Pesticide Safety

Always Read the Label

The single most important approach to pesticide safety is to read the pesticide label before each use and then follow the directions. If still in doubt after reading the label, contact a person qualified to help evaluate the hazard of the chemical and its use. Qualified people include extension specialists, county educators, and pesticide product representatives.

Pesticides are toxic and should be handled with care—but pesticides can be used safely if you follow recommended precautions. Follow all label requirements; strongly consider any recommendations for additional personal protective clothing and equipment. In addition to reading and following the label, other major factors in the safe and effective use of pesticides are the pesticide applicator’s common sense, qualifications, and good attitude. Always take all safety precautions when using pesticides.

In case of accidents involving pesticides, see your doctor at once. It will help your doctor to know exactly which pesticide is involved. The label on the container gives this information. Take to the physician the pesticide label or information from the label, such as the product name, registration number of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), common name and percentage of active ingredient, and first aid instructions. If the label cannot be removed, take along the pesticide container (if not contaminated), but do not take it into the hospital or doctor’s office.

What to Do in Case of Pesticide Poisoning

Follow the specific first-aid instructions on the pesticide label.

If someone has unexplained symptoms that MAY be related to pesticides, DO NOT DELAY. Get medical advice quickly:

Call the Poison Center (toll free) at 1-800-222-1222 or call your doctor.

Take the pesticide label (or information from the label—the product name, EPA registration number, common name, percentage of active ingredient, and first aid instructions) to the physician. If the label cannot be removed, take the pesticide container (if not contaminated), but do not take it into the hospital or doctor’s office.

Information regarding pesticides can also be obtained from the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC): 1-800-858-7378 – 6:30 am to 4:30 pm Pacific Time or www.npic.orst.edu anytime.

Information is printed in English and Spanish and available in over 170 languages through the use of an over-the-phone language service.

If labeling instructions are not available, follow these general guidelines for first aid.

• The best first aid in pesticide emergencies is to remove the source of pesticide exposure as quickly as possible. Removing the victim from the source not only protects him or her from further poisoning but also protects you while you administer first aid.
• First aid is the initial effort to help a victim while medical help is on the way. If you are alone with the victim, make sure the victim is breathing and is not being further exposed to the pesticide before you call for emergency help. Apply artificial respiration if the victim is not breathing. Do not become exposed to the pesticide yourself while you are trying to help.
• Pesticide on skin—Drench contaminated exposed skin with plenty of water. Remove personal protective equipment and contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair with a mild detergent and water. Dry victim and keep him or her comfortable.
• Pesticide in eye—Wash the eye quickly but gently with clean running water. Rinse eye for 15 minutes or more.
• Inhaled pesticide—Get the victim to fresh air immediately. Loosen tight clothing on the victim that would constrict breathing. Apply artificial respiration if the victim is not breathing or has bluish skin. If pesticide or vomit is in the victim’s mouth or on the face, avoid direct contact and use a shaped airway tube, if available, for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• Pesticide in mouth or swallowed—Rinse mouth with plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting or give high-potency activated charcoal unless a physician or the label tells you to do so.
• Induce vomiting only if the label indicates. Position the victim face down or kneeling forward and carefully put a finger or the blunt end of a spoon at the back of the victim’s throat.
• Do not induce vomiting if the victim is unconscious or convulsing, or if the victim has swallowed a corrosive poison or an emulsifiable concentrate or oil solution.
• Atropine should be administered only by a physician. It can be poisonous if misused and can mask the symptoms of poisoning, thus delaying proper treatment.
• First-aid kit—A properly equipped portable first-aid kit can be important in a pesticide emergency. Make sure one is available at each work site.

Safety Checklist

• If you plan to apply any of the more toxic pesticides, be sure your physician knows the types of compounds you are using.
• Follow all requirements for personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) listed on the pesticide label. Keep protective clothing and equipment separate from the pesticide storage area. Bathe and change clothing daily. Separately launder clothing used during pesticide handling with a strong detergent and hot water. Clothing that has become saturated with a pesticide concentrate should be discarded as hazardous waste.
• Wear a respirator when loading or mixing concentrates when the label dictates and whenever pesticides might be inhaled.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco, or eat while handling pesticides. Wash hands before eating, smoking, and using the bathroom.
• Do not eat unwashed, chemically treated fruit or vegetables in the field. Time limits from application to harvest (preharvest intervals, or PHI) are to protect the consumer from harmful residues. Disregarding these limits presents a special hazard to the picker, grower, and field person.
• Recycle or dispose of pesticide containers properly, as described later in this chapter.
• Keep your pesticide storage shed or room locked and do not store any other items in this area.
• Mix pesticides according to directions and apply them at the recommended rate.
• Poisoning occurs most often in hot weather, when applicators might not be wearing all the personal protective equipment (PPE) the label requires. Using PPE is a label requirement. However, take extra care when wearing PPE during hot weather to avoid heat-related illnesses.
• Be sure to follow the preharvest interval (PHI) before allowing livestock to graze a field or consume treated forage or hay.

Pesticide Spills and Cleanup

Handling Spills

The best way to handle a spill is to prevent it from happening. Review your process for using, transporting, and storing pesticides to identify areas for additional training or precautions. Train workers to take the necessary actions if a spill should occur. Prior training on how to limit a spill and then safely clean it up is invaluable. Accidents most commonly happen when pesticides are being transported or when pesticide containers have leaked in storage.

