61 

Environmental Protection Agency Pt. 156 

§ 155.56 Interim registration review 

decision. 

The Agency may issue, when it determines it to be appropriate, an interim 

registration review decision before 

completing a registration review. 

Among other things, the interim registration review decision may require 

new risk mitigation measures, impose 

interim risk mitigation measures, 

identify data or information required 

to complete the review, and include 

schedules for submitting the required 

data, conducting the new risk assessment and completing the registration 

review. A FIFRA 3(c)(2)(B) notice requiring the needed data or information 

may precede, accompany, or follow 

issuance of the interim registration review decision. The Agency will follow 

procedures in §155.58 when issuing an 

interim registration review decision. 

§ 155.57 Registration review decision. 

A registration review decision is the 

Agency’s determination whether a pesticide meets, or does not meet, the 

standard for registration in FIFRA. 

§ 155.58 Procedures for issuing a decision on a registration review case. 

(a) The Agency will publish a notice 

in the FEDERAL REGISTER announcing 

the availability of a proposed registration review decision or a proposed interim registration review decision. At 

that time, the Agency will place in the 

pesticide’s registration review docket 

the Agency’s proposed decision and the 

bases for the decision. There will be a 

comment period of at least 60 calendar 

days on the proposed decision. 

(b) In its proposed decision, the Agency will, among other things: 

(1) State its proposed findings with 

respect to the FIFRA standard for registration and describe the basis for 

such proposed findings. 

(2) Identify proposed risk mitigation 

measures or other remedies as needed 

and describe the basis for such proposed requirements. 

(3) State whether it believes that additional data are needed and, if so, describe what is needed. A FIFRA 

3(c)(2)(B) notice requiring such data 

may be issued in conjunction with a 

proposed or final decision on the registration review case or a proposed or 

final interim decision on a registration 

review case. 

(4) Specify proposed labeling changes; 

and 

(5) Identify deadlines that it intends 

to set for completing any required actions. 

(c) After considering any comments 

on the proposed decision, the Agency 

will issue a registration review decision or interim registration review decision. This decision will include an explanation of any changes to the proposed decision and the Agency’s response to significant comments. The 

Agency will publish a notice in the 

FEDERAL REGISTER announcing the 

availability of a registration review decision or interim registration review 

decision. The registration review case 

docket will remain open until all actions required in the final decision on 

the registration review case have been 

completed. 

(d) If the registrant fails to take the 

action required in a registration review 

decision or interim registration review 

decision, the Agency may take appropriate action under FIFRA. 

PART 156—LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR PESTICIDES AND DEVICES 

Subpart A—General Provisions 

Sec. 

156.3 Definitions. 

156.10 Labeling requirements. 

Subparts B–C [Reserved] 

Subpart D—Human Hazard and 

Precautionary Statements 

156.60 General. 

156.62 Toxicity Category. 

156.64 Signal word. 

156.66 Child hazard warning. 

156.68 First aid statement. 

156.70 Precautionary statements for human 

hazards. 

156.78 Precautionary statements for physical or chemical hazards. 

Subpart E—Environmental Hazard and 

Precautionary Statements 

156.80 General. 

156.85 Non-target organisms. 

Subparts F–G [Reserved] 


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§ 156.3 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

Subpart H—Container Labeling 

156.140 Identification of container types. 

156.144 Residue removal instructions—general. 

156.146 Residue removal instructions for 

nonrefillable containers—rigid containers with dilutable pesticides. 

156.156 Residue removal instructions for refillable containers. 

156.159 Compliance date. 

Subparts I–J [Reserved] 

Subpart K—Worker Protection Statements 

156.200 Scope and applicability. 

156.203 Definitions. 

156.204 Modification and waiver of requirements. 

156.206 General statements. 

156.208 Restricted-entry statements. 

156.210 Notification-to-workers statements. 

156.212 Personal protective equipment 

statements. 

AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 136–136y. 

Subpart A—General Provisions 

§ 156.3 Definitions. 

Terms used in this part have the 

same meaning as in the Act and part 

152 of this chapter. In addition, as used 

in this part, the following terms shall 

have the meanings set forth below. 

Dilutable means that the pesticide 

product’s labeling allows or requires 

the pesticide product to be mixed with 

a liquid diluent prior to application or 

use. 

Transport vehicle means a cargo-carrying vehicle such as an automobile, 

van, tractor, truck, semitrailer, tank 

car or rail car used for the transportation of cargo by any mode. 

[73 FR 64224, Oct. 29, 2008] 

§ 156.10 Labeling requirements. 

(a) General—(1) Contents of the label. 

Every pesticide product shall bear a 

label containing the information specified by the Act and the regulations in 

this part. The contents of a label must 

show clearly and prominently the following: 

(i) The name, brand, or trademark 

under which the product is sold as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section; 

(ii) The name and address of the producer, registrant, or person for whom 

produced as prescribed in paragraph (c) 

of this section; 

(iii) The net contents as prescribed in 

paragraph (d) of this section; 

(iv) The product registration number 

as prescribed in paragraph (e) of this 

section; 

(v) The producing establishment 

number as prescribed in paragraph (f) 

of this section; 

(vi) An ingredient statement as prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section; 

(vii) Hazard and precautionary statements as prescribed in subpart D of 

this part for human and domestic animal hazards and subpart E of this part 

for environmental hazards. 

(viii) The directions for use as prescribed in paragraph (i) of this section; 

and 

(ix) The use classification(s) as prescribed in paragraph (j) of this section. 

(2) Prominence and legibility. (i) All 

words, statements, graphic representations, designs or other information required on the labeling by the Act or 

the regulations in this part must be 

clearly legible to a person with normal 

vision, and must be placed with such 

conspicuousness (as compared with 

other words, statements, designs, or 

graphic matter on the labeling) and expressed in such terms as to render it 

likely to be read and understood by the 

ordinary individual under customary 

conditions of purchase and use. 

(ii) All required label text must: 

(A) Be set in 6-point or larger type; 

(B) Appear on a clear contrasting 

background; and 

(C) Not be obscured or crowded. 

(3) Language to be used. All required 

label or labeling text shall appear in 

the English language. However, the 

Agency may require or the applicant 

may propose additional text in other 

languages as is considered necessary to 

protect the public. When additional 

text in another language is necessary, 

all labeling requirements will be applied equally to both the English and 

other-language versions of the labeling. 

(4) Placement of Label—(i) General. 

The label shall appear on or be securely 

attached to the immediate container of 

the pesticide product. For purposes of 

this section, and the misbranding provisions of the Act, ‘‘securely attached’’ 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.10 

shall mean that a label can reasonably 

be expected to remain affixed during 

the foreseeable conditions and period 

of use. If the immediate container is 

enclosed within a wrapper or outside 

container through which the label cannot be clearly read, the label must also 

be securely attached to such outside 

wrapper or container, if it is a part of 

the package as customarily distributed 

or sold. 

(ii) Tank cars and other bulk containers—(A) Transportation. While a pesticide product is in transit, the appropriate provisions of 49 CFR parts 170– 

189, concerning the transportation of 

hazardous materials, and specifically 

those provisions concerning the labeling, marking and placarding of hazardous materials and the vehicles carrying them, define the basic Federal 

requirements. In addition, when any 

registered pesticide product is transported in a tank car, tank truck or 

other mobile or portable bulk container, a copy of the accepted label 

must be attached to the shipping papers, and left with the consignee at the 

time of delivery. 

(B) Storage. When pesticide products 

are stored in bulk containers, whether 

mobile or stationary, which remain in 

the custody of the user, a copy of the 

label of labeling, including all appropriate directions for use, shall be securely attached to the container in the 

immediate vicinity of the discharge 

control valve. 

(5) False or misleading statements. Pursuant to section 2(q)(1)(A) of the Act, a 

pesticide or a device declared subject 

to the Act pursuant to §152.500, is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular including 

both pesticidal and non-pesticidal 

claims. Examples of statements or representations in the labeling which constitute misbranding include: 

(i) A false or misleading statement 

concerning the composition of the 

product; 

(ii) A false or misleading statement 

concerning the effectiveness of the 

product as a pesticide or device; 

(iii) A false or misleading statement 

about the value of the product for purposes other than as a pesticide or device; 

(iv) A false or misleading comparison 

with other pesticides or devices; 

(v) Any statement directly or indirectly implying that the pesticide or 

device is recommended or endorsed by 

any agency of the Federal Government; 

(vi) The name of a pesticide which 

contains two or more principal active 

ingredients if the name suggests one or 

more but not all such principal active 

ingredients even though the names of 

the other ingredients are stated elsewhere in the labeling; 

(vii) A true statement used in such a 

way as to give a false or misleading impression to the purchaser; 

(viii) Label disclaimers which negate 

or detract from labeling statements required under the Act and these regulations; 

(ix) Claims as to the safety of the 

pesticide or its ingredients, including 

statements such as ‘‘safe,’’ ‘‘nonpoisonous,’’ ‘‘noninjurious,’’ ‘‘harmless’’ 

or ‘‘nontoxic to humans and pets’’ with 

or without such a qualifying phrase as 

‘‘when used as directed’’; and 

(x) Non-numerical and/or comparative statements on the safety of the 

product, including but not limited to: 

(A) ‘‘Contains all natural ingredients’’; 

(B) ‘‘Among the least toxic chemicals 

known’’ 

(C) ‘‘Pollution approved’’ 

(6) Final printed labeling. (i) Except as 

provided in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this 

section, final printed labeling must be 

submitted and accepted prior to registration. However, final printed labeling need not be submitted until draft 

label texts have been provisionally accepted by the Agency. 

(ii) Clearly legible reproductions or 

photo reductions will be accepted for 

unusual labels such as those silkscreened directly onto glass or metal 

containers or large bag or drum labels. 

Such reproductions must be of microfilm reproduction quality. 

(b) Name, brand, or trademark. (1) The 

name, brand, or trademark under 

which the pesticide product is sold 

shall appear on the front panel of the 

label. 

(2) No name, brand, or trademark 

may appear on the label which: 

(i) Is false or misleading, or 


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§ 156.10 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

(ii) Has not been approved by the Administrator through registration or 

supplemental registration as an additional name pursuant to §152.132. 

