Search

EPA Revises Farm Worker Protection Standards

Posted on 9/29/2015 by Roger Marks

On September 28, 2015, US EPA announced revised worker protection standards for farm workers exposed to pesticides on the job. The new standards will apply to agricultural workers who perform certain labor tasks in pesticide-treated crops and pesticide handlers who mix, load, and apply pesticides. According to US EPA, the rulemaking will affect about two million US workers.

EPA’s revisions expand the employee training requirements, put in place a minimum age requirement for handling pesticides, add hazard communication and recordkeeping requirements, and change standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Farm workers applying EPA regulated pesticides


“Immediate Family” Exemption Remains

The exemption granted for farm owners and their immediate family will remain in place and now include an exemption from the new minimum age requirement for handling pesticides. EPA also expanded the definition of “immediate family” to include aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.

EPA’s Fact Sheet on the new rulemaking lists major changes to the worker protection standard, including:
  • Replacing the current five year re-training requirement with an annual training standard to inform farmworkers on required protections;
  • Expanding training to cover reducing take-home exposure from pesticides on clothing;
  • Adding a minimum age requirement: children under 18 are prohibited from handling pesticides;
  • Expanding posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides;
  • New no-entry application-exclusion zones up to 100 feet surrounding pesticide application equipment;
  • Requirement to provide more than one way for farmworkers to access pesticide application information and Safety Data Sheets, i.e., post them centrally and make them available upon request;
  • New recordkeeping requirements: records of application-specific pesticide information and farmworker training must be kept for two years;
  • Whistle-blower protections;
  • Changes in PPE standards for testing, fitting, medical evaluation, and training;
  • Standardizing required amounts of water to be used for routine washing, eye flushing, and other decontamination activities; and
  • Continuing the exemption for farm owners and their immediate family, with an expanded definition of “immediate family.”
A pre-publication version of the EPA rulemaking is available here. EPA’s new pesticide exposure standards for farm workers will be posted to the Federal Register within 60 days and become effective about 14 months after publication.

Nationally-Trusted Training for EHS Managers

Presented in cities nationwide, the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshops is trusted by site managers, EHS professionals, and safety and compliance officers who want an interactive, engaging learning experience. The workshop covers core elements of major EPA programs like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, EPCRA, RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, FIFRA, and more. Get up to speed with new and changing regulations, and build confidence to make the important decisions that keep your site in compliance with EPA rules.

Tags: FIFRA, pesticides

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.