Pesticide spills require immediate action. Keep a spill cleanup kit immediately available at all locations where pesticides are handled, transported, or stored, because you will not have time to locate all the necessary items before a significant amount of contamination has occurred. Important items in a typical spill kit include:

• Telephone numbers for emergency assistance
• Personal protective clothing and equipment as required by the label, including:
  • Sturdy gloves, footwear, and apron that are chemically resistant to most pesticides.
  • Protective eyewear
  • An appropriate respirator, if any of the pesticides requires using a respirator during handling or for spill cleanup
• Containment “snakes” to confine the leak or spill to a small area
• Absorbent materials such as spill pillows, absorbent clay, dry peat moss, sawdust, “kitty litter,” activated charcoal, vermiculite, or paper to soak up liquid spills
• Sweeping compound to keep dry spills from drifting or wafting during cleanup
• A shovel, broom, and dustpan made from non-sparking and nonreactive material (foldable brooms and shovels are handy because they can be carried easily)
• Heavy-duty detergent
• Fire extinguisher rated for all types of fires
• Any other spill cleanup items specified on the labeling of any products you use regularly
• Sturdy plastic container that will hold the entire volume of the largest pesticide container being handled and that can be tightly closed
• Highway flares (do NOT use flares near flammable material)

All these items should be stored in the sturdy plastic container and kept easily accessible, clean, and in working order until a spill occurs. Response to a pesticide spill may vary with size and location of the spill.

You must know how to respond correctly to a spill. Stopping large leaks or spills is often not simple. If you cannot manage a spill by yourself, get help. Even a spill that appears to be minor can endanger you, other people, and the environment if not handled correctly. Never leave a spill unattended. When in doubt, get help.

The faster you can contain, absorb, and dispose of a spill, the less chance it will cause harm. Clean up spills immediately. Even minor dribbles or spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible to keep unprotected persons or animals from being exposed.

A good way to remember the steps for a spill emergency is the Three C’s: Control, Contain, Clean up:

• Control the spill situation: Protect yourself, stop the leak, protect others, and stay at the site.
• Contain the spill: Confine the spill, protect water sources, absorb liquids, and cover dry materials.
• Clean up the spill, decontaminate the spill site, neutralize the spill site, decontaminate equipment, and decontaminate your PPE.

Reporting Spills

Report pesticide spills as well as pesticide-related fires and poisonings first to 9-1-1 for immediate response. Then report to the appropriate number below.

Idaho Report all spills, fires, and poisonings to the EMS dispatcher: 800-632-8000 (in Idaho only).

Oregon Report spills to the Oregon Emergency Response System: 800-452-0311 (in Oregon) 503-378-6377 (Salem area)

Washington Report all spills to the environment, fires, and poisonings to the Department of Emergency Management: 800-258-5990.

Report spills or discharges to containment areas to the nearest regional office of the Department of Ecology; find locations online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov

Additional help with chemical emergencies, including pesticide emergencies involving spills, leaks, fires, or exposures, can be obtained from the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center:

CHEMTREC, 800-424-9300

Cleaning, Recycling, and Disposing of Agricultural Pesticide Containers

Unrinsed or contaminated empty pesticide containers are considered hazardous waste, unless a pesticide distributor or manufacturer will accept them for refilling. Hazardous waste is more difficult and more expensive to dispose of than solid waste.

Clean, dry containers are considered solid waste and can be disposed of in a state-permitted solid waste site. Clean, dry containers may be recycled and it is recommended that the containers are recycled through the state pesticide container recycling program. Only dry, properly rinsed containers are accepted at collection sites, so thoroughly rinse all residues from the containers immediately after use.

Properly rinsing and handling empty pesticide containers is very important, because it:

• Protects humans by removing hazardous materials
• Prevents sources of environmental contamination
• Saves money by putting all product into the spray tank

How to Properly Clean Pesticide Containers

Two websites have helpful container-rinsing information:

• Northwest Ag Plastics, Inc. http://www.nwagplastics.com
• Ag Container Recycling Council http://www.acrecycle.org

Think Safety!

Unrinsed pesticide containers still can hold enough material to harm people and the environment. The person cleaning the containers should observe these precautions:

• Read and understand all safety and environmental precautions on the pesticide label.
• Wear eye protection such as goggles or a face shield.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves that will neither absorb pesticide or rinse water nor let the material contact the skin.
• Wear chemical-resistant apron, gloves, and footwear or chemical-resistant covers over shoes or boots.

The best way to dispose of rinsate is to add it in the spray mixture and apply it according to the label directions. Rinsate also can be collected for later use in a spray mix or for disposal. Do not mix different pesticide rinsates. Label each storage container clearly. Do not dump rinsate on the ground or into storm drains.

