THE WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD Pesticide Emphasis Program Oregon OSHA

WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD An EPA standard (circa 1994) enforced by Oregon OSHA Covers all pesticides with an Ag Use Box Covers Handlers (applicators, mixer/loaders, propagators, mechanics, or anyone assisting in the application); Workers (hand labor tasks); and Early Entry Workers.

Find this statement on the label:

When does the WPS Apply? When workers are at your farm, forest, nursery or greenhouses, AND Pesticides have been used in the previous 30 days PLUS the Restricted Entry Interval (REI).

Central Posting Area Elements Pesticide Application Record Pesticide Safety Poster Name, address & phone of nearest hospital # 1 Most Frequently Violated

Posting Confusions Field vs Central Posting

Frequently Encountered CPA Issues Pesticide application information kept in file in the employer’s office. Rooting hormones not included. Herbicides not included Non-RUPs not included Applications made by commercial applicators not included. Application record not maintained.

Application Notification Options: Post the field Orally notify Post and Orally notify Which method?? Follow the label –If it doesn’t specify –Pick one method and tell your employees

Application Notification ALL greenhouse applications MUST be posted.

Application Information/ Information Exchange Who needs to know?? Your employees Commercial applicators arriving onsite Labor contractors The GOAL is to: Prevent exposure!

Pesticide Safety Training Who is a handler? –Anyone who mixes, loads, or applies pesticides, or works on spray equipment –Includes dipping cuttings for propagation Who is a worker? –Performs activities related to the production of agricultural plants (includes forestry)

Pesticide Safety Training Handlers Workers

Pesticide Safety Training Early Entry Workers The agricultural employer shall assure that the worker, before entering the treated area, either has read the product labeling or has been informed, in a manner that the worker can understand, of all the labeling requirements related to human hazards or precautions, first aid, symptoms of poisoning, ppe specified for early entry and any other labeling requirements related to safe use.

Early Entry Requirements Decontamination Personal protective equipment Cleaning of personal protective equipment Label information

Field Decontamination WORKERS + *HANDLERS Within ¼ mile of worksite Soap Water Paper towels Eye flush bottle (where label use requires protective eyewear) *HANDLERS: Extra coveralls

Handler Decontamination AT THE MIX SITE Soap Water Paper towels Extra coveralls *Emergency eyewash if using DANGER: Poison or DANGER: Corrosive. *(Division 4 requirement)

Decontamination Violations FY 2008 Emergency Eyewash (15 minute capacity) NOT at the mix site when using pesticides capable of producing irreversible eye damage Cited: 23 times

Emergency Assistance If an employee is SUSPECTED of having a pesticide related illness PROVIDE transportation to a medical facility and provide the pesticide label(s) also. Known or suspected pesticide poisoning is a reportable condition.

RESTRICTIONS DURING APPLICATIONS

Contact with Workers and Other Persons The employer shall assure that no pesticide is applied so as to contact, either directly or through drift, any worker or other person, other than an appropriately trained and equipped handler.

Handlers handling highly toxic pesticides If the label has this: Monitor the handler visually or by voice communication AT LEAST every 2 hours.

Fumigant Applications in Greenhouses Handlers applying fumigants in a greenhouse must maintain continuous visual or voice contact with another handler. The other handler has immediate access to the ppe required by the label for rescue.

Heat Stress Caused by heat, NOT pesticide exposure Wearing PPE increases risk Symptoms (similar): –Fatigue, dizziness, altered behavior –Clammy skin or hot-dry skin –Headache, nausea, chills –Severe thirst –Heavy sweating or lack of sweating

Knowledge of Labeling and Site- Specific Information The employer SHALL ASSURE that before the handler performs any handling activity that the handler has EITHER read the product labeling or has been informed in a manner the handler can understand of all the labeling requirements related to safe use of the pesticide.

Knowledge of Labeling and Site- Specific Information Labeling requirements for safe use include: –Signal words –Human Hazard precautions –PPE –First Aid instructions –Environmental precautions –Any others listed on label

Knowledge of Labeling Information The handler employer shall assure that the handler has access to the product labeling information during handling activities

Safe Operation of Equipment Remove pesticide residues before allowing any person to repair, clean or adjust equipment.

Safe Operation of Equipment Inspect equipment before use to check for leaks, clogging, worn or damaged parts and ensure that any damaged equipment is replaced or repaired.