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Worker Protection Program Fact Sheet: Final Rule Amendment - Training Requirements
In April 1995, EPA completed a final rule amendment to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regarding the grace period (time before a worker must be trained) and the retraining interval for worker pesticide safety training.Background
In a January 1995 Federal Register Notice, EPA addressed concerns raised by farmworker groups and agricultural employer groups regarding the grace period and the retraining period for worker pesticide safety training. In this Notice, the agency proposed various options to modify these WPS requirements and solicited public comment. The Agency has considered comments received and has issued a final determination.
Summary of Final Rule Amendment
The 5-day grace period for worker training will become effective January 1, 1996.
Beginning January 1, 1996, agricultural employers must assure that untrained workers receive basic pesticide safety information before they enter a treated area on the establishment. No more than 5 days after their initial employment has commenced, all untrained agricultural workers must receive the complete WPS pesticide safety training.
The retraining interval for workers and handlers is 5 years.
Discussion
As of January 1, 1996, the agricultural employer shall assure that a worker receives basic pesticide safety information before they enter a treated area on the establishment. This would provide basic safety information to workers while they wait for the complete WPS pesticide safety training which is required within the first 5 days of entering a treated area. The agricultural employer must assure the information is communicated to agricultural workers in a manner they can understand. In cooperation with USDA and States, EPA will develop and distribute a model handout that will provide the basic pesticide safety information. Agricultural employers may use this handout, develop their own, or use other materials that contain the required basic safety information. Agricultural employers must be able to verify compliance with this requirement.
The basic pesticide safety information must include the following concepts:
- Pesticides may be on or in plants, soil, irrigation water, or drifting from nearby applications.
- Prevent pesticides from entering your body by:
- Following directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted areas
- Washing before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the toilet
- Wearing work clothing that protects the body from pesticide residues
- Washing/showering with soap and water, shampoo hair and put on clean clothes after work
- Washing work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again
- Washing immediately in the nearest clean water if pesticides are spilled or sprayed on the body and, as soon as possible, showering, shampooing, and changing into clean clothes
- Further training will be provided within 5 days
For more information contact:
Certification and Worker Protection Branch
Office of Pesticide Programs
U.S. EPA (7506C)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460-0001
Phone: 703 305-7666
Fax: 703 308-2962