Triple/Multiple Rinsing

Plastic and metal containers (jugs)

• Empty the container’s contents into a spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle can flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, drain the container an additional 30 seconds.
• Immediately begin rinsing. Do not wait, or the product may become difficult to remove.
• Fill the empty container one-quarter full of clean water.
• Replace the cap on the container. With the container opening facing to your left, shake the container about 6 inches left to right. Shake the container about twice per sec for 30 seconds.
• Drain rinse water into spray tank as described above.
• Fill the empty container one-quarter full of clean water a second time.
• Recap the container. With the opening of the container pointed toward the ground, shake the container about 6 inches up and down. Then drain the rinse water into the spray tank.
• Finally, fill the empty container one-quarter full for a third time with clean water. Re-cap the container. With the container in the normal upright position, shake the container about 6 inches up and down. Pour the rinse water into the spray tank.
• Carefully rinse residue from the outside of the container into the spray tank.
• Carefully rinse cap over spray tank opening.
• Look closely at the container inside and out to make sure that all pesticide has been removed.
• Note that Oregon law requires rinsing the containers as many times as is necessary with an appropriate diluent (solvent) to get the container clean.
• Allow the containers to dry.
• Oregon requires that 1- and 5-gallon metal containers be punctured at least three times with 1-inch holes and then crushed.
• Store cleaned jugs and caps where they will be protected from rain until they can be recycled or disposed of properly.

Drums

• Empty the drum as much as possible.
• Fill the drum one-quarter full with water. Replace and tighten bungs.
• Tip the drum on its side and roll it back and forth, ensuring at least one complete revolution, for 30 seconds.
• Stand the drum on its end and tip it back and forth several times to rinse the corners.
• Turn the drum over on its other end and repeat this procedure.
• Carefully empty the rinsate into the spray tank.
• Repeat this procedure until the rinse water runs clear.
• Carefully rinse cap over spray tank opening and then dispose of appropriately as regular solid waste.
• Look closely at the containers inside and out to make sure all pesticide has been removed.
• Note that Oregon law requires a person cleaning pesticide containers to rinse the containers as many times as is necessary with an appropriate diluent (solvent) to get the container clean.
• Puncture the base of the drum with a drill so that it cannot be reused.
• Allow drums to dry.
• Oregon requires that the tops and bottoms of 30- and 55-gallon containers be removed and the container flattened after it has dried.
• Store drums where they will be protected from rain until they can be recycled or disposed of properly.

Pressure Rinsing

This method continuously washes the inside of the container and drains into the spray tank. A pressure nozzle punctures and rinses the container in one step. It is easier and more effective than triple/multiple rinsing.

Containers (jugs)

• Empty contents of container into a spray tank, turning the container so that any product trapped in the handle can flow out. Once flow is down to a drip, drain the container an additional 30 seconds.
• Immediately begin rinsing. Do not wait, or the product may become difficult to remove.
• Hold the container so the opening can drain into the spray tank.
• Force the tip of the pressure nozzle through the lower portion of the side closest to the handle.
• Connect nozzle to a clean water source of at least 40 psi. Rotate the nozzle inside the container to assure good coverage of all sides, including the handle.
• Rinse at least 30 seconds.
• Rinse cap under water coming out of the jug and into the spray tank and then dispose of cap appropriately as regular solid waste.
• Drain all rinse water into the spray tank.
• Look closely at the containers inside and out to make sure that all pesticide has been removed.
• Allow containers to dry.
• Oregon requires that an appropriate solvent be used for rinsing and that 1- and 5-gallon metal containers be punctured at least three times with 1-inch holes and then crushed.
• Store cleaned jugs and caps where they will be protected from rain until they can be recycled or disposed of properly.

Drums

• Be sure the drum is completely empty.
• Drill a pilot hole in the bottom of the drum and then position the drum mouth over the spray tank so that rinse water will empty directly into the tank.
• With the water turned off, use the pressure rinse nozzle to widen the hole in the bottom.
• Turn water on and rotate the nozzle inside the drum to rinse all sides.
• Rinse drum at least 30 seconds or until rinse water runs completely clear.
• Rinse cap under water coming out of the drum and into the spray can and then dispose of appropriately as regular solid waste.
• Turn water off and replace the tip guard on the nozzle.
• Look closely at the containers inside and out to make sure all pesticide has been removed.
• Allow containers to dry.
• Oregon requires an appropriate solvent be used for rinsing and that the tops and bottoms of 30- and 55-gallon drums be removed and the container flattened after it has dried.
• Store drums where they will be protected from rain until they can be recycled or disposed of properly.

Cleaning Paper or Plastic Sacks and Fiber Containers

• Empty the contents completely into the application equipment. You may need to cut open the container to clean out all the material in the seams. Never rip the container; use scissors or a knife but not a personal pocketknife. Do not let material blow around.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including breathing protection if necessary.
• If possible, rinse the container. Some containers have plastic or foil liners that can be rinsed. Use the rinsate in the spray mixture or collect it for disposal.
• Once the containers are clean, dispose of them as regular solid waste. Do not burn the containers. Burning can release poisonous fumes and is illegal.

Recycling Procedures for Plastic Containers

Disposal and Recycling

Proper disposal or recycling of pesticide containers helps to protect the environment and helps promote a positive image of agrichemical users. Recycling also saves money for the pesticide user and for local landfills.

Landfill Procedures

Landfills accept only containers that have been cleaned. Some landfills inspect containers and/or require written verification of their cleanliness. Disposal site locations are listed below.

Idaho, Oregon, and Washington have programs to collect and recycle clean plastic pesticide containers. The following steps will help in the recycling process. For times and places of recycling events, see the appropriate state contact listed below.

• Only clean, dry plastic containers can be accepted.
• Remove slip-on labels and label booklets. Glued labels may stay.
• Remove hard plastic lids and place them in a separate container for recycling.
• Remove most of the foil seal from around the opening of the container. A small amount of foil is acceptable.
• Remove lids and metal bails from 5-gallon buckets. Lids from buckets are accepted if metal rings and rubber gaskets are removed. Containers of 5 gal and smaller are accepted whole.
• Do not put plastic lids back on empty containers. This inhibits container inspections.

