumstances that led to the emer gency . For example, you do not qualify if you for got 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. EP A-Approved Exceptions EP A

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, EP A

will publish them in the Federal Register and intends to inform state and tribal pesticide agencies, the Cooperative Extension Service, af fected commodity , industry , and worker associations, and other interested parties. Check with them or the EP A

of fice 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 49Summary of Early Entry Requirements

T

ype of Early Entr y

WPS Pr ovision or Requir ement No Contact (see p. 37) Shor t-T erm (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? y e s no no y e s
Pesticide safety training (worker) provided? y e s y e s (no 5-day grace period) y e s (no 5-day grace period) y e s (no 5-day grace period) Information at central location provided? y e s y e s y e s y e s

Emer gency assistance provided? y e s y e s y e s y e s

Notice about applications provided? y e s y e s y e s y e s
Restrictions during applications in ef fect? yes y e s y e s y e s

Instructions related to personal protective equipment provided? no y e s y e s y e s

50FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

## UNIT 4

Summary of Early Entry Requirements (Cont.)

T

ype of Early Entr y

WPS Pr ovision or Requir ement No Contact (see p. 37) Shor t-T erm (see p. 47) Limited Contact (see p. 48) Agricultural Emergency (see p. 49) Labeling information and instructions provided? no y e s y e s y e s

Early entry decontamination supplies provided? n o y e s y e s y e s

Personal protective equipment provided, cleaned, and maintained? no y e s y e s y e s

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 51These r e quir ements ar e described in detail in the next several pages. 

# GENERAL PROTECTIONS FOR EARL Y -ENTR Y WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker 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 P esticide Labeling Provide any protections required by the pesticide labeling for early-entry tasks. Required Protections That Are the Same As F or Other W orkers Provide protections that are required for all agricultural workers:
• Information at a central location (p. 19), • Emer gency assistance (p. 27), • Restrictions during applications (p. 36), and • Notice about applications (p. 33). Special Protections F or Early-entry W orkers A

few WPS requirements for early-entry workers dif fer from those for other agricultural workers. Provide special protections to early-entry workers in the following areas:
• T raining and instructions, • Decontamination supplies, and • Personal protective equipment.

52FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS 

## UNIT 4


# TRAINING AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR EARL Y -ENTR Y WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker 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 T

r aining 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 P ersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) Instruct early-entry workers, in a manner they can understand: For definitions of PPE,

• how to put on, use, and take of f early-entry PPE correctly , see page 64.
• 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 1 15. Labeling Information and Instructions Inform early-entry workers, in a manner they can understand, about the safety Option: Y ou may allow information and instructions on the labeling of the pesticide(s) to which the REI applies, workers who will do including: early-entry tasks to
• human hazard statements and precautions, r ead the labeling • first aid, themselves, if they ar e • signs and symptoms of poisoning, able to r ead and • PPE required for early entry , and understand it. • any other precautions or instructions related to safe use or early entry

.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 53Decontamination and emergency eyeflush water must, at all times when it is available to early-entry workers, be of a quality and temperatur e that will not cause illness or injury when it contacts the skin or eyes or if it is swallowed. 

# DECONT AMINA TION SUPPLIES FOR EARL Y -ENTR Y WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker employers must provide their early-entry workers with decontamination supplies for washing of f pesticides and pesticide residues. 

### SPECIFIC DUTIES Supplies Provide early-entry workers with: 1. W ater — enough for:
• routine washing, and • emer gency 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 W ater Should Be Prov ided? Obviously , running water meets the requirement. However , if it is not available, use the following guidelines.
• Early-Entry W orkers: 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

## UNIT 4 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF WORKERS

Emergency Eyeflushing Provide each early-entry worker with at least 1 pint of emer gency eyeflush water when the pesticide labeling requires protective eyewear for early entry

. The emer gency 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 P eriod At the site where early-entry workers take of f 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 55PPE for early-entry activities is listed on the pesticide label in the “Dir ections for Use” section under the heading “Agricultural Use Requir ements.”

See PPE definitions, p. 64.

For an example of what to tell people who clean PPE, see pp. 95-96. 

# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR EARL Y -ENTR Y WORKERS
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES (See Also Specific Duties Section Below) W orker employers must provide their early-entr y 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 P ersonal 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 of f PPE at the end of any exposure period. 5. T ake 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 dif ferent requirements. If there are no such instructions or requirements, wash the PPE thoroughly in deter gent and hot water

. 3. Thoroughly dry the clean PPE before it is stored, or put it in a well-ventilated place to dry

. 4. S tore 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 P ersons Who Clean PPE Inform anyone who cleans or launders PPE:
• that PPE may be contaminated with pesticides, • of the potentially harmful ef fects 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 W

orker Protection S tandard topic page on the Ag Center ’ s W eb site at: http:// www .epa.gov/agriculture/twor .html 56

# UNIT 5 

# FUR THER 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
....... 5 9 Specific Instructions for Handlers
.................................... 6 0 Equipment Safety
...................................................... 6 1 P e rsonal Protective Equipment
...................................... 6 2 Exceptions to PPE Requirements
.................................... 6 658FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS


# RESTRICTIONS DURING APPLICA TIONS AND MONIT ORING 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 cr ossbones 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 gr eenhouses 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.

F umigant 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 59Option: Y ou may allow handlers to r ead the labeling themselves, if they ar e able to r ead and understand it.

Operators of agricultural establishments ar e
r equir ed to make sur e that commer cial 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. Commer cial (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 Oper ation 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 P esticide 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 ef fect. 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

## UNIT 5 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS 

# 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 r epairing, 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 P ersons 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 ef fects 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 61In the pesticide labeling, PPE for handling activities is listed in the “Hazar ds to Humans” section.

PPE is coveralls,
r espirators, pr otective eyewear, and chemicalr esistant suits, gloves, footwear , apr ons and headgear

. See definitions, p. 64. A chemical-r esistance char t is pr ovided in Appendix B, p. 1 13.

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 ar e using a closed system or ar e 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 P ersonal 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 of f PPE at the end of any exposure period. 5. T ake 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 deter gent and hot water

. 3. Thoroughly dry the clean PPE before it is stored, or put it in a well-ventilated place to dry

. 4. S tore clean PPE separately from personal clothing and away from pesticidecontaminated areas.

62

## UNIT 5 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS

Replacing Respir ator 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 dif fer , 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 dif fer , 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

“ W ARNING” on the labeling. They must not be reused. 2. Comply with any applicable Federal, S tate, T r ibal, and local regulations when disposing of PPE that cannot be cleaned correctly

. Instructions for P ersons Who Clean PPE Employers must inform people who clean or launder PPE:
• that the PPE may be contaminated with pesticides, • of the potentially harmful ef fects 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 W

orker Protection S tandard topic page on the Ag Center ’ s W eb 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 63P ersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) Definitions P ersonal 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 attir e is not defined as PPE, the labeling may r equire 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 attir e is r equir ed, the employer must make sur e that it is worn. Chemical-resistant: Allows no measurable amount of the pesticide being used to move through the material during use. W

aterproof: 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 suf ficient 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. Cover all: 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. Respir ator: 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 or ganic-vapor cartridge equipped with a pesticide prefilter may be worn instead of a dust/mist filtering respirator

.

64

## UNIT 5 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS

P ersonal 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. 1 13. • Substitution: Leather gloves may be worn over chemical-resistant liners, if chemical-resistant gloves with suf ficient 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. Separ able glove liners: Separable glove liners are separate glove-like hand coverings, made of lightweight material, with or without fingers.

• W ork 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, pr ovided 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 r eplaced 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 65These exceptions to PPE ar e allowed unless expr essly pr ohibited by p r

oduct labeling.

Even when r educed PPE is permitted to be worn during a task, handlers must be p r

ovided all PPE
r equir ed by the pesticide labeling for that task and have it immediately available for use in an emer gency . 

