WPS Handler Safety
Training
Greenhouse/Nursery
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
What does the Worker
Protection Standard cover?
• Pesticides used in production of
agricultural plants
Forests
Greenhouses
Farms
Nurseries
1. Agricultural
Workers
2. Early-entry
workers
3. Pesticide
Handlers
Agricultural workers
• Do hand labor, such as weeding,
planting, cultivating, harvesting
Early-entry workers
• Perform special tasks
involving anything that
has been treated with
a pesticide
Pesticide Handlers
• Mix, load, apply,
clean, or repair
equipment
• Perform other
tasks in direct
contact with
pesticides
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
WPS safety concept: the label
• Format and meaning of information
contained on pesticide labels and in
labeling, including safety information
such as precautionary statements about
human health hazards
Labels and labeling
• Information
attached to
container or
referred to on the
label or
accompanying
literature
Betsy Buffington, Iowa State University
Name of product
• Brand name
• Common name(s)
• Chemical name
Ingredient statement
ACTIVE INGREDIENT:
Imidacloprid: 1-[(6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl-methyl]-N-nitro-2imidazolidinimine…………………………………......21.4%
OTHER INGREDIENTS:…………………………….78.6%
TOTAL: ……………...…………..…………………..100.0%
EPA registration EPA establishment
number
number
• Used to identify the
product
EPA Reg. No. 432-1369-59807
• Used to identify
where product was
produced
EPA Est. No. 432-TX-1
Needed for:
 Poisoning  Claims of misuse  Liability claims
 Restricted use pesticide records
Use classification
General use
• No label statement
Restricted use
• RUP statement required
• Certification
Signal words
Precautionary
statements
• Hazards to humans
and animals
– Ways product may be
poisonous
Precautionary statements
• PPE
– Minimum
protective
equipment
that must be
worn
Precautionary statements
• Environmental hazards
– What to do to avoid
environmental damage
Precautionary statements
• Physical and chemical
hazards
– Fire, explosion, or
chemical hazards
Statement of
practical treatment
• What to do if poisoning occurs
Directions for use
1. Why the pesticide is
being used
2. Where the pesticide
should be applied
3. How the pesticide is
applied
4. When the pesticide
should be applied
Restricted entry interval
• Time that must pass before people can
re-enter area without appropriate PPE
• Stated on the pesticide label
• Most are 4 or 12 hours
• Longer for some pesticides
AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS
Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker Protection
Standard, 40 CFR Part 170. This Standard contains requirements for the protection of
agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses, and handlers of
agricultural pesticides. It contains requirements for training, decontamination, notification,
and emergency assistance. It also contains specific instructions and exceptions pertaining
to the statements on this label about personal protective equipment (PPE), and restricted
entry interval. The requirements in this box only apply to uses of this product that are
covered by the Worker Protection Standard.
Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12
hours.
PPE required for early entry to treated areas that is permitted under the Worker Protection
Standard and that involves contact with anything that has been treated such as plants, soil
or water is : coveralls, chemical-resistant gloves such as barrier laminate or butyl rubber or
nitrile rubber or viton, shoes plus socks and protective eye wear.
Restricted
entry
interval
Do not enter or allow entry into treated
areas during the restricted entry interval
(REI) of 12 hours.
NON-AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements in this box apply to uses of this product that are NOT within the scope of
the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides (40 CFR Part 170). The
WPS applies when this product is used to produce agricultural plants on farms, forests,
nurseries or greenhouses.
For ornamental turf uses (golf courses, cemeteries, parks and other turfgrasss areas), do
not allow people (other than applicator) or pets on treatment area during application. Do
not enter treatment areas until sprays have dried.
AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS
Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and with the Worker Protection
Standard, 40 CFR Part 170. This Standard contains requirements for the protection of
agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses, and handlers of
agricultural pesticides. It contains requirements for training, decontamination, notification,
and emergency assistance. It also contains specific instructions and exceptions pertaining
to the statements on this label about personal protective equipment (PPE), and restricted
entry interval. The requirements in this box only apply to uses of this product that are
covered by the Worker Protection Standard.
Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12
hours.