Disposing of Household and Residential Pesticide Products

Unusable pesticide is regulated as a hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of according to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. Be sure to check the pesticide label for disposal instructions for household and residential pesticides.The EPA advises consumers to call local authorities for specific disposal instructions. This is to provide state and local governments greater latitude in carrying out their responsibilities for product disposal and waste management. Specific instructions will be provided for products based on formulation.

Labels on aerosol products will state: “Do Not Puncture or Incinerate! If empty, place in trash or offer for recycling if available. If partly filled, call your local solid waste agency or 800-CLEANUP (253-2687) or other qualified number for disposal instructions.”

Labels on all other types of products will state: “If empty: Do not reuse this container. Place in trash or offer for recycling if available. If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency or 800-CLEANUP (253-2687) or other qualified number for disposal instructions.” This includes liquids, tablets, dusts, gels, pet products, etc., in other types of containers such as bags, bottles, bait stations, etc.

Idaho

The Idaho pesticide disposal program collects unusable household pesticides:

Vic Mason

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

2270 Old Penitentiary Road

Boise, ID 83712

208-332-8628

vic.mason@agri.idaho.gov

Oregon

A toll free number (1-800-732-9253) is available to residents statewide to find out information about household hazardous waste collection programs. Information on state and local government sponsored household hazardous waste collection events can be found in the following links.

Household Hazardous Waste Program:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/hhw/index.htm

Oregon Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Schedule:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/hhw/events.htm

Locally-Sponsored Collection Programs:

http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/hhw/collection.htm

Washington

Many county waste collection sites accept unusable household/residential pesticides in original containers. Call in advance to determine whether your location accepts unused pesticides and, if so, whether they have additional stipulations.

Recycling and Disposal Contacts

Idaho

Recycling

Container Recycling Operation (CROP)

Vic Mason, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

208-332-8628

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/container/indexcontain...

Disposal

Contact Vic Mason, Idaho State Department of Agriculture

208-332-8628

Oregon

Recycling

Oregon Agricultural Chemicals and Fertilizers Assn.

503-370-7024

Agri-Plas, Inc.

503-390-2381 http://www.agriplasinc.com/

Disposal

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

800-452-4011 (in Oregon only)

http://www.deq.state.or.us/

Bend 541-388-6146

Portland 503-229-5263

Salem 800-349-7677 (toll free in Oregon)

Medford 877-823-3216 ext. 227 (toll free in Oregon)

Washington

Recycling

Northwest Ag Plastics, Inc.

509-457-3850

http://www.nwagplastics.com/

Disposal

The State Department of Ecology has set minimum standards for handling solid wastes, but local health departments may be more restrictive.

Washington State Department of Ecology

360-407-6000 or http://www.ecy.wa.gov/

Northwest Regional Office (Bellevue) 425-649-7000

Southwest Regional Office (Lacey) 360-407-6300

Central Regional Office (Yakima) 509-575-2490

Eastern Regional Office (Spokane) 509-329-3400

Pesticides and Water Quality

Proper handling, use, and disposal of pesticides are critical for preventing adverse impacts on water resources. Environmental pollution can occur when pesticides enter surface and ground water systems through misapplication, movement of treated soils, irrigation return flows, runoff from urban and agricultural land, storm water runoff, and leaching through soils. It is important to know the pesticide and soil properties to help avoid water contamination. Your local NRCS Soil Conservationist can provide you with more site specific pesticide and soil properties information.

For additional information and links to publications on this topic, visit:

• National Water Quality Program
  http://www.usawaterquality.org/themes/npm/default.html
• Idaho State Department of Agriculture
  http://www.idahoag.us/CategoriesEnvironment/water/indexwater.php
• Washington Department of Agriculture
  http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/natresources/WaterResourcesProtection.aspx
• University of Idaho
  http://www.uidaho.edu/wq/
• Oregon State University
  http://water.oregonstate.edu
• Washington State University

Bob Simmons

Mason County Director and Water Resources Faculty

303 N 4th St

Shelton, WA  98584

360.427.9670 ext 690

Water Quality Related Databases

State and county offices of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide decision aids and risk assessment tools to predict groundwater and surface water vulnerability to pesticide cotamination. The decision aids utilize pesticide properties and soil types to help predict site specific vulnerabilites.

Clean Water Permits for Certain Pesticide Applications

A permit is now required for certain pesticide applications in, over, or near waters of the State and/or United States. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pesticide general permit may be required before an aquatic application or pesticide applications near waterways. Be sure to check the state and federal regulations.

• Idaho: http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Pesticides/indexPesticides.php
• Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/Pages/npdes.aspx
• Washington: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/index.html

Pesticides, Endangered Species, and Mandatory No-spray Buffer Zones

No-spray buffers have been established for some pesticides in some areas of Washington and Oregon. Buffers extend 60 ft by ground and 300 ft by air from affected water bodies. For a list of pesticides that require these buffers:

• Washington Department of Agriculture
  http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/natresources/EndangSpecies.aspx
• Oregon Department of Agriculture
  http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/Pages/buffers.aspx

The EPA reviews pesticides for their effects on endangered species. The list of affected pesticides can change frequently; therefore, consult the list each time before applying pesticides in affected areas. EPA publishes Endangered Species Protection Bulletins that set forth geographically specific pesticide use limitations for species protection. The pesticide label will direct you to the Bulletins Live! Website ( http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/endanger/bulletins.htm ) and you are required to follow the pesticide use limitations. Direct any questions to your state department of agriculture.

