The labels will state that the pesticide product must be used in accordance with the Worker Protection Standard, Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 170. The staggered dates of enactment allow existing ag pesticides to move through the inventory pipeline. The bottom line for compliance is that an employer, a pesticide handler or agricultural worker must follow the WPS whenever they see a reference to it on the pesticide label. This is a time period that must pass after a pesticide application but before a worker may enter a treated area. In all cases, workers may not enter a treated area within four hours following completion of the pesticide application.
Employers have the major responsibility for compliance.
Centrally Located Information. Employers must make available prompt transportation to an appropriate medical facility in cases of suspected pesticide poisoning. Employers must provide workers with a decontamination site while the workers are performing permitted activities in a treated area. Some employers' responsibilities are specific to the ag workers or the pesticide handlers. Employers must keep workers other than trained and protected pesticide handlers out of an area being treated.