Earlyentry
workers
PPE required for early entry to treated areas
that is permitted under the Worker Protection
Standard and that involves contact with
anything that has been treated such as
plants, soil or water is: coveralls, chemicalresistant gloves such as barrier laminate or
butyl rubber or nitrile rubber or viton, shoes
plus socks and protective eye wear.
PPE required for early entry to treated areas that is permitted under the Worker Protection
Standard and that involves contact with anything that has been treated such as plants, soil
or water is : coveralls, chemical-resistant gloves such as barrier laminate or butyl rubber or
nitrile rubber or viton, shoes plus socks and protective eye wear.
NON-AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements in this box apply to uses of this product that are NOT within the scope of
the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides (40 CFR Part 170). The
WPS applies when this product is used to produce agricultural plants on farms, forests,
nurseries or greenhouses.
For ornamental turf uses (golf courses, cemeteries, parks and other turfgrasss areas), do
not allow people (other than applicator) or pets on treatment area during application. Do
not enter treatment areas until sprays have dried.
Non-agricultural use
requirements
• If WPS does not apply, then follow
these instructions
Storage and disposal
• How to best store
and dispose of
product and/or
product container
WPS safety concept:
pesticide hazards
• Hazards of pesticides resulting from
toxicity and exposure, including:
–
–
–
–
Acute effects
Chronic effects
Delayed effects
Sensitization
Hazard = Exposure x Toxicity
• High exposure
90% = 100% x 90
• No exposure
0% = 0% x 90
How can pesticide exposure
occur?
Plant residues
Application
Mixing/Loading
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
Three farm workers gave birth to infants with birth defects.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 2007, ehponline.org
Insecticide: farm worker applied a carbamate insecticide for
several days. He became nauseous, dizzy, weak, and had a
headache. Michigan pesticide surveillance report, 2005
Herbicide: a worker was spraying glyphosate, the end of the
hose came off and some sprayed on his mouth. He became
nauseous and vomited. Michigan pesticide surveillance report, 2005
Fungicide: farm worker mixing fungicide rested his arm on a
spill, it became red, irritated, and very itchy.
Michigan pesticide Surveillance report, 2005
Toxicity is…..
• The potential of a chemical to be
poisonous
• Expressed as LD50
– Lethal dose for 50% of the population
Signal words
Signal Word
Toxicity
Oral Lethal Dose
(Human, 150 lbs.)
Caution
Low toxicity
1 ounce to more than a
pint
Warning
Moderately toxic
1 teaspoon to 1
tablespoon
Danger
Highly toxic
Few drops to 1 teaspoon
DangerPoison
Highly toxic to
humans
Few drops to 1 teaspoon
Acute toxicity
• High level, one time
exposure
Chronic toxicity
• Effects are not seen until much later
• Result of repeated exposures
Chronic toxicity can cause
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cancer
Tumors
Birth defects
Infertility or sterility
Impotence
Blood disorders
Brain damage
Paralysis
Emphysema, asthma
Kidney problems
Sensitization
• Gradual
development of
allergic reaction
to pesticide
WPS safety concept:
routes of entry
• Routes by which pesticides can enter
the body
Dermal exposure
• Spilling concentrate during
mixing and loading
• Wind shift during spraying
and getting covered with
pesticide drift
• Most common way
applicators are exposed
Oral exposure
• Accidently drinking
pesticide
• Not washing hands
before eating
• Most common
route that children
are poisoned
Inhalation exposure
• Mixing and
loading in a
confined area
• Applying
pesticide in a
confined area
Ocular exposure
• Rubbing eyes with
contaminated hands or
clothing
• Immediate absorption
WPS safety concept:
signs and symptoms
• Signs and symptoms of common types
of pesticide poisonings
Pesticide poisoning symptoms
Mild poisoning
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
Severe poisoning
• Excessive sweating
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
WPS safety concept:
first aid & medical care
• Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries
or poisonings
• How to obtain medical care
Dermal exposure
• Rinse with water
• Remove
contaminated
clothing
• Wash with plenty
of soap and water
Oral exposure
• Rinse mouth with water
• Do not induce vomiting if
– victim is unconscious
– having convulsions
– petroleum based product
– corrosive pesticide
– label specifies NOT to
induce vomiting
Inhalation exposure
•
•
•
•
Remove to fresh air
Loosen tight clothing
Keep air passages clear
Perform artificial