Special Pesticide Registration Options

Pesticides are federally registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended. This law also contains two provisions for states to obtain certain pesticide uses that are not available under federal registration, to address local pest-control problems:

• Emergency exemptions from registration under Section 18
• Special local needs registrations under Section 24(c)

Emergency Exemptions Under Section 18

Section 18 of FIFRA provides that the Administrator of EPA may exempt certain federal and state agencies from any provision of the Act if it is determined that emergency conditions exist. EPA has applied this section to exempt states from the provisions of FIFRA that regulate the manner in which a pesticide is made available for use or how it is used. An emergency exemption authorizes a state to permit use of a pesticide to control a pest problem, when the needed pesticide either is not federally registered or, if registered, it does not have tolerances established for the food/feed crops to be treated. Uses with existing tolerances can be registered under FIFRA Section 3 or 24(c).

EPA regulations for Section 18 provide four types of emergency exemptions: specific, public health, quarantine, and crisis.

Special Local Needs Registrations—Section 24(c)

In each state the department of agriculture is the designated lead agency responsible for registering pesticides to meet special local needs under section 24(c) of the FIFRA. A special local need (SLN) is defined as, “an existing or imminent pest problem within a State for which the State lead agency, based upon satisfactory supporting information, has determined that an appropriate federally registered pesticide is not sufficiently available.”

Special Local Needs Registration

Under FIFRA Section 24(c), each state is authorized to register a new end use product for any use, or an additional use of a federally registered pesticide product, under the following conditions:

• There is a special local need for the use within the state.
• The use is covered by necessary tolerances, exemptions or other clearances under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, if the use is a food or feed use.

SLN registrations have been useful particularly to growers of minor crops, who often have limited access to pest management options. Types of SLN registration requests considered include: adding a crop or site; incorporating an alternate application method, such as chemigation or dip (e.g., for bulbs); changing application timing; encouraging the use of reduced-risk pesticides or pesticides that facilitate resistance management; or modifying the application rate.

Contact the local State Department of Agriculture for specific instructions on Section 18 and 24c registrations:

• Idaho: http://www.idahoag.us/Categories/Pesticides/registration/indexregistrati...
• Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/Pages/contact_us.aspx
• Washington: http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/ProductRegistration.aspx

Additional Pesticide Information

Internet

Note: The table below is not a complete listing of websites containing additional information on pesticide use and safety. The presence or absence of a given website below does not constitute an endorsement of one website over another.

Website Information	Website
Crop Data Management Systems (CDMS): a searchable database of print-on-demand pesticide labels including many SLN 24(c)	http://www.cdms.net/manuf/default.asp
A searchable database of pesticides registered with the Idaho Department of Agriculture	http://www.kellysolutions.com/id
NPIC—National Pesticide Information Center, a source of scientific, unbiased information	http://npic.orst.edu
Pesticide Information Center On-Line (PICOL), a searchable database of Washington and Oregon registered pesticides	http:/cru66.cahe.wsu.edu/LabelTolerance.html
Pesticide toxicology information at EXTOXNET	http://extoxnet.orst.edu/
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides	http://www.pesticide.org/
A searchable database of pesticides registered with the Oregon Department of Agriculture	http://oda.state.or.us/dbs/pest_productsL2K/search.lasso
Idaho State Department of Agriculture	http://www.agri.state.id.us/
Washington State Department of Agriculture	http://agr.wa.gov/
Oregon State Department of Agriculture	http://oregon.gov/ODA/

Regulatory Authorities

The specific laws and regulations governing use, storage, disposal, and transportation of pesticides differ slightly in each northwestern state. Before you use pesticides, obtain a copy of the detailed pesticide use laws and rules for the state(s) in which you are operating. The state-specific pesticide laws and rules can be found at each state department of agriculture website.

Idaho

For regulations on use and storage

Division of Agricultural Resources
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
PO Box 790
Boise, ID 83701

208-332-8500

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Peticides/indexPesticides.php

Disposal of containers and unwanted pesticides

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Container Recycling Program (CROP)

208-332-8628 or 208-932-3120 (Idaho Falls)

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/container/indexcontain...

Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Unusable Pesticide Disposal Program.

http://www.agri.state.id.us/Categories/Pesticides/pdp/indexdisposalmain.php

Or contact:

Vic Mason

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

2270 Old Penitentiary Road

Boise, ID 83712

208-332-8605

vic.mason@agri.idaho.gov

Disposition of waste on owner’s land

Idaho Code Title 31, Chapter 44, contains regulations that apply to solid waste disposal on private land. A summary of these regulations states, “Every owner of land who disposes of solid waste on his own land shall obtain a written permit from the Board of County Commissioners for such disposal.” The state attorney general’s office stated that this was interpreted to include pesticide containers.