(c) Name and address of producer, 

registrant, or person for whom produced. An unqualified name and address given on the label shall be considered as the name and address of the 

producer. If the registrant’s name appears on the label and the registrant is 

not the producer, or if the name of the 

person for whom the pesticide was produced appears on the label, it must be 

qualified by appropriate wording such 

as ‘‘Packed for * * *,’’ ‘‘Distributed by 

* * *,’’ or ‘‘Sold by * * *’’ to show that 

the name is not that of the producer. 

(d) Net weight or measure of contents. 

(1) The net weight or measure of content shall be exclusive of wrappers or 

other materials and shall be the average content unless explicitly stated as 

a minimum quantity. 

(2) If the pesticide is a liquid, the net 

content statement shall be in terms of 

liquid measure at 68 °F (20 °C) and shall 

be expressed in conventional American 

units of fluid ounces, pints, quarts, and 

gallons. 

(3) If the pesticide is solid or semisolid, viscous or pressurized, or is a 

mixture of liquid and solid, the net 

content statement shall be in terms of 

weight expressed as avoirdupois pounds 

and ounces. 

(4) In all cases, net content shall be 

stated in terms of the largest suitable 

units, i.e., ‘‘1 pound 10 ounces’’ rather 

than ‘‘26 ounces.’’ 

(5) In addition to the required units 

specified, net content may be expressed 

in metric units. 

(6) Variation above minimum content 

or around an average is permissible 

only to the extent that it represents 

deviation unavoidable in good manufacturing practice. Variation below a 

stated minimum is not permitted. In 

no case shall the average content of 

the packages in a shipment fall below 

the stated average content. 

(7) For a pesticide product packaged 

in a refillable container, an appropriately sized area on the label may be 

left blank to allow the net weight or 

measure of content to be marked in by 

the refiller according to 40 CFR 

165.65(h) or 165.70(i) prior to distribution or sale of the pesticide. As required in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this 

section, the net contents must be 

shown clearly and prominently on the 

label. 

(e) Product registration number. The 

registration number assigned to the 

pesticide product at the time of registration shall appear on the label, preceded by the phrase ‘‘EPA Registration 

No.,’’ or the phrase ‘‘EPA Reg. No.’’ 

The registration number shall be set in 

type of a size and style similar to other 

print on that part of the label on which 

it appears and shall run parallel to it. 

The registration number and the required identifying phrase shall not appear in such a manner as to suggest or 

imply recommendation or endorsement 

of the product by the Agency. 

(f) Producing establishment’s registration number. The producing establishment registration number preceded by 

the phrase ‘‘EPA Est.’’, of the final establishment at which the product was 

produced may appear in any suitable 

location on the label or immediate container. It must appear on the wrapper 

or outside container of the package if 

the EPA establishment registration 

number on the immediate container 

cannot be clearly read through such 

wrapper or container. For a pesticide 

product packaged in a refillable container, an appropriately sized area on 

the label may be left blank after the 

phrase ‘‘EPA Est.’’ to allow the EPA 

establishment registration number to 

be marked in by the refiller according 

to 40 CFR 165.65(h) or 165.70(i) prior to 

distribution or sale of the pesticide. 

(g) Ingredient statement—(1) General. 

The label of each pesticide product 

must bear a statement which contains 

the name and percentage by weight of 

each active ingredient, the total percentage by weight of all inert ingredients; and if the pesticide contains arsenic in any form, a statement of the 

percentages of total and water-soluble 

arsenic calculated as elemental arsenic. The active ingredients must be 

designated by the term ‘‘active ingredients’’ and the inert ingredients by the 

term ‘‘inert ingredients,’’ or the singular forms of these terms when appropriate. Both terms shall be in the same 

type size, be aligned to the same margin and be equally prominent. The 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.10 

statement ‘‘Inert Ingredients, none’’ is 

not required for pesticides which contain 100 percent active ingredients. Unless the ingredient statement is a complete analysis of the pesticide, the 

term ‘‘analysis’’ shall not be used as a 

heading for the ingredient statement. 

(2) Position of ingredient statement. (i) 

The ingredient statement is normally 

required on the front panel of the label. 

If there is an outside container or 

wrapper through which the ingredient 

statement cannot be clearly read, the 

ingredient statement must also appear 

on such outside container or wrapper. 

If the size or form of the package 

makes it impracticable to place the ingredient statement on the front panel 

of the label, permission may be granted 

for the ingredient statement to appear 

elsewhere. 

(ii) The text of the ingredient statement must run parallel with other text 

on the panel on which it appears, and 

must be clearly distinguishable from 

and must not be placed in the body of 

other text. 

(3) Names to be used in ingredient statement. The name used for each ingredient shall be the accepted common 

name, if there is one, followed by the 

chemical name. The common name 

may be used alone only if it is well 

known. If no common name has been 

established, the chemical name alone 

shall be used. In no case will the use of 

a trademark or proprietary name be 

permitted unless such name has been 

accepted as a common name by the Administrator under the authority of section 25(c)(6). 

(4) Statements of percentages. The percentages of ingredients shall be stated 

in terms of weight-to-weight. The sum 

of percentages of the active and the 

inert ingredients shall be 100. Percentages shall not be expressed by a range 

of values such as ‘‘22–25%.’’ If the uses 

of the pesticide product are expressed 

as weight of active ingredient per unit 

area, a statement of the weight of active ingredient per unit volume of the 

pesticide formulation shall also appear 

in the ingredient statement. 

(5) Accuracy of stated percentages. The 

percentages given shall be as precise as 

possible reflecting good manufacturing 

practice. If there may be unavoidable 

variation between manufacturing 

batches, the value stated for each active ingredient shall be the lowest percentage which may be present. 

(6) Deterioration. Pesticides which 

change in chemical composition significantly must meet the following labeling requirements: 

(i) In cases where it is determined 

that a pesticide formulation changes 

chemical composition significantly, 

the product must bear the following 

statement in a prominent position on 

the label: ‘‘Not for sale or use after 

[date].’’ 

(ii) The product must meet all label 

claims up to the expiration time indicated on the label. 

(7) Inert ingredients. The Administrator may require the name of any 

inert ingredient(s) to be listed in the 

ingredient statement if he determines 

that such ingredient(s) may pose a hazard to man or the environment. 

(h) [Reserved] 

(i) Directions for Use—(1) General requirements—(i) Adequacy and clarity of 

directions. Directions for use must be 

stated in terms which can be easily 

read and understood by the average 

person likely to use or to supervise the 

use of the pesticide. When followed, directions must be adequate to protect 

the public from fraud and from personal injury and to prevent unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. 

(ii) Placement of directions for use. Directions may appear on any portion of 

the label provided that they are conspicuous enough to be easily read by 

the user of the pesticide product. Directions for use may appear on printed 

or graphic matter which accompanies 

the pesticide provided that: 

(A) If required by the Agency, such 

printed or graphic matter is securely 

attached to each package of the pesticide, or placed within the outside 

wrapper or bag; 

(B) The label bears a reference to the 

directions for use in accompanying 

leaflets or circulars, such as ‘‘See directions in the enclosed circular:’’ and 

(C) The Administrator determines 

that it is not necessary for such directions to appear on the label. 

(iii) Exceptions to requirement for direction for use. (A) Detailed directions for 

use may be omitted from labeling of 


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§ 156.10 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

pesticides which are intended for use 

only by manufacturers of products 

other than pesticide products in their 

regular manufacturing processes, provided that: 

(1) The label clearly shows that the 

product is intended for use only in 

manufacturing processes and specifies 

the type(s) of products involved. 

(2) Adequate information such as 

technical data sheets or bulletins, is 

available to the trade specifying the 

type of product involved and its proper 

use in manufacturing processes; 

(3) The product will not come into 

the hands of the general public except 

after incorporation into finished products; and 

(4) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment. 

(B) Detailed directions for use may 

be omitted from the labeling of pesticide products for which sale is limited to physicians, veterinarians, or 

druggists, provided that: 

(1) The label clearly states that the 

product is for use only by physicians or 

veterinarians; 

(2) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment; and 

(3) The product is also a drug and 

regulated under the provisions of the 

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. 

(C) Detailed directions for use may 

be omitted from the labeling of pesticide products which are intended for 

use only by formulators in preparing 

pesticides for sale to the public, provided that: 

(1) There is information readily 

available to the formulators on the 

composition, toxicity, methods of use, 

applicable restrictions or limitations, 

and effectiveness of the product for 

pesticide purposes; 

(2) The label clearly states that the 

product is intended for use only in 

manufacturing, formulating, mixing, 

or repacking for use as a pesticide and 

specifies the type(s) of pesticide products involved; 

(3) The product as finally manufactured, formulated, mixed, or repackaged is registered; and 

(4) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment. 

(2) Contents of Directions for Use. The 

directions for use shall include the following, under the headings ‘‘Directions 

for Use’’: 

(i) The statement of use classification as prescribed in paragraph (j) of 

this section immediately under the 

heading ‘‘Directions for Use.’’ 

(ii) Immediately below the statement 

of use classification, the statement ‘‘It 

is a violation of Federal law to use this 

product in a manner inconsistent with 

its labeling.’’ 

(iii) The site(s) of application, as for 

example the crops, animals, areas, or 

objects to be treated. 

(iv) The target pest(s) associated 

with each site. 

(v) The dosage rate associated with 

each site and pest. 

(vi) The method of application, including instructions for dilution, if required, and type(s) of application apparatus or equipment required. 

(vii) The frequency and timing of applications necessary to obtain effective 

results without causing unreasonable 

adverse effects on the environment. 

(viii) Worker protection statements 

meeting the requirements of subpart K 

of this part. 

(ix) Specific directions concerning 

the storage, residue removal and disposal of the pesticide and its container, 

in accordance with subpart H of this 

part. These instructions must be 

grouped and appear under the heading, 

‘‘Storage and Disposal.’’ This heading 

must be set in type of the same minimum sizes as required for the child 

hazard warning. (See table in 

§156.60(b)) 

(x) Any limitations or restrictions on 

use required to prevent unreasonable 

adverse effects, such as: 

(A) Required intervals between application and harvest of food or feed 

crops. 

