What is the work protection standard?
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation issued by EPA under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to protect agricultural workers from the effects of exposure to pesticides.
How does the Worker Protection Standard Law affect individuals who use pesticides?
The WPS protects workers by requiring: annual safety training to reduce take-home residues; access to information about pesticides used onsite; age limits for applicators; employers to keep records of all pesticide applications; and.
What EPA standard protects pesticide handlers from risk of pesticide poisoning?
EPA’s Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) aims to reduce pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS offers occupational protections to over 2 million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments.
How do I get WPS certified?
One way to qualify as a WPS pesticide safety trainer is to complete an EPA-approved train-the-trainer program. Only EPA approved train-the-trainer materials may be used after January 1, 2017. EPA has prepared guidance to facilitate the development of train-the-trainer programs that meet EPA requirements.
What is risk management and worker protection?
Risk management is a four-step process for controlling exposure to health and safety risks associated with hazards in the workplace. … This duty extends to protecting workers from the risk of harm from stressors at work.
What is the act that was created to protect the rights of employees?
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 This publication provides a general overview of worker rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).
What is the definition of a pesticide handler?
Mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides. Handling opened containers of pesticides. Acting as a flagger. Cleaning, handling, adjusting, or repairing the parts of mixing, loading, or application equipment that may contain pesticide residues.
How long is WPS training good for?
12 months
The training for any worker or handler who has been trained within the last year PRIOR to January 2, 2017, will expire 12 months from the date the training was given. Q4: It has been more than a year since I have provided WPS training to my workers and handlers.
How often is WPS training required?
annually
Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers need WPS training annually if they will be working in treated areas on an agricultural establishment, and their activities are directly related to agricultural production.
What are the five safety risk management processes?
Step 1: Identify the Risk. The initial step in the risk management process is to identify the risks that the business is exposed to in its operating environment.
What is restricted-entry interval?
A restricted-entry interval (REI) is the period of time that agricultural workers, or anyone else, must not do hand labour in treated areas after a pesticide has been applied. This is to allow residues and vapours to dissipate to safe levels for work to be performed. An REI can range from 12 hours to several days.
What is re-entry period for pesticides?
A restricted entry interval (REI) or re-entry time is the time after the end of a pesticide application during which entry into the treated area is restricted. This time allows residues to disperse and not pose a risk.