For regulations on hazardous waste

Department of Environmental Quality

1410 North Hilton

Boise, ID 83706-1255

208-373-0502

http://www.deq.state.id.us/

Oregon

For regulations on use

Pesticides Division

State Department of Agriculture

635 Capitol St. NE

Salem, OR 97301-2532

503-986-4635

http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/index.shtml

For regulations and information on disposal and collection

Pesticides Division State Department of Agriculture

http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/disposal.shtml

For regulations on transportation

Oregon Department of Transportation

Motor Carrier Transportation Division

550 Capitol St. NE

Salem, OR 97301-2530

503-378-5849

http://egov.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/

Washington

For regulations on use

Washington State Department of Agriculture

Pesticide Management Division

PO Box 42589

Olympia, WA 98504-2589

360-902-2030 / toll-free: 877-301-4555

http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/

For regulations on disposal

The State Department of Ecology has set minimum standards for handling solid wastes, but local health departments may be more restrictive.

Because a pesticide waste may be classified as a hazardous waste as well as a solid waste, the State Department of Ecology directs all questions concerning interpretation of the regulations and locations of disposal sites to its regional offices:

Washington State Department of Ecology: 360-407-6000

Northwest Regional Office (Bellevue): 425-649-7000

Southwest Regional Office (Lacey): 360-407-6300

Central Regional Office (Yakima): 509-575-2490

Eastern Regional Office (Spokane): 509-329-3400
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/

In some instances, it may be possible to detoxify hazardous wastes so that they may be disposed of in Washington. Consult with the Department of Ecology to determine whether this option is feasible.

Pesticide containers are considered “prohibited materials”; they cannot be burned outdoors if they release dense smoke, odors, or toxic emissions. Containers should be triple-rinsed; then they might be eligible for recycling programs or, as a last resort, disposed of as solid waste. For details, contact:

Washington State Department of Ecology

Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program

PO Box 47600

Olympia, WA 98504-7600

360-407-6700

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/index.html

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for Agricultural Pesticides

Key Features

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 issued regulations pertaining to the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). The WPS is designed to protect employees on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses from occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides.

The EPA determined that previous regulations were inadequate to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who are exposed occupationally to pesticides. The WPS is intended to reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers through appropriate exposure-reduction measures.

The WPS contains requirements for notifying employees of applications, the use of personal protective equipment, and restrictions on entry to treated areas. Additionally, the WPS also requires certain actions by employers to ensure worker safety. The WPS requires the registrants of pesticides to add label references to the WPS and to list specific application restrictions and other requirements.

Affected Employees

WPS provisions are directed toward two types of employees:

• Pesticide handlers—Those who mix, load, or apply agricultural pesticides; work with application equipment; assist in applying pesticides in any way; enter greenhouses or another enclosed area before inhalations exposure levels have been met; enter an outdoor area after application of any soil fumigant to adjust soil covering; or dispose of pesticides or their containers.
• Agricultural workers—Those who do tasks related to the production of plants, including cultivating and harvesting the plants, on farms or in greenhouses, nurseries, or forests for any type of compensation.

Affected Employers

The WPS defines two types of employers affected by its provisions:

• Agricultural employers—Those who employ or contract for the services of workers or own or operate an establishment that employs workers.
• Handler employer—Those who hire pesticide handlers or are self-employed as handlers. This includes commercial and professional applicators.

Pesticide Products Covered by the WPS

The WPS covers nearly all pesticide products used to produce plants commercially, including pesticides used on soil and potting media. It also covers both restricted-use and general-use products. WPS provisions are intended to:

• Minimize worker exposure to pesticides
• Mitigate any exposures
• Inform employees about the hazards of pesticides

Minimize Pesticide Exposure

Protection during applications—Handlers are prohibited from applying pesticide in a way that will expose workers or others. Workers must be kept out of areas while pesticides are being applied.

Restricted-entry Intervals (REIs)—Such intervals are specified on all agricultural pesticide product labels. Workers must be kept out of pesticide-treated areas during the REI with only a few exceptions. (See Restricted-entry Intervals and Early-entry Work Situations for Workers and Handlers, below.)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—The employer is required to provide and maintain PPE for handlers and early-entry workers. The handlers and workers must be provided a place to remove, clean, and store PPE and to clean themselves. (See Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Definitions, below.)

Notification of workers—Employers must notify workers about treated areas so that workers can avoid exposure. Information about recent applications must be posted in a central location at the workplace. Workers can be notified of applications orally or by posted signs. Oral warning must include the location and description of the area and the time during which entry is restricted, and must warn workers not to enter an area until the REI has passed. Signs must be posted at all the entry points of treated fields, forests, or greenhouses. Signs must be posted 24 hours before the application, remain in place for the entire REI, and be removed within 3 days after the REI ends. At a minimum, signs must state that the area has been treated and people must stay out. The sign must be in English and in any other language the workers in the area understand. Signs must be 14 x 16 inches. Smaller signs (7 x 8 inches and 4.5 x 5 inches) may be used in greenhouses and nurseries. Contact your state’s WPS contact, listed below, for more details.

Mitigate Pesticide Exposure

Decontamination—Employers must provide, for handlers and workers who handle anything that may have been treated with pesticides, a place to clean up after work. Sites for both types of employees must be within 0.25 mi of the work site but not in the work site. If the work site is not accessible within 0.25 mi by a vehicle, a decontamination station may be set up at the nearest access point. For handlers mixing pesticides, there must be a clean-up site at the mixing site. Sites must have enough potable water to wash eyes and the entire body in case of exposure. Sites also must have single-use towels, soap, and, for mixers, a pair of one-size-fits-all coveralls. Sites for handlers must be provided during the handling activity. Sites for workers must be provided for 30 days after the REI ends.