respiration if necessary
Eye exposure
• Wash eye with a
gentle stream of
clean water for 15+
minutes
• Get medical
attention if there is
pain or reddening of
the eye
Obtaining medical care
WPS safety concept: obtaining
emergency medical care
• How to obtain emergency medical care
If you suspect
poisoning
1. Contact a doctor
immediately
2. Tell what pesticides
were being used
3. Take labels along if
medical care is
needed
Safety
poster
Employer’s responsibilities
• Must provide transportation to hospital
• Must provide medical personnel with
– Product name, EPA registration number
and active ingredient
– Product label
– Circumstances of application
– Circumstances of exposure
WPS safety concept:
decontamination
• Routine and emergency
decontamination procedures
Everyday decontamination
Emergency decontamination
• Stop work and leave work area
• Remove contaminated clothing
• Rinse exposed skin with water right
away
• Wash with soap and water ASAP
• Provide assistance if necessary
• Medical attention may be necessary
– Provide information
Eye flushing technique
• Use eye-wash fountain or pour
water in eyes
• Hold eye open while flushing
• Move eye ball and eye lid
• Flush for minimum of
15 minutes
• Seek medical attention ASAP
Rich McColley, Iowa State University
WPS safety concept: personal
protective equipment
• Need for and appropriate use of
personal protective equipment
Minimize exposure
Additional PPE needed during
mixing & loading
•
•
•
•
•
Unlined Boots
Gloves
Apron
Goggles
Respirator
(if required on the label)
Hand
protection
• Types
– Nitrile
– Neoprene
– Butyl
– Viton
– Latex
– Laminate
Protection for the body
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
Eye & face protection
Rich McColley, Iowa State University
Respiratory protection
NIOSH approved
Note: Medical approval, fit test
and additional training required
Rich McColley, Iowa State University
Care and maintenance
• Inspect before each use
• Replace damaged or worn parts
• Properly dispose
of damaged,
contaminated or
worn out PPE to
prevent reuse
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
WPS safety concept:
heat stress
• Prevention, recognition and first aid
treatment of heat-related illness
Heat exhaustion symptoms
• Sweating or dry
skin
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Fast pulse (slow if
person has fainted)
•
•
•
•
•
Nausea
Dilated (large) pupils
Loss of coordination
Confusion
Fainting (quick
recovery)
Control heat stress
• Drink lots of
water
• Build up heat
tolerance
• Take periodic
breaks
Treatment of heat stress
• Get out of the sun
• Drink fluids
• Loosen or remove
clothing
• Get help
WPS safety concept:
handling pesticides
• Safety requirements for handling,
transporting, storing and disposing of
pesticides, including general procedures
for spill cleanup
Transporting pesticides
• Not inside closed vehicle with people
• Not with food or feed
• Tied
down and
secured
Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University
Protect sensitive areas from
pesticides
• Avoid spraying near:
– Beehives, water bodies, houses, urban
areas, sensitive crops
• When spraying:
– Not on windy days
– Downwind from sensitive areas
– Early morning when people & pets are not
present
Cleaning instructions
• Refer to pesticide labels and sprayer
manual on how to properly clean
sprayer
• Check the label for special cleaning
instructions and warnings of sensitive
crops affected by tank contamination
Disposal of excess mixed
pesticide and rinsate
• Apply on an area listed on the label
• May be applied to sprayed area as long
as the total of both applications doesn’t
exceed label rate
Storage of pesticides
• Store separately in
a locked, labeled,
vented cabinet,
room, or building
• Inform others of
pesticide hazards
• Maintain a list of
your pesticides
Peg McMahon, University of Vermont
Storage area safety
equipment
•
•
•
•
•
Water supply
Soap
Eyewash bottle
Fire extinguisher
Absorbent
material
•
•
•
•
Shovel
Broom
Dustpan
Trash can
Store pesticides in their
original containers
• If a container is broken, leaking,
or torn, put the contents into a
similar bottle, jug, or bag
• Transfer the old container’s label
onto the new one or get a
replacement label from your
dealer
Pesticide containers
• It is unlawful in Iowa to sell or
distribute a pesticide except in the
registrant’s or manufacturer’s unbroken
immediate container that contains the
pesticide product label
Disposing of surplus pesticides
• Contact other possible users
– Do not give RUPs to person that is not
certified to apply them
• If legal, use product up according to
label directions
Cleaning empty containers
• Triple rinse
• Pressure rinse: Rinse with specialized
nozzle for 30 seconds
