Specific WPS pesticide safety training is required for both Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers. The training must be conducted by a qualified trainer using EPA-approved training material and completed before workers enter a treated area and pesticide handlers perform any handler task. Pesticide safety training is required once every 12 months.
Agricultural Workers or Pesticide Handlers that are currently licensed as Minnesota Commercial or Non-commercial Pesticide Applicators or Private Pesticide Applicators are exempt from the pesticide safety training requirement.
- Pesticide safety information: A poster developed by EPA, PERC or other entity can be used as long as it provides all required WPS pesticide safety concepts.
- Pesticide application information: must include all required information
- Hazard information: A copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each pesticide product applied.
- Pesticide safety information: A poster developed by EPA, PERC or other entity can be used as long as it includes all required WPS pesticide safety concepts.
- This information must also be displayed at non-permanent decontamination sites when supplies are required in quantities for 11 workers or more.
Includes: Soap, water and disposable (single-use) towels. Allows the worker to wash when leaving a pesticide treated area or if they have come in contact with a pesticide or pesticide residue.
- Must be placed within a quarter mile of where the workers are working
- Must be in place for 30 days following a pesticide application
Decontamination supplies must be provided to Pesticide Handlers when they are mixing, loading or applying pesticides, or performing other handler tasks.
In addition to soap, water and disposable (single-use) towels, Pesticide Handlers also need a change of clothing available in case of a pesticide spill. Handlers can carry decontamination supplies with them in the application equipment or in the tender truck.
If the pesticide label requires “protective eyewear” when mixing or loading or the handlers are mixing or loading any pesticide using a closed system operating under pressure, the Pesticide Handler must have an emergency eye flushing station at the mixing/loading site.
When the Pesticide Handler is applying a pesticide requiring “protective eyewear”, then one pint of water must be immediately available to each applicator in a portable container.
In case of pesticide injury or illness, the employer must provide (arrange for) transportation to a medical facility and provide pesticide label information to medical personnel and to the employee.
Employer Information Exchange
Before any application, Commercial Pesticide Handlers must inform the Ag Employer where and when a pesticide application will take place. Details must include:
- Location and description of area to be treated
- Date and start and estimated end times of the application
- Product name, EPA registration number, active ingredient(s) and REI
- Whether the pesticide product labeling requires posting, oral notification or both
- Any other specific worker or other persons safety requirements found on the labeling
- Location and description of any treated area on the ag establishment under an REI that the Handler may be in or walk within a quarter mile of and specific restrictions
- Length of the REI.
- Location and description of any treated area on the ag establishment under an REI that the Handler may be in or walk within a quarter mile of and specific restrictions
- Length of the REI.
When a pesticide is applied that has a skull and crossbones on the label the applicator must be monitored by sight or voice communication once every two hours. During the application of a fumigant in an enclosed space production area, another Pesticide Handler stationed immediately outside of the enclosed space must maintain constant visual or voice contact with the applicator.
When a pesticide is applied that has a skull and crossbones on the label the applicator must be monitored by sight or voice communication once every two hours. During the application of a fumigant in an enclosed space production area, another Pesticide Handler stationed immediately outside of the enclosed space must maintain constant visual or voice contact with the applicator.
The Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) is the area surrounding the application equipment during outdoor production pesticide applications. The size of the AEZ is determined by the application method and the spray quality. Once the application is complete, the AEZ no longer exists and the REI becomes effective for the treated area.
Effective January 2, 2017: An Agricultural Employer must not allow any workers or other persons in the AEZ within the boundaries of the agricultural establishment during the application
Effective January 2, 2018: Pesticide Handlers must suspend pesticide applications if any person enters or is in the AEZ
During pesticide applications in enclosed space production areas, the Agricultural Employer must not allow or direct any worker or other person, other than the handler(s) involved with the application, to enter or to remain in specific areas for specific times or conditions. The restrictions depend on the types of pesticides or application methods used.
The Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) is the area surrounding the application equipment during outdoor production pesticide applications. The size of the AEZ is determined by the application method and the spray quality. Once the application is complete, the AEZ no longer exists and the REI becomes effective for the treated area.
Effective January 2, 2017: An Agricultural Employer must not allow any workers or other persons in the AEZ within the boundaries of the agricultural establishment during the application
Effective January 2, 2018: Pesticide Handlers must suspend pesticide applications if any person enters or is in the AEZ
During pesticide applications in enclosed space production areas, the Agricultural Employer must not allow or direct any worker or other person, other than the handler(s) involved with the application, to enter or to remain in specific areas for specific times or conditions. The restrictions depend on the types of pesticides or application methods used.
- Location and description of any treated area on the ag establishment under an REI that the Handler may be in or walk within a quarter mile of and specific restrictions
- Length of the REI.
When a pesticide is applied that has a skull and crossbones on the label the applicator must be monitored by sight or voice communication once every two hours. During the application of a fumigant in an enclosed space production area, another Pesticide Handler stationed immediately outside of the enclosed space must maintain constant visual or voice contact with the applicator.
The Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) is the area surrounding the application equipment during outdoor production pesticide applications. The size of the AEZ is determined by the application method and the spray quality. Once the application is complete, the AEZ no longer exists and the REI becomes effective for the treated area.
Effective January 2, 2017: An Agricultural Employer must not allow any workers or other persons in the AEZ within the boundaries of the agricultural establishment during the application
Effective January 2, 2018: Pesticide Handlers must suspend pesticide applications if any person enters or is in the AEZ
During pesticide applications in enclosed space production areas, the Agricultural Employer must not allow or direct any worker or other person, other than the handler(s) involved with the application, to enter or to remain in specific areas for specific times or conditions. The restrictions depend on the types of pesticides or application methods used.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The pesticide product label specifies the minimum level of PPE that must be worn when mixing, loading and applying pesticides, and for early-entry workers to enter a pesticide treated area that is under a REI.