Emergency assistance—Employers must make transportation available to take a worker injured by pesticides to an emergency medical facility. The employer must also provide the medical professionals with the label(s) of the product(s) used and the circumstances of the exposure.

Inform Employees about Pesticide Hazards

Pesticide safety training—Training, by a state-certified or other qualified trainer, must be given to all workers and handlers. Handlers and workers must be trained every 5 years. Early-entry workers (workers who enter an area before the restricted-entry period has ended) must be trained before they perform any early-entry work. (See Education Requirements under the Worker Protection Standard, below.)

Pesticide safety poster—WPS requires posting a pesticide safety poster in a central location. The poster must include tips on how to avoid pesticide contamination and a list of emergency phone numbers and procedures. The poster should be kept in good condition.

Access to pesticide label information—WPS requires that pesticide handlers and early-entry workers be informed of pesticide label safety information.

Access to specific information—Employers must post, in a central area accessible to all workers, specific information about pesticide treatments on that workplace. This information must be accessible to employees for at least 30 days after each pesticide application.

Penalties for Noncompliance

WPS penalties for noncompliance are similar to penalties for using pesticides in a way that is inconsistent with the label. Fines are up to $1,000 for private applicators and up to $5,000 for commercial/professional applicators. Knowingly violating the WPS can result in fines up to $1,000 and 30 days in jail for private applicators; for commercial applicators, fines can be as high as $25,000 and 1 year in jail. Most states and tribes can enforce their own laws and regulations and have their own penalties. Contact state pesticide regulatory agencies for more details.

Educational Requirements under the Worker Protection Standard

A key part of the WPS is that those employed as either handlers or workers must receive training in order to reduce their risk of being harmed by pesticides. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure employees have received proper training. Training must be provided before anyone employed as a handler or an early-entry worker begins work. All other workers must be trained before they have worked 5 separate days in areas that have been treated within the past 30 days or in an area in which an REI has been in effect.

Training requirements are met with the following situations.

• The employee has been trained within the last 5 years, even if he or she has changed employers.
• The worker is currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides.
• The worker is currently trained as a handler who works under the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator.

Training can be given only by certain individuals, and it must be done in certain ways and cover certain topics. A person who trains handlers must:

• Be a currently certified applicator of restricted-use pesticides, or
• Be currently designated as a trainer of certified pesticide applicators or pesticide handlers by a state, federal, or tribal agency having jurisdiction, or
• Have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved by a state, federal, or tribal agency having jurisdiction.

In order to train workers, the trainer must:

• Be currently qualified, as described above, to train handlers, or
• Be currently trained as a handler who works under the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator, or
• Be currently trained as a WPS handler, or
• Have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved by a state, federal, or tribal agency having jurisdiction.

A person must be trained at least once every 5 years, counting from the end of the month in which the previous training was completed, even if the person changes employers.

There are certain requirements for conducting training. The training must be in a language that trainees can understand and must use nontechnical terms. The training must use written and/or audiovisual materials. The trainer must respond to any trainee’s questions.

For details on requirements and training materials, contact your state pesticide agency.

Restricted-entry Intervals and Early-entry Work Situations for Workers and Handlers

Restricted-entry Intervals

To minimize the potential for agricultural workers’ exposure to pesticides, the Worker Protection Standard requires that pesticide products carry a Restricted-entry Interval (REI). REI is the time between the end of a pesticide application and the beginning of unlimited access to the treated area. During the REI, entry to the treated area is limited. The REI for a given product may be different for different crops, different climates, different crop activities (irrigation, pruning, etc.), or different application methods. When more than one pesticide product is applied, the longest REI is used. REIs for a pesticide product are on the pesticide label under “Agricultural Use Requirements” in the “Directions for Use” section. Sometimes they might also be listed next to the crop or application method to which they pertain. It is very important to read the label before applying the pesticide.

REIs are based on the signal word assigned to a given pesticide product. Signal words are based on the toxicity of a pesticide product’s active ingredients. In general, REIs are:

• Danger—48 hours
• Warning—24 hours
• Caution—12 hours

Exceptions to this general rule are common. REIs can be longer or shorter depending on the method or site of application, the toxicity of the specific active ingredients, and the way the active ingredients can affect human health. Certain pesticides containing ingredients such as glyphosate, mineral oil, or Bacillus thuringiensis (bacteria) as active ingredients have REIs as short as 4 hours because of their low toxicity to humans. Because of the variation in REI lengths, it is important to read the label before beginning an application.

Early-entry Work Situation

The Worker Protection Standard seeks to reduce exposure by excluding workers from treated areas for a period of time after an application. PPE required for early entry into a treated site is clearly stated on the label in the “Agricultural Use” box. A worker can enter a treated area before the REI has expired under two exceptions.

• The worker will not be contacting any surface that was treated with a pesticide, including soil, plant material (including weeds), air and water.
• The worker will be making contact with treated surfaces but only under certain working conditions:
  • Tasks that take less than 1 hour and do not involve hand labor;
  • Tasks that take place because of an agricultural emergency;
  • Specific tasks approved by the EPA through a formal exception process.

Under the specific-tasks exception, the WPS allows for limited contact activities and irrigation activities when unforeseen conditions arise that, if not addressed, would result in significant economic loss. In addition, the following conditions must be met.