(B) Rotational crop restrictions. 

(C) Warnings as required against use 

on certain crops, animals, objects, or in 

or adjacent to certain areas. 

(D) For total release foggers as defined in §156.78(d)(1), the following 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.60 

statements must be included in the 

‘‘Directions for Use.’’ 

DO NOT use more than one fogger per 

room. DO NOT use in small, enclosed spaces 

such as closets, cabinets, or under counters 

or tables. Do not use in a room 5 ft.×5 ft. or 

smaller; instead, allow fog to enter from 

other rooms. Turn off ALL ignition sources 

such as pilot lights (shut off gas valves), 

other open flames, or running electrical appliances that cycle off and on (i.e., refrigerators, thermostats, etc.). Call your gas 

utility or management company if you need 

assistance with your pilot lights.’’ 

(E) For restricted use pesticides, a 

statement that the pesticide may be 

applied under the direct supervision of 

a certified applicator who is not physically present at the site of application 

but nonetheless available to the person 

applying the pesticide, unless the 

Agency has determined that the pesticide may only be applied under the 

direct supervision of a certified applicator who is physically present. 

(F) Other pertinent information 

which the Administrator determines to 

be necessary for the protection of man 

and the environment. 

(j) Statement of use classification. Any 

pesticide product for which some uses 

are classified for general use and others 

for restricted use shall be separately 

labeled according to the labeling standards set forth in this subsection, and 

shall be marketed as separate products 

with different registration numbers, 

one bearing directions only for general 

use(s) and the other bearing directions 

for restricted use(s) except that, if a 

product has both restricted use(s) and 

general use(s), both of these uses may 

appear on a product labeled for restricted use. Such products shall be 

subject to the provisions of paragraph 

(j)(2) of this section. 

(1) General Use Classification. Pesticide products bearing directions for 

use(s) classified general shall be labeled with the exact words ‘‘General 

Classification’’ immediately below the 

heading ‘‘Directions for Use.’’ And reference to the general classification 

that suggests or implies that the general utility of the pesticide extends beyond those purposes and uses contained 

in the Directions for Use will be considered a false or misleading statement 

under the statutory definitions of misbranding. 

(2) Restricted Use Classification. Pesticide products bearing direction for 

use(s) classified restricted shall bear 

statements of restricted use classification on the front panel as described 

below: 

(i) Front panel statement of restricted 

use classification. (A) At the top of the 

front panel of the label, set in type of 

the same minimum sizes as required 

for human hazard signal words (see 

table in paragraph (h)(1)(iv) of this section), and appearing with sufficient 

prominence relative to other text and 

graphic material on the front panel to 

make it unlikely to be overlooked 

under customary conditions of purchase and use, the statement ‘‘Restricted Use Pesticide’’ shall appear. 

(B) Directly below this statement on 

the front panel, a summary statement 

of the terms of restriction imposed as a 

precondition to registration shall appear. If use is restricted to certified applicators, the following statement is 

required: ‘‘For retail sale to and use 

only by Certified Applicators or persons under their direct supervision and 

only for those uses covered by the Certified Applicator’s certification.’’ If, 

however, other regulatory restrictions 

are imposed, the Administrator will define the appropriate wording for the 

terms of restriction by regulation. 

[40 FR 28268, July 3, 1975; 40 FR 32329, Aug. 1, 

1975; 40 FR 36571, Aug. 21, 1975, as amended at 

43 FR 5786, Feb. 9, 1978. Redesignated and 

amended at 53 FR 15991, 15999, May 4, 1988; 57 

FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992; 60 FR 32096, June 19, 

1995; 63 FR 9082, Feb. 23, 1998; 66 FR 64764, 

Dec. 14, 2001; 71 FR 47420, Aug. 16, 2006; 73 FR 

75596, Dec. 12, 2008] 

Subparts B–C [Reserved] 

Subpart D—Human Hazard and 

Precautionary Statements 

SOURCE: 66 FR 64764, Dec. 14, 2001, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 156.60 General. 

Each product label is required to bear 

hazard and precautionary statements 

for humans and domestic animals (if 

applicable) as prescribed in this subpart. Hazard statements describe the 

type of hazard that may occur, while 

precautionary statements will either 


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§ 156.62 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

direct or inform the user of actions to 

take to avoid the hazard or mitigate 

its effects. 

(a) Location of statements—(1) Front 

panel statements. The signal word, child 

hazard warning, and, in certain cases, 

the first aid statement are required to 

appear on the front panel of the label, 

and also in any supplemental labeling 

intended to accompany the product in 

distribution or sale. 

(2) Statements elsewhere on label. Hazard and precautionary statements not 

required on the front panel may appear 

on other panels of the label, and may 

be required also in supplemental labeling. These include, but are not limited 

to, the human hazard and precautionary statements, domestic animal statements if applicable, a Note to 

Physician, and physical or chemical 

hazard statements. 

(b) Placement and prominence—(1) 

Front panel statements. All required 

front panel warning statements shall 

be grouped together on the label, and 

shall appear with sufficient prominence relative to other front panel text 

and graphic material to make them unlikely to be overlooked under customary conditions of purchase and use. 

The table below shows the minimum 

type size requirements for the front 

panel warning statements for various 

front panel sizes. 

TYPE SIZES FOR FRONT PANEL WARNING

STATEMENTS

Size of Label Front Panel (Square Inches) 

Point Size 

Signal 

Word 

(All 

Capital 

Letters) 

Child 

Hazard 

Warning 

5 and under ............................................... 6 6 

Over 5 to 10 .............................................. 10 6 

Over 10 to 15 ............................................ 12 8 

Over 15 to 30 ............................................ 14 10 

Over 30 ...................................................... 18 12 

(2) Other required statements. All other 

hazard and precautionary statements 

must be at least 6 point type. 

§ 156.62 Toxicity Category. 

This section establishes four Toxicity 

Categories for acute hazards of pesticide products, Category I being the 

highest toxicity category. Most human 

hazard, precautionary statements, and 

human personal protective equipment 

statements are based upon the Toxicity 

Category of the pesticide product as 

sold or distributed. In addition, toxicity categories may be used for regulatory purposes other than labeling, 

such as classification for restricted use 

and requirements for child-resistant 

packaging. In certain cases, statements 

based upon the Toxicity Category of 

the product as diluted for use are also 

permitted. A Toxicity Category is assigned for each of five types of acute 

exposure, as specified in the table in 

this paragraph. 

ACUTE TOXICITY CATEGORIES FOR PESTICIDE PRODUCTS

Hazard Indicators I II III IV 

Oral LD50 ................. Up to and including 50 

mg/kg 

>50 thru 500 mg/kg >500 thru 5,000 mg/kg >5,000 mg/kg 

Dermal LD50 ............ Up to and including 200 

mg/kg 

>200 thru 2000 mg/kg >2000 thru 20,000 mg/ 

kg 

>20,000 mg/kg 

Inhalation LC50 ........ Up to and including 0.2 

mg/liter 

>0.2 thru 2 mg/liter >2 thru 20 mg/liter >20 mg/liter 

Eye irritation ............ Corrosive; corneal opacity 

not reversible within 7 

days 

Corneal opacity reversible within 7 

days; irritation persisting for 7 days 

No corneal opacity; irritation reversible 

within 7 days 

No irritation 

Skin irritation ........... Corrosive Severe irritation at 72 

hours 

Moderate irritation at 

72 hours 

Mild or slight irritation at 

72 hours 

§ 156.64 Signal word. 

(a) Requirement. Except as provided in 

paragraph (a)(4), each pesticide product 

must bear on the front panel a signal 

word, reflecting the highest Toxicity 

Category (Category I is the highest 

toxicity category) to which the product 

is assigned by any of the five routes of 

exposure in §156.62. The signal word 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.68 

must also appear together with the 

heading for the human precautionary 

statement section of the labeling (see 

§156.70). 

(1) Toxicity Category I. Any pesticide 

product meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category I for any route of exposure must bear on the front panel the 

signal word ‘‘DANGER.’’ In addition, if 

the product is assigned to Toxicity 

Category I on the basis of its oral, inhalation or dermal toxicity (as distinct 

from skin and eye irritation), the word 

‘‘Poison’’ must appear in red on a background of distinctly contrasting color, 

and the skull and crossbones symbol 

must appear in immediate proximity 

to the word ‘‘Poison.’’ 

(2) Toxicity Category II. Any pesticide 

product meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category II as the highest category by any route of exposure must 

bear on the front panel the signal word 

‘‘WARNING.’’ 

(3) Toxicity Category III. Any pesticide 

product meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category III as the highest category by any route of exposure must 

bear on the front panel the signal word 

‘‘CAUTION.’’ 

(4) Toxicity Category IV. A pesticide 

product meeting the criteria of Toxicity Category IV by all routes of exposure is not required to bear a signal 

word. If a signal word is used, it must 

be ‘‘CAUTION.’’ 

(b) Use of signal words. In no case may 

a product: 

(1) Bear a signal word reflecting a 

higher Toxicity Category than indicated by the route of exposure of highest toxicity, unless the Agency determines that such labeling is necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment; 

(2) Bear a signal word reflecting a 

lesser Toxicity Category associated 

with a diluted product. Although precautionary statements for use dilutions may be included on label, the signal word must reflect the toxicity of 

the product as distributed or sold; or 

(3) Bear different signal words on different parts of the label. 

§ 156.66 Child hazard warning. 

(a) Each pesticide product must bear 

on the front panel of the label the 

statement ‘‘Keep Out of Reach of Children.’’ That statement, or any alternative statement approved by EPA, 

must appear on a separate line in close 

proximity to the signal word, if required. The statement is required on 

Toxicity Category IV products that do 

not otherwise require a signal word. 

(b) In its discretion, EPA may waive 

the requirement, or require or permit 

an alternative child hazard warning, if: 

(1) The applicant can demonstrate 

that the likelihood of exposure of children to the pesticide during distribution, marketing, storage or use is remote (for example, an industrial use 

product); or 

(2) The pesticide is approved for use 

on children (for example, an insect repellent). 

