Restrictions During Applications & Requirements for Monitoring Handlers

Both employers and the pesticide handlers themselves must ensure that during pesticide applications, pesticides do not come into contact (either directly or by drift) with people other than appropriately trained and equipped handlers.

The WPS requires that pesticide handlers be monitored, as follows, when they are handling certain types of pesticides:

• At least once every two hours, someone must check on - by sight or voice communication - any handler who is using a pesticide that has a skull and crossbones symbol on its label.
• If a handler is applying or otherwise handling a fumigant in a greenhouse, someone must maintain constant visual or voice contact with him or her. This provision includes handlers who enter the greenhouse during fumigation to operate ventilation systems, adjust tarps or other coverings to operate ventilation systems, or check air concentration levels. The individual monitoring the fumigant handler must be trained as a pesticide handler and have immediate access to the PPE that the fumigant labeling requires for applicators, in case he or she needs to enter the space.

To learn more about Pesticide Handler Safety visit our Pesticide Handler Safety Online Training web page.