# EXCEPTIONS T O 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 “W ARNING ,” 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 thr oughout the entir e application pr ocess. 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 pr ovide r espiratory pr otection 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

## UNIT 5 FUR THER REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS OF HANDLERS

governmental agency to provide at least as much respiratory protection as the type of respirator listed on the pesticide labeling. Examples: Some enclosed-cab systems provide respiratory protection equivalent to a dust/mist filtering respirator and could, therefore, be used as a substitute when that type of respirator is specified on the product labeling. Other enclosed-cab systems are equipped to remove or ganic vapors as well as dusts and mists and could be used as a substitute when either the dust/mist filtering respirator or an or ganic-vapor -removing respirator is specified on the product labeling. 1. Enclosed cabs that do not pr ovide r espiratory pr otection — 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 pr ovide r espiratory pr otection — 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 wher e r educed 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 of f 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 air craft — 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 6768

# 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. 

### Agricultur al Owner Exemptions
...................................... 7 1 Protections for Crop Adv isors
......................................... 7 470

## UNIT 6 OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS


# AGRICUL TURAL OWNER EXEMPTIONS Owners of agricultural establishments and members of their immediate family are exempt from many WPS requirements. However , EP A 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 Y

ou do not qualify for the agricultural owner exemptions if: includes only spouse, childr en, stepchildr en, 1. you have rented out or leased out your farm, forest, nursery , or greenhouse foster childr en, par ents, to another person and you have no part in the management or profit/loss from steppar ents, foster it. The person to whom you have rented or leased your property is the “owner” for the purposes of the WPS. par ents, br others, 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 AGRICUL TURAL OWNERS MUST COMPL Y

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 dif ferentREIs, 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 emer gency , 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:
• W ait at least 4 hours after the pesticide application is completed before entering the treated area, and • W ait 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 • W ear 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

## UNIT 6 OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS



### EXEMPTIONS FOR AGRICUL TURAL 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. Emer gency 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)
• T raining 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 adv isor 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 adv isor 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 adv isor 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 adv isor Any person who is certified or licensed as a crop advisor by a program acknowledged, in writing, as appropriate by EP A

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 superv ision 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

## UNIT 6 OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS



### DUTIES FOR UNCER TIFIED/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 Ex emption on p. 77. Required Protections During or Soon After a P esticide Application 1. Same Pr otections 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 ef fect. 2. No T ime 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. Requir ed Pr otections
• 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) • Emer gency 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 Pr otective Equipment During REIs Early-Entry PPE for Early Entr y “W ith 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 75Cr op advisors may enter tr eated ar eas during an application or during a restrictedentry interval if they
r eceive handler -type p r

otections.

See p. 74 for definition of certified/licensed
cr

op 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 (Commer cial) Cr op 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 ef

fect, their employers need not provide them with any WPS protections. 2. Noncommer cial Cr op 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 ef fect, 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 emer gency 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 ef fect. • Decontamination supplies (p. 24)

– decontamination supplies for washing of f 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. • Emer gency assistance (p. 27)

– Emer gency 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 ef fect. • 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

## UNIT 6 OWNER EXEMPTIONS AND CROP ADVISORS



### DUTIES FOR CER TIFIED/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 ef fect, they are defined in the WPS as pesticide handlers. When all the conditions of the certified/licensed crop advisor exemption are met, certified/licensed cr op advisors and persons under their dir ect supervision ar e exempt fr om the following WPS handler r equir ements : • Decontamination supplies (p. 24) • Emer gency 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 77For specific information about each of these p r

otections, see the pages r efer enced. However , while a restricted-entry interval is in ef fect, employers must pr ovide the following WPS pr otections to certified/licensed cr op advisors and persons under such cr op advisors’ dir ect supervision : • Information at a central location (p. 19)

– certain information (pesticide safety poster , application information, location of emer gency 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 (Commer cial) Cr op 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 ef fect, their employers need not provide them with any WPS protections. 2. Noncommer cial Cr op 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 ef fect, 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) • Emer gency 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 ef fect:
• Information at a central location (p. 19)

– certain information (pesticide safety poster , application information, location of emer gency 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.