(c) EPA may approve an alternative 

child hazard warning that more appropriately reflects the nature of the pesticide product to which children may 

be exposed (for example, an impregnated pet collar). In this case, EPA 

may also approve placement on other 

than the front panel. 

§ 156.68 First aid statement. 

(a) Product as sold and distributed. 

Each product must bear a first aid 

statement if the product has systemic 

effects in Category I, II, or III, or skin 

or eye irritation effects in Category I 

or II. 

(b) Product as diluted for use. If the 

product labeling bears directions for 

dilution with water prior to use, the 

label may also include a statement describing how the first aid measures 

may be modified for the diluted product. Such a statement must reflect the 

Toxicity Category(ies) of the diluted 

product, based upon data for the route 

of exposure (or calculations if appropriate). If the labeling provides for a 

range of use dilutions, only that use dilution representing the highest concentration allowed by labeling may be 

used as the basis for a statement pertaining to the diluted product. The 

statement for a diluted product may 

not substitute for the statement for 

the concentrate, but augments the information provided for the concentrate. 

(c) Heading. The heading of the statement may be ‘‘First Aid’’ or ‘‘Statement of Practical Treatment.’’ 


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§ 156.70 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

(d) Location of first aid statement. The 

first aid statement must appear on the 

front panel of the label of all products 

assigned to Toxicity Category I by any 

route of exposure. Upon review, the 

Agency may permit reasonable variations in the placement of the first aid 

statement if a reference such as ‘‘See 

first aid statement on back panel’’ appears on the front panel. The first aid 

statement for products assigned to 

Toxicity Categories II or III may appear on any panel of the label. 

§ 156.70 Precautionary statements for 

human hazards. 

(a) Requirement. Human hazard and 

precautionary statements as required 

must appear together on the label or 

labeling under the general heading 

‘‘Precautionary Statements’’ and 

under appropriate subheadings similar 

to ‘‘Humans and Domestic Animals,’’ 

‘‘Environmental Hazards’’ (see subpart 

E of this part) and ‘‘Physical or Chemical Hazards.’’ The phrase ‘‘and Domestic Animals’’ may be omitted from the 

heading if domestic animals will not be 

exposed to the product. 

(b) Content of statements. When data 

or other information show that an 

acute hazard may exist to humans or 

domestic animals, the label must bear 

precautionary statements describing 

the particular hazard, the route(s) of 

exposure and the precautions to be 

taken to avoid accident, injury or toxic 

effect or to mitigate the effect. The 

precautionary paragraph must be immediately preceded by the appropriate 

signal word. 

(c) Typical precautionary statements. 

The table below presents typical hazard and precautionary statements. Specific statements pertaining to the hazards of the product and its uses must 

be approved by the Agency. With Agency approval, statements may be augmented to reflect the hazards and precautions associated with the product as 

diluted for use. Refer to §156.68(b) for 

requirements for use dilution statements. 

TYPICAL HUMAN HAZARD AND PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Toxicity Category Systemic effects (oral, dermal, inhalation toxicity) Irritation effects (skin and eye) Sensitizer (There are no categories of sensitization.) 

I ................................ Fatal (poisonous) if swallowed 

[inhaled or absorbed through 

skin]. Do not breathe vapor 

[dust or spray mist]. Do not get 

in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. 

[Front panel first aid statement 

required.] 

Corrosive, causes eye and skin 

damage [or skin irritation]. Do 

not get in eyes on skin, or on 

clothing. Wear goggles or face 

shield and rubber gloves when 

handling. Harmful or fatal if 

swallowed. [Front panel first 

aid statement required.] 

If product is a sensitizer: Prolonged or frequently repeated 

skin contact may cause allergic 

reactions in some individuals. 

II ............................... May be fatal if swallowed, [inhaled or absorbed through the 

skin]. Do not breathe vapors 

[dust or spray mist]. Do not get 

in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. 

[Appropriate first aid statement 

required.] 

Causes eye [and skin] irritation. 

Do not get in eyes, on skin, or 

on clothing. Harmful if swallowed. [Appropriate first aid 

statement required.] 

III .............................. Harmful if swallowed [inhaled or 

absorbed through the skin]. 

Avoid breathing vapors [dust or 

spray mist]. Avoid contact with 

skin [eyes or clothing]. [Appropriate first aid statement required.] 

Avoid contact with skin, eyes or 

clothing. 

IV ............................. No precautionary statements required No precautionary statements required. 

§ 156.78 Precautionary statements for 

physical or chemical hazards. 

(a) Requirement. Warning statements 

on the flammability or explosive characteristics of the pesticide product are 

required if a product meets the criteria 

in this section. Warning statements 

pertaining to other physical/chemical 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.80 

hazards (e.g., oxidizing potential, conductivity, chemical reactions leading 

to production of toxic substances) may 

be required on a case-by-case basis. 

(b) Pressurized products. The table 

below sets out the required flammability label statements for pressurized 

products. 

FLAMMABILITY STATEMENTS FOR PRESSURIZED

PRODUCTS

Flash point/flame extension of product Required labeling statement 

—Flash point at or 

below 20 °F.

Extremely flammable. Contents 

under pressure. Keep away from 

fire, sparks, and heated surfaces. 

Do not puncture or incinerate 

container. Exposure to temperatures above 130 °F may cause 

bursting. 

OR.

—Flashback at any 

valve opening.

—Flash point >20 °F to 

80 °F.

Flammable. Contents under pressure. Keep away from heat, 

sparks and open flame. Do not 

puncture or incinerate container. 

Exposure to temperatures above 

130 °F may cause bursting. 

OR.

—Flame extension 

more than 18 in. long 

at a distance of 6 in 

from the flame.

All other pressurized 

products.

Contents under pressure. Do not 

use or store near heat or open 

flame. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Exposure to temperatures above 130 °F may 

cause bursting. 

(c) Non-pressurized products. The table 

below sets out the required flammability label statements for non-pressurized products. 

FLAMMABILITY STATEMENTS FOR NONPRESSURIZED PRODUCTS

Flash point Required labeling statement 

At or below 20 °F ......... Extremely flammable. Keep away 

from fire, sparks and heated surfaces. 

Greater than 20 °F to 

80 °F.

Flammable. Keep away from heat 

and open flame. 

Greater than 80 °F to 

150 °F.

Combustible. Do not use or store 

near heat or open flame. 

(d) Total release fogger products. (1) A 

total release fogger is defined as a pesticide product in a pressurized container designed to automatically release the total contents in one operation, for the purpose of creating a permeating fog within a confined space to 

deliver the pesticide throughout the 

space. 

(2) If a pesticide product is a total release fogger containing a propellant 

with a flash point at or below 20 °F, 

then the following special instructions 

must be added to the ‘‘Physical and 

Chemical Hazards’’ warning statement, 

in addition to any flammability statement required by paragraph (b) of this 

section: 

This product contains a highly flammable ingredient. It may cause a fire 

or explosion if not used properly. Follow the Directions for Use on this label 

very carefully. 

(3) A graphic symbol depicting fire, 

such as illustrated in this paragraph, 

or an equivalent symbol, must be displayed along with the required language adjoining the ‘‘Physical and 

Chemical Hazards’’ warning statement. 

The graphic symbol must be no smaller 

than twice the size of the first character of the human hazard signal word. 

Highly Flammable Ingredient 

Ingrediente Altamente Inflamable 

Subpart E—Environmental Hazard 

and Precautionary Statements 

SOURCE: 66 FR 64767, Dec. 14, 2001, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 156.80 General. 

(a) Requirement. Each product is required to bear hazard and precautionary statements for environmental hazards, including hazards to 

non-target organisms, as prescribed in 

this subpart. Hazard statements describe the type of hazard that may be 

present, while precautionary statements direct or inform the user of actions to take to avoid the hazard or 

mitigate its effects. 

(b) Location of statements. Environmental hazard and precautionary 


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§ 156.85 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

statements may appear on any panel of 

the label and may be required also in 

supplemental labeling. The environmental hazard statements must appear 

together under the heading ‘‘Environmental Hazards.’’ Typically the statements are grouped as a sub-category 

within the ‘‘Precautionary Statements’’ section of the labeling. 

(c) Type size. All environmental hazard and precautionary statements 

must be at least 6 point type. 

§ 156.85 Non-target organisms. 

(a) Requirement. Where a hazard exists to non-target organisms, EPA may 

require precautionary statements of 

the nature of the hazard and the appropriate precautions to avoid potential 

accident, injury, or damage. 

(b) Examples. The statements in this 

paragraph illustrate the types of hazard statements that EPA may require 

and the circumstances under which 

they are typically required. These 

statements are not comprehensive; 

other statements may be required if 

more appropriate to the formulation or 

use. 

(1) If a pesticide intended for outdoor 

use contains an active ingredient with 

a mammalian acute oral LD50 of 100 

mg/kg or less, the statement, ‘‘This 

pesticide is toxic to wildlife’’ is required. 

(2) If a pesticide intended for outdoor 

use contains an active ingredient with 

a fish acute LC50 of 1 ppm or less, the 

statement, ‘‘This pesticide is toxic to 

fish’’ is required. 

(3) If a pesticide intended for outdoor 

use contains an active ingredient with 

an avian acute oral LD50 of 100 mg/kg 

or less, or a subacute dietary LC50 of 

500 ppm or less, the statement, ‘‘This 

pesticide is toxic to wildlife’’ is required. 

(4) If either accident history or field 

studies demonstrate that the use of the 

pesticide may result in fatality to 

birds, fish or mammals, the statement, 

‘‘This pesticide is extremely toxic to 

wildlife (fish)’’ is required. 

(5) If a product is intended for or involves foliar application to agricultural crops, forests or shade trees, or 

mosquito abatement treatments, and 

contains a pesticide toxic to pollinating insects, the label must bear appropriate label cautions. 

(6) If a product is intended for outdoor use other than aquatic applications, the label must bear the caution, 

‘‘Keep out of lakes, ponds or streams. 

Do not contaminate water by cleaning 

of equipment or disposal of wastes.’’ 

Subparts F–G [Reserved] 

Subpart H—Container Labeling 

SOURCE: 71 FR 47420, Aug. 16, 2006, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 156.140 Identification of container 

types. 

