Pesticides in bulk containers and new pesticides will have a WPS statement, however, some pesticides already in the sales pipeline may not have the new label during the 1994 and 1995 growing seasons. How the new standard applies to farm operations is determined by whether you employ people outside your immediate family. Different rules apply to farm workers, pesticide handlers, nonfamily employees and employees from a farm operator's immediate family. Other sections of the new standard apply to ag dealerships, commercial applicators and crop advisors. This publication highlights WPS requirements for farmers who fall into one of two categories - those who do not employ people outside their immediate family, and those who do.
Requirements vary, depending upon the toxicity of the pesticide and the handling activity.
Appropriate PPE could include goggles, chemically-resistant gloves, boots, or aprons, coveralls, and respirators. Restrictions during application Farmers must make sure that each pesticide is applied so that it does not contact, either directly or through drift, anyone except appropriately trained and equipped handlers. They also must make sure that all people, except appropriately trained and equipped handlers, are kept out of areas being treated with pesticides. Restrictions after application Farmers must be sure that all individuals, except correctly trained and equipped handlers, are kept out of areas that are under REI, generally between 12 and 72 hours. When two or more pesticides with different REI are applied at the same time, the longer interval must be followed.