Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Since the Worker Protection Standard requires steps to avoid heat stress can we eliminate some of the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in hot weather?
A – No, Although there are several options to avoid heat stress ignoring the required PPE. is not an option. Follow the chemical label instructions completely in regards to required PPE. To avoid heat stress adjust your spraying times to the cooler times of the morning, evening or night. Wear light colored spraying clothes or white tyvek suits to reflect the heat and stop more frequently for water breaks.
Q – If a handler or worker gets sick from a pesticide exposure how must we transport them to an Emergency medical facility?
A – You are required to provide transportation to the emergency medical facility. That means that you can drive them yourself, arrange for someone else to drive them or call an ambulance. Don’t forget to take or send the necessary information along with them. This includes the pesticide product name, EPA registration number and the active ingredients to the pesticide the person was exposed to. You will also need the antidote, first aid, statement of practical treatment and other medical or emergency information from the product labeling. You will also need a description of how the pesticide was being used and circumstances of the worker’s or handler’s exposure to the pesticide
Q – The WPS requires applicators to have emergency eyewash immediately available when Applying a pesticide that requires applicators to wear eye protection. Can you define what immediately available means?
A – The Standard requires that each handler be provided at least one pint of emergency eyewash Water when the pesticide labeling requires protective eyewear for the handling task being performed. The emergency eyeflush must be immediately accessible. For example it could be carried by the handler or be on the vehicle the handler is using. The emergency eyeflush at the decontamination site if that is immediately accessible. The eyeflush should not be too hot or too cold for the eyes. Perhaps immediately available could mean within reaching distance.
Q – Can workers pick up pesticides at the suppliers or is this duty just for handlers?
A – Workers can transport unopened sealed containers of pesticides. However due to the Possibility of a spill we would recommend that handlers do that job. The handler will be better trained to deal with the spill and should have their PPE. And don’t forget to take along materials to contain and clean up a possible spill.
Q – Where can I get information on specific pesticides?
A – You can the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) by telephone at 1 –800-858-7378 or Email them at npic@ace.orst.edu