For products other than plant-incorporated protectants, the following 

statements, as applicable, must be 

placed on the label or container. The 

information may be located on any 

part of the container except the closure. If the statements are placed on 

the container, they must be durably 

marked on the container. Durable 

marking includes, but is not limited to 

etching, embossing, ink jetting, stamping, heat stamping, mechanically attaching a plate, molding, or marking 

with durable ink. 

(a) Nonrefillable container. For nonrefillable containers, the statements in 

paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this 

section are required except as provided 

in paragraphs (a)(5), (c), (d), and (e) of 

this section. If placed on the label, the 

statements in paragraphs (a)(1) 

through (a)(3) of this section must be 

under an appropriate heading under the 

heading ‘‘Storage and Disposal.’’ If any 

of the statements in paragraphs (a)(1) 

through (a)(3) of this section are placed 

on the container, an appropriate referral statement such as ‘‘See container 

for recycling [or other descriptive 

word] information.’’ must be placed on 

the label under the heading ‘‘Storage 

and Disposal.’’ 

(1) Statement identifying a nonrefillable 

container. The following phrase is required: ‘‘Nonrefillable container.’’ 

(2) Reuse statement. One of the following statements is required. Products with labels that allow household/ 

residential use must use the statement 

in paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(iii) of 

this section. All other products must 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.140 

use the statement in paragraph 

(a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii) of this 

section. 

(i) ‘‘Do not reuse or refill this container.’’ 

(ii) ‘‘Do not reuse this container to 

hold materials other than pesticides or 

dilute pesticides (rinsate). After 

emptying and cleaning, it may be allowable to temporarily hold rinsate or 

other pesticide-related materials in the 

container. Contact your state regulatory agency to determine allowable 

practices in your state.’’ 

(iii) The following statement may be 

used if a product is ‘‘ready-to-use’’ and 

its directions for use allow a different 

product (that is a similar, but concentrated formulation) to be poured 

into the container and diluted by the 

end user: ‘‘Do not reuse or refill this 

container unless the directions for use 

allow a different (concentrated) product to be diluted in the container.’’ 

(3) Recycling or reconditioning statement. One of the following statements 

is required: 

(i) ‘‘Offer for recycling if available.’’ 

(ii) ‘‘Once cleaned, some agricultural 

plastic pesticide containers can be 

taken to a container collection site or 

picked up for recycling. To find the 

nearest site, contact your chemical 

dealer or manufacturer or contact [a 

pesticide container recycling organization] at [phone number] or [web site]. 

For example, this statement could be 

‘‘Once cleaned, some agricultural plastic pesticide containers can be taken to 

a container collection site or picked up 

for recycling. To find the nearest site, 

contact your chemical dealer or manufacturer or contact the Ag Container 

Recycling Council (ACRC) at 1–877–952– 

2272 (toll-free) or www.acrecycle.org.’’ 

(iii) A recycling statement approved 

by EPA and published in an EPA document, such as a Pesticide Registration 

Notice. 

(iv) An alternative recycling statement that has been reviewed and approved by EPA. 

(v) ‘‘Offer for reconditioning if appropriate.’’ 

(4) Batch code. A lot number, or other 

code used by the registrant or producer 

to identify the batch of the pesticide 

product which is distributed and sold is 

required. 

(5) Exemptions. Pesticide products in 

the following types of nonrefillable 

containers, and their packaging, are 

exempt from the requirements in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section: 

(i) Aerosol cans. 

(ii) Devices as defined in §152.500 of 

this chapter. 

(iii) One-time use caulking tubes and 

other one-time use squeezable tube 

containers for paste, gel, or other similar substances. 

(iv) Foil packets for water soluble 

packaging, repellent wipes, and other 

one-time use products. 

(v) One-time use portion control 

packets, such as polyethylene sleeve 

packages, or rodenticide placepacks. 

(vi) One-time use bait stations. 

(vii) One-time use cages for repellent 

or trapping strips. 

(viii) Pet collars or animal ear tags, 

such as cattle ear tags. 

(ix) One-time use semiochemical dispersion devices. 

(x) Any container that is destroyed 

by the use of the product contained. 

(xi) Any container that would be destroyed if reuse of the container were 

attempted. 

(b) Refillable container. For refillable 

containers, one of the following statements is required, except as provided in 

paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section. If placed on the label, the statement must be under the heading 

‘‘Storage and Disposal.’’ If the statement is placed on the container, an appropriate referral statement, such as 

‘‘Refilling limitations are on the container.’’ must be placed under the 

heading ‘‘Storage and Disposal.’’ 

(1) ‘‘Refillable Container. Refill this 

container with pesticide only. Do not 

reuse this container for any other purpose.’’ 

(2) ‘‘Refillable Container. Refill this 

container with [common chemical name] 

only. Do not reuse this container for 

any other purpose.’’ 

(c) Modification. EPA may, on its own 

initiative or based on data or information submitted by any person, modify 

or waive the requirements of this section or permit or require alternative 

labeling statements. 

(d) Exemption for articles. Pesticidal 

articles that are not exempted from 

FIFRA regulation by §152.25(a) of this 


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§ 156.144 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

chapter are exempt from the requirements of this section. 

(e) Exemption for transport vehicles. 

Transport vehicles are exempt from the 

requirements of this section. 

[71 FR 47420, Aug. 16, 2006, as amended at 73 

FR 64224, Oct. 29, 2008] 

§ 156.144 Residue removal instructions—general. 

(a) General. Except as provided by 

paragraphs (c) through (g) of this section, the label of each pesticide product must include the applicable instructions for removing pesticide residues from the container prior to container disposal that are specified in 

§156.146 and §156.156. The residue removal instructions are required for 

both nonrefillable and refillable containers. 

(b) Placement of residue removal statements. All residue removal instructions 

must be placed under the heading 

‘‘Storage and Disposal.’’ 

(c) Exemption for residential/household 

use products. Residential/household use 

pesticide products are exempt from the 

residue removal instruction requirements in this section through §156.156. 

(d) Modification. EPA may, on its own 

initiative or based on data submitted 

by any person, modify or waive the requirements of this section through 

§156.156, or permit or require alternative labeling statements. 

(e) Exemption for gases. Pesticide 

products that are gaseous at atmospheric temperature and pressure are 

exempt from the residue removal instruction requirements in this section 

through §156.156. 

(f) Exemption for articles. Pesticidal 

articles that are not exempted from 

FIFRA regulation by §152.25(a) of this 

chapter are exempt from the residue 

removal instruction requirements in 

this section through §156.156. 

(g) Exemption for transport vehicles. 

Transport vehicles are exempt from the 

requirements in this section through 

§156.156. 

[71 FR 47420, Aug. 16, 2006, as amended at 73 

FR 64224, Oct. 29, 2008] 

§ 156.146 Residue removal instructions 

for nonrefillable containers—rigid 

containers with dilutable pesticides. 

The label of each dilutable (liquid or 

solid) pesticide product packaged in a 

rigid nonrefillable container must include the following residue removal instructions as appropriate. 

(a) Timing of the residue removal procedure. One of the following statements 

must immediately precede the instructions required in paragraph (b) of this 

section and must be consistent with 

the instructions in paragraphs (b) and 

(c) of this section: 

(1) ‘‘Clean container promptly after 

emptying.’’ 

(2) ‘‘Triple rinse or pressure rinse 

container (or equivalent) promptly 

after emptying.’’ 

(3) ‘‘Triple rinse container (or equivalent) promptly after emptying.’’ 

(b) Triple rinse instructions. The label 

of each dilutable pesticide product 

packaged in rigid nonrefillable containers must include one of the following sets of instructions. 

(1) For liquid dilutable pesticide 

products in containers small enough to 

shake, use the following instructions: 

‘‘Triple rinse as follows: Empty the remaining contents into application 

equipment or a mix tank and drain for 

10 seconds after the flow begins to drip. 

Fill the container 1/4 full with water 

and recap. Shake for 10 seconds. Pour 

rinsate into application equipment or a 

mix tank or store rinsate for later use 

or disposal. Drain for 10 seconds after 

the flow begins to drip. Repeat this 

procedure two more times.’’ 

(2) For solid dilutable pesticide products in containers small enough to 

shake, use the following instructions: 

‘‘Triple rinse as follows: Empty the remaining contents into application 

equipment or a mix tank. Fill the container 1/4 full with water and recap. 

Shake for 10 seconds. Pour rinsate into 

application equipment or a mix tank or 

store rinsate for later use or disposal. 

Drain for 10 seconds after the flow begins to drip. Repeat this procedure two 

more times.’’ 

(3) For containers that are too large 

to shake, use the following instructions: ‘‘Triple rinse as follows: Empty 

remaining contents into application 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.156 

equipment or a mix tank. Fill the container 1/4 full with water. Replace and 

tighten closures. Tip container on its 

side and roll it back and forth, ensuring at least one complete revolution, 

for 30 seconds. Stand the container on 

its end and tip it back and forth several times. Turn the container over 

onto its other end and tip it back and 

forth several times. Empty the rinsate 

into application equipment or a mix 

tank or store rinsate for later use or 

disposal. Repeat this procedure two 

more times.’’ 

(c) Pressure rinse instructions. The 

label of each dilutable pesticide product packaged in rigid nonrefillable containers may include one of the following sets of instructions, and one of 

them must be used if the statement in 

paragraph (a)(2) of this section is used. 

If one of these statements is included 

on the label, it must immediately follow the triple rinse instructions specified in paragraph (b) of this section. 

(1) For liquid dilutable pesticide 

products, use the following label instruction: ‘‘Pressure rinse as follows: 

Empty the remaining contents into application equipment or a mix tank and 

continue to drain for 10 seconds after 

the flow begins to drip. Hold container 

upside down over application equipment or mix tank or collect rinsate for 

later use or disposal. Insert pressure 

rinsing nozzle in the side of the container, and rinse at about 40 PSI for at 

least 30 seconds. Drain for 10 seconds 

after the flow begins to drip.’’ 

(2) For solid dilutable pesticide products, use the following label instruction: ‘‘Pressure rinse as follows: Empty 

the remaining contents into application equipment or a mix tank. Hold 

container upside down over application 

equipment or mix tank or collect 

rinsate for later use or disposal. Insert 

pressure rinsing nozzle in the side of 

the container, and rinse at about 40 

PSI for at least 30 seconds. Drain for 10 

seconds after the flow begins to drip.’’ 

