1a: Chapter 4

Question 1

What is WPS

Answer 1

Worker Protection Standard- It is an amendment to the FIFRA act that applied to the pesticides that are used in the production of ag plants on farms, in nurseries and greenhouses to ensure that workers are safe by sharing information about pesticides and having safety protocols

Question 2

Pesticide Handler

Answer 2

Anyone employed by a commercial pesticide application business that uses pesticides on a farm or greenhouse, and is involved in any part of the pesticide mixing/loading/applying process or coming in contact with the pesticide application sites before the REI is up

Question 3

What pesticides are included under the WPS

Answer 3

Only pesticides that are used directly in the production of agricultural plants (like to the plant itself, the soil or planting medium). They have the label “agricultural use requirements”

Question 4

What pesticides are not included under the WPS

Answer 4

Applications to pastures, use of traps or repellents, treating areas not directly related to the ag plants (cover crop) or plants that have already been harvested, as well as research uses.

Question 5

When and what should an employer of a commercial handler tell their customer as part of the WPS communication exchange

Answer 5

Before the pesticide is applied:
-specific location and description of area to be treated
-time and date of expected application
-Product name, EPA registration number, active ingredients
-REI
-pesticide labeling for treated area posting
-any other requirements on the label to protect workers

Question 6

When and what should the farm operator should tell the commercial handler as a part of the WPS communication exchange

Answer 6

Before the pesticide application:
-specific location and description of area that have been treated previously and are under an REI if the handler is going to be near those areas
-any restrictions on entering areas to be treated

Question 7

who needs to have WPS training

Answer 7

Anyone working with or around pesticides

Question 8

What is the WPS training difference between commercial handlers that are certified applicators versus not

Answer 8

Handlers that are already certified applicators have already received this training, so they do not need to receive it again while handlers that are not certified will need to receive specific training before they are allowed to actually handle pesticides

Question 9

11 points that must be addressed in WPS training

Answer 9

-format/meaning of info on pesticide labels
-hazards of pesticides from toxicity, exposure, and acute effects
-routes of pesticide entry into the body
-signs/symptoms of pesticide poisoning
-emergency first aid for pesticide injuries/poisoning
-getting emergency medical care
-The need for/use of PPPe
-Prevention, recognition/first aid or heat-related illness
-safety requirements for handling pesticides
-environmental concerns
-WPS requirements to protect workers

Question 10

Who can conduct WPS training

Answer 10

Only a current certified pesticide applicator or someone who has completed the program to be able to teach it (via NYSDEC) or the EPA

Question 11

What info must a commercial handlers employer communicate to them about the pesticide

Answer 11

Giving them the product label to them to read or explain:
-the signal word
-any human hazard statement and precautions
-any PPE requirements
-first aid instructions
-environmental precautions/considerations
-any other precautions about the task
-info shared by the farm operator

Question 12

When should a decontamination site be provided

Answer 12

The entire time the handlers is performing a handling task

Question 13

Where should a decontamination site be located

Answer 13

It should be at the mixing site and within 1/4 mile from each handler during the application (but must be protected from the spray drift/residue is within application area)

Question 14

What should be provided at a decontamination site

Answer 14

-water (at a safe temperature and at least 3 gallons per handler)
-soap and single use towels
-a whole body wash/shower
-a clean towel to use after whole body wash and clean clothes/overalls
-an emergency eyewash station if the pesticide requires protective eyewear

Question 15

Which types of pesticides require monitoring of a commercial handler, how often should they be contacted and how

Answer 15

Pesticides that have a skull and crossbones, handlers must be checked up on every 2 hours by voice or sight

Question 16

When must emergency assistance be provided

Answer 16

If the handler that worked for the employer currently or recently shows signs of being injured or poisoned by pesticides or pesticide residues

Question 17

What is a commercial handler employer’s role in emergency assistance

Answer 17

-making emergency transportation or a medical facility available
-Must provide information about the pesticide or pesticide application (product name, EPA #, active ingredient) as well as any specific treatment that is needed

Question 18

What must the commercial handler’s employers be able to provide when asked by handler or medical personnel.

Answer 18

-product name, EPA #, active ingredient
-any specific info about antidotes, first aid, statement or practical treatment or other medical info that is needed
-how the pesticide was being used and how the handler was exposed