78OWNER 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 ef fect. • 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 79Summary of WPS Requirements for Employers of CropAdvisorsWPS ProvisionUncertified and Unlicensed CropAdvisorCertifiedorLicensedCropAdvisorNoncommercial (Employed DirectlybyAg Establishment)Independent (Commercial)Noncommercial (EmployedDirectlybyAgEstablishment)DuringApplicationInformation at aYESCentral LocationPesticide SafetyYESTraining &(handler)InformationDecontaminationYESSupplies(handler)EmergencyYESAssistance(handler)MonitoringYESHandlersSpecialYESInstructions forHandlersDutiesYESRelated to PPENotice AboutNOApplicationsRestrictionsNODuring andAfterApplicationsDuringREIYESYES(handler)YES(handler)YES(handler)NOYESYESNONOAfter REIExpiresYESYES(worker)YES(worker)YES(worker)NONONOYESYESDuringDuringApplicationREINONOYESYES(handler)(handler)YESYES(handler)(handler)YESYES(handler)(handler)YESNOYESYESYESYESNONONONOAfter REIExpiresNONONONONONONONONODuringApplicationNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableNotapplicableDuringREIYESYES(handler)NONONONONONONOAfter REIExpiresYESYES(worker)NONONONONOYESYESIndependent (Commercial)DuringDuringAfter REIApplicationREIExpiresNotNONOapplicableNotYESNOapplicable(handler)NotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicableNotNONOapplicable

80

# APPENDIX A 

# CRITERIA FOR WPS MA TERIALS

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. EP A

has developed a safety poster , warning sign, and worker and handler training programs to meet the requirements of the WPS. Y ou may use these materials, or you may use alternative materials that meet the criteria as listed in this appendix.


### Criteria for P esticide Safety P oster .................................. 8 3 Requirements for W arning Signs
..................................... 8 5 Criteria for W orker T r

aining
........................................... 8 7 Criteria for Handler T r

aining
.......................................... 8 982

## APPENDIX A CRITERIA FOR WPS MA TERIALS


# 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:
• A void 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. • W ash before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. • W ear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, socks, and hats or scarves. • W ash or shower with soap and water , shampoo your hair , and put on clean clothes after work. • W ash work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again. • W ash 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 8384

## APPENDIX A CRITERIA FOR WPS MA TERIALS 

# REQUIREMENTS FOR W ARNING SIGNS
1. Requir ed W ords:
• 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 lar gest 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. Requir ed 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 lar ge 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: Y

ou 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 85Signs with the wor d

s “DANGER” and “PELIGRO” in letters less than 7/16 inch in height orwith any
wor ds in letters less than 1/4 inch in height or with the cir cle graphic containing an upraised hand and a stern face less than 11⁄2 inches in diameter do not meet WPS sign r e quir ements. * 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

Signs* Circle Gr aphic Lettering for W o rds “DANGER” &

“PELIGRO” Lettering for Other W o rds 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

## APPENDIX A CRITERIA FOR WPS MA TERIALS


# 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 ef

fects, chronic ef fects, delayed ef fects, and sensitization. • Routes through which pesticides can enter the body

. • Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisoning. • Emer gency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings. • How to obtain emer gency medical care. • Routine and emer gency decontamination procedures, including emer gency eyeflushing techniques. • Hazards from chemigation and drift. • Hazards from pesticide residues on clothing. • W arnings 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 8788

## APPENDIX A CRITERIA FOR WPS MA TERIALS


# 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 ef

fects, chronic ef fects, delayed ef fects, and sensitization. • Routes through which pesticides can enter the body

. • Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisoning. • Emer gency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings. • How to obtain emer gency medical care. • Routine and emer gency decontamination procedures, including emer gency 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, runof f, and wildlife hazards. • W arnings 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 8990

# APPENDIX B 

# SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT 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. 

### P esticide Application Information
.................................... 9 3 F act Sheets: Information About Cleaning PPE
.................................. 9 5 W orking Safely With P esticide Equipment
...................... 9 7 Agricultur al Owners and Oper ators : Information to Be Prov ided to Employers of Custom Applicators and Independent Crop Adv isors
....................................... 9 9 Custom Applicators : Information to Be Prov ided to Agricultur al Establishment Owners and Oper ators .......... 1 0 1 Checklists: WPS Requirements for Agricultur al W orkers
................. 1 0 3 WPS Requirements for P esticide Handlers
.................... 1 0 5 WPS Requirements for Commercial Handlers
................ 1 0 7 WPS Exemptions for Agricultur al Owners
..................... 1 0 9 WPS Requirement T o Prov ide Basic P esticide Safety Information T o Untr ained W orkers
............................. 1 1 1 Charts: EP A

Chemical Resistance Category Chart
..................... 1 1 3 Heat Stress : Preventable Measures, Illnesses, and First Aid T reatments .............................................. 1 1 592SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

