WPS Handler Safety Training

Vineyards

What does the Worker Protection Standard

cover?• Pesticides used in production of

agricultural plants

Forests

Farms

Nurseries

Greenhouses

Who does the Worker

Protection Standard

protect?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

Mike White, 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

EPA registration number

• Used to identify the product

EPA establishment number• Used to identify

where product was produced

EPA Reg. No. 100-1098

EPA Est. 5906-GA-001

Needed for: Poisoning Claims of misuse Liability claims Restricted use pesticide records

Use classification

General use Restricted use• No label statement • RUP statement

required• Certification

Signal words• Indicate risk of immediate harm• Based on toxicity

Precautionary statements

• Hazards to humans and animals– Ways product may be

poisonous

Precautionary statements

• PPE– Minimum

protective equipment that must be worn

Mike White, Iowa State University

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 use1. Why the pesticide is

being used2. Where the pesticide

should be applied3. How the pesticide is

applied4. 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.

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.

Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours.

Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours.

Restricted entry interval

Early entry

workers

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.

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.

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

• 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 exposure90% = 100% x

90

• No exposure0% = 0% x 90

How can pesticide exposure occur?

Mixing/Loading

ApplicationPlant residues

Mike White, 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 wordsSignal 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

Danger-Poison

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

• Mixing and loading in a confined area

Inhalation exposure

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

PE

STIC

IDE

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 and the EPA registration number

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

UC Davis

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 Mike White, 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

Bill Schall, Florida Grower

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

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

• Applies only to end user applicators

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 applicationWind

Solid pestici

de particle

s

Particle drift

Vapor drift

• Off target movement of vapors produced up to several days after application

Vapor drift

Surface water contamination

Soil Surfac

e water

Runoff

Pesticide

spray

• Pesticides can move in surface water by either runoff or erosion

Groundwater contamination

Groundwater

Soil Leaching

Pesticide

spray

• Pesticide moves downward in the soil profile with percolating water

• Occurs mainly in sandy soils

• Particularly a problem with shallow-dug wells

Groundwater advisory

Groundwater Forum

Management practices

Groundwater

Soil

Well

Pesticide spill

Pesticide

• Prevent back-siphoning and spills

Spill management

1. Control2. Contain3. 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 plot #3

Name of pesticide Abound

EPA registration No. 100-1098

Active ingredient Azoxystrobin

Time and date of application 3 pm, July 31

Restricted Entry Interval (REI) 4 hours

Do not enter until 7 pm, July 31

Notification of pesticide application

• Employers must post signs around treated areas

• Provide oral warnings

OR

Mike White, Iowa State University

Field signs must be posted•Post at all normal entrances•Post 24 hrs or less before application•Remove within 3 days after REI expires

Mike White, Iowa State University

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