• The worker has minimal, limited contact with treated surfaces. A “limited contact” task is a task other than hand labor performed by workers which results in minimal contact with treated surfaces and where such contact with treated surfaces is limited to the forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet.
• The label does not require double notification.
• Personal protective equipment is provided that meets the standard for early-entry workers or the generic PPE requirement (coveralls, chemical-resistant gloves and footwear, and socks).
• No hand labor is performed.
• The worker is in the treated area no longer than 8 hours in a 24-hour period.
• No entry is allowed for the first 4 hours and until any required ventilation criterion or inhalation exposure level is reached.
• Oral or written notification specific to the early-entry exception is provided to the worker.
• All other early-entry worker requirements are met.

Early-entry workers who will contact treated surfaces must be provided with training before they enter a work area. The employer must provide both personal protective equipment and decontamination sites.

Minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Work Clothing for Handling Activities

	Toxicity Category of End-use Product
Route of Exposure	I (Danger)	II (Warning)	III (Caution)	IV (Caution)
1 If dermal toxicity and skin irritation potential are in different toxicity categories, protection shall be based on the more toxic (lower numbered) category. 2Although the WPS does not require a minimum PPE for this toxicity category and route of exposure, EPA may require PPE on a product-specific basis.
Dermal toxicity or skin irritation potential1	Coveralls worn over long-sleeved shirt and long pants	Coveralls worn over short-sleeved shirt and short pants	Long-sleeved shirt and long pants	Long-sleeve shirt and long pants
	Socks
		Socks	Socks	Socks
		Chemical-resistant footwear	Shoes	Shoes
	Chemical-resistant footwear
		Chemical-resistant gloves	Chemical-resistant gloves	No minimum2
	Chemical-resistant gloves
Inhalation toxicity	Respiratory protection device	Respiration protection device	No minimum2	No minimum2
Eye irritation potential	Protective eyewear	Protective eyewear	No minimum2	No minimum2

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Definitions

Personal protective equipment (PPE)—Apparel and devices worn to protect the body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues include:

• Coveralls
• Chemical-resistant suits, gloves, footwear, aprons, and headgear
• Protective eyewear
• Respirators

While the following attire is not defined as PPE, the labeling might require pesticide handlers or early-entry workers to wear it for some tasks:

• Long- and short-sleeve shirts
• Long and short pants
• Shoes and socks
• Other items of regular work clothing

If non-PPE attire is required, the employer must ensure it is worn.

Chemical-resistant—Allows no measurable amount of the pesticide to move through the material during use.

Waterproof—Allows no measurable movement of water (or water-based solutions) through the material during use.

Chemical-resistant suit—A loosely fitting one- or two-piece chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except for the head, hands, and feet.

Coverall—A loosely fitting one- or two-piece garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except the head, hands, and feet. Coveralls are made of fabric such as cotton or a cotton–polyester blend and are not chemical resistant. The pesticide labeling might specify that the coveralls be worn over a layer of clothing. (Allowable substitution: A chemical-resistant suit can be worn instead of coveralls and any required inner layer of clothing.)

Chemical-resistant apron—One made of chemical-resistant material, covering the front of the body from mid-chest to knees. (Allowable substitution: if a chemical-resistant suit is worn, no apron is required.)

Gloves—Hand coverings of the type listed on the pesticide label. Gloves or glove linings made of leather, cotton, or other absorbent materials must not be worn for handling or early-entry activities unless these materials are listed on the pesticide labeling as acceptable for such use. (Allowable substitution: Leather gloves may be worn over chemical-resistant liners for tasks with sharp-thorned plants. After leather gloves have been worn for such work, however, they may be worn only with chemical-resistant liners and may not be worn for any other use.

Chemical-resistant footwear—Chemical-resistant shoes, boots, or shoe coverings worn over shoes or boots. (Allowable substitution: Leather boots may be worn in rough terrain if chemical-resistant footwear with appropriate durability and tread is unavailable.)

Protective eyewear—Goggles, face shield, or safety glasses with front, brow, and temple protection. (Allowable substitution: A full-face respirator.)

Chemical-resistant headgear—A chemical-resistant hood or hat with a wide brim.

Respirator—A device that protects the respiratory system, of the type listed on the pesticide label and appropriate for the pesticide product being used and the activity being performed. (Allowable substitution: Respirator with canister approved for pesticides, or with an organic-vapor cartridge equipped with pesticide pre-filter.) Read the label for the proper type to use. The handler employer shall assure that the respirator fits correctly.

More Information on the WPS

EPA Worker Protection Standard website
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/amendmnt.htm

Additional information and resources
http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html

The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides—How to Comply: What Employers Need to Know– EPA publication 735-B-063-002
http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html

A companion manual insert

http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/docs/HowToComplyInsert.pdf

Idaho

Luis Urias

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Division of Agricultural Resources, Boise

208-332-8663

luis.urias@agri.idaho.gov

Oregon

Oregon Department of Agriculture

Pesticides Division

635 Capital Street, NE

Salem, OR 97301-2532

503-986-4652

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/pages/pub_regs_safety.aspx

Washington

Washington Department of Agriculture

Pest Management Division

PO Box 42589

Olympia, WA 98504

360-902-2015

http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/Pesticides/WorkerProtection.aspx

Information is also available from your local Extension educator.