## APPENDIX B


# PESTICIDE APPLICA TION INFORMA TION
AGRICUL TURAL EST ABLISHMENT OWNERS AND OPERA T

ORS: The use of this form is optional, but if the information about an application is enter ed, it will help you comply with the federal W orker Pr otection S tandar d including all r evisions thr ough 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 EP A manual “The W orker Pr otection S tandar d for Agricultural Pesticides: How T o Comply .” Application #1 Application #2
Ar ea T r eated: Location & Description

Pr oduct Name

E P A

Registration Number

Active Ingr edient: Common or Chemical Name

Application: Month/Day/T i m e

Restricted-Entry Interval

Do Not Enter Until: Month/Day/T i m e

Similar data is r equir ed by the Federal Recor dkeeping Requir ements for Cer tified Applicators of Federally Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). For mor e information on the RUP r

ecor dkeeping r equir ements, contact Agricultural Marketing Ser vice, USDA, 8609 Sudley Road, Suite 203, Manassas, V A 201 10, (703) 330-7826. Please consult the “USDA Recor dkeeping Manual” at the following W eb site for a complete list of all USDA
r ecor d keeping r equir ements: http://www .ams.usda.gov/science/prb/Prbforms.htm Some states, tribes, or local governments with jurisdiction over pesticide enfor cement may have additional worker pr otection r equir ements beyond these r equir ements. Check with these agencies to obtain the information you need to comply with all applicable state, tribal, or local r equir ements.
WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 9394

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS

Note to Employers: This 2-page fact sheet will help you comply with the section of the WPS that r equir es you to pr ovide information to people (other than your own handlers) who clean PPE for you. Y

ou ar e not r equir ed 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. 

# INFORMA TION 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 of f 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. T o 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. • W ash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. • W ash your hands as soon as you finish handling the clothing or equipment. 

# • 6. Y ou should not allow clothing and equipment with pesticides on them to be washed with regular laundry

. The pesticides can rub of f on other items.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 95

### RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR CLEANING PPE Cleaning Eyewear and Respir ators Hand-wash reusable respirator facepieces, goggles, face shields, and shielded safety glasses, following manufacturer ’ s instructions. In general, use mild deter gent and warm water to wash the items thoroughly

. Rinse well. W ipe 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. W ash in a washing machine , using a heavy-duty deter gent and hot water for the wash cycle. c. W ash 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 entir e machine cycles to wash items that are moderately to heavily contaminated. f. Run the washer thr ough at least one mor e entir e cycle without clothing, using deter gent 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 deter gent. 

# • 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. Y ou 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

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS

Note to Employers: This fact sheet will help you comply with the section of the WPS that r equir es you to pr ovide information to people (other than your own handlers) who clean or maintain you pesticide equipment. Y ou ar e not r equir ed 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 SAFEL Y 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 of f 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. Y ou 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. Y ou should not let pesticides stay on your hands:

• W ash your hands as soon as you finish handling the equipment. • W ash your hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. • W ash or shower with soap and water , shampoo your hair , and put on clean clothes after work. • W ash work clothes that may have pesticides on them separately from other clothes before wearing them again.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 9798SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

## APPENDIX B


# AGRICUL TURAL EST ABLISHMENT OWNERS & OPERA T ORS Agricultur al Establishment Owners and Oper ators: 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 assur e that custom applicators and independent cr op advisors ar e pr otected accor ding to the federal W orker Pr otection S tandar d including all
r evisions thr ough 2004. For complete information, see p. 26 of the EP A manual “The W

orker Pr otection S tandar d for Agricultural Pesticides: How T o Comply .” 

### INFORMA TION TO BE PROVIDED T O EMPLOYERS OF CUST OM APPLICA T

ORS AND INDEPENDENT CROP ADVISORS The following information r efers to ar eas 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
Ar eas to be T r eated or Under Restricted Entry Intervals: Location & Description

Entry Restricted Until: Month/Day/T i m e

PPE Requir ed for Handlers*

Early-Entry PPE Requir ed for W orkers*

*The only early entry allowed is that which is permitted by the federal W orker Pr otection S

tandar d including all r evisions thr ough 2004.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 99100SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

## APPENDIX B


# CUST OM APPLICA T ORS 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 assur e that the gr ower ’ s employees ar e pr otected accor ding to the federal W orker Pr otection S

tandar d including all r evisions thr ough 2004. For complete information, see p. 26 of the EP A manual “The W orker Pr otection S tandar d for Agricultural Pesticides: How T o Comply .” 