(d) Non-water diluent. (1) A registrant 

who wishes to require users to clean a 

container with a diluent other than 

water (e.g., solvents) must submit to 

EPA a written request to modify the 

residue removal instructions of this 

section. The registrant may not distribute or sell the pesticide with the 

modified residue removal instructions 

until EPA approves the request in writing. 

(2) The registrant must indicate why 

a non-water diluent is necessary for efficient residue removal, and must propose residue removal instructions and 

disposal instructions that are appropriate for the characteristics and formulation of the pesticide product and 

non-water diluent. The proposed residue removal instructions must identify the diluent. If the Directions for 

Use permit the application of a mixture of the pesticide and the non-water 

diluent, the instructions may allow the 

rinsate to be added to the application 

equipment or mix tank. If the Directions for Use do not identify the nonwater diluent as an allowable addition 

to the pesticide, the instructions must 

require collection and storage of the 

rinsate in a rinsate collection system. 

(3) EPA may approve the request if 

EPA finds that the proposed instructions are necessary and appropriate. 

§ 156.156 Residue removal instructions 

for refillable containers. 

The label of each pesticide product 

packaged in a refillable container must 

include the residue removal instructions in this section. Instructions must 

be given for all pesticide products that 

are distributed or sold in refillable containers, including those that do not require dilution prior to application. 

(a) Timing of the residue removal procedure. One of the following statements 

must immediately precede the instructions required in paragraph (b) of this 

section and must be consistent with 

the instructions in paragraph (b) of 

this section: 

(1) ‘‘Cleaning the container before 

final disposal is the responsibility of 

the person disposing of the container. 

Cleaning before refilling is the responsibility of the refiller.’’ 

(2) ‘‘Pressure rinsing the container 

before final disposal is the responsibility of the person disposing of the 

container. Cleaning before refilling is 

the responsibility of the refiller.’’ 

(b) Residue removal instructions prior to 

container disposal. (1) Instructions for 

cleaning each refillable container prior 

to disposal are required. The residue 


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§ 156.159 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

removal instructions must be appropriate for the characteristics and formulation of the pesticide product and 

must be adequate to protect human 

health and the environment. 

(2) Subject to meeting the standard 

in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the 

statement on residue removal instructions could include any one of the following: 

(i) The refilling residue removal procedure developed by the registrant for 

the pesticide product. 

(ii) Standard industry practices for 

cleaning refillable containers. 

(iii) For pesticides that require dilution prior to application, the following 

statement: ‘‘To clean the container before final disposal, empty the remaining contents from this container into 

application equipment or a mix tank. 

Fill the container about 10 percent full 

with water. Agitate vigorously or recirculate water with the pump for 2 

minutes. Pour or pump rinsate into application equipment or rinsate collection system. Repeat this rinsing procedure two more times.’’ 

(iv) Any other statement the registrant considers appropriate. 

§ 156.159 Compliance date. 

Any pesticide product released for 

shipment by a registrant after August 

16, 2011 must bear a label that complies 

with §§156.10(d)(7), 156.10(f), 

156.10(i)(2)(ix), 156.140, 156.144, 156.146 

and 156.156. 

[75 FR 62326, Oct. 8, 2010] 

Subparts I–J [Reserved] 

Subpart K—Worker Protection 

Statements 

SOURCE: 57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 156.200 Scope and applicability. 

(a) Scope. (1) This subpart prescribes 

statements that must be placed on the 

pesticide label and in pesticide labeling. These statements incorporate by 

reference the Worker Protection 

Standard, part 170 of this chapter. The 

requirements addressed in these statements are designed to reduce the risk 

of illness or injury resulting from 

workers’ and pesticide handlers’ occupational exposures to pesticides used in 

the production of agricultural plants 

on agricultural establishments as defined in §170.3 of this chapter. These 

statements refer to specific workplace 

practices designed to reduce or eliminate exposure and to respond to emergencies that may arise from the exposures that may occur. 

(2) This subpart prescribes interim 

requirements that must be placed on 

the pesticide label and in pesticide labeling. These interim requirements 

pertain to restricted-entry intervals, 

personal protective equipment, and notification. On a case-by-case basis, 

these interim requirements will be reviewed and may be revised during reregistration or other agency review 

processes. 

(b) Applicability. (1) The requirements 

of this subpart apply to each pesticide 

product that bears directions for use in 

the production of any agricultural 

plant on any agricultural establishment as defined in §170.3 of this chapter, or whose labeling reasonably permits such use. 

(2) The requirements of this subpart 

do not apply to a product that bears directions solely for uses excepted by 

§170.202(b) of this chapter. 

(c) Effective dates. No product to 

which this subpart applies shall be distributed or sold without amended labeling by any registrant after April 21, 

1994, or by any person after October 23, 

1995. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 73 

FR 75596, Dec. 12, 2008] 

§ 156.203 Definitions. 

Terms in this subpart have the same 

meanings as they do in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 

Act, as amended. In addition, the following terms, as used in this subpart, 

shall have the meanings stated below: 

Fumigant means 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. 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.206 

Restricted-entry interval or REI means 

the time after the end of a pesticide application during which entry to the 

treated area is restricted. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 73 

FR 75596, Dec. 12, 2008] 

§ 156.204 Modification and waiver of 

requirements. 

(a) Modification on Special Review. If 

the Agency concludes in accordance 

with §154.25(c) of this chapter that a 

pesticide should be placed in Special 

Review because the pesticide meets or 

exceeds the criteria for human health 

effects of §154.7(a)(1)(2) or (6) of this 

chapter, the Agency may modify the 

personal protective equipment required 

for handlers or early-entry workers or 

both, the restricted-entry intervals, or 

the notification to workers requirements. 

(b) Other modifications. The Agency, 

pursuant to this subpart and authorities granted in FIFRA sections 3, 6, and 

12, may, on its initiative or based on 

data submitted by any person, modify 

or waive the requirements of this subpart, or permit or require alternative 

labeling statements. Supporting data 

may be either data conducted according to Subdivisions U or K of the Pesticide Assessments guidelines or data 

from medical, epidemiological, or 

health effects studies. A registrant who 

wishes to modify any of the statements 

required in §§156.206, 156.208, 156.210, or 

156.212 must submit an application for 

amended registration unless specifically directed otherwise by the Agency. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 73 

FR 75596, Dec. 12, 2008] 

§ 156.206 General statements. 

(a) Application restrictions. Each product shall bear the statement: ‘‘Do not 

apply this product in a way that will 

contact workers or other persons, either directly or through drift. Only 

protected handlers may be in the area 

during application.’’ This statement 

shall be near the beginning of the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the labeling under the heading AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS. 

(b) 40 CFR part 170 reference statement. 

(1) Each product shall bear the reference statement: ‘‘Use this product 

only in accordance with its labeling 

and with the Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR part 170.’’ This statement 

shall be placed on the product label 

under the heading AGRICULTURAL 

USE REQUIREMENTS. 

(2) Each product shall bear the statement: ‘‘This standard contains requirements for the protection of agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses, and handlers of 

agricultural pesticides. It contains requirements for training, decontamination, notification, and emergency assistance. It also contains specific instructions and exceptions pertaining to 

the statements on this label [in this labeling] about [use any of the following 

that are applicable] personal protective 

equipment, restricted-entry interval, 

and notification to workers.’’ These 

statements shall be placed immediately following the reference statement required by paragraph (b)(1) of 

this section, or they shall be placed in 

the supplemental product labeling 

under the heading AGRICULTURAL 

USE REQUIREMENTS. 

(3) If the statements in paragraph 

(b)(2) of this section are included in 

supplemental labeling rather than on 

the label of the pesticide container, the 

container label must contain this 

statement immediately following the 

statement required in paragraph (b)(1) 

of this section: ‘‘Refer to supplemental 

labeling entitled AGRICULTURAL 

USE REQUIREMENTS in the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the labeling for information about this standard.’’ 

(4) If the statements in paragraph 

(b)(2) of this section are included in 

supplemental labeling, they must be 

preceded immediately by the statement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 

under the heading AGRICULTURAL 

USE REQUIREMENTS in the labeling. 

(c) Product-type identification. (1) If 

the product contains an 

organophosphate (i.e., an 

organophosphorus ester that inhibits 

cholinesterase) or an N-methyl carbamate (i.e., an N-methyl carbamic acid 

ester that inhibits cholinesterase), the 

label shall so state. The statement 

shall be associated with the product 

name or product-type identification or 


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§ 156.208 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

shall be in the STATEMENT OF PRACTICAL TREATMENT or FIRST AID 

section of the label. 

(2) If the product is a fumigant, the 

label shall so state. The identification 

shall appear: 

(i) As part of the product name; or 

(ii) Close to the product name, as 

part of the product-type identification 

or as a separate phrase or sentence. 

(d) State restrictions. Each product 

shall bear the statement: ‘‘For any requirements specific to your State, consult the agency in your State responsible for pesticide regulation.’’ This 

statement shall be under the heading 

AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS in the labeling. 

(e) Spanish warning statements. If the 

product is classified as toxicity category I or toxicity category II according to the criteria in §156.62, the signal 

word shall appear in Spanish in addition to English followed by the statement, ‘‘Si Usted no entiende la 

etiqueta, busque a alguien para que se 

la explique a Usted en detalle. (If you 

do not understand the label, find some 

one to explain it to you in detail.)’’ The 

Spanish signal word ‘‘PELIGRO’’ shall 

be used for products in toxicity category I, and the Spanish signal word 

‘‘AVISO’’ shall be used for products in 

toxicity category II. These statements 

shall appear on the label close to the 

English signal word. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 58 

FR 34203, June 23, 1993; 73 FR 75596, Dec. 12, 

2008] 

§ 156.208 Restricted-entry statements. 

(a) Requirement. Each product with a 

restricted-entry interval shall bear the 

following statement: ‘‘Do not enter or 

allow worker entry into treated areas 

during the restricted-entry interval 

(REI).’’ This statement shall be under 

the heading AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS in the labeling. 