• Gently tap bags and other dry
formulation containers to dislodge
remaining product
Recycle pesticide containers
• DNR landfills or recycling centers
– Several across Iowa
• Container Services Network
– Provides large tote bags, will collect
• Cropland Containers
– Accepts most containers
WPS safety concept:
environment concerns
• Environmental concerns such as drift,
runoff and wildlife hazards
Particle drift
• Off-target movement of small particles
or drops occurring during or after the
Wind
application
Particle drift
Solid
pesticide
particles
Vapor drift
• Off target
movement of
vapors produced
up to several days
after application
Vapor drift
Surface water contamination
Pesticide
spray
Runoff
Soil
• Pesticides can move in surface
water by either runoff or erosion
Surface
water
Groundwater contamination
• Pesticide moves
downward in the soil
profile with
percolating water
• Occurs mainly in
sandy soils
Leaching
• Particularly a
problem with
shallow-dug wells
Pesticide
spray
Soil
Groundwater
Groundwater
advisory
Management practices
• Prevent backsiphoning and spills
Pesticide
spill
Well
Soil
Groundwater
Pesticide
Spill management
1. Control
2. Contain
3. Clean up
Lisa Hlavinka, The Gazette
Reporting spills
Iowa DNR spill reporting
• All pesticide spills
resulting in hazardous
conditions must be
reported by phone ASAP,
but no later than 6 hours
after occurrence
• Initial report must be
followed by a written
report to the DNR w/in 30
days
National Response
Center
• Federal law requires
notification w/in 15
minutes when oil or
hazardous substances are
discharged and meet or
exceed reportable
quantities
How can pesticides contact
nontarget species?
•
•
•
•
Direct contact
Drift
Runoff
Residues
Your best protection is to
Read the Label!
WPS safety concept:
taking pesticides home
• Warnings about taking pesticides or
pesticide containers home
Do not take
pesticides home
EPA.gov
WPS safety concept: explanation of
WPS requirements that handlers
must follow
• Prohibition against applying pesticides in a
manner that will cause contact with workers
or others
• Requirements to use PPE
• Provisions for training and
decontamination
• Protection against retaliatory
acts
Central
location
information
TREATED AREA INFORMATION
Location of treated area South greenhouse
Name of pesticide Marathon II
EPA registration No. 432-1369-59807
Active ingredient Imidacloprid
Time and date of application 3 pm, July 31
Restricted Entry Interval (REI) 12 hours
Do not enter until 3 am, August 1
Notification of pesticide
application
• Employers must
post signs around
treated areas
• Provide oral
warnings
OR
Field signs must be posted
• Post at all normal entrances
• Post 24 hrs or less before application
• Remove within 3 days after REI expires
Protections during applications
• Handler and handler employer shall
assure that no pesticide is applied so as
to contact any person, either directly or
through drift
Personal protective equipment
• Employers must ensure:
– Appropriate PPE is available and used
correctly
– PPE is inspected before use and is
operating correctly
– PPE is put on, taken off, cleaned or
replaced, and stored correctly
Handler training requirements
• Must be trained before do any handling
task
• Training required every 5 years
Requirements for
training handlers
• Certified applicator
• Designated trainer by IDALS
• Trained WPS Handlers can train WPS
Workers
Decontamination supplies for
handlers
• Water
– 3 gallons/handler
•
•
•
•
Soap
Single-use towels
Coveralls
Eye wash
Location of decontamination
supplies
• Workers
– Within ¼ mile
• Handlers
– At mixing site
Keep decontamination
supplies available
• 30 days beyond REI
• 7 days, if REI is 4 hours or less
Retaliation prohibited…
• Employers or supervisors must not
prevent or discourage workers or
handlers from complying or attempting
to comply with the WPS
• Employer must not fire or otherwise
retaliate against any worker or handler
who attempts to comply
Resources
• Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land
Stewardship
– http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us
• ISU Pest Management & the
Environment
– http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PME
• ISU Extension Online Store
– https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/
Acknowledgements
• This project has been funded by the Iowa
Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship through a grant from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
• The contents do not necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the Environmental
Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade
names or commercial products constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use