The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is an EPA regulation under 40 CFR Part 170 designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from exposure to pesticides. Updated significantly in 2015, WPS requirements appear on virtually every pesticide applicator certification exam.
Who Does WPS Protect?
Agricultural Workers
People who perform tasks related to cultivating, harvesting, or other agricultural activities in areas where pesticides have been applied or REIs are in effect. Examples: harvesters, pruners, irrigators, scouts.
Pesticide Handlers
People who mix, load, transfer, apply pesticides, clean contaminated equipment, assist with application, or enter treated areas during application. Includes applicators and their assistants.
Where Does WPS Apply?
WPS covers agricultural establishments including:
- Farms â including ranches, orchards, and vineyards
- Forests â commercial timber operations
- Nurseries â plant production facilities
- Greenhouses â enclosed growing structures
NOT covered: residential pest control, structural fumigation, golf courses, public health mosquito control, rights-of-way, and industrial applications.
Key WPS Requirements
1. Safety Training (Annual)
All workers and handlers must receive WPS safety training annually. Training must be conducted by a qualified trainer in a language workers understand, using EPA-approved materials. Must occur within 5 days of starting work and every 12 months thereafter.
2. Restricted Entry Intervals (REIs)
Workers cannot enter treated areas during the REI without full handler PPE. Minimum REI is 4 hours. Product labels specify longer REIs (12, 24, 48, or 72 hours). Early entry is allowed only for specific tasks that cannot be delayed.
3. Application Notification
Workers must be notified of pesticide applications through oral notification, posted warning signs, or both (double notification). Information must include product name, active ingredient, REI, and treated areas.
4. PPE Provision
Employers must provide, clean, maintain, and replace PPE at no cost to workers and handlers. PPE must conform to label requirements and be in clean, operating condition.
5. Decontamination Supplies
Must be available within 1/4 mile of workers: at least 1 gallon of clean water per worker, soap, single-use towels, and a clean change of clothing. Eye flush water if required by the product label.
6. Central Information Posting
Display at a central location: EPA WPS safety poster, application information for the past 30 days, and location of the nearest emergency medical facility. Must be in a language workers can understand.
7. Emergency Medical Assistance
Employers must promptly arrange transportation to a medical facility, provide the product label and SDS to medical personnel, and inform the physician about the exposure.
8. Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ)
During application: 25 feet for ground sprayers, 100 feet for aerial/air-blast/fumigation. All non-involved persons must be excluded from the AEZ during application.
2015 WPS Updates You Must Know
- Training frequency changed to annual (was every 5 years for workers)
- Must use EPA-approved training materials
- Minimum age of 18 for all handlers and early entry workers
- Application Exclusion Zone â new requirement during application
- Designated representative â workers can name someone to access their records
- Anti-retaliation protections strengthened
- Expanded training content including heat stress prevention
Common Exam Questions About WPS
A: 4 hours (unless the label specifies longer)
A: Annually (every 12 months)
A: Within 1/4 mile
A: 25 feet from the application equipment
A: The employer â at no cost to the worker
A: 18 years old
Employer Responsibilities Summary
- Provide safety training annually to all workers and handlers
- Supply and maintain PPE at no cost
- Provide decontamination supplies within 1/4 mile
- Post application information and safety poster
- Notify workers of applications (oral and/or posted signs)
- Exclude workers from treated areas during REI
- Exclude all non-involved persons from AEZ during application
- Arrange emergency medical transportation if needed
- Maintain records for 2 years
- Protect workers from retaliation