(b) Location of specific restricted-entry 

interval statements. (1) If a product has 

one specific restricted-entry interval 

applicable to all registered uses of the 

product on agricultural plants, the restricted-entry interval for the product 

shall appear as a continuation of the 

statement required in paragraph (a) of 

this section and shall appear as follows: ‘‘of X hours’’ or ‘‘of X days’’ or 

‘‘until the acceptable exposure level of 

X ppm or mg/m3 is reached.’’ 

(2) If different restricted-entry intervals have been established for some 

crops or some uses of a product, the restricted-entry statement in paragraph 

(b)(1) of this section shall be associated 

on the labeling of the product with the 

directions for use for each crop each 

use to which it applies, immediately 

preceded or immediately followed by 

the words ‘‘Restricted-entry interval’’ 

(or the letters ‘‘REI’’). 

(c) Restricted-entry interval based on 

toxicity of active ingredient—(1) Determination of toxicity category. A restricted-entry interval shall be established based on the acute toxicity of 

the active ingredients in the product. 

For the purpose of setting the restricted-entry interval, the toxicity 

category of each active ingredient in 

the product shall be determined by 

comparing the obtainable data on the 

acute dermal toxicity, eye irritation 

effects, and skin irritation effects of 

the ingredient to the criteria of §156.62. 

The most toxic of the applicable toxicity categories that are obtainable for 

each active ingredient shall be used to 

determine the restricted-entry interval 

for that product. If no acute dermal 

toxicity data are obtainable, data on 

acute oral toxicity also shall be considered in this comparison. If no applicable acute toxicity data are obtainable 

on the active ingredient, the toxicity 

category corresponding to the signal 

word of any registered manufacturinguse product that is the source of the 

active ingredient in the end-use product shall be used. If no acute toxicity 

data are obtainable on the active ingredients and no toxicity category of a 

registered manufacturing-use product 

is obtainable, the toxicity category of 

the end-use product (corresponding to 

the signal word on its labeling) shall be 

used. 

(2) Restricted-entry interval for sole active ingredient products. (i) If the product contains only one active ingredient 

and it is in toxicity category I by the 

criteria in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the restricted-entry interval shall 

be 48 hours. If, in addition, the active 

ingredient is an organophosphorus 

ester that inhibits cholinesterase and 

that may be applied outdoors in an 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.210 

area where the average annual rainfall 

for the application site is less than 25 

inches per year, the following statement shall be added to the restrictedentry interval statement: ‘‘(72 hours in 

outdoor areas where average annual 

rainfall is less than 25 inches a year).’’ 

(ii) If the product contains only one 

active ingredient and it is in toxicity 

category II by the criteria in paragraph 

(c)(1) of this section, the restrictedentry interval shall be 24 hours. 

(iii) If the product contains only active ingredients that are in toxicity 

category III or IV by the criteria in 

paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the restricted-entry interval shall be 12 

hours. 

(3) Restricted-entry interval for multiple 

active ingredient products. If the product 

contains more than one active ingredient, the restricted-entry interval (including any associated statement concerning use in arid areas under paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section) shall be 

based on the active ingredient that requires the longest restricted-entry interval as determined by the criteria in 

this section. 

(d) Exception for fumigants. The criteria for determining restricted-entry 

intervals in paragraph (c) of this section shall not apply to any product 

that is a fumigant. For fumigants, any 

existing restricted-entry interval 

(hours, days, or acceptable exposure 

level) shall be retained. Entry restrictions for fumigants have been or shall 

be established on a case-by-case basis 

at the time of registration, reregistration, or other Agency review process. 

(e) Existing product-specific restrictedentry intervals. (1) A product-specific restricted-entry interval, based on data 

collected in accordance with §158.1070 

or §161.390 of this chapter and Subdivision K of the Pesticide Assessment 

Guidelines, shall supersede any restricted-entry interval applicable to 

the product under paragraph (c) of this 

section. 

(2) Product-specific restricted-entry 

intervals established for pesticide products or pesticide uses that are not covered by part 170 of this chapter shall 

remain in effect and shall not be placed 

under the heading AGRICULTURAL 

USE REQUIREMENTS in the labeling. 

(f) Existing interim restricted-entry intervals. (1) An interim restricted-entry 

interval established by the Agency before the effective date of this subpart 

will continue to apply unless a longer 

restricted-entry interval is required by 

paragraph (c) of this section. 

(2) Existing interim restricted-entry 

intervals established by the Agency for 

pesticide products or pesticide uses not 

covered by part 170 of this chapter 

shall remain in effect and shall not be 

placed under the heading AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS in the 

labeling. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 58 

FR 34203, June 23, 1993; 72 FR 61028, Oct. 26, 

2007; 73 FR 75596, Dec. 12, 2008] 

§ 156.210 Notification-to-workers statements. 

(a) Requirement. Each product that 

meets the requirements of paragraph 

(b) of this section shall bear the posting and oral notification statements 

prescribed below. The statements shall 

be in the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the labeling under the heading 

AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS. 

(b) Notification to workers of pesticide 

application. (1) Each product that contains any active ingredient classified 

as toxicity category I for either acute 

dermal toxicity or skin irritation potential under the criteria in §156.62 

shall bear the statement: ‘‘Notify 

workers of the application by warning 

them orally and by posting warning 

signs at entrances to treated areas.’’ If 

no acute dermal toxicity data are obtainable, data on acute oral toxicity of 

the active ingredient shall be considered instead. If no data on acute dermal toxicity, skin irritation potential, 

or acute oral toxicity are obtainable on 

the active ingredient, the toxicity category corresponding to the signal word 

of any registered manufacturing-use 

product that is the source of the active 

ingredient in the end-use product shall 

be used. If none of the applicable acute 

toxicity data are obtainable on the active ingredient and no toxicity category of the registered manufacturinguse product is obtainable, the toxicity 

category of the end-use product corresponding to the product’s signal word 

shall be used. 


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§ 156.212 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

(2) Each product that is a fumigant 

and is registered for use in a greenhouse (or whose labeling allows use in 

a greenhouse) shall bear the statement: 

‘‘For greenhouse applications, notify 

workers of the application by warning 

them orally and by posting warning 

signs outside all entrances to the 

greenhouse.’’ 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 58 

FR 34203, June 23, 1993; 73 FR 75596, Dec. 12, 

2008] 

§ 156.212 Personal protective equipment statements. 

(a) Requirement. Each product shall 

bear the personal protective equipment 

statements prescribed in paragraphs (d) 

through (j) of this section. 

(b) Exceptions. (1) If personal protective equipment were required for a 

product before the effective date of this 

subpart, the existing requirements 

shall be retained on the labeling wherever they are more specific or more 

protective (as specified in EPA guidance materials) than the requirements 

in the table in paragraph (e) of this section. 

(2) Any existing labeling statement 

that prohibits the use of gloves or 

boots overrides the corresponding requirement in paragraph (e) of this section and must be retained on the labeling. 

(3) If the product labeling contains 

uses that are not covered by part 170 of 

this chapter, the registrant may adopt 

the personal protective equipment required in this section for those uses. 

However, if the personal protective 

equipment required in this section 

would not be sufficiently protective or 

would be onerously overprotective for 

uses not covered by part 170 of this 

chapter, the registrant must continue 

to apply the existing personal protective equipment requirements to those 

uses. The labeling must indicate which 

personal protective equipment requirements apply to uses covered by part 170 

of this chapter and which personal protective equipment requirements apply 

to other uses. 

(c) Location of personal protective 

equipment statements—(1) Personal protective equipment statements for pesticide 

handlers. Personal protective equipment statements for pesticide handlers 

shall be in the HAZARDS TO HUMANS 

(AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS) section of 

the labeling. The required statements 

may be combined to avoid redundancy 

as long as the requirements and conditions under which they apply are identified. 

(2) Personal protective equipment 

statements for early-entry workers. 

Personal protective equipment statements for early-entry workers shall be 

placed in the DIRECTIONS FOR USE 

section of the labeling under the heading AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS and immediately after the restricted-entry statement required in 

§156.208(a). 

(d) Personal protective equipment statements for pesticide handlers. (1) The 

table in paragraph (e) of this section 

specifies minimum requirements for 

personal protective equipment (as defined in §170.240 of this chapter) and 

work clothing for pesticide handlers. 

This personal protective equipment requirement applies to any product that 

presents a hazard through any route of 

exposure identified in the table (acute 

dermal toxicity, skin irritation potential, acute inhalation toxicity, and eye 

irritation potential). 

(2) The requirement for personal protective equipment is based on the acute 

toxicity category of the end-use product for each route of exposure as defined by §156.62. If data to determine 

the acute dermal toxicity or the acute 

inhalation toxicity are not obtainable, 

the acute oral toxicity shall be used as 

a surrogate to determine the personal 

protective equipment requirements for 

that route of exposure. If data to determine the acute toxicity of the product 

by a specific route of exposure (including acute oral toxicity in lieu of acute 

dermal or acute inhalation toxicity) 

are not obtainable, the toxicity category corresponding to the signal word 

of the end-use product shall be used to 

determine personal protective equipment requirements for that route of exposure. If the signal word is ‘‘CAUTION,’’ toxicity category III will be 

used. 

(3) The minimum personal protective 

equipment and work clothing requirements specified in this section shall be 


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Environmental Protection Agency § 156.212 

included in a statement such as the following: ‘‘Applicators and other handlers must wear: (body protection 

statement); (glove statement, if applicable); (footwear statement, if applicable); (protective eyewear statement, if 

applicable); (respirator statement, if 

applicable).’’ The format of statements 

given in this paragraph is optional, but 

it is recommended for clarity. 

(e) Summary of personal protective 

equipment requirements. The following 

table 1 summarizes the personal protective equipment requirements by 

route of exposure and toxicity category: 

TABLE 1—MINIMUM PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) AND WORK CLOTHING FOR HANDLING

ACTIVITIES

Route of Exposure 

Toxicity Category of End-Use Product 

I II III IV 

Dermal Toxicity or Skin Irritation Potential 1.