### INFORMA TION T O BE PROVIDED T O AGRICUL TURAL EST ABLISHMENT OWNERS AND OPERA T

ORS Application #1 Application #2
Ar ea to be T r eated: Location & Description

Pr oduct Name

E P A

Registration Number Active Ingr edient: Common or Chemical Name Application: Month/Day/T ime* Entry Restricted Until: Month/Day/T i m e
Ar e Both T r eated Ar ea Posting and Oral Notifications Requir ed?

Other Label Requir ements to Pr otect W orkers, Handlers, and Others

PPE Requir ed for Handlers** Early-Entry PPE Requir ed for W orkers**

Other *If the pesticide is not applied as scheduled, the customer must be notified of the corr ected time and date befor e the application takes place. If you ar e unable to make the corr ection befor e the application takes place, make it as soon as possible ther eafter

. **The only early entry allowed is that permitted by the federal W orker Pr otection S

tandar d including all r evisions thr ough 2004.
WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 101102

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS


# CHECKLIST : WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR AGRICUL TURAL WORKERS Have you given your agricultural workers the protections required by the EP A W

orker Protection S tandard? Use this list as a reminder

. Remember that you have duties to persons other than your worker employees. For complete explanations, refer to “The W orker Protection S tandard for Agricultural Pesticides — How T o Comply .” 

# • 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster , application information, location of emer gency 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. Emer gency assistance (transportation and information)

............ H

- T

- C p
. 2 7 

# • 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 treate d area posting)

................................................................................... H

- T

- C pp. 33-35

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 103104

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS


# CHECKLIST : WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR PESTICIDE HANDLERS Have you given your pesticide handlers the protections required by the EP A W

orker Protection S tandard? Use this list as a reminder

. Remember that you have duties to persons other than your handler employees. For complete explanations, refer to “The W orker Protection S tandard for Agricultural Pesticides — How T o Comply .” 

# • 1. Information at a central location (WPS safety poster , application information, location of emer gency 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. Emer gency assistance (transportation and information)

............ H

- T

- C p
. 2 7 

# • 5. Restrictions during applications (do not allow pesticide to contact anyone directly or through drift)

.................................................... H-T

- C p
. 5 9 

# • 6. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses)

......................................... H-T

- C p
. 5 9 

# • 7. Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and how to use application equipment)

.......................................... H-T

- C p
. 6 0 

# • 8. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment)

..................................................................................... H-T

- C p
. 6 1 

# • 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 105106

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS


# CHECKLIST : WPS REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL HANDLERS Have you given the handler employees of your commercial pesticide handling establishment the protections required by the EP A W o rker Protection S tandard? Use this list as a reminder . Remember that you have duties to persons other than your handler employees. For complete explanations, refer to “The W orker Protection S tandard for Agricultural Pesticides — How T o 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. Emer gency 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
. 5 9 

# • 5. Monitoring handlers (if handling skull and crossbones pesticides anywhere or fumigants in greenhouses)

......................................... H-T

- C p
. 5 9 

# • 6. Specific instructions for handlers (pesticide label information and how to use application equipment)

................................................. H-T

- C p
. 6 0 

# • 7. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment)

..................................................................................... H-T

- C p
. 6 1 

# • 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 107108

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS


# CHECKLIST : WPS EXEMPTIONS FOR AGRICUL TURAL 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 emer gency 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. Emer gency assistance (transportation and information)

............ H

- T

- C p
. 2 7 

# • 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
. 5 9 

# • 7. Specific handling instructions (pesticide label information and how to use application equipment)

................................................. H-T

- C p
. 6 0 

# • 8. Equipment safety (inspection and maintenance of application equipment)

..................................................................................... H-T

- C p
. 6 1 

# • 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

• T raining and instructions • Decontamination supplies • Specific duties related to the care of PPE and management of its use.
* Remember that you must pr ovide all pr otections r equir ed by the WPS to persons who ar e not members of your immediate family

.

