WPS Worker 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

Who does the Worker Protection Standard protect? Agricultural Workers Early-entry workers Pesticide Handlers

Agricultural workers Do hand labor, such as planting, watering, and pruning Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University

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

Worker training requirements Basic pesticide safety information before entering a pesticide treated area Full training before 6th day of work Training required every 5 years

WPS safety concept: pesticides Where and in what form pesticides may be encountered during work activities

What is a pesticide? Substances used to control: Insects – insecticides Fungi – fungicides Weeds – herbicides Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University

Where can pesticides be encountered during work activity?

What forms of pesticides can be encountered during work activity?

WPS safety concept: pesticide hazards Hazards of pesticides resulting from toxicity and exposure, including: Acute effects Chronic effects Delayed effects Sensitization

RISK = TOXICITY EXPOSURE

Toxicity The degree or extent to which a chemical is poisonous

Acute toxicity Chronic toxicity Effects from a single exposure over a short period of time Effects are not seen until much later Result of repeated exposures

Sensitization Certain people develop allergic reactions or sensitization to some types of pesticides

WPS safety concept: routes of entry Routes by which pesticides can enter the body

Exposure Pesticides absorbed through skin Swallowing pesticides; wiping mouth Breathe in vapors or dusts Pesticides in eyes; rubbing eyes

WPS safety concept: signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisonings

Signs and symptoms Skin rashes, irritation to nose, throat or eyes Nausea, sweating, headache, dizziness, muscle pains, cramps Trouble breathing, blurred vision

WPS safety concept: first aid & medical care Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings

Pesticide on skin Rinse with water Take off clothing that has pesticide on it Wash with plenty of soap and water

Swallowed pesticide 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 PESTICIDE

Breathing in pesticide Remove to fresh air Loosen tight clothing Keep air passages clear Perform artificial respiration if necessary

Pesticide in eyes 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 Contact a doctor immediately EPA safety poster

Safety poster

If you suspect poisoning Contact a doctor immediately Tell what pesticides were being used and the EPA registration number

If you suspect poisoning Contact a doctor immediately Tell what pesticides were being used and the EPA registration number Take labels along if medical care is needed

WPS safety concept: decontamination Routine and emergency decontamination procedures

Decontamination supplies

Everyday decontamination

Everyday decontamination Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University

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

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 Betsy Buffington, Iowa State University

WPS safety concept: chemigation and drift Hazards from chemigation and drift

Chemigation Uses irrigation water to apply pesticides to soils and crops Never use irrigation water for drinking or washing Clemson

Pesticide drift Leave the area immediately if pesticides are being applied or pesticide drift from a nearby application is moving towards you

WPS safety concept: pesticides on clothing Hazards from pesticide residues on clothing

Pesticide residues on clothing From brushing up against: Plants Equipment Pesticides Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University

WPS safety concept: taking pesticides home Warnings about taking pesticides or pesticide containers home

Do not take pesticides home

WPS safety concept: explanation of WPS requirements that workers must follow Notification of application and entry restrictions Availability of information about applications 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

Restricted Entry Interval Amount of time that must pass before anyone can safely re-enter the field or greenhouse without personal protective equipment Stated on pesticide label Usually listed in hours

Notification of pesticide application Employers must post signs around treated areas Provide oral warnings OR

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

Early-entry workers Additional training to that already covered today: PPE Label Heat illness

WPS safety concept: personal protective equipment Early-entry workers only! Need for and appropriate use of personal protective equipment Instruct early entry workers, in a language they can understand: 1. how to put on, use, and take off early entry PPE correctly 2. about the importance of washing thoroughly after removing PPE

Minimize exposure

Hand protection Barrier laminate Butyl Rubber Viton Neoprene Nitrile Rubber

Protection for the body Joyce Hornstein, Iowa State University

Eye & face protection Rich McColley, Iowa State University

Respiratory protection NIOSH approved how to put on, use, and take off PPE correctly . 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 Rich McColley, Iowa State University

WPS safety concept: the label Early-entry workers only! Format and meaning of information contained on pesticide labels and in labeling, including safety information such as precautionary statements about human health hazards

Precautionary statements Hazards to humans and domestic animals Environmental hazards Physical or chemical hazards Betsy Buffington, Iowa State University

Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals CAUTION HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirt and long pants, socks and shoes and chemical resistant gloves made of any waterproof material such as polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or butyl rubber. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Signal word

Signal words Signal Word Toxicity Caution Low toxicity – may cause slight eye or skin irritation Warning Moderately toxic – can cause moderate eye or skin irritation Danger Highly toxic – corrosive and can cause irreversible eye damage or severe skin injury

Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals CAUTION HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirt and long pants, socks and shoes and chemical resistant gloves made of any waterproof material such as polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or butyl rubber. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Routes of entry

Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals CAUTION HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirt and long pants, socks and shoes and chemical resistant gloves made of any waterproof material such as polyvinyl chloride, nitrile rubber or butyl rubber. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. PPE

Statement of practical treatment What to do if poisoning occurs

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

PPE for 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.

WPS safety concept: heat stress Early-entry workers only! Prevention, recognition and first aid treatment of heat-related illness how to prevent, recognize, and give correct first aid for heat 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) Heat exhaustion symptoms can be very similar to those of pesticide poisoning. A person who has been wearing heavy personal protective clothing and equipment for an extended time during hot weather may be suffering from heat exhaustion rather than pesticide poisoning. Both are serious conditions that will probably require medical attention.

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

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