Coveralls worn over 

long-sleeved shirt 

and long pants 

Coveralls worn over 

short-sleeved shirt 

and short pants 

Long-sleeved shirt 

and long pants 

Long-sleeved shirt 

and long pants 

............................................ Socks Socks Socks Socks 

............................................ Chemical-resistant 

footwear 

Chemical-resistant 

footwear 

Shoes Shoes 

............................................ Chemical-resistant 

gloves 2

Chemical-resistant 

gloves 2

Chemical-resistant 

gloves 2

No minimum 4

Inhalation Toxicity ................... Respiratory protection 

device 3

Respiratory protection 

device 3

No minimum 4 No minimum 4

Eye Irritation Potential ............ Protective eyewear Protective eyewear No minimum 4 No minimum 4

1 If dermal toxicity and skin irritation potential are in different toxicity categories, protection shall be based on the more toxic (lower numbered) category. 2 For labeling language for chemical-resistant gloves, see paragraph (f) of this section. 3 For labeling language for respiratory protection device, see paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section. 4 Although no minimum PPE is required by this section for this toxicity category and route of exposure, the Agency may require PPE on a product-specific basis. 

(f) Chemical-resistant gloves labeling 

statements for pesticide handlers. If the 

table in paragraph (e) of this section 

indicates that chemical-resistant 

gloves are required, the glove statement shall be as specified in paragraph 

(f)(2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section. 

(1) Exception. The registrant shall 

specify a glove type other than that selected through the criteria in paragraphs (f)(2) through (5) of this section 

if information available to the registrant indicates that such a glove type 

is more appropriate or more protective 

than the glove type specified in this 

section. The statement must specify 

the particular types of chemical-resistant glove (such as nitrile, butyl, neoprene, and/or barrier-laminate). 

(2) Solid formulations. For products 

formulated and applied as solids or formulated as solids and diluted solely 

with water for application, the glove 

statement shall specify: ‘‘waterproof 

gloves.’’ 

(3) Aqueous-based formulations. For 

products formulated and applied as a 

water-based liquid or formulated as a 

water-based liquid and diluted solely 

with water for application, the glove 

statement may specify: ‘‘waterproof 

gloves’’ instead of the statement in 

paragraph (f)(4) of this section. 

(4) Other liquid formulations. For products formulated or diluted with liquids 

other than water, the glove statement 

shall specify: ‘‘chemical-resistant (such 

as nitrile or butyl) gloves.’’ 

(5) Gaseous formulations and applications. For products formulated or applied as gases, any existing glove statement established before the effective 

date of this subpart, including any 

glove prohibition statement, will continue to apply. If no glove statement or 

glove prohibition now exists, the glove 

statement shall specify ‘‘chemical-resistant (such as nitrile or butyl) 

gloves.’’ 

(g) Existing respirator requirement for 

pesticide handlers on product labeling— 

(1) General requirement. If a statement 

placed on a product’s labeling before 

the effective date of this subpart indicates that respiratory protection is required, that requirement for protection 


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§ 156.212 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–11 Edition) 

shall be retained. The statement must 

specify, or be amended to specify, one 

of the following respirator types and 

the appropriate MSHA/NIOSH approval 

number prefix: 

(i) Dust/mist filtering respirator with 

MSHA/NIOSH/ approval number prefix 

TC-21C; or 

(ii) Respirator with an organic-vaporremoving cartridge and a prefilter approved for pesticides with MSHA/ 

NIOSH approval number prefix TC-23C 

or with a canister approved for pesticides with MSHA/NIOSH approval 

number prefix TC-14G; or 

(iii) Supplied-air respirator with 

MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix 

TC-19C or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with MSHA/NIOSH approval number TC-13F. 

(2) Respirator type already specified on 

labeling. If the existing respiratory protection requirement specifies a respirator type, it shall be retained. The 

respirator statement must be revised, 

if necessary, to conform to the wording 

in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. 

(3) Respirator type not already specified 

on labeling. If the existing respiratory 

protection requirement on product labeling does not specify a respirator 

type as listed in paragraph (g)(1) of this 

section, the specific respirator type 

shall be that required in the criteria in 

paragraphs (g)(3)(ii) through (vi) of this 

section. 

(i) Exception. The registrant shall 

specify a different type of respiratory 

protection device if information, such 

as vapor pressure value, is available to 

the registrant to indicate that the type 

of respiratory protection device selected through the criteria in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii) through (vi) of this section would not be adequately protective, or might increase risks to the 

user unnecessarily. 

(ii) Gases applied outdoors. For products that are formulated or applied as 

a gas (space and soil fumigants) and 

that may be used outdoors, the respiratory protection statement shall be: 

‘‘For handling activities outdoors, use 

either a respirator with an organicvapor-removing cartridge with a 

prefilter approved for pesticides 

(MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix 

TC-23C), or a canister approved for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH approval number 

prefix TC-14G).’’ 

(iii) Gases used in enclosed areas. For 

products that are formulated or applied 

as a gas (space and soil fumigants) and 

that may be used in greenhouses or 

other enclosed areas, the respiratory 

protection statement shall specify: 

‘‘For handling activities in enclosed 

areas, use either a supplied-air respirator with MSHA/NIOSH approval 

number prefix TC-19C, or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) 

with MSHA/NIOSH approval number 

TC-13F.’’ 

(iv) Solids. For products that are formulated and applied as solids, the respiratory protection statement shall 

specify: ‘‘dust/mist filtering respirator 

(MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix 

TC-21C).’’ 

(v) Liquids in toxicity category I. For 

products that are formulated or applied 

as liquids, and, as formulated, have an 

acute inhalation toxicity (or its surrogate as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of 

this section) in category I, the respiratory protection statement shall 

specify: ‘‘either a respirator with an organic-vapor-removing cartridge with a 

prefilter approved for pesticides 

(MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix 

TC-23C), or a canister approved for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH approval number 

prefix 14G).’’ 

(vi) Liquids in toxicity category II. For 

products that are formulated or applied 

as liquids, and, as formulated, have an 

acute inhalation toxicity (or its surrogate as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of 

this section) in category II, the respiratory protection statement shall 

specify: ‘‘For handling activities during (select uses applicable to the product: airblast, mistblower, pressure 

greater than 40 p.s.i. with fine droplets, 

smoke, mist, fog, aerosol or direct 

overhead) exposures, wear either a respirator with an organic-vapor-removing cartridge with a prefilter approved 

for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH approval 

number prefix TC-23C), or a canister 

approved for pesticides (MSHA/NIOSH 

approval number prefix 14G). For all 

other exposures, wear a dust/mist filtering respirator (MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix TC-21C).’’ 

(h) New respirator requirement established for pesticide handlers in this part— 


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Environmental Protection Agency Pt. 157 

(1) General requirement. If the table in 

paragraph (e) of this section indicates a 

respiratory protection device is required, and existing product labeling 

has no respiratory protection requirement, the registrant shall add a respiratory protection statement that 

specifies a: ‘‘dust/mist filtering respirator (MSHA/NIOSH approval number prefix TC-21C).’’ 

(2) Exception. The registrant shall 

specify a different type of respiratory 

protection device if information, such 

as vapor pressure value, is available to 

the registrant to indicate that the type 

of respiratory protection device required in paragraph (h)(1) of this section would not be adequately protective or might increase risks to the user 

unnecessarily. 

(i) Additional personal protective equipment requirements for pesticide handlers. 

In addition to the minimum personal 

protective equipment and work clothing requirements given in the table in 

paragraph (e) of this section, the labeling statement for any product in toxicity category I or II on the basis of 

dermal toxicity or skin irritation potential (or their surrogate as specified 

in paragraph (d)(2) of this section), 

shall include the following personal 

protective equipment instructions, additions, or substitutions as applicable: 

(1) If the product is not ready-to-use 

and there is no existing requirement 

for a chemical-resistant suit, the following statement shall be included: 

‘‘Mixers/Loaders: add a chemical-resistant apron.’’ 

(2) If the application of the product 

may result in overhead exposure to any 

handler (for example, applicator exposure during airblast spraying of orchards or flagger exposure during aerial application), the following statement shall be included: ‘‘Overhead Exposure: wear chemical-resistant headgear.’’ 

(3) If any type of equipment other 

than the product container may be 

used to mix, load, or apply the product, 

and there is no requirement for a 

chemical-resistant protective suit, the 

following statement shall be included: 

‘‘For Cleaning Equipment: add a chemical-resistant apron.’’ 

(j) Personal protective equipment for 

early-entry workers. This paragraph 

specifies minimum requirements for 

personal protective equipment (as defined in §170.240 of this chapter) and 

work clothing for early-entry workers. 

(1) For all pesticide products, add the 

statement: ‘‘For early entry to treated 

areas that is permitted under the 

Worker Protection Standard and that 

involves contact with anything that 

has been treated, such as plants, soil, 

or water, wear: (list the body protection, glove, footwear, protective 

eyewear, and protective headgear, if 

applicable, statements specified for applicators and other handlers, but omit 

any respiratory protection statement).’’ 

(2) If the body protection statement 

in the personal protective equipment 

requirement for handlers specifies a 

long-sleeved shirt and long pants, 

‘‘coveralls’’ must be specified in the 

statement of personal protective equipment for early-entry workers. 

(3) If there is no statement requiring 

gloves and no prohibition against 

gloves for applicators and other handlers under the heading HAZARDS TO 

HUMANS (AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS) 

in the labeling, add a requirement for 

‘‘waterproof gloves’’ in the statement 

of personal protective equipment for 

early-entry workers. 

[57 FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992, as amended at 58 

FR 34203, June 23, 1993; 73 FR 75596, Dec. 12, 

2008] 

PART 157—PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS FOR PESTICIDES AND DEVICES 

Subpart A [Reserved] 

Subpart B—Child-Resistant Packaging 

Sec. 

157.20 General. 

157.21 Definitions. 

157.22 When required. 

157.24 Exemptions. 

157.27 Unit packaging. 

157.30 Voluntary use of child-resistant 

packaging. 

157.32 Standards. 

157.34 Certification. 

157.36 Recordkeeping. 

AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 136w. 

SOURCE: 51 FR 21286, June 11, 1986; 51 FR 

36692, Oct. 15, 1986, unless otherwise noted. 


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