WPS — How To Comply Manual as Revised 2005 109110SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

## APPENDIX B


# CHECKLIST : WPS REQUIREMENT T O PROVIDE BASIC PESTICIDE SAFETY INFORMA TION T O UNTRAINED WORKERS

Y

ou 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 ef

fect. For a complete explanation, refer to “The W orker Protection S tandard for Agricultural Pesticides — How T o 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. V erification 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. • T o prevent pesticides from entering your body:

– Follow directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted areas,

– W ash before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the toilet,

– W ear work clothing that protects your body from pesticide residues,

– W ash/shower with soap and water , shampoo hair , and put on clean clothes after work,

– W ash work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again,

– W ash 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. • Y ou 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 111112SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS 

## APPENDIX B


# EP A CHEMICAL RESIST ANCE CA TEGOR Y CHAR T This chart is to be used when PPE section on the pesticide label lists a chemical resistance category

. The W orker Protection S tandard 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 dif ferent formulations (wettable powder -WP and emulsifiable concentrate-EC, for example) will require PPE from two dif ferent chemical resistance categories.
Selection Category Listed on T ypes of Personal Pr otective Material Pesticide Label Barrier Laminate Butyl Rubber ≥ 14 mils Nitrile Rubber ≥ mils Neopr ene Rubber ≥ 14 mils Natural Rubber ≥ 14 mils Polyethelene Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ≥ 14 mils V iton ≥ 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
o f

f pesticides at rest breaks. MODERA T E : 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 113114

## APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS, F ACT SHEETS, AND CHECKLISTS


# HEA T STRESS: PREVENT ABLE MEASURES, ILLNESSES, AND FIRST AID TREA TMENTS
WA YS T O CONTROL HEA T

STRESS IN AGRICUL TURAL ENVIRONMENTS T

aken from EP A

’ s “Controlling Heat S tress in Agriculture” (EP A

750-F-95-001) Key Elements • Drinking enough water to replace body fluid lost through sweating. • Gradually adjusting to working in the heat. • T aking periodic breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area whenever possible. • Monitoring by supervisors of environmental conditions and workers. Basic Steps • T raining 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. 

# HEA T ILLNESSES AND FIRST AID MEASURES
Chart taken from EP A

’ s “A Guide to Heat S tress in Agriculture” (EP A

750-B-92-001)

Illness Signs and Symptoms Cause and Problem T reatment 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”  T iny , 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  W ear 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

# HEA T ILLNESS AND FIRST AID MEASURES (cont.)

Illness Signs and Symptoms Cause and Problem T reatment
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, ur ge 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 • W orker 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 str oke

Immediate T

reatment 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 or gans, body’ s temperature-regulating system fails, body can not cool itself  Risk of damage to vital or gans, including the heart, brain, central nervous system, liver , and kidney • W orker 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 • T reat 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 • T ransport 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 T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD Including All Rev isions Through 2004 (Large Print V ersion)118Quick Reference Guide to the W orker Protection Standard 

## APPENDIX C 

# QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE T O THE WORKER PROTECTION ST ANDARD (WPS) Including All Rev isions 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 dif ferent 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). 

# T OPICS
DUTIES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS • Anti-Retaliation • Information at a Central Location • Pesticide Safety T raining • Decontamination Supplies • Employer Information Exchange • Emer gency Assistance 

### ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR WORKER EMPLOYERS • Restrictions During Applications • Restricted-Entry Intervals (REIs) • Notice About Applications

– Posted W arning Signs

– Oral W arnings 

### 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-RET ALIA TION
...................................................... ( p . 15) Do not retaliate against a worker or handler who attempts to comply with the WPS 

### INFORMA TION A T

A CENTRAL LOCA TION
........................ (p. 19-20) 1. In an easily seen central location on each agricultural establishment, display close together:
• EP A WPS safety poster , • name, address, and telephone number of the nearest emer gency medical facility , • these facts about each pesticide application [from before each application begins until 30 days after the restricted-entry interval (REI)]:

– product name, EP A

registration number , and active ingredient(s),

– location and description of treated area,

– time and date of application, and REI. 2. T ell workers and handlers where the information is posted, and allow them access. 3. T ell them if emer gency 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 EP A-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 EP A WPS handler training materials for training handlers, • use EP A 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. 

### DECONT AMINA TION 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 emer gency 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.

