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Warning Signs
Warning signs must be posted to warn agricultural workers in advance about pesticide applications. Warning signs must be in English and either Spanish or an alternate language spoken by the workers.Rule Amendment
In June 1996, EPA amended the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) to modify the warning sign size and language requirement.
In September 1995, EPA had proposed to allow growers to substitute another language for the Spanish portion of the warning sign and to allow the use of a small size sign in nurseries and greenhouses where use of the standard (14"x16") sign interfered with operations and the clear identification of a treated area. EPA considered the comments received from growers, farmworker groups, state agencies, and private citizens and issued a final determination to allow other languages to improve the effectiveness of the signs in warning workers whose predominant language is not Spanish and to permit smaller signs in greenhouses and nurseries.
Summary of Final Rule Amendment
- Allows substitution of the language commonly spoken and read by workers for the Spanish portion of the warning sign. The sign must be in the format required by the WPS and be visible and legible. Use of alternative languages is optional and continued use of the English/Spanish sign is always acceptable.
- Allows use of smaller signs provided minimum letter size and posting distances are observed. In nurseries and greenhouses, small signs may be used at any time. A small sign may be used on farms and forests if the treated area is too small to accommodate the standard sign.
Sign Size and Posting Minimum Requirements
The posting and lettering requirements for the smaller signs will result in sign sizes of approximately 7 inches by 8 inches and 4 1/2 inches by 5 inches.
| Circle graphic height | DANGER & PELIGRO lettering height |
Other lettering height | Posting Distance | |
| 7"x8" (approx.) |
3" | 7/8" | 1/2" | 50 feet |
| 4 1/2"x5" (approx.) |
1 1/2" | 7/16" | 1/4" | 25 feet |
Warning Signs in Other Languages
To assist agricultural employers with preparing warning signs in other languages, the following signs are reproduced below. All warning signs must be visible, legible, and in the required format. For more information, contact EPA at 703-305-7666.