120Quick Reference Guide to the W orker Protection Standard 

## APPENDIX C

7. In areas being treated, put decontamination supplies for handlers in enclosed containers. 

### EMPLOYER INFORMA TION 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, EP A

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 ef fect while the commercial handler is on the establishment, • restrictions on entering those areas. 

### EMERGENCY ASSIST ANCE
.............................................. (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, EP A

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 APPLICA TIONS
.............................. (p
. 3 6 ) 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-ENTR Y

INTER V

ALS (REI s)
............................... ( 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 APPLICA TIONS
........................................ ( 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. T ell workers which method is in ef fect. 3. Post all greenhouse applications. P osted W arning 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. Or al W arnings
................................................................... (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. W orkers who enter the establishment after application starts must receive the same warning at the start of their work period.

122Quick Reference Guide to the W orker Protection Standard 

## APPENDIX C


# ADDITIONAL DUTIES FOR HANDLER EMPLOYERS
APPLICA TION RESTRICTIONS AND MONIT ORING
................... (p
. 5 9 ) 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
. 6 0 ) 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 ef fect, • restrictions on entering those areas. (The agricultural establishment operator must give you these facts.) 

### EQUIPMENT SAFETY
.................................................... (p
. 6 1 ) 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. T ake 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 of f 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 123Care of PPE
..................................................................... (p. 62) 1. S tore 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 deter gent and hot water

. 3. Dry the clean PPE before storing, or hang to dry

. 4. S tore clean PPE away from other clothing and away from pesticide areas. Replacing Respir ator Purifying Elements
................................. (p. 63) 1. Replace dust/mist filters:
• when breathing becomes dif ficult, • 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 “W ARNING” signal word. 2. Follow federal, state, and local laws when disposing of PPE that cannot be cleaned correctly

. Instructions for P eople Who Clean PPE
................................... (p. 63) Inform people who clean or launder PPE:
• that PPE may be contaminated with pesticides, • of the potentially harmful ef fects 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, 7 8 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, 1 2 0 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 1 1 1 chemical-resistant 48, 62, 64, 65, 66, 6 7 chemigation 13, 47, 60, 8 7 closed system 15, 62, 66, 105, 107 clothing. See also personal protective equipment cockpits 67, 105, 107 commercial crop advisor 60, 74, 76, 77, 7 8 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, 9 9 crop consultant 9, 7 4 custom applicator 60, 91, 99, 1 0 1 

### 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, 7 9 discrimination 23 displaying application information 20 disposal 4, 63, 119, 1 2 4

of personal protective equipment 9 double notification 15, 4 8 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, 2 7 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, 1 0 7 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, 1 2 0 eyewear 25, 48, 55, 62, 64, 66, 67, 96 

### F face shield 64, 9 6 farms 7, 8, 12, 13, 26, 33, 34, 35, 85, 1 1 3 flagger 10 footwear 37, 48, 62, 64, 67, 9 6 forests 7, 8, 12, 26, 33, 34, 35, 85, 1 1 3

specific provisions for 8forms 59, 93 See also checklists forms, factsheets, and checklists 91 application information 9 3 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: EP

A 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, 9 7 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, 6 5 heat illness 4 , 5 3 , 6 2 , 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, 1 1 1 

### 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, 8 9

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, 7 8 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, 7 1 

### 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, 4 5 See also personal protective equipment pesticide application information. 9 3 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, 1 3 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, 7 8 , 80, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123. See also restricted entry interval respirator 4, 42, 44, 62, 64, 66, 67, 96, 119, 123, 1 2 4 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, 1 1 9

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, 8 7 skull and crossbones 4, 59, 105, 107, 109, 123 sod farms 13 supervisors 14, 15, 1 1 5 

### T training 3, 7, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 37, 5 0 53, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 81, 83, 87, 89, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 115, 119, 120 verification of 3 translator 22, 2 3 treated area 3, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 21, 24, 26, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42, 43, 4 4 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, 1 2 1 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, 7 5 

### 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 W

orker P rotection 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 127128U.S. Environment al Protection Agency Of fice of Prevention, Pesticides, and T o xic Subst ances (MC 7506C) 1200 Pennsylvania A venue, NW W ashington, D.C. 20460 EP A/735-B-06-002 September 2005 Reprinted June 2006

